( CNN ) -- Glitzy Dubai lures globetrotters with its modern architectural wonders and a bounty of luxury shopping , dining and lodging . This United Arab Emirates metropolis boasts `` sunshine , shopping , seaside , sports and safety '' as key selling points on its tourism website . Caroline Faraj is CNN 's chief operations director in Dubai and editor of CNN Arabic . Faraj , originally from Jordan , moved to Dubai in December 2001 . We asked Faraj to share her tips for visiting this dynamic city : . Where can you get the best view of the city ? At Burj Khalifa , which is the tallest building in the world . The tower 's observation deck , At The Top , is located on level 124 . To which restaurant would you take your loved one for an anniversary or other special occasion ? Try Pierchic at Madinat Jumeirah Hotel . This romantic restaurant is at the end of a pier that stretches over the waters of the Persian Gulf . Time Out Dubai named Pierchic as the best seafood restaurant in 2010 . Where is the best place to people watch ? The Dancing Fountain at Burj Khalifa . On a lake outside , choreographed water shows are put on multiple times each evening . What is your favorite neighborhood ? Zabeel Park , where you can run , walk , play games , barbecue , rent a boat on a small lake or visit the space and science museum . This park stretches over about 117 acres in central Dubai . What 's the best way to blend in ? Visit one of the souks ( markets ) , like the gold market , or spice , textile or fish souks . What 's the biggest misconception about your city ? Some come to Dubai with a misconception that you can do whatever you want in Dubai . To a certain extent that might be true , but there are restrictions , rules and the need to respect the culture of the country . For example , with regards to consuming alcohol , only Christian ex-pats can apply for a license to buy alcohol from special shops , but visitors can find it in hotels , too . Where do you go to relax ? I go to a spa , and the best one is at the Park Hyatt . The hotel 's Amara spa is on the banks of the Dubai Creek . I also go sometimes to a resort to enjoy the beach . What essential thing should visitors see/experience if they only have a few hours ? Take a creek tour in an abra , a small crossing boat . And if there is time , take the bus tour that gives you a quick briefing on the architecture and souks as well as the desert safari trip in the middle of the dunes . Where 's your favorite place to spend a night out on the town ? Trader Vic 's with its Cuban live music . Are there local specialty dishes or drinks that visitors must try ? If you like seafood , then I would recommend trying fish cooked the traditional way , which is either salt cured ( called maleh ) , sun-dried ( Al kaseef ) or ground dried fish ( sahnah ) . What is a good local souvenir ? The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates , so I would suggest the bottles that have sands in seven colors coming from the seven emirates .
CNN 's Ahmed Faraj recommended a Dubai Creek tour to visitors . Try the traditional salt - cured or sun - dried fish . For a stunning view , go to the observation deck at the Burj Marina . Have a short time there ? Take a tour in an abra , a small crossing boat .