6 Best Sights in World Trade Centre Area and Burj Dubai, Dubai

The world's tallest building dominates the Dubai skyline like a scimitar pointing skyward. Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the Burj Khalifa houses a mixture of commercial and residential spaces, as well as the Armani Hotel. The 828 meter building, named after the ruler of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nahyan, can be visited in the hotel public areas, and it is also possible to book a viewing "At the Top" for some spectacular 360-degree views. A high-speed lift will zoom you up 1,500 feet to the 125th floor, or, you may book the second rung "Burj Khalifa Sky," a VIP lounge experience on level 148. At.mosphere restaurant and bar on level 122 can be visited without an entry fee, but there is always minimum spend.

Winter in Dubai brings about many events, but none are more colorful than those at the Global Village. Every year, delegates from more than 75 countries and regions come together in this 17 million square foot venue for the largest cultural festival in the emirate. Each country holds a stand over 30 pavilions, and offer local handicrafts, retail specialties and ethnic food. Folkloric and fireworks displays take place every night, and a huge amusement park is on-site.

Ski Dubai caused a wave of excitement to spread through the Gulf region when it opened in 2005. It's a mountain resort in miniature with two key runs and various spaces for learners and the more experienced who wish to do tricks. Entry includes all your ski or snowboard gear, and you can also book lessons. There's plenty to do if you don't ski; at the base is a snow park with toboggans, a giant ball run and some minirides for tots. Nonskiers may also take the chair lift for a spin to the top, or halfway to the "snow bullet," a fast-seated zip line. There are gentoo and king penguins living in the complex, and it's possible to see them on the hour, or book a meet-and-greet session. When you're ready for a break, relax at one of the two cafés in the complex, and appreciate the irony of needing a warming hot chocolate in the middle of the Arabian desert.

Hunting with falcons and keeping birds of prey is a common pastime in Arabic desert culture. This center is the only place in Dubai where birds may be legally sold. It's also a one-stop shop for all a falconer's needs, including dietary supplements, books, hoods, and lures. Most of the 20 or so stores in the center also have a range of birds on show, and you can learn about them from the knowledgeable store owners or at the small on-site museum.

Zabeel Park is located between the Trade Centre and the highly populated Karama district. It opened in 2005 and spans 116 acres of the northernmost part of Sheikh Zayed Road, and is broken up by the same arterial. One side is touted as a technology-themed park, and is broken into different zones, for example, alternative energy, technology, and communication. Standard park attractions include walking and cycling paths, tennis courts, cricket pitches, and ballparks. Other visitors just sit and enjoy the ornamental gardens and ponds, or have lunch at the lakeside restaurant. In the cooler season, there are often markets on the weekend, with food trucks, local crafts, and live music. On the other side of Sheikh Zayed Road (Zabeel B, entry at gate 6), entry is more expensive, but the areas have amusement-park features, such as Dubai Garden Glow and Dinosaur Park.