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My Dubai itinerary 8 days: My incredible itinerary for a family holiday to Dubai

By: Author Monica

Categories UAE

I’ve just returned from the most incredible 8 days in Dubai! It was a family holiday to Dubai with Emirates Holidays and we found this 8 day Dubai itinerary to be just perfect. It includes staying in two different hotels/resorts and has a really nice range of activities for the whole family.

Here’s my Dubai itinerary for 8 days….

If you’ve been following me on social media you will have seen our family holiday to Dubai all week because we had such an incredible time there. I’d go as far to say that our holiday to Dubai was the best family holiday we’ve ever taken. Honestly, it was THE dream!

Dubai is the perfect destination for families because it’s so family friendly and our 8 day Dubai itinerary made sure everyone was happy. There were fancy dinners and cocktails as well as waterparks, theme parks, shopping and plenty of time to chill.

I travelled to Dubai with my partner, Sam, and our two little boys, George (3) and Joseph (1.5) and it can be difficult to find activities that everyone genuinely loves, but we definitely got the perfect balance.

If you aren’t sure if Dubai is the perfect destination for your family, check out my post: 10 reasons why you should take your kids to Dubai.

My kids are older now but George still remembers this holiday. They also watch that YouTube video I made all the time and they LOVE it. They’re always asking to go back so we’re definitely going to have to go back at some point.

Here’s what we got up to during our family holiday to Dubai

Day 1 – fly to dubai with emirates.

It’s a 7 hour flight to Dubai from Manchester and we flew with Emirates who were incredible. It was our first long flight with both the boys so we were a little nervous, but we definitely didn’t need to be!

Flying long-haul with kids is actually much easier than short-haul.

When we fly short-haul we usually travel with budget airlines and the tiny seats and tiny aisles make it difficult! But Emirates were incredible and they’re obviously used to taking lots of families to Dubai! We had bulk-head seats so the boys had plenty of space and the lovely Emirates staff couldn’t do enough to help. Kids get toys and activity packs when you board the plane and the entertainment system is incredible. George didn’t even get his toys out of his bag because he was busy with the games and shows on the inflight system.

Arrive at Lapita Hotel

For our first two nights, we were staying at Lapita , a beautiful Polynesian themed resort within Dubai Parks and Resorts . The family-friendly hotel has that perfect balance between luxury, comfort and laid-back friendliness.

We were all tired when we arrived but the lovely staff perked us up, and a tour around the resort on a buggy impressed the boys!

Our huge room was elegant and homey and we were welcomed with the most incredible fruit basket, a delicious red velvet cake shaped like a tool box (we’re not sure if they knew Sam is a builder or if this was coincidence!) and little cupcakes with extra treats on the side for the boys to decorate them.

We ordered room service, put the boys to bed and enjoyed a glass of wine on the balcony overlooking the pool that was twinkling with pretty lights. Ahhh, finally we were relaxed and on holiday!

It has been snowing when we’d left Manchester 10 hours earlier and it felt so surreal to be sat on this incredible balcony feeling warm and relaxed while listening to the crickets. That snowy drive to the airport felt like a million years ago.

It had been a surprisingly easy journey to Dubai so it was the perfect start to the family holiday.

Day 2 – LEGOLAND

We all slept late due to jetlag so dashed to the hotel buffet for breakfast at 10.45am!

Sleeping past 10am is a rare treat when you’ve got toddlers so this was a good morning for us!

The breakfast buffet at Lapita was incredible and we enjoyed it outside looking out over the bright flowers.

Sam and I had our coffees in the sunshine while the boys chased the little birds who came to pick up their crumbs.

We then made our way to Dubai Parks and Resorts which is connected to the hotel. I’ve written a whole post about Dubai Parks and Resorts because it’s amazing and a lot of people don’t seem to know it’s there and it’s a must-see during a family holiday to Dubai!

It’s a leisure and theme park destination and is home to:

• LEGOLAND Dubai
• LEGOLAND Dubai Waterpark
• Motiongate Dubai
• Bollywood Parks Dubai
• Riverland Dubai

Riverland isn’t a theme park, it’s the gateway to the theme parks and has four zones; The French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate, and The Peninsula.

Our hotel room at Lapita was by the entrance to the French Village and very close to LEGOLAND (less than 10 minute walk) so it was a perfect position for a young family who don’t want to be walking far.

We had a stroll through the very pretty French Village which has lots of shops, cafes and restaurants before spending the remainder of the day at LEGOLAND.

LEGOLAND was brilliant and it’s so nice that the boys are finally at an age where they appreciate things like this. There are over 40 LEGO themed rides and attractions and it’s aimed at kids ages 2-12, but even Joseph (aged 18 months) loved it.

There are lots of exciting soft play areas, a medieval land and he loved watching his big brother driving cars and boats and riding trains. There was a lot that even George was too small for but it was still worth it and a really fun afternoon out.

We ate at the Market Restaurant which was delicious and had loads of nice options for kids.

We bribed the kids out of LEGOLAND with ice creams and walked back to the hotel to cool off in the pool at Lapita. This hotel pool is one of the best I’ve ever been to because it has a gorgeous lazy river running around it and the kid’s pool was huge. And to make it even better, they were both heated and were perfectly warm. We had a splash about and then went to the hotel buffet for dinner.

Day 3 – LEGOLAND Waterpark

On our third day we spent a few more hours at LEGOLAND but then headed next door to LEGOLAND Waterpark. This waterpark was perfect for us because it’s aimed at younger kids (ages 2-12 again). The boys had a lot of fun splashing and Sam made it onto a few of the bigger rides too.

We had lunch at a pretty bakery in the French Village and as we sat outside watching the world go by you could easily forget where you were and think you’re in France for a moment!

Our 8 day Dubai itinerary suggests swapping hotels during your stay and I can’t recommend doing this enough. It almost felt like we had two mini holidays. I know it seems like a bit of a faff to repack your bags and move but it was so exciting and it was amazing to experience two hotels!

Moving hotels…

Late that afternoon we left Lapita for the second half of our Dubai and itinerary! We took a taxi to our second hotel, the famous Atlantis the Palm , and wow, what a hotel.

I instantly felt like I was cheating on Lapita because I’d loved our time at Lapita – it was beautiful and chilled and friendly and fun, but Atlantis the Palm is something else entirely. This hotel definitely gets a gold star for first impressions. We had to pick our jaws up off the floor as we walked along the red carpet guiding us into the magnificent lobby and through to a luxury lounge filled with roses while we waited to check in.

The main lobby was bustling with people who were just visiting to see the hotel and we felt incredibly lucky to be staying here.

We were staying in a two bedroom Terrace club suite so we had some special extras thanks to our fancy room. Checking in in this lovely lounge was one of them but we also had access to different lounges around the hotel where drinks and snacks were served all day. When someone says ‘snacks’ I imagine it will be crisps and salted peanuts and possibly a Ritz cracker if you’re lucky but it was actually a mini buffet we could access for most of the day! It was amazing. But not as amazing as our room….

We were escorted up to our rooms on the 14 th floor. Yes, that’s right, roomS. Plural! We walked into a huge living room – which, kind of depressingly, was much bigger than our living room at home! Double doors led on to the master bedroom where the boys instantly scrambled onto the enormous bed while I checked out the massive bathroom and dressing room. In the opposite direction was George’s bedroom with a huge bathroom with shutters that opened up to the room. He had two double king sized beds and a lovely sunny balcony of his own.

One of the highlights of our room was the view from the terrace. We looked out to the sea and could see the famous Burj Al Arab in the distance. But when you looked down we could see the top of the huge fish tank and see sharks and sting rays on the surface. It was incredible!

Day 5 – The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Once we’d got over how incredible the Atlantis is, we explored the grounds of the hotel and the lovely pools, beaches and gardens before heading to the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Whilst in Dubai we were doing some filming with a film crew to make a video for Emirates Ice Channel, which is their own channel available on the plane, so we were really lucky and were allowed to go into The Lost Chambers before it opened so we could film without people in the background. Yes, we had The Lost Chambers to ourselves!

It’s an Atlantis-themed aquarium and you walk through 10 huge chambers to explore the underwater world and see creatures you’d never imagine you’d see in real life. It was so beautiful, tranquil and serene and the most incredible aquarium you could imagine. Cushions are scattered in front of many of the enormous glass windows so you can sit down and watch over 65,000 marine animals within this magical setting.

This was such an amazing experience because Sam and I were just as entranced as George and Joseph were and we could have stayed here all day.

Side note: They also do morning yoga in the Lost Chambers for any of my fellow yogis! I hadn’t realised until it was too late but I really wish I’d done this!

We checked out the amazing kid’s club and then had lunch at The Shore , a luxurious beach bar serving Mexican food.

We took the kids back to our room for an afternoon nap and then spent the rest of the day splashing around the pool and beach.

Day 6 – Aquaventure

No Dubai itinerary would be complete without a trip to Aquaventure.

Aquaventure is the Middle East and Europe’s number 1 waterpark and it’s HUGE! It’s part of Atlantis the Palm and, once again, we had the amazing opportunity to go in before it opened with the film crew.

Sam made the most of it by trying out some of the bigger rides before there were any queues while I splashed around the kid’s pool with the boys.

