Sun – check. Sand – check. Luxury hotels – check. Dubai has everything you need for a simple holiday in the sun but this destination is far from simple.

Dubai boasts some of the most out-of-this-world attractions including record-breakers. Here we run through some of the experiences not to be missed…

The Burj Khalifa claimed the Guinness World Record for being the tallest building in the world back in 2010, taking the record held by the Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan by more than 300 metres.

The 828m tall building is also home to the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, which sits at 555m above the ground and provides stunning views of the surrounding city landscape - and beyond.

A trip to the observation deck, known as the SKY Level, is extremely popular and it’s worth booking your ticket in advance to ensure that you are able to enjoy the experience during your time in the city.

Afterwards, you can head even higher to the bar on 154th floor, which is also in the World Record books at the highest bar/lounge in the world at more than 585m from the ground.
 
When the heat gets too much, head to Ski Dubai for a frosty day out – offering the chance to enjoy real snow at -4 degrees despite being in the middle of the desert!

Part of the Mall of the Emirates, the indoor ski resort features an indoor mountain that is some 85 metres high and which provides visitors with the chance to sample five different ski runs - including the first indoor black diamond run in the world.

To cater for those who don’t fancy trying their hand at skiing, the complex also houses an indoor snow park with sled and toboggan runs and is even home to a colony of penguins that you can meet on  a series of special encounters.

Not really what you would have expected from a destination where temperatures have been known to hit 40° and above…

Outside the city limits, you might elect to strap in to a four seater off-road dune buggy, where you can sit back and hold tight for an exhilarating ride exploring the dunes that surround Dubai.

A number of different companies offer excursions that will see you collected from your hotel before you head out to explore the towering mounds of sand on a thrilling adventure alongside an experienced guide.

Of course, you might prefer to get behind the wheel yourself and trips in four-wheel drive jeeps or on quad bikes are widely available - some of which can include the chance to spend a night 'on safari', dining around a camp fire before bedding down in a Bedouin tent underneath the Arabian sky.

It’s a unique experience that will live long in the memory…

Adventure seekers will also enjoy a trip to Aquaventure Waterpark, which is the perfect playground of swimming pools and waterslides.

Located within Atlantis the Palm, the park is the largest waterpark in the world and is home to an array of top class water rides, which include the Leap of Faith - a 27.5m plunge slide which ends with guests heading through a clear tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays.

In total, there are more than 100 slides and attractions within the park which means there is something for all ages - making it one of the best family days out in Dubai.

Families are also well catered for by Dubai Parks and Resorts, which operates four separate parks within the Emirate.

LEGOLAND Dubai, Motiongate, Bollywood Parks and the LEGOLAND Water Park have more than 100 rides and attractions between them which means - like Aquaventure - the parks offer attractions to suit all ages.

Should you prefer to take life at a more sedate pace then a trip on an Abra (a traditional wooden boat) on Dubai Creek, is a great way to see the Dubai city skyline, which looks particularly impressive when viewed at sunset when the city lights sparkle brightly.

The Dubai Fountain, the world's largest choreographed fountain system, is also worth visiting to see the shows that run half hourly from 6 – 11 pm, whilst traditional souks across the Emirate provide the chance to purchase all manner of different goods.