Palm Islands

The Palm islands are the best symbols of the boom and bust construction cycles in Dubai. The "oldest" Palm called Palm Jumeirah is completed and is host to the gigantic Atlantis Hotel on its top. Several marinas, hotels and condo are along the palm leaves. Palm Jumeirah has the densest collection of beach clubs in the city, which are popular with locals and tourists alike. Some beach clubs are part of hotels, while others are standalone restaurants. West Beach falls in the latter category and is dog-friendly. The development of the other two Palms will depend on the financial situation of the construction business but someday Dubai will have the three largest artificial islands in the world on its coastline.

• outdoors