There’s Splashers Children’s area which is great for brave little ones or those over 3 but there’s also a brand new kids area for babies and younger ones. This was great for us because George and Joseph were a bit scared by Splashers but the tiny slides and shallow water in the new bit was amazing. I spent the next three hours stood at the bottom of slides applauding the boys as they came down again and again and again! That’s mum life! If you’re planning a family holiday to Dubai then I 100% recommend Aquaventure. If you don’t do anything else on this itinerary, go here!

Once again, we went back to our room for an afternoon nap before heading back out to the pool, beach and pirate ship play area.

Now it’s time for the adult’s treat in this Dubai itinerary…

That evening we had babysitters from the hotel come into our room to watch the kids while Sam and I went out for dinner at YUAN, Dubai’s best Chinese restaurant within the hotel resort.

I was a bit nervous about leaving the kids with a stranger but my mind was at rest as soon as two lovely ladies arrived. They came in with arms full of toys and the boys barely even noticed us after that! The babysitters gave the boys their dinner which arrived via room service, played with them for an hour and put them to bed.

The food at YUAN was delicious and definitely not like the Chinese takeaways I’m used to. We started off with cocktails and then had fried and steamed dumplings. We shared our main courses because we couldn’t decide between the Waygu beef and the duck. We followed up with decadent deserts before taking a much needed walk around the hotel which looks so pretty at night.

Day 7 – Burj Khalifa, Kidzania, Open top bus and Dubai Miracle Garden

The 7th day of our Dubai itinerary was a busy one with lots of family-friendly activities.

We were spoiled rotten when we went up the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, because we were invited to the 148 th floor where we were the only people in the lounge. It was such a magical experience to see Dubai from an incredible vantage point and it was another experience where the boys were just as excited as Sam and I.

After visiting the Burj Khalifa we walked to Kidzania which is nearby.

Kidzania is an ‘enteractional’ interactive city run by kids and is a must-visit during a family holiday to Dubai. It’s basically a mini indoor city with shops and hospitals and a fire department and dentists etc and kids run it all. You have special Kidzania money that they earn through working jobs and then use it to drive cars and other fun things. It’s a really fun place but George was a bit young for it and just got frustrated people kept telling him what to do. I can imagine they’d both love it in a few years though!

If you want to do some shopping then this is the section of the Dubai itinerary for you!

We had lunch in Dubai Mall, the biggest mall in the world. Dubai Mall is absolutely incredible and I can highly recommend a walk around the mall, even if you aren’t here for the shopping! 

After a stroll around Dubai Mall, we jumped on the City Sightseeing Tour bus. This was OK but I’d recommend doing it at around 5pm when it’s cooler. We could only get seats in the sun and were melting at the top of the bus! It was too hot to really enjoy the sights. 

Our final stop was Dubai Miracle Garden which was a bit of a drive but it is the most extravagant and incredible flower garden I’ve ever seen (of course, we were in Dubai!) Unfortunately, we didn’t see much of the gardens and flowers because by this point the boys were hot and tired so we didn’t stay long.

We made our way back to Atlantis the Palm in time for a long nap.

That evening we were taking a walk around the hotel grounds and we saw they were setting up a big cinema screen on the beach with huge beach bean bags. We hung around and realised it was a family film so we dived onto a bean bag, ordered some popcorn and snuggled up under some warm towels to watch Moana.

It was absolutely magical to be snuggled together under a palm tree, hearing the waves in the distance with the iconic hotel behind us and twinkling lights all around. It was the first time we’ve sat and watched a film all together so it was lovely. Joseph jumped up from our beanbag from time to time to have a little dance (that film has catchy songs!) and then crawled back under a towel to enjoy the film.

It was another reason why family holidays to Dubai are so great, they seem to think of everything and cater to every member of the family. Kids aren’t an afterthought here, kids are the reason people come!

Day 8 – Leaving day

It was with heavy hearts we packed our bags to leave Dubai .

On family holidays like this I’m usually ready to go home after a week away. I love travelling but I also love being at home and I feel ready to leave. But oh no, not this time. I could have happily stayed for another week in Dubai and we were all genuinely gutted to be going home.

Our flight home was as easy as the one out but it wasn’t nearly as exciting.

Overall thoughts about family holidays to Dubai

I can’t recommend Dubai enough for families. The activities and resorts were brilliant and there was so much to do for everyone. I think Dubai is best for families in the UK looking for winter sun because you’re almost guaranteed gorgeous weather and it isn’t too far to travel.

The Canary Islands are usually a firm favourite for family winter sun holidays but they aren’t nearly as glam as Dubai!

I really enjoyed staying at two different resorts. It made the holiday feel much longer and was exciting to explore somewhere new half way through the trip. I know it seems like an effort but it’s definitely something we’ll be doing again.

Pin this for later ->

Emirates Holidays

This holiday was in partnership with Emirates Holidays who, as you can probably tell from this post, were incredible. I had a few ideas about what I wanted to do but they had so many family friendly suggestions. Emirates Holidays are the specialists so they’re great at creating personalised itineraries to meet your individual needs – whether that’s a family trip, a romantic escape, an adventurous, privately guided holiday (dreams!) then they’re fabulously for helping you plan your trip. They’re experts in Dubai, Indian Ocean and South East Asia and South Africa – basically, all the places I want to go!

If you’re wondering what to pack for Dubai then I’ve got a Dubai packing guide here!

Wednesday 22nd of May 2019

Sounds like a perfect trip. Which month did you go? We are planning to go in Oct and not sure whether weather will be too hot to do some of the outdoors activities in your blog.

TheTravelHack

We went in March so I think October will be similar or just slightly hotter. To be honest, the only thing that was too hot was an open top bus tour! We already knew it was a bad idea but we were with a film crew who wanted to get some shots on the bus so went 2-3 stops and got off again! I think October would be a really nice time to go.

Hanif shaikh

Monday 25th of March 2019

Thanks monica. really awesome guide for family Holiday plan in dubai. Some other place is also option. But this one is best for family tour enjoy.

Thursday 7th of March 2019

This is amazing! the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah is the best option. there are no other places to enjoy the family vacation than in Dubai.

Angharad Paull

Monday 20th of August 2018

Currently stuck on ideas for where to spend October half term (it's our first holiday restricted to term times), but then I remembered your Dubai post! I've just been reading through, transfixed - this is EXACTLY what I want and where I want to go! Off to do some flight research now!

Ameera Bousaid

Wednesday 27th of February 2019

Hi Paull! If you are looking for a great place to stay in UAE with beautiful views, relaxing private pools and huge villas, it's definitely Al Habtoor Polo Resort. My stay in there is really unforgettable. I was lucky enough to booked me and my whole family a 4 bedroom villas just for AED 2500 on weekdays.

How To Survive Long-Haul Travel With Kids In Tow - Pouting In Heels

Wednesday 11th of July 2018

[…] Think about things that the kids might like to do, and what your ideal holiday looks like too. This itinerary for Dubai might inspire you. While you may not stick to everything, it’s often a really great idea so that […]

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Dubai Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

I found myself loving my first visit here so much that I extended my stay.

Dubai is a city trapped between worlds. It’s a place with a conservative culture and old-world customs while at the same time a Middle-Eastern Vegas where anything goes (so long as it’s behind closed doors). There’s a lot of partying that happens here.

But, beyond that, I was surprised at how much there was to do in this city. This city is more than just a flashy place to spend money. There’s a lot of cultural activities, museums, attractions, tours, and things to do here.

Dubai is a fascinating, multicultural city that deserves a lot more than a stopover. This travel guide to Dubai will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Dubai

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Dubai

1. Visit the Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world, which opened in 2010, boasts a whopping 163 floors. You can go up to the 125th floor for 169 AED for epic views of the city. And for 399 AED you can climb even higher to floor 148 and visit the exclusive lounge. From there, you get panoramic views of the city and desert. Towering 555 meters (1,820 feet), the iconic tower contains a hotel, private residences, corporate offices, and a bar/lounge. At night, the building is illuminated by a spectacular light show of fish, palm trees, and other scenes while the fountain below dances to music. Get your tickets in advance here .

2. Take a desert safari

If you want to get a taste of the desert, head out on a day-long safari . You’ll be able to explore the desert, watch for birds and other wildlife, eat some traditional food, and take in the sweeping vistas. Tour offerings include desert jeep tours, camel riding tours, and horseback riding excursions. A day-long excursion starts at around 439 AED per person.

3. Visit Global Village

This is a massive entertainment extravaganza, with shopping, dining, and live performances all coming together to create an incredible cultural experience. It’s like Epcot Center at Disney World, except it showcases the different cultures of the Middle East. Enjoy ice-skating at Snowfest Ice Rink, visiting Ripley’s Believe It or Not, or taking a thrilling ride at Carnaval amusement park. Admission is only 18 AED.

4. Explore the Dubai Miracle Garden

This quirky and colorful garden opened in 2013 and is spread over 72,000 square meters (775,000 square feet), making it the world’s largest natural flower garden. It’s home to over 150 million flowers and all kinds of flower and plant sculptures. In addition to the natural beauty, you can experience various performances that change each week, and a daily flower parade with live music and choreographed dancers in full flower garb. If you get hungry during your visit there are more than 30 food and beverage options including cafes, candy shops, and healthy juice bars. Admission is 75 AED.

