Dubai Miracle Garden

In a city built on sand, the Miracle Garden is a riot of colour: tens of millions of petunias, marigolds and other blooms planted into hearts, tunnels, castles, cartoon characters and a full-size Emirates A380 covered nose to tail in flowers. Walkways wind between the displays, with shaded benches and refreshment kiosks along the way.

The garden is seasonal, opening in the autumn and closing as the summer heat arrives, and new displays appear every year. The paths are flat and pram-friendly, which makes it a favourite with families and grandparents, and the Dubai Butterfly Garden is right next door.

Go in the late afternoon, when the light is soft and the heat has eased. It pairs well with an evening at Global Village, which is also open only in the cooler months.