Comprised of little more than sand dunes, crumbling forts and fishing villages a century ago, the United Arab Emirates has grown into a show-stopping, headline-grabbing destination which offers an intriguing blend of traditional Islamic culture and rampant consumerism.

Powered largely by oil wealth, the UAE today is defined by opulent resort hotels, ultra-modern architecture and a seemingly unending thirst for new and innovative mega-projects. Some well-known projects include man-made islands in the shape of palm trees and the tallest building on the planet – the outstanding Burj Khalifa.

Seven separate emirates make up the country, but visitor attention falls mainly on Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Both are home to an ever-growing spread of luxury accommodation, gourmet restaurants, branded nightclubs and gleaming shopping malls. Dubai’s most iconic sights include the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, the Burj Khalifa and the sea-themed Atlantis Resort, which are microcosms of the UAE’s lofty ambitions