5. Have fun at Kite Beach

If you’re into kitesurfing or water sports, this is a cool place to catch some waves. The artificial beach is one of the most popular in Dubai and features lots of sugary white sand, kids’ activities, food and beverage vendors, fitness areas, and even a library. The winds pick up in the afternoon, making it a good time to hit the water or just sit back and watch others do it. If watersports aren’t your thing, come here to catch some rays and relax as it’s free and open to the public.

Other Things to See and Do in Dubai

1. wander the marina.

The marina area is surrounded by tall buildings and is composed of a beautiful scenic boardwalk. Here you’ll find lots of fancy boats, beautiful condos, and bars and restaurants overlooking the harbor. Be sure to check out Pier 7, which is seven floors of restaurants and bars on the water. Personally, I liked Asia Asia, with its gaudy Asian theme.

2. Hit the mall

Malls in Dubai are not like malls anywhere else in the world. There are over 65 malls in the city with more on the way. People love going to malls here! Between the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, you’ll find a ton of amazing things to see and do. There’s luxury shopping, nightly fountain shows, an aquarium inside the Dubai Mall (which has a 270-degree underwater tunnel you can walk through), and even indoor skiing at the Mall of the Emirates (the Mall of the Emirates also has over 650 stores and 100 restaurants). You can also visit the world’s largest themed mall, the Ibn Battuta Mall. It has a Moroccan theme and is named after the eponymous explorer (it has over 270 stores and 50 restaurants too). Be sure to dress appropriately and avoid tank tops, shorts, or mini-skirts.

3. Visit the Grand Mosque

Located in nearby Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is definitely worth a half-day trip. Built between 1996-2007, the mosque and its surrounding gardens span over 30 acres. It’s almost all white too, giving it a very majestic look. It’s a 90-minute drive from Dubai (about 290 AED each way in a taxi or 25 AED on the bus). You’ll want to make sure you wear appropriate clothing since it is a place of worship (they have cover-up items available for anyone without suitable attire). During Eid, upwards of 41,000 people visit the mosque each day. Admission is free.

4. Explore Old Dubai

This is Dubai as it used to be. Markets (like the famous gold market) pepper the area, small shops line the streets, and you can get lost in a dizzying maze of alleyways. Take a boat across Dubai Creek to Deira (you can ride an abra, a traditional wooden boat) and wander aimlessly around the streets, eat at some of the traditional restaurants, explore the art district, and see Dubai as it is away from the glitz of the malls and high-rises. Don’t miss the Dubai Frame (a landmark offering the best views of the city), the gold market (which has upwards of 10 tons of gold at any time), and the spice souk (a large spice market you can browse).

5. Tour the Jumeirah Mosque

Opened in 1979, this beautiful mosque is one of two in the city you can actually visit. Built in the Fatimid style, it consists of one large room and there is a guided tour every day at 10am and 2pm (except Fridays). It’s 35 AED and comes with a great breakfast spread. If you don’t know much about Islam or the role it plays in the UAE, it’s a pretty interesting and educational tour.

6. Go deep-sea fishing

It’s quite easy to book a spot on a boat and head out to sea if you want to try your hand at deep-sea fishing. Tour operators cater to all ages and levels of experience, and most packages even include lunch. Prices vary depending on what sort of vessel you book and how long you go but expect to pay 1,500 AED for a 4-6-hour trip.

7. Relax at Jumeirah Beach

This white-sand beach is a fantastic place to sunbathe and stroll along the boardwalk. Located along the coast just south of the city’s historic district, there are lots of shops to visit, and there is even an outdoor movie theater. Not only is this a great place to visit, but it’s a great area to stay because you’re surrounded by so many things to do. There are playgrounds here for kids as well as areas to BBQ. It’s perfect for picnics but gets super busy on the weekend so try to enjoy it during the week to beat the crowd.

8. Wander the Palm Islands

On this famous man-made palm tree-shaped island , you’ll find a large shopping walkway, the Atlantis resort, the Aquaventure waterpark, and a host of fancy restaurants, bars, and clubs. It’s beautiful to walk around and explore during the day (at night, it’s pretty boring!).

9. Visit the Souk Madinat Jumeirah

This souk (market) is in a modern building designed to look like something out of Aladdin but it’s actually home to some incredible restaurants. There’s a beautiful inner courtyard pond in this complex, too. Come here if you want to splurge if you’re a foodie! Don’t miss Al Makan for local dishes, Anar for Persian cuisine, and The Noodle House for tasty Asian eats.

10. Binge at brunch

Brunch is a tradition among locals and expats. Every Friday, everyone flocks to a midday buffet of unlimited drinks and food. As the day goes on, it often turns into debauchery that would make Nero proud. However, brunch is not a cheap affair, costing as much as 700 AED. Ask your hotel/hostel staff where the cheapest brunches are. You can usually find some for under 200 AED.

Dubai Travel Costs

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 285 AED in peak season. In the off-season, budget rooms cost around 90 AED. Expect basic amenities like a TV, tea/coffee maker, and AC.

There are lots of Airbnb options in Dubai. A private room starts around 100 AED per night though you should expect to pay double (or even triple or quadruple) if you don’t book early. Enrire homes/apartments start around 250 AED per night, however, they average triple that price so book early.

Food – Emirati cuisine takes influences from its Middle Eastern neighbors. More recently, as an international hub, you can find all kinds of internal flavors here as well. Popular dishes in Dubai include hummus, shawarma, shish tawook (grilled kebabs), and knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry topped with rose syrup and pistachios). Dates and fish are common staples, with camel milk being a more traditional addition to the diet. Popular spices include saffron, cinnamon, and turmeric.

In Dubai, a meal out costs around 65 AED while dinner for two with drinks usually averages 190-300 AED. For fast food like McDonald’s, expect to pay around 30 AED for a combo meal.

A large pizza costs around 45 AED while Chinese food is around 50 AED. A beer is about 45 AED while a latte or cappuccino is 19 AED. Bottled water is around 2 AED.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay around 500 AED per week for groceries including pasta, vegetables, meat or fish, and other basic staples.

Backpacking Dubai Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 260 AED per day you can stay in a hostel, cook all your meals, take public transportation to get around, skip drinking, and do mostly free activities like enjoying the beach and visiting the malls and mosques. If you plan on drinking, add 40-80 AED extra per day.

On a mid-range budget of 870 AED per day, you can stay in a cheap hotel or Airbnb, eat out for a few meals, enjoy a couple drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities, such as a desert safari.

On a “luxury” budget of 1,425 AED, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink as much as you’d like, go out for a brunch, take paid tours, visit the Burj Khalifa, and rent a car for some day trips. The sky is the limit here!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AED.

Dubai Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Dubai is an expensive city. If you’re hanging out in the malls and restaurants that cater to expats, you’re going to spend a lot of money. That said, there are a few things you can do to cut costs so you don’t blow your budget. Here are some quick tips to help you save money in Dubai:

• Use Groupon – Groupon is huge in Dubai and you can find tons of discounts, 2-for-1 specials, and deals on the website. If there is something you want to do, check there first as there is a high chance you’ll find a discount.
• Get The Entertainer – The Entertainer is a magazine and app that offers discounts and specials on restaurants, hotels, and activities. Pick up a copy when you arrive in Dubai. It’s not cheap but sometimes you can find the app 50% off or get a free trial. There are monthly subscriptions starting at 35 AED per month and a “lite” version that is free. If you plan to see and do a lot, it’s worth the price.
• Find happy hours – Dubai is full of happy hours. Plan your drinking accordingly to avoid the city’s high-priced booze.
• Skip the booze – Outside the happy hours and all-you-can-eat brunches, drinking is expensive so I would go easy on the drinking during your visit — or skip it altogether if you’re on a budget.
• Eat in Old Dubai – Step away from the hotels, malls, and fancy souks meant to make you think you are in Aladdin and head into Old Dubai for cheap eats.
• Pick accommodation near the metro – Make sure your accommodation is near a metro stop. You don’t want to be walking around unnecessarily when it’s scorching hot and public transportation is much cheaper than taxis.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in Dubai so bring a reusable water bottle to reduce your single-use plastic usage. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Dubai

Dubai doesn’t have a lot of hostels so you’ll want to book in advance if you plan to stay in a hostel. Here are my suggested places to stay in Dubai:

• Green Sky Apartments
• Bombay Backpackers DXB
• Bohemian Backpackers

How to Get Around Dubai

Public transportation – Dubai’s metro consists of nearly 50 stations. You can get to wherever you need to go, or close to it, with public transportation. Hours of operation depend on the day but both lines start operating from around 5:30am until about 1am. On Fridays, however, the trains don’t start running until 10am.

You’ll need a Nol Card to get around and you can buy the card at any of the ticket offices at the metro stations for 25 AED.

Fares depend on which of the zones you are traveling to. A standard ticket for one zone is 4 AED, for two zones it’s 6 AED, and if you are traveling through 3 or more zones it’s 8.50 AED.

If you can’t get to where you’re going by subway, the bus will get you there. Like the metro, the bus has different zones, and the Nol card is used as payment.

Ferry – The ferry in Dubai runs daily from three different terminals in the marina. Evening trips on the ferry are much busier, so be sure to get to the terminal 30 minutes early. Tickets range from 15-50 AED for silver class (seats in the main section of the boat) and 25-75 AED for gold class (more comfortable seats at the front of the boat).

