The city of Dubai, in the emirate of the same name and part of the United Arab Emirates, was portrayed as a hyper-economic phenomenon that attracts businesses, investors and tourists with money to burn. So what are some of Dubai's unique attractions for visitors with deep, deep pockets? Check out some of the city's top destinations:

The Burj Al Arab Hotel: Dubbing itself as the world's only "seven-star hotel," the 1,053-foot-tall Burj Al Arab was completed in 1999 and is built on an artificial island linked to Jumeirah Beach by a private bridge.

Designed to resemble the billowing sail of a traditional fishing boat, the Burj Al Arab boasts amenities you won't find at most "regular" hotels, including: the world's tallest atrium lobby (590 feet tall), private reception desks on every floor, duplex-level suites ranging in size from 1,800-plus square feet to almost 8,400 square feet, full-size bottles of Hermes amenities in each room, a "pillow menu" with 13 different types of pillows and quilts to choose from and a royal suite that features a private elevator, private cinema, marble-and-gold staircase and 24-hour butler service. Come with plenty of cash, though: a one-bed (king-size) suite starts at more than $2,000 per night to $4,800 per night and up.

Wild Wadi Water Park: Located near the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the Wild Wadi Water Park features "Master Blaster" slides described as "uphill water roller coasters," the tallest free-fall water slide outside of North America (sending you downward at speeds up to 50 miles per hour), surfing rides, lazy rivers, a wave pool, water games and an hourly choreographed sound, light and water show that includes a "flash flood" of some 16,000 gallons of water. Entry fees run around $46 for adults, $38 for children, with towels, lockers and snacks costing extra. And here's an extra note: Thursdays are for women only.

Deira City Center: The Deira City Center shopping area features more than 300 stores, an international food court and a Magic Planet with video games, rides, bowling, a crawling "bungle-jungle" and more.

Ski Dubai: With almost a quarter-million square feet of year-round snow coverage, the indoor Ski Dubai features five ski runs with the longest more than 1,300 feet in length. It also boasts an indoor Snow Park of more than 32,000 square feet (with bobsledding, tubing, an interactive snow cavern and observation tower), theme restaurants and retail shops. While temperatures outside can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, temps inside Ski Dubai remain at around 30 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. A ski day pass for adults will run about $74, while a children's day pass costs around $60.

Dubai Gold Souk: This market explains why Dubai is also known as the "City of Gold." You'll find gold jewelry, as well as precious stones, pearls and more, from more than 300 merchants here. The souk claims to offer some of the lowest gold prices in the world, with all pieces priced only by weight and the daily price set by the United Arab Emirates government.

A round-trip flight from New York City to Dubai can run anywhere from $435 (for non-refundable coach) to $11,000-plus (first class, of course).

For more information about destinations in Dubai, visit the Dubai government's information portal for visitors, the Dubai City Guide or the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.