Dubai is a city in such a hurry that its landscape literally changes on a daily basis. A dry patch of desert today could, tomorrow, be a massive multi-million-dollar theme park or the world's largest indoor ski resort. Almost overnight, new buildings spring up along its main commercial drag, Sheikh Zayed Road, a glittering stretch of hotels, shopping malls and skyscrapers.

Meanwhile, off the coast are entire massive archipelagos of man-made islands. And the hotels are jaw-dropping in their ambitious scale. Jetsetters are bracing themselves for next year's unveiling of Hydropolis, the world's first underwater hotel, where each of the 200-plus suites will have a clear-domed ceiling and views of the ocean above.

In other words, there is plenty to do and see in Dubai. The only hitch is pruning everything down to a manageable list.

1 Unleash your inner child at Wild Wadi. This state-of-the-art water park features over 20 rides, including the thrilling Jumeirah Sceirah, the tallest and fastest freefall slide outside America, and the Summit Surge, which uses high-powered water jets to propel adrenaline junkies uphill.

2 Flex your credit card and hit the souks. These are traditional Arabian market places where locals still come to stock up on textiles and spices, perfumes and incense.

The gold souk - the stretch of bijoux shops crammed with every imaginable shade and grade of gold - is the largest in the world. Later, adjourn to an alley café and admire your purchases over a shisha (smoking pipe) and freshly brewed coffee.

3 Hire a helicopter and tour Dubai's coast. Here, in the warm embrace of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is building a series of artificial archipelagos: The Palm is shaped like a, well, palm and is so vast it is visible from space; while the World comprises 300 man-made islands shaped into a map of the world.

4Check out the Dubai Museum. It is well worth a visit for a fascinating tour of the region's colourful history.

The museum is housed in an 18th-century fort, and traces Dubai's beginnings from a small Bedouin outpost through the boom years of oil. The exhibits are large enough to be impressive, yet small enough to avoid museum fatigue.

5 Stay at the Burj al-Arab. The world's first seven-star hotel is set on its own man-made island, its sail-like architecture rising a dizzying 321 feet.

The view from the top-floor bar, Al-Muntaha, is spectacular, though the enormous aquarium in the underwater restaurant Al-Mahara is equally eye-catching.

6 Drink in the sights. There are arresting designs aplenty in Dubai. In addition to the astonishing Burj al-Arab, the Creek - Dubai's main waterway - is dotted with gems, including the dazzling bronze convex facade of the National Bank of Dubai, the dome of the Dubai Municipality Building, and the elegant dhow-like sails of the posh Dubai Golf & Yacht Club. Further afield, revisit Dubai's glory days at the Hatta Heritage Village.

7 Have a flutter at the races. The Nad Al Sheba racecourse adjoins the Godolphin Gallery, which pays flamboyant homage to the ruling Maktoum family's private racing stable.

After some fun at Nad Al Sheba, drop by the Godolphin for a peek at the gallery's collection of horse-racing trophies from around the world.

8 Get retail therapy. Dubai's shopping ranks among the world's finest. It starts with the amazing spread at the airport and continues in the city's glossy marbled malls, souks and shopping enclaves. For guys, the district of Karama is the place to go for making suits.

9 Experience the desert. No trip to Dubai is complete without this. Live out your favourite Lawrence of Arabia moment with 4WD treks that plunge through sand dunes, camel racing, dinners under the Arabian sky sitting on carpets while being entertained by bellydancers and bracing swims in oasis pools.

10 Go diving. A little-known fact about Dubai is that it offers spectacular diving spots.

The waters of the Arabian Gulf are warm and teeming with rich marine life.

And because the tidal flow is minimal, the diving is suitable for both novices and experts.

Jason Hahn is a freelance writer.