Taxi – Taxis start at 12 AED and go up by around 2.50 AED per kilometer. Skip them if you can. They add up quickly!

Ridesharing – Uber and Careem are the two main ridesharing apps in Dubai. They aren’t usually cheaper than a standard taxi but they tend to be a lot more convenient.

Bicycle – Bikes can be rented from Nextbike for around 20 AED per hour or 80 AED per day.

Car rental – If you’re leaving the city, cars can be rented for around 190 AED per day. I would only rent one if you’re leaving the city. Otherwise, just use public transportation to get around. It will be much faster!

When to Go to Dubai

The most popular time to visit Dubai is between November-April. The weather is cooler and perfect for desert safaris, with daily highs averaging around 27°C (80°F). Flights and accommodation will be more expensive during this time though so plan accordingly.

May-August is the low season as Dubai just gets too warm. Daily highs average around 41°C (106°F) and make exploring the city unbearable. I visited in August and it was brutal. Skip the summer if you can!

The shoulder season between September and October is when the sea becomes perfect for swimming and water sports. It’s much less busy during this time so you’ll find fewer crowds and cheaper prices too.

How to Stay Safe in Dubai

Dubai is a very safe city. Violent crime is incredibly rare here. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, though they’re quite rare too. As long as you keep your valuables secure while you’re out and about you likely won’t have any issues.

Be aware that many activities that are legal in other countries are not legal in Dubai, such as displays of public affection between unmarried or LGBTQ partners, drunken behavior, dressing immodestly, swearing, photographing people without their permission, and criticizing UAE’s government.

You’ll need to dress and act conservatively here. All the wild and crazy stuff in the city happens behind closed doors. It’s a see no evil kind of thing. Don’t push the limit in public or you’re likely to get into serious trouble. Be extra cautious about being wild or “immodest” here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.) when you’re here. For an extra layer of safety, use the female-only cars on the metro. For more information, check out one of the many solo female travl blogs on the city to help you out.

Scams here are rare. If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read my post on common travel scams to avoid .

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for the police, 998 for an ambulance, and 997 for the fire department.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Dubai Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Dubai Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Dubai and continue planning your trip:

How to Save Money in Dubai (and 9 cool things to do there!)

Dubai: The Las Vegas of the Middle East?

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
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Dubai itinerary: 1 to 7 days in the UAE

By Joan Torres 13 Comments Last updated on April 29, 2024

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Dubai might be known as the glitzy-glamorous Rich-Boy-and-Rich-Girl’s shopping capital, but there’s so much more to this character-filled city.

From hidden alleys to traditional souks, the magnificent desert and plenty of activities that involve experiencing the traditional Emirati culture, you will see that even 7 days in Dubai might not be enough to explore this unique Middle Eastern destination . 

The following comprehensive guide gives you plenty of tips for traveling to Dubai, as well as a complete 7-day  Dubai itinerary, including 2-day trips to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Please note that this guide not only tells you the touristic places but it also shows you how to explore Dubai off the beaten track .

In this Dubai travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Tours and activities
• How to access blocked websites
• Transportation
• Where to stay
• Day 1 – The fancy and glamorous Dubai
• Day 2 – Dubai Marina & JBR
• Day 3 – The Palm, Kite Beach & Jumeirah

Day 4 – Old Dubai

• Day 5 – Dubai off the beaten track
• Day 6 – The camel market of Al Ain

Day 7 – Day trip to Abu Dhabi

• Bonus! Extending your itinerary
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Dubai

With its Total Comfort Plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for countries where health care system is private and expensive, like Dubai.

A few quick tips before kicking off your week in Dubai

Best time to visit dubai.

Seriously, you must avoid summer, from June to September. In July and August, temperatures average 45ºC and it is extremely humid. In September, temperatures drop slightly but humidity still persists, so you can’t really hang out in outdoors, even at night. Try to come from mid-October to mid-May.

By the way, remember that the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country which follows very strict Muslim Sharia laws. As a result, Western tourists need to be a bit careful and not behave as they would do in their home countries.

You don’t really need to be afraid but just apply common sense.

Know when to dress modestly

Dubai is a society with two sets of morals. On the one hand, in the places where the expats hang out, the beaches are filled with girls wearing fine bikinis and, in the glamorous clubs, you are likely to see girls dancing in dresses which are quite close to a bikini.

These areas are very tolerant regarding the way you dress but, in more conservative areas of the city, basically, in those places where the locals hang out, you should always cover both your shoulders and your knees but the good news is that you never need to cover your head.

For more info, read what to wear in Dubai .

Public displays of affection are not tolerated in the UAE

Not just kissing, but even hugging in public would be considered unlawful, including in Western areas. Once, I was kicked out from a bar because, since there was no place to sit, my girlfriend was sitting on my legs.

To be fair, the security guy told her to stand up three times but we completely ignored him, basically, because we found their norm to be absolutely ridiculous. 

During the holy month of Ramadan

I don’t recommend coming to UAE during Ramadan but, if you happen to be there, – just make sure not to eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in daylight and in public, otherwise, you will get a fine.

Moreover, during Ramadan, many bars close, there is barely any event going on and, basically, life stops pretty much. Seriously, if you can avoid it, don’t come here during Ramadan.  

Remember that, when driving, alcohol tolerance is 0

Driving with even a tiny percentage of alcohol in your blood warrants jail time. In three years of living and driving there, I never saw any alcohol control test but, if you had an accident and they found alcohol in your veins, you would, literally, be completely f&”?%ed. 

And the same goes for drugs

The UAE also has 0 drug tolerance. Even if they found you had 0.1g of weed at the airport customs, you would be done and likely put away for a long time.

This seems exaggerated but it can actually happen and the truth is that there are quite a few real horror stories from people who happened to have micro-remains from their last joint in their pocket and the dogs were able to smell it.

Alcohol availability

For your information, in Dubai, you can drink alcohol. Typically, only 4 to 5-star hotels can serve alcohol but the point is that people open regular bars and pubs and then they just attach it to a hotel.

As you can imagine, there are fancy hotels absolutely everywhere and each one of them has several bars attached to it, so finding a place where to drink is not a problem at all.

Furthermore, you can also find plenty of liquor stores around town but, unfortunately, you need a special license which only expats can get.

Alternatively, if you can drive, there is a liquor store named Barracuda in Umm Al Quwain, around 90km outside of Dubai, towards Ras Al Khaimah.

Remember that, in Dubai, many websites and internet calling services, like WhatsApp or Skype, are blocked and, if you want to access them, you will need a VPN. Read: How to find the right VPN for Dubai and the UAE

Tours and activities in Dubai

In your Dubai itinerary, there will be plenty of activities such as going on a trip to Musandam – an enclave within UAE that belongs to Oman – a desert safari or even going on a half-day trip to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, you may want to go on a tour, as it is much cheaper than going by taxi and even than renting a car.

These are just some of their most popular activities:

• Dubai Burj Khalifa ticket Floor 124 & 125 – Climb the tallest building on Earth.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: skip-the-line tickets – Skip the endless lines of the museum.
• Dubai: Hot air balloon, desert safari, quad biking – Enjoy the sunrise from 4000 feet above the ground.
• Dubai Aquarium & Burj Khalifa combo tickets – The tallest building on Earth and one of the most outstanding aquariums.
• Premium red dunes, camel safari & BBQ – Desert activities.
• Speedboat tour around Marina, Palm & Burj Al Arab – Explore these areas from the sea.
• Burj Khalifa tickets to floor 148 – For going to the highest floor you’ll need a special ticket.
• Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque tour – Tour to the most breathtaking mosque in the region.

For more info check: The top 25 activities, excursions and day trips from Dubai

How to access blocked websites in Dubai

As you may know, in Dubai, the internet is censored, which means that many websites which you may need to use regularly are blocked.

Besides gambling, pornography, and Israeli-related sites, some of these blocked websites are:

• WhatsApp Calls
• Google Hangouts

In order to access them, you will need something called VPN (Virtual Private Network), and I recommend ExpressVPN the most reliable VPN ever.

If you don’t know anything about VPNs, read how to find the right VPN for Dubai

7 Days in Dubai – Transportation: How to move around

How to move around dubai.

By metro – There are 2 metro lines which take you to most touristic sites. The metro has plenty of air-conditioning and it is pretty modern. A single ride costs less than a US dollar but just bear in mind that distances in Dubai are huge, so going from one place to another may take some time. Also, the metro goes to the most common touristic places but, beyond that, you will be very limited.

By taxi –  The way to go. If you count the price per kilometer, it is inexpensive but, since distances are long, moving around can be costly. The shortest ride costs around 15AED (4USD). Going from the Marina to Old Dubai may cost around 60-70AED (16-19USD).

How to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Bus –  There’s a bus every twenty minutes from 6am to 11pm, from the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai that takes you to Abu Dhabi. The buses are great, complete with air-conditioning and the cost from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a mere 25AED (7USD). 

Taxi –  A trip from the Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi will cost you 300AED (81USD), one-way.

Etihad Coach Service –  There’s also the free Etihad coach service from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, for those who travel with Etihad in Economy. Tip: Make your free coach reservation 24 hours before your trip via Etihad’s website.

