Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark Day Pass, Dubai

The largest waterpark in the Middle East, on the Palm, with over a hundred slides and a private beach attached — and a full day is genuinely needed to use it.

The headline slides sit in the two towers: near-vertical drops, a slide that fires you through a shark-filled lagoon, and a group raft ride that most people queue for twice. Around them are a wave rider for surfing, a long lazy river with rapids in it, and the Splashers zones for younger children, which are separate enough that families are not trying to do both at once.

Your pass also covers the Lost Chambers Aquarium in the resort — worth keeping for the middle of the day when the sun is at its worst and the slide queues are longest.

Two practical things. The private beach is included and most visitors forget it exists; it is the quietest part of the park. And lockers and towels are charged separately, so bring your own towel and a little cash for a locker if you would rather not pay twice.

Between June and September, arrive at opening. By noon both the heat and the queues are at their peak.