The home to many eye-catching and modern man-made structures and developments, few would have thought just a half-century ago that the rather unassuming port town of Dubai would become the region’s chief tourist draw in later decades. However, as foreign businesses and capital moved into the area over the years, the emirate invested money into infrastructure, as well as alluring attractions for visitors to marvel over.

As a resort destination, Dubai will surely never disappoint discriminating travellers. Many stunning resorts can be found among the fronds of Dubai’s famed Palm Jumeirah, a human-engineered structure located off the coast of the emirate. Situated as an archipelago, the islands retain the shape of a palm tree and claim the residence of many luxurious hotels, short stay apartments and villas, with excellent transit links to the city, but still far enough away from the hustle and bustle for you to relax and forget it all.

For example, the recently opened Atlantis – The Palm, a towering structure located on the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah, offers guests a plethora of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With an expansive 113 acres on the seafront, this hotel includes the largest open-air marine habitat in the Middle East and a full water park on its premises. One ride in the water park sees guests sliding through a tube in the middle of a shark tank, making it a truly unique experience.

In addition to Palm Jameirah, Dubai continues to innovate and expand with its impressive engineering projects. A second palm – the Palm Jebel Ali – is ever nearing completion, with a third project – the Palm Deira – expected to be several times larger than any previous development. Other ongoing projects include The World, an archipelago representing various points of interest on the Earth, and Dubai Waterfront, the largest reclamation project ever undertaken.

These feats are matched by initiatives farther inland, as Dubai now lays claim to several of the world’s tallest structures, all of which are unique in their class. The city’s Burj Khalifa towers 828 meters over the area, and stands currently as the tallest man-made structure in the world. In addition, there are 10 other structures in Dubai measuring over 300 meters, giving travelers stunning views over the Persian Gulf and surrounding landscape. The Burj al Arab, shaped as a giant sail and the second-tallest hotel in the world – second to the Rose Tower, also in Dubai – offers holidaymakers the chance to stay in the world’s only seven-star hotel.

With a cross of self-made ingenuity and the natural beauty of the coastal region, supplemented by luxurious, top-notch service and accommodation, holidays in Dubai have merited their attention over the past decade, and look poised to continue to dominate the agendas of those seeking a high-quality getaway.