How to travel from Dubai to Sharjah

Public transportation – You can take the metro from Dubai to Rashidya Station in Sharjah in no time. You can also catch a bus to Sharjah from Deira bus station, which is only 15 minutes from the Dubai airport by taxi. If you’re in Bur Dubai, grab a bus from Bur Dubai Al Ghubaiba station to Sharjah.

Taxi – A taxi from Dubai to Sharjah will cost you 150AED ($40). 

Note that, whereas it’s pretty easy to travel from city to city by public transportation, in both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, it’s not very convenient to move around if you don’t have your own car. Therefore, you should consider renting one if you don’t want to depend on taxis. 

If you are planning to go outside of Dubai, I highly recommend you rent a car because the public transportation system is not convenient at all.

The good news is that gas is very cheap and the car rental price is quite fair and, if you are from any country within the European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, among some others, you can rent a car with your current driving license. For the rest of the nationalities, you will need a valid international driving license.

Where to stay in Dubai for a week

Dubai is a huge city with huge distances, composed of so many neighborhoods, so different from each other.

Choosing the area you want to stay in will depend on what you actually want to visit in Dubai, as well as on your budget, as prices vary enormously by area.

Moreover, if you are visiting the cities of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, you need to decide whether to visit them on a day trip or spend the night there as well.

I recommend you stay one week in Dubai because it is the only place where there is something going on at night and evenings. After 7pm, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are pretty boring.

I highly recommend you doing some proper research before choosing which area to stay at. For example, if you decide to stay in the Old City because you are on a budget, you should know that the beach of the Marina is more than 30km away.

A taxi would cost you around 75AED (20USD) and by metro, it would take almost 2 hours, so you should really think twice.

That’s why I decided to write a very comprehensive post which will help you with that: Which area to stay in Dubai: A guide to find the right accommodation

Dubai itinerary: 7 days in the UAE

Don’t forget: Best desert safaris in Dubai

My suggested Dubai itinerary involves visiting the most touristic sites on day 1 and 2, Old Dubai on the 3rd day and, if you are here for more than 3 days, visiting off the beaten track places on the 4th.

Dubai itinerary – Places to visit Dubai in 7 days

Day 1 – The glamorous, touristic Dubai

Remember to check: Best excursions, activities and day trips from Dubai

If you are visiting Dubai  for just one day, I recommend you visit the two most famous landmarks:

Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa 

Dubai is about extravagant and nonsensical buildings and, therefore, the two main attractions in the city are the largest mall in the world and the tallest building on Earth, which is attached to the mall.

I personally don’t like the Dubai Mall, basically, because I am not into shopping but I like the Burj Khalifa. By the way, you should know that, despite being the biggest mall, they extended it in 2018 by adding an additional luxury section.

Read: Tips + How to travel to Saudi Arabia

As per the Burj Khalifa, being the tallest building you will ever see, nobody can deny that this 160-storey building is actually impressive.

It won’t be the tallest one for very long though, as its two biggest competitors, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are currently building two brand-new towers which will be taller than the Burj Khalifa itself.

You can actually go to the top, but only to the 125th floor and, for some extra money, to the 148th. If you want to save money, you must book your tickets in advance.

In the evening, don’t miss the Dubai Fountain, which is the world’s largest musical fountain. It takes place every half an hour, from 6pm to 11pm.

Pro tip – I recommend you have dinner at Mezza House , my favorite Arab Restaurant in Dubai, serving the most delicious Lebanese food. It is right next to Burj Khalifa and it’s not particularly expensive.

Remember that you can visit Dubai on a half-day city tour .

Where to stay near Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa (Downtown)

Remember to check my guide to find the right accommodation in Dubai per area

Downtown is one of the fanciest and most expensive areas to stay at. Most people living here are expats, especially Arab Expats but a lot of Europeans. You should stay here if you want to be close to the best shopping areas and fanciest restaurants.

The most budget choice (Hostel) – The solo traveler – If you are on a tight budget, this brand-new hostel is right next to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, it has a Carrefour just downstairs, has mind-blowing views and offers budget dorms. If you are a solo traveler , think no further!

Top-rated hotel – Rove Downtown – The best value for money in Downtown. Not expensive but its rooms and facilities are right at the luxury boundaries. For this price, you can’t find anything better in Dubai.

Souq Madinat and Burj Al-Arab 

Some people claim that Souq Madinat is a fake bazaar that tries to imitate a traditional Arab souq.

I like to focus on the positive part of travel so, for me, this is just the adaptation of an Arab bazaar to the real concept of Dubai, which is a 21st century, luxurious and modern city.

Souq Madinat is actually pretty, has some cool canals with giant turtles swimming around and, since the place is attached to a couple of hotels, there are plenty of bars and high-quality restaurants serving alcohol.

Pro-tip – Have dinner at Tortuga , the most authentic Mexican restaurant in Dubai. When I say authentic I mean Mexicans come here to eat because they serve traditional dishes and not fake Tex-Mex food like nachos, quesadillas, and burritos. My girlfriend is Mexican and we used to go there all the time.

Moreover, from Souq Madinat, you get amazing views of Burj Al-Arab, the most luxurious hotel in the world. You can’t visit it though, unless you book a tour in advance, which often involves eating at one of the restaurants.

Where to stay in Souk Madinat

In Souq Madinat there are only 5-star hotels, so if you are on a budget, stay away from here.

Top-rated hotel – Jumeirah Mina A’Salam – Well, this Arabic-luxury-thematic hotel is absolutely gorgeous and quiet, located right next to the canal and with fantastic views of both the sea and Burj Al-Arab. It is one of the best luxury options in town.

Day 2 – Dubai Marina and JBR

Marina and jumeirah beach residence.

The Western expat land, home to a pleasant beach walk that, somehow, tries to replicate Santa Monica’s in LA, is a set of skyscrapers, which is more like a resort than an actual neighborhood but the truth is that there are a few hundred people living in them.

With as little as 10 or 15 years of history and a pretty decent beach where you can ride a camel while staring at 60-floor buildings, Marina is the place where people hang out, from tourists to Western expats, locals and 18-year old kids who spend the day driving around the area just to show off their fancy cars.

You can also book a speed boat tour around the Marina . CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

I lived in the Marina for 3 years and, despite sounding like a cheesy and pretentious area, this is the nicest part to live in Dubai, basically because it is the most Western-friendly.

You can easily get there by metro by going to a station which used to be called Marina but now they keep on changing the name constantly. Damac Properties is how they call it now I think.

Pro tip – The beach is nice but it is mostly filled with tourists. Expats go to Kite Beach, located in Jumeirah.

Where to stay close to Marina

The most budget choice (Hostel) – Top of Marina – If you wanna stay in one of the highest floors with great views of the Marina skyline, this hostel is truly amazing. It is actually located in the building I used to live and it has a few swimming pools, a gym and just everything you need. If you are on a budget and want to stay in the greatest place, this is your hostel!

The top-rated option – The Address Dubai Marina – This is my favorite building in the whole Dubai Marina, as it is just simple but impressive at the same time and located right next to the canal. It is one of the top-rated 5-star hotels in the city and has the best bars in the whole Marina.

Day 3 – The Palm, Jumeirah, Kite Beach and Jumeirah Mosque

The palm jumeirah.

After the Marina, if you continue along the coast you find the beginning of The Palm, that famous palm-shaped island which is attached to Dubai mainland and has an Atlantis Hotel replica at its furthest edge.

You can get to the very edge by a monorail that runs 20 meters above the street and, for me, this is the best part of this tiny trip, as you can get a feeling of the island’s shape. Otherwise, when you are walking over it, it is like being in a normal street plus the island itself is boring.

You can also book a speed boat tour around The Palm . CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Where to stay in The Palm

Unless you want to stay in Atlantis, which is the famous hotel, I don’t see a reason why you should stay in The Palm. There is nothing to do and it is far away from everything. In three years, I came here just three times and only because I had some company events and meetings.

The best – Atlantis – What can I say which you don’t know yet? The Atlantis is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and a replica of the hotel you find in the Bahamas. It also has a waterpark and loads of bars and restaurants.

Jumeirah, Kite Beach and Jumeirah Mosque

Following the road along the coast, 18km after The Palm (I already told you that distances in Dubai are huge), you find Jumeirah, a set of streets filled with expensive villas where the local Emiratis live.

I like this area because it is one of the very few actual walkable parts of Dubai and also because you find the Jumeirah Mosque, a small but beautiful mosque which non-Muslim people can visit and the only cultural site to visit in the new part of the city.

There is no metro line to come here but the bus leaves from the main street in Marina.

Pro tip – Go to Bu Qtair Fish restaurant , a pretty budget seafood restaurant that serves fresh fish cooked in the traditional Gulf way.

Old Dubai is my favorite part of the UAE as it is the only place with a real soul. You can easily there by metro. The place is huge though and it has several metro stations.

Bastiqaya and Bur Dubai

Inhabited by Indians since many hundreds years ago, when the local Arabs were still Bedouins living in the desert, this used to be one of the greatest centers of the pearl trade and industry, one of the region’s main economic pillars.

Today, Bastiqaya and Bur Dubai are still mostly inhabited by Indians who are able to provide a deeper cultural feeling than soulless Dubai. Here you will find authentic (and cheap) Indian eateries filled with tens of Indians, real bazaars and traditional architecture.

