8. THE MERMAID REEF

For any child (or grownup for that matter) who’s ever wished she was Ariel, the new Mermaid Reef is a must-visit. Part of a collaboration between the Dubai Aquarium and Mermaids Of Arabia, visitors can get a mermaid makeover – think make-up, facepainting, hair-styling, and the all-important mermaid costume – and even have a meet-and-greet with the reef’s mermaids. Plus, you’ll get researcher access to the aquarium itself. Meet Mermaids Of Arabia founder Josephine Adams (right) to learn more...

aThe Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Sun to Wed 11am to 9pm mermaid makeovers, Thur to Sat noon to 8pm mermaid meet-and-greet, Dhs140 to Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3212522. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. mermaidsofarabia.com