We’ve left the snow-capped mountains of Colorado and hopped a quick flight southwest to the hottest desert in North America. Oh — and we’ve timed it for the middle of summer.

Three days ago, our family left our part-time home in Manila for our first visit to Dubai. We explored the legendary emirate by sea, air, and land. But now we’ve driven 75 minutes south to Abu Dhabi to experience some of the most magical parts of UAE culture. From sites and bites to a journey through the world’s largest sand desert and a night at one of the most awesome hotels on the planet.

Our family’s catching a flight from our part-time home in the Philippines to the opposite side of Asia, touching down in the city and emirate of Dubai. Even though this is our first time in the UAE, we’re bypassing the obvious tourist traps in search of some Arabian adventure that’s more off the beaten path. So we’re about to explore Dubai by sea… by air… and by land.