Bastiqaya is the place to get lost among its narrow alleys while savoring some real authentic cuisine in the many restaurants where, according to Indians, they serve the best Indian food in the world, because it tastes like back home but it is much more hygienic.

This is, by far, my most favorite place and the reason why I finally liked Dubai.

If you are interested in Old Dubai, you can book a Street Food tour around the maze streets of Bastiqaya. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Don’t forget to check out the Dubai Museum, which is built inside a fortress from the 18th century, the Creek, the Textile Souk and a real Hindu Temple that holds real Hindu ceremonies.  

Pro tip – If you need to buy any electronic, Bur Dubai has the cheapest stores in town, much cheaper than anywhere in Europe.

Where to stay in Bur Dubai

In Bur Dubai you find some of the cheapest accommodation in town:

The most budget – Gold Plaza Guest House – This is not a nice hotel but it is really cheap. If you look for the cheapest option, this is your place.

The top-rated – Raffles Dubai – A top luxury hotel but much cheaper than other similar options from Marina or Downtown. If you look for affordable luxury, this is your place.

Cross the Dubai Creek in an Abra, from Bur Dubai to Deira

Pay 1 AED and enjoy a fabulous ride in the abra, the traditional water taxi to cross the atmospheric Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai to Deira on the opposite side. The quaint old wooden boat has a fishtail carved out of wood. 

Deira and the spice market souq

From saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, sumac and turmeric, Deira has the most traditional and photogenic souq, selling all sorts of spices, to the extent that any Indian can actually cook any curry they can come up with.

Deira and the gold souq

If you are into jewelry and gold, this souq sells some of the cheapest gold in the world and its biggest attraction is one ring which is claimed to be the biggest ring on Earth, which doesn’t make any sense because it is so big that your entire body would fit into it, so it is a completely useless ring.

Where to stay in Deira

Deira also offers plenty of budget accommodation and the biggest advantage is that it is very close to the airport.

Budget – Mark Inn Hotel Deira – Simple but clean, cheap and excellent Middle Eastern service. For people on a budget, this is a really good option.

Top-rated – Rove City Center – This hotel has the largest number of really positive reviews, located in the new and fancy part of Deira. Excellent service and super modern facilities.

Day 5 – Get off the beaten track

These are my top off the beaten track activities to do in Dubai .

You can’t do everything in one day but you can choose 1 or 2 or replace some of the previous fancy stuff with any of these places:

Camel Racing

Be part of the heart-pumping action that is so integral to the Emiratis’ life at the Al Marmoom Racetrack deep in the desert sands.

It’s an experience like no other; about 60 camels rush out from the gates, long legs flying in every which direction, running as fast as they can down the track while the jockeys steer and hold on for dear life.

They are followed by their owners in 4X4s, yelling at their camels and jockeys to do better. The excitement is contagious and soon you’ll be screaming at your favorite camel (yes, you actually read that), just as you would at a horse race.

The camel race is one of the most traditional activities in the Arab Gulf and will be one of the highlights of your Dubai itinerary.

The races take place on Friday and Saturday, from October to April.

For more information, check this website .

Horse racing in Meydan

The national sport in the UAE is horse racing and, in fact, they have some of the best and most expensive horses in the world.

If you want to experience something very traditional but modern at the same time, you can’t miss the weekly horse racing at Meydan racing stadium, which takes place every Thursday at 7pm, from November to March.

The races are impressive, so is the atmosphere, as all types of people attend: from wealthy locals to expats and laborers. The general entry ticket is free but, of course, you can also get a premium seat, which gives you access to the bar and restaurant.

For further information, visit the  official website .

Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding

The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding is one governmental entity which tries to promote and create awareness of the Emirati culture, a culture which most foreigners have very little exposure to.

You can visit the center and book different tours but I recommend the lunch tour, which involves spending 1.5 hours with local Emiratis over a traditional Emirati lunch, who will explain you the customs in the UAE to you.

Since you will be having lunch with these men, the interaction will be higher and much closer than just visiting the center on a guided tour.

Heritage exclusive & eco-friendly Desert Safari

If you want a real desert, exclusive and off the beaten track adventure, go to the Heritage Safari, where you will drive, very slowly and quietly, over a track from where you can actually see oryx and real desert wildlife.

The cars are real, refurbished Land Rovers from the 50s and, unlike the regular desert safari, which is very close to the city and there is much noise from people and other cars, here you will find complete silence and the real feeling of what a desert is like.

You will have to book it in advance

If you want to go on a regular safari, check: 10 top desert safaris in Dubai

Day 6 – Day trip to Al Ain

After getting tired of Dubai, it is time to get outside of the city and, if you still want to experience some traditional culture, I strongly recommend you go to the Camel Market of Al Ain, which is a bustling, chaotic animal market, where you can bargain over the price of a camel and where you will find, literally, hundreds and hundreds of camels and a really authentic atmosphere.

Today, the sellers are not Emirati but Pakistani and Indian, even though most likely, the actual owners are locals.

However, the bazaar is still really genuine and, if you wander and wait for long enough, you will see wealthy Emiratis coming with their pickups to bargain for camels and other animals.

Every time I had friends visiting, I never hesitated to take them there, which means that I have been here so many times!

The market is, obviously, free and you will be one of the very few tourists. Al Ain is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Dubai and you can only come here by car.

Moreover, besides the market, Al Ain has also plenty of historical sites like Jahili Fort, a desert fort from the 19th century built in a beautiful oasis.

If you are self-driving, also go to Jebel Hafeet , a mountain whose road was voted among the greatest roads to drive in the world.

For more information, read: Things to do in Al Ain

You can book a full-day tour to Al Ain , which includes a visit to the camel market. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Where to stay in Al Ain

As you can see, there are quite a few things to do in Al Ain, so if you want to stay here overnight, I recommend these hotels. Good news is that all the hotels are much cheaper than in Dubai.

Budget – Ayla – This is the most decent, budget option in town, with plenty of good reviews actually.

Top-rated – Ayla Grand Hotel – One of the busiest and most popular options in town, this 5-star hotel is very close to the city center and it is a luxury option with unbeatable prices.

Go to Sheikh Zayed Mosque (a must) 

This is one of the largest mosques, with the largest carpet and the largest chandelier in the world.

The mosque can accommodate an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. It has 82 domes plus 1,000 marble columns and 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers everywhere.

One of the world’s biggest-ever chandeliers dominates the main prayer hall; it is 10 meters in diameter and 15 meters in height and weighs twelve tons.

If that weren’t enough, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, made by Iranian carpet weavers.

The mosque is surrounded by reflective pools that amplify its beauty. What glitters gold and white in the sun is transformed at night by a unique lightning system which reflects the phases of the moon. The best time to see the mosque is during sunset, at 5:30 P.M. The mosque has a ‘Sunset Hour’ sightseeing set up at that time, to enable visitors to see the best of the mosque. 

For more information, read this Abu Dhabi City guide

Pro Tip –  Modest clothing is expected when you enter the mosque, including an abaya for women (provided at the entrance) and covered head, shoulders, and knees for the men. The mosque is open from 9 A.M. to 10 P.M. every day and is open daily to visitors except on Friday morning.

How to get there – Well, there is no direct public transportation. You would first need to to take a bus from the outskirts of Dubai to the center of Abu Dhabi and then look for a taxi, which I don’t recommend.

Going directly by taxi from would cost, roughly, around 300AED (one way), so the best way is to rent a car or, even cheaper, to go on a tour.

If you aren’t self-driving, I recommend you book the tour with GetYourGuide , as they have pretty good deals for visiting the mosque which you can combine with visiting other places within Abu Dhabi.

Bonus! Extending your UAE itinerary

Liwa oasis (2 additional days, minimum).

Liwa Oasis is my most favorite place in the whole United Arab Emirates and, actually, one of my top places to visit in the Middle East .

Unfortunately, due to its remoteness and distance, you need a couple of days to enjoy Liwa.

Liwa Oasis is located in the southern-eastern part of the country, 250km from Abu Dhabi and 350km from Dubai, very close to the Saudi Arabian border.

The oasis is situated on the north-eastern edge of the  Empty Quarter (Rub-al-Jali) , a vast desert spread across the UAE, Saudi Arabia , Oman , and Yemen , which is the largest continuous sea of dunes in the world. It extends over an area of 650,000km² and measures 1,000km in length by 500km in width.

For more information, read my guide to the Liwa Oasis

Where to stay in Liwa

Budget –  Liwa Hotel –  The hotel is all right, nothing fancy but the location is quite unbeatable, right in the middle of the sea dunes, from where you get stunning views of the Empty Quarter.

Top-rated –  Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort –  This resort is the most awesome desert hotel in the country. With some of the most stunning views ever, this 5-star hotel is real Emirati luxury combined with tradition. Even if you are not staying here, it is worth checking out.

More information for visiting Dubai

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Access blocked sites – Remember that, if you want to use Skype, Whatsapp Call or Tinder you will need a VPN. For that, I recommend ExpressVPN , the best and fastest VPN in the market.

