As our SUV accelerates through the red sands of the Lahbab Desert just outside Dubai, the thrill of dune bashing kicks in. The fine sand sprays off the vehicle’s front grill and tires, creating a breathtaking spectacle. We, a group of five, experience the exhilaration of careening through the desert in a 4×4, pitching forward, popping back up, and catching some air before hitting the sand again.
In this red-sand haven, where the wind sculpts endless rippled dunes, there are no roads. Tour groups, including us, embark on this adventure with expert guides. Our guide, Mohammad from Dubai Travel & Tourism’s Red Sand Desert Safari, skillfully maneuvers the Toyota Sequoia, slightly deflating the tires to navigate the powdery sand. 
As we reach the crest of a dune, we pause to witness the sunset. The sun paints the sky with fiery hues as it dips below the sandy horizon. With tires reinflated, we continue our journey to the Rayna Desert Camp, one of 40 installations in the desert. Here, we indulge in camel riding, savor a lamb-and-chicken skewer barbecue, enjoy belly dancing and fire-eating live entertainment, and even dress up in traditional kandoras and hijabs.
The Red Sand Desert Safari is just one highlight of our five-day Dubai escapade—a city where the towering skyscrapers meet the enchanting Arabian Gulf.
Our journey begins with a taste of opulence, mirroring Dubai’s reputation, as we opt for business class on Air Canada’s new Vancouver-to-Dubai route. The 15-hour flight on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers lie-flat seats for a restful night’s sleep.
Dubai’s rich history as a fishing village turned glamorous tourism and international finance hub allows us to experience both facets in a single day. A Grayline city tour takes us across Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra boat to explore the spice and gold souks in the Old Town. We then visit the expansive Dubai Mall, boasting 1,200 stores, to purchase camel milk chocolate and peruse luxury brands like Tiffany’s.
Our itinerary includes a stroll around the Burj Khalifa, followed by an elevator ride to the 124th and 125th floor observation decks of the world’s tallest building.
Embracing Dubai’s extravagance, we embark on the ‘Super Yacht Experience’ with Xclusive Yachts aboard Stardom. Cruising from Dubai Harbour into the Arabian Gulf, we revel in the skyline views, swim, sip wine, and dance on the top deck to tunes spun by the onboard DJ.
Despite the Middle East’s foreign allure, we find comfort and luxury that feels familiar. Our accommodations include the renowned Four Seasons, a Canadian hotel chain, at both the downtown International Finance Centre and the seaside Jumeirah Beach.
In the heart of the city, our stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Finance Centre features a sumptuous junior suite, a see-through glass rooftop pool, and delightful dining experiences at Mina, named after celebrity chef Michael Mina. Evenings are capped with Ruinart Champagne at the rooftop bar Luna, offering stunning views of the night skyline.
Transitioning to Jumeirah Beach, our sea-view suite provides easy access to two infinity pools, the sandy shores, and signature-dish dinners at the Mediterranean-meets-Asia waterfront restaurant Sea Fu. The nights are complete with drinks at Mercury rooftop bar, offering yet another perspective of the city’s skyline, including the iconic Burj Khalifa. 
As Ghaith Adnan, the marketing director for both properties, aptly puts it, the dichotomy of Four Seasons in Dubai offers a perfect blend of business and city exploration at the International Finance Centre and beach vacations at Jumeirah.