▲With a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft), the needle-like Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Head up to the observation deck for a mind-boggling panorama of the city and surrounding region.

▲If all you want to do is chill out and have fun on the beach, spend the day at the Aquaventure Waterpark. With over 30 record-breaking slides and attractions, this is one of the best ways to add a splash of adventure to your Dubai stopover.

▲One of the largest artificial islands in the world, Palm Jumeirah is celebrated for its glitzy hotels, upmarket restaurants, and animated nightlife.

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One of the destination's newest attractions, this glittering entertainment complex is already pulling in revelers. However, it's sure to welcome even more when the Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, opens in 2020.

▲If you're into watersports, why not make the most of your stopover honing your kitesurfing skills on Kite Beach? This vibrant stretch of sand is dedicated to this especially challenging extreme sport.

▲Dubai's newest waterway is an extension of Dubai Creek. Among other leisure facilities, the canal is fringed by a 12-km (7.5-mi) bicycle track.

▲The incredible Madinat Jumeirah 5-star resort is the largest of its kind in the emirate. It has its own network of artificial canals, along which is a turtle sanctuary that houses injured turtles prior to release back into the wild.

▲If you happen to be staying at the Madinat Jumeirah resort you're likely to end up shopping at the Madinat Souk. The stained-glass Arabian lamps make great souvenirs.

▲Kids are in for a treat in Dubai. If you're traveling with youngsters, take them to this astonishing indoor amusement park where characters from Cartoon Network and Marvel are waiting to greet them.

▲Located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Global Village is yet another tourism, leisure, shopping, and entertainment complex—except this one is the largest in the world!

▲Head for Zabeel Park and this incredible feat of civil engineering. Set between old and new Dubai, the 150-m (492-ft) frame affords breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

▲One of the most iconic hotel structures in the world, no visit to Dubai is complete without gazing upon the Burj Al Arab. Consider eating here: one of its restaurants is set 200 m (660 ft) above the Persian Gulf; the other is located next to an enormous seawater aquarium.

▲Of course, if money is no object, you can always book the Burj Al Arab royal suite, considered one of the most luxurious hotel rooms in the world.

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Dubai's airport is one of the busiest in the world: Emirates Airline has its hub airport here, the largest airline hub in the Middle East. Make sure to stock up on your duty-free merchandise before your onward journey.

▲With its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants, you could spend a whole day in this mega-mall. The fabulous retail venue is home to an indoor theme park, an ice rink, and a huge indoor waterfall.

▲The Dubai Mall's equally attractive exterior affords breezy waterfront shopping options.

▲Set within the Dubai Mall is the incredible Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, home to more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks anywhere.

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Set just outside the doors of the Dubai Mall is the world's largest choreographed fountain system. Each colorful, illuminated jet sways in time to various musical numbers from around the world, producing what has become one of the most popular shows in wealth-soaked Dubai.

▲The ground floor of this modern, multi-level mall is known for its collection of beautiful jewelry stores.

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Located on the Palm Jumeirah, this luxury hotel uses the myth of Atlantis as its theme. It boasts 1,548 rooms and suites, and is complemented by the Aquaventure Waterpark.

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Besides opera, this stunning performing arts venue stages theater, ballet, and a variety of music concerts.

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Just 50 years ago Dubai Creek was nothing more than a saltwater lagoon. Today it's one of the city's major waterways, and awash with history. This is where to jump aboard a traditional abra (pictured) for a sightseeing cruise along the estuary.

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Dubai is not all about record-breaking steel and glass. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and explore the city's heritage district, which is characterized by a maze of winding alleys and traditional wind towers.

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A new Dubai hot spot, the marina district features some of the city's most iconic buildings. The Marina Walk is dotted with numerous waterside restaurants.

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This is the world's largest man-made marina. Effectively an artificial canal city, it's built along a 3 km (2 mi) stretch of the Persian Gulf.

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Ever wondered what life was like in the emirate before the advent of oil? Dubai's fascinating history can be absorbed in this attractive museum set within the walls of the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort.

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The jaw-dropping skyline view from the observation deck. Tip: buy tickets in advance for a specific time and enjoy a 75% discount as compared to tickets purchased on the spot.

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A morning desert safari is ideal for those short on time. Cruise the sand in luxurious 4x4 air-conditioned jeeps.

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Located in eastern Dubai, in Deira, browsing the souk is heightened by an intoxicating aroma of spices, herbs, and fragrances. Be prepared to haggle!

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Dubai is one of the most exciting destinations in the world—and one of the most expensive! The largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai deserves to be explored at leisure. But what if you have a limited amount of time to discover this opulent desert gem of a destination?

If you're heading to Dubai via a layover, what can you do in 24 hours, and where should you go?

Browse the gallery for some ideas of how to spend, spend, spend some time in this compelling and record-breaking city.

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