All guides and articles for traveling in UAE destination

• North Korean Restaurant in Dubai
• Authentic Restaurants in Dubai
• Dubai Travel Budget Guide
• Dubai Off-the-beaten Track
• Where to Stay in Dubai
• VPN for Dubai
• Best Desert Safaris in Dubai
• Best Day Tours & Excursions in Dubai
• Travel Guide to Liwa Oasis

Check more city guides

• Tunis Travel Guide
• Asmara Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Riyadh
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Beirut Travel Guide
• Erbil Travel Guide
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Astana
• Tashkent Travel Guide
• Baku Travel Guide
• Tbilisi Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Minsk
• Kiev Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Nouakchott
• A City Guide to Mosul

13 comments

This looks very nice itinerary of Dubai, as we all know that Dubai is nowadays top most tourist destination in the whole world and I think this must be the right way of exploring it. Thanks for sharing this lovely post.

My Bestie Anna is coming next week here. Will ask her to just glide through your informative read. Also I do wish to share few important tips for all others here ** Eventhough smart cards are easily accessible here good to carry a small amount of liquid cash **Good to carry a small kit with emergent medicines like Neosporin, etc,

Hi Nadiya, I removed your link because self-promotion or commercial links are not allowed

Dubai seems fantastic, Im going there soon and Im so exited.

An amazing blog indeed, This time I will visit UAE with my friends. I am hopeful that this information will be useful for all of us. Thanks to the author for sharing this.

glad you found it useful! cheers!

Dubai is a must visit destination for shopping enthusiasts and adventure lovers. I found this itinerary is very useful anybody can use it as a reference to plan Dubai holiday.

I love Jumeirah Beach. The glorious Jumeirah Beach lies along Dubai’s coast and gives you the opportunity to swim in the arabic gulf. Visitors to Jumeirah’s hotels can enjoy private beaches offering water sports. If you’re not a hotel guest, you can only relax at Jumeirah Beach Park, the public portion of the beach.

Nice Pics & Information…Thanks for sharing Keep Going! Am also interested visiting Dubai once in my life.

That’s an honest post!! I have never bored in Dubai and it’s luxury life.

What if I have the opportunity to visit in June or July? Is it worth it for a few days? I live in Singapore & I’m from Texas, so I’m accustomed to humidity & heat!

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Ultimate Dubai Travel Blog – Everything you need to plan a trip to Dubai

Hello and welcome to our Dubai Travel Blog!

Dubai Travel Planner aims to help first-time visitors through to repeat Dubai travel lovers who want to make the most out of their time in Dubai.

We take you through all the practicalities you need to know for planning a visit to Dubai, from UAE Visa requirements through to Dubai dress code and share with you all our insider tips for visiting Dubai’s top attractions , where to eat in Dubai and the best areas in Dubai for tourists to stay .

We also look beyond just the city of Dubai to fabulous day trips you can take within the 7 Emirates of the UAE , and further onto neighbouring Oman.  There are so many fascinating experiences you can have basing yourself in Dubai for your Arabian Adventure.

Our Dubai Travel Blog is broken down into some easy-to-use sections so you can find the information you are looking for:

• When to Visit Dubai
• What to Pack for Dubai
• Dubai Transport
• Dubai Laws, Visas and Customs
• Where to Stay in Dubai
• Where To Eat in Dubai
• Attraction Reviews
• Suggested Itineraries
• Around the Emirates
• Travel Blog

We also have month-by-month guides that take you through what weather you should expect, what to pack and what are the best things to see and do in Dubai at that time of year.

Our Dubai Blog will keep you up to date with the latest news and happenings in Dubai, seasonal events and how to get the most out our your Dubai experience. You might like to start with

• How to save money on attractions using the Dubai Pass
• Or how about our detailed guide on how you can day trip to Abu Dhabi to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ?

Our Dubai Travel Blog content is aimed at all types of travellers from singles and couples through to family travellers . We have lived with our family in the UAE for nearly a decade and have extensive experience tackling Dubai’s attractions as a family and with our many visitors over the years.

Living in the UAE has been an amazing learning experience and it delights us to share our passion for writing and exploring with a wider audience.

Come and take an explore around our site .  We are still quite new so developing our content every day! You can sign up to be on our mailing lis t if you’d like to know the latest happenings once a month. We also have a Facebook chat group aimed at family visitors to Dubai & the Middle East region.

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Dubai Travel Blog

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It was love at first sight for us in Dubai. From the moment we left the airport, Dubai was one big wow. We posted about our fantastically fun camel-riding, belly-dancing, dune-jumping adventure in the desert.  We’ve told you about the cultural heritage tour that took us beyond the glitz into the living heart of Old Dubai.  I may have mentioned, more than once, what an incredible experience seeing the dancing fountains at the Burj Kalifa was . Now some tips, a Dubai travel guide, things to do, places to stay and more on our Dubai travel blog round-up page.

The problem with Dubai is, you need a month to see and do it all. We can’t say we’ve been there that long, but we’ve been there multiple times, each time as layovers en-route to Bangkok, Singapore, Mumbai, Kathmandu and beyond. Each time we’ve had a blast.

Bookmark this very long guide to Pinterest to use when you plan your Dubai itinerary.

Each time we’ve done the same favourite things as well as added some experiences and tours. Here’s our round-up on things to do in Dubai to help you plan your Dubai trip.

We will most certainly be back to sample more, including the beaches and water parks and to experience more of the great quality Middle-Eastern accommodation, food and service that make Dubai such a stand-out destination.

We’ll also take more tours, (the company we normally use is GetYorGuide, our review is here) there are loads to take out of Dubai into surrounding areas.

If you’d like an overview of the tours, activities, transfers, boat trips, tickets, just everything awesome available from Dubai , then we can give you that. Looking at what’s available will really help you plan your Dubai itinerary.

Dubai is not, at all, our usual sort of destination, a lot of people stick their noses in the air and won’t even consider visiting Dubai. We were surprised how much we loved visiting, every time.

Yes, I found the excess hard to take after leaving the tent villages of the earthquake victims in Kathmandu. It upset me. However, Dubai is what it is and everywhere in the world has something unique and fascinating to offer.

This post relates to personal experience and opinion only, please double check facts for yourself as things change fast in Dubai.

Dubai Quick Guide to Activities and Tours

This is our pick of the best tours, experiences, and activities in Dubai!

• Book a private boat or yacht, for fishing or pleasure.
• Book a desert safari with 4×4 dune bashing, camels, dancing, dinner and dune surfing, there is a wide choice of excellent activities at Dubai’s desert camps.
• Reserve your chance to visit the Burj Khalifa Observation Deck , incredible views from the world’s tallest building.
• See Dubai, ancient and modern, a city tour to take in all of the main highlights , particularly good if you’re short of time
• Take in the exclusive, View From The Palm Jumeira.
• Enjoy the sparkling Dubai Marina on a yacht cruise with breakfast or BBQ onboard.
• Spend a day at the Atlantis (The Palm) Aquaventure water park and Lost Chambers Aquarium . This is a must-do in Dubai!

Where to Stay in Dubai

This is a little tricky because much of it is personal taste. There are some hugely luxurious coastal resort hotels for holidaymakers but there are also thousands of options within the different areas of the city and on The Creek.

It really depends on what you want to get out of your trip. Dubai hotels certainly come in the luxury category and budget hotels in Dubai are, not so budget as elsewhere.

For the ultimate Dubai experience, try looking at Atlantis the Palm or Burj al Arab on Jumeira Beach , you’ll need a fat wallet but it would be an experience never to forget.

Did you know The Atlantis has water rides, shark encounters, a teen and kids club and more? This is a bucket list item to tick off, check it out at our link above.

We tend to go for apartment-style hotels for stopovers of a few days. They include kitchens and washing machines, which makes life easier. They are towards the more budget-friendly end.

The Golden Sands series of apartment hotels  in Bur Dubai are popular and usually have swimming pools.  They are away from the coast but in a central area. We’ve stayed at a couple of their apartment hotels and they’ve been pretty good value.

Consider transport options. As a family of four, we generally find taxis are easier and cheaper than the Dubai metro. If you’re not sticking to a tight budget, luxury cars and transfers are easy to arrange.

Getting Around Dubai

When we visited, Dubai had two metro lines, red and green, which covered most of the tourist areas in and around the city.

The red line heads south as far as Jebel Ali. Tickets are per zone.

For tourists you can buy a red NOL card which allows travel on all metro, bus and tram networks.

You can preload your card with the amount of money and zones you wish to use.

I don’t really recommend catching the metro as for us it has always been overcrowded. On each occasion we’ve used it we’ve had to wait for several full trains to pass before we could force our way on. The ladies-only carriages didn’t offer any advantage when travelling as a family.

Taxis are a convenient way of getting around the city if you’re only going to a few places. For a family of 4, the cost isn’t much more than the metro. They are all metered and you won’t need to haggle. Just be cautious during peak hours when you could be stuck on one of the many large roads in gridlock traffic.

Buses are common across Dubai but unless you really know where you are going then I wouldn’t worry.  The NOL card will include travel on buses if you want to have a go. We have seen horrendous queues at the public bus station in Dubai, they were so bad we gave up on catching one.

A train line connecting the Emirates is currently under construction.

Flights to Dubai

We were victims of a scam when we flew to Dubai. Maybe read this post on 3rd party bookings  (it opens in a new tab so you don’t lose this page)  before you pay for your flight. Most of the local airlines are very good indeed and are some of our favourite carriers in the world.

