Couples can try falconry during a safari.

Dubai has a reputation for decadence, but there is more to the Emirate’s capital than luxury boutiques.

The city is easily accessible with year-round sunshine, offering great outdoor activities in the cooler months, indoor activities in the summer, excellent beaches and resorts as well as the endless array of shopping malls.

An added attraction for Maltese citizens is that, from today, they no longer need to apply in advance for a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai.

With an Emirates’ daily scheduled flight from Malta, the city is becoming more attractive for couples looking to mix a relaxing beach escape with a cosmopolitan break.

Towering above everything is the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which has an observation deck called At The Top offering a view of the spectacular panorama of Dubai. Those without a fear of heights can enjoy unparalleled vistas from the Gulf coast to the Arabian desert and beyond.

Couples who prefer to keep their heads out of the clouds may prefer to explore the Downtown Dubai complex, which combines residential, entertainment and leisure outlets.

It boasts the world’s largest shopping centre, the Dubai Mall, which is next to the Burj Khalifa. Dubbed a ‘Disneyland for adults’, it also contains the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

More active couples can try their skating skills at the mall’s ice rink, before relaxing in one of the many restaurants open until midnight.

For a literally hair-raising experience, Mirdif City Centre has an indoor sky diving facility called iFly Dubai, as well as more than 450 of the ubiquitous shops and 80 eating places.

Getting out of the urban jungle is a vital part of a trip to Dubai and a safari provides the perfect opportunity to compare the glittering development with its harsh desert surroundings.

Visitors can ride in a 4x4 across the expansive dunes, followed by a visit to an Arabian style camp to enjoy shishas, falconry, camel rides or sand boarding, completing the day with an Arabian moon-light barbecue.

To make the visit even more romantic, booking a Bateau Dubai cruise with Emirates will take couples on a moonlit journey across the Dubai Creek while enjoy-ing dining and contemporary classical music.

A less refined but fun option is to spend time in the area’s range of waterparks.

Aquaventure has 42 acres of rollercoasters, speed slides, rivers and rapids in the Atlantis, The Palm resort on Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian-themed Wild Wadi WaterPark, located between Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, is also worth a visit.

Guests at the Jumeirah Beach get free access to the Wild Wadi or can sample the hotel’s range of watersports, including jet skiing, sailing, catamarans, kite surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, banana boat rides, diving or deep sea fishing.

An early evening stroll along The Walk (1.7km) at Jumeirah Beach Residence allows couples to test their bargaining skills at its bustling beachside market and strip of shops, or simply take in the sunset over an inexpensive dinner.

Visitors can ride in a 4x4 across the expansive dunes, followed by a visit to an Arabian style camp to enjoy shishas, falconry, camel rides or sand boarding

On the other hand, splashing out on a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant would leave a lasting memory on thetastebuds.

Restaurants helmed by legendary chefs include Giorgio Locatelli’s Italian restaurant Ronda Locatelli, Michel Rostang’s French Brasserie Rostang and Nobu Matsuhisa’s internationally acclaimed Nobu.

Finish off the evening with a drink at the trendy Buddha Bar at the Grosvenor House Hotel or The Rooftop at the Arabian Court Hotel in One & Only Royal Mirage.

Emirates recommends several hotels for couples: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, for example, is located on a pristine stretch of Jumeirah beach.

The One & Only Royal Mirage is a boutique hideaway located on the peninsular of The Palm, and Dar Al Masyaf – Madinat Jumeirah has 29 summerhouses with private pools.

Maltese travelling to Dubai need to check their passport has at least three months’ validity at the time of travelling and their stay is not more than 30 days.

Emirates’ daily scheduled flight from Malta to Dubai is served on a Boeing 777 aircraft. Four weekly flights fly via Larnaca, Cyprus, while Emirates operates direct flights three times weekly from Dubai to Malta and return flights via Tripoli.

Visit www.emiratesholiday.com/english for information and booking.