A new global study has just named Dubai one of the world’s most fascinating places to visit on earth, trumping other popular destinations like Las Vegas or Venice.

The latest travel rankings by the US News and World Report ranked Dubai as the tenth best destination in the world, and number one place to visit in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), thanks to its mega attractions, spectacular “Persian Gulf views” and adrenaline-pumping activities.

“This Middle Eastern city is filled with one-of-a-kind attractions, including the Dubai Mall – one of the world’s largest shopping centres – and the indoor Ski Dubai,” the report stated.

The study was based on independent user opinions and expert analysis on tourist spots, including parks, resorts and cities that are frequented by travel and adventure junkies from around the world.

It also identified which destinations are best for budget family trips, beach honeymoons, spring break and national parks, among others.

There were more than 300 places analysed for the study. Each spot was assigned a score in a number of categories, including sights, culture, romance, adventure, food and nightlife.

Rome claimed the top spot in the global rankings, followed by Sydney, Porto, London, Paris, New York, Florence, Prague, Barcelona and Dubai in the top ten.

Dubai is ahead of other hotspots like Santorini, Honolulu, Vancouver, Phuket and Machu Picchu.

Here is the complete list of 30 best places to visit

1. Rome, Italy

2. Sydney, Australia

3. Porto, Portugal

4. London, UK

5. Paris, France

6. New York City, US

7. Florence, Italy

8. Prague, Czech Republic

9. Barcelona, Spain

10. Dubai, UAE

11. Amalfi Coast, Italy

12. Santorini, Greece

13. Honolulu – Oahu

14. Grand Canyon, US

15. Bali, Indonesia

16. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

17. Vancouver, Canada

18. Breckenridge (Ski resort in Colorado)

19. Phuket, Thailand

20. San Sebastian, Spain

21. Tahiti, French Polynesia

22. Yosemite, California (US)

23. Costa Rica

24. British Virgin Islands

25.Park City, Utah

26. Great Barrier Reef

27. Machu Picchu, Peru

28. Banff (a resort town in Canada)

29. Jackson Hole (ski destination in Wyoming, US)

30. St. Lucia (Caribbean island)

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on Saturday June 27th, 2017 http://bit.ly/gulfnewsvisitdubai