9 pictures that will make you want to visit Dubai right now

Dubai, one of the world's most spectacular and futuristic urban destinations, has become a bucket list destination for many, which will no doubt wow its visitors with its cloud-high skyscrapers, luxury shopping avenues and modern architecture.

The bustling destination has something for everyone and attracts scores of tourists all year-round.

Although the city is often stereotyped as a vacuous consumerist fleshpot, the cliché does no justice to Dubai's beguiling contrasts and rich cultural make-up.

We look at nine pictures of Dubai from hundreds of feet above the ground, that will make you want to pack your bags and head there right now.

PHOTO: Bjoern Lauen

PHOTO: Bjoern Lauen

PHOTO: Allan Baxter

PHOTO: Chris Ratcliffe

PHOTO: Xu Jian

PHOTO: Xu Jian

PHOTO: Marwan Naamani

PHOTO: Xu Jian

PHOTO: Duncan Chard