Both Etihad and Emirates are sometimes able to offer free layover accommodation if you have a long lay over in Dubai.

Arriving at Dubai’s Airports

Dubai has two airports located at opposite ends of the city. The Dubai International Airport with code DXB and the newer Al Maktoum International Airport with code DWC.

Dubai International (DXB) is the main airport and is one of the world’s busiest in terms of international travellers. The information below was correct last time we visited.

It has 3 terminals in total and terminals 1 and 3 (exclusively Emirates and Qantas) are connected via a walkway but terminal 2 is on the other side of the airport.

Getting into Dubai from DXB is easy with multiple options from taxis, private hire transfers, buses and even the metro trains which stop at both terminal 1 and 3 or terminal 2 on a separate line.

Transfers between terminals 1 & 3 and terminal 2 require a shuttle bus so allow plenty of time.

DWC is located some 50 km south of the old town and isn’t as well connected to transport links. Probably the easiest option when arriving is to catch a taxi directly to your hotel. This is more expensive than taxis from DXB. Not many airlines use the new airport and the chances of flying in here aren’t high.

If you need to connect between DWC and DXB then you can catch the metro line as far south as Ibn Battuta and then the dedicated bus directly to the airport. Obviously, it is the same in reverse.

Please double check all of this information for yourself, we do our best to stay current, but can’t guarantee this. I wouldn’t recommend this if you have large amounts of luggage.

The other option is taxi which will be expensive and take a long time. Allow plenty of time as traffic in Dubai can often be at a stand-still depending on the time of day.

Abu Dhabi airport is another option, Emirates / Etihad gave us a free transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi airport.

Dubai With Kids

Dubai is absolutely, without doubt, one of the best and easiest places in the world to take kids. It’s just not a cheap family destination!

There are hundreds of ultra-fun, family, and kid-friendly things to do in Dubai. My children love the camel safari we mentioned above, but there’s also the mall, beaches, pools, and theme parks.

Dubai is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world, if you don’t mind the cost. Dubai is, of course, considered very safe.

For more cultural travel there is old Dubai and Arabic culture to discover. Maybe visit mosques such as Jumeirah Mosque.

Just some of the attractions for kids in Dubai are below. Things to do in Dubai with kids, that are child-friendly, include:

• Kidzania Dubai Mall
• Sega World Dubai Mall
• The Ice Rink at Dubai Mall
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Dubai Mall
• Desert Safaris as mentioned here
• Legoland Dubai
• IMG World of Adventure Theme Park
• Bounce Dubai
• Wild Wadi Water Park near Jumeira Beach
• VR World Dubai Mall
• Dubai City Walk
• Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis the Palm
• Dancing Fountains at the Burj Khalifa
• Dolphin Bay at Atlantis the Palm

Our full post on Dubai with kids is coming soon.

Dubai Beaches

The beaches were very clean and the water calm when we were last in Dubai. Water temperature wasn’t as warm as you’d think but not as cold as the Mediterranean.

The beaches have shops and restaurants backing them but there is little shade making it very hot and exposed in the middle of the day.

If you’re not staying on the beach, getting there will probably require a taxi or shuttle bus as the metro stopped a few blocks back. Our hotel provided a shuttle bus to the beach.

Swimwear is fine at the beach, but cover up elsewhere.

Finding Culture and History in Dubai- Old Dubai

It’s not just about gleaming skyscrapers. Down by The Creek, you can find the Al Fahidi Historical District where wind towers (see them above) coral block houses, and well-restored traditional Arabian doorways give you a glimpse into yesterday.

The historic area is relatively small but is nonetheless fascinating.

Take a tour as we did , before wandering down to The Creek, visiting the souks and Dubai Fort.

Dubai’s Gold and Spice Souks

Again these Dubai Souks are small compared to those you see in Istanbul or Egypt , but nonetheless, you should go.

Identify spices as you stroll the alleyways and be stunned by just how much gold it’s possible to wear.

Just be very, very wary of buying. Some of the biggest rip-offs we’ve ever seen are here. ALWAYS ask the price first, even for camel milk ice cream.

Cross The Creek by boat from Old Dubai to get here.

Dubai Museum of The Future

Dubai’s new Museum of the Future is due to open on February 22nd 2022. Obviously, we haven’t been, but if it opened on time we’ll be there soon. It looks incredible.

Visitors journey into a future over multiple floors of a stunningly beautiful construction.

Visit the website here to learn more. It’s on Sheikh Zayed Road and tickets should be available soon.

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek divides Dubai into two areas, Deira and Bur Dubai.

It was the main port and entry to Dubai for many years and it wasn’t until 1963 that the first bridge was built over it.

You can still take boats across the creek but they are mainly for tourists and a few people commuting between the two areas.

A boat ride costs very little and is a nice thing to do when visiting the souks and Old Dubai. These attractions are on either side of The Creek.

The Fish Market

The old Deira Dubai fish market which had been around for decades finally shut its doors as the new Waterfront market opened.

The old market was a great place to visit but it was tired and was long overdue for an upgrade.

Being so busy the vendors had taken to selling their wares in the parking lot out the front.

Like most things in Dubai, it wasn’t updated but replaced with a brand new purpose-built market.

Located near Hamriya Port, the Waterfront Market offers fresh fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables. It has everything any modern market would have with coffee shops and restaurants opening as development progresses.

It isn’t on the metro line so I’d suggest a taxi and get there early to see the day’s catch.

The Date Market

Part of the old Deira Market, the fruit and vegetable market will also be moving to the new Waterfront Market further north.

It will take a while to get it up and running properly and make sure that all the shops have tenants but when it is finished it will be great to see.

The largest mall in the world by area is how this mall is often described and you could easily lose days here.

We loved Dubai aquarium on the ground floor of The Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa outside where you’ll be able to see the water fountain display every evening.

Please check times and dates for variations.

Getting to and from the mall was easy with either the crowded metro (don’t try and catch it during peak hour) or the taxi ranks located at designated areas on the lower ground floor.

During peak hour we had an hour wait to catch a taxi but the designated waiting areas are well manned and all taxis were official and on meters.

You’ll notice that many of the attractions listed above under Dubai with Kids are in the mall. Add to these, one of the biggest candy stores we’ve ever seen (it was opposite the huge viewing tank of the aquarium) and you have kid paradise.

Where is the Dubai Mall?

The Dubai Mall is in the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, a country in the continent of Asia, and the Middle East. It is located on Financial Center Street, Along Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai fountains.It is part of the Downtown centre, known as Downtown Dubai, a building project which took over 20 million dollars to create. It has it’s own Metro stop and parking for cars. The nearest Metro Stop is the the Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station but the walk to the Dubai Mall itself, from the station, is around 15 minutes through air-conditioned walkways and shops.

The Dubai Mall and Mall of The Emirates are two different places.

Tours of Dubai

We’ve always found it hard to book tours in Dubai, the only local option seems to be to book via your hotel.

Of course, they have an agenda and will point you towards the tours that pay them best.

We first discovered GetYourGuide in Dubai when we booked our Desert Safari (book using this link) and have been using them ever since. They have a lowest price guarantee and come with the peace of mind that a big company gives you.

We use them, we trust them. There are dozens of tours, from sightseeing to dinners to major adventures and thrills that only Dubai can provide. Check out the top Dubai tours and attractions here.

Tours From Dubai

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and multiple tours are available from Dubai.

These are very popular and well worth doing. We tried and failed to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus. In the end we took a free shuttle.

Read about getting f rom Dubai to Abu Dhabi here .

Dubai Currency and Cash

The currency of Dubai is the UAE Dirham and most transactions in Dubai will be via Apple Pay, Google Pay or any major credit card.

Read our full post on handling money and currency exchange in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world (it may not be now) it stands at 829.8 m in downtown Dubai.

It is so high that we heard people living above the 80th floor should wait 2 minutes and people above 150 should wait 3 minutes before eating during Ramadan as the setting sun can still be seen from these floors.

The building is mixed usage, with apartments, restaurants, offices and viewing areas. It has won many awards for its architecture.

The Burk Khalifa also holds numerous records for base jumping, both official and unofficial.

Each night it hosts a water fountain display which is located just outside of the Dubai Mall at the base of the Burj.

We’ve enjoyed this Dubai fountain show several times now, it’s quite special. Expect crowds.

At the end of the display is when taxi ranks at the mall will be very full. It can easily take an hour to get into a taxi.

Burj Al Arab

The beautiful Burj Al Arab on Jumeirah Beach is said to be the most luxurious hotel in the world. It’s 6 star status actually came about because of a misunderstanding.

It’s certainly a stunning building and a trip to the beach will give you great views. If you’d like to stay, check it out . I know I would.

Food in Dubai

Obviously, you can get anything you’d like in Dubai, it’s a big modern city. The most authentic local food we found was probably on our cultural tour and Emirati lunch and the street snacks we bought in the souk near Old Dubai (pictured above).

We tend to self-cater a lot in Dubai, not my favourite thing, but good cheap eats are thin on the ground.

Look out for the supermarket chain, Spinneys, there seems to be one every few paces.

What to Wear in Dubai

Surprisingly, there are no hard and fast restrictive dress rules around Dubai.

You’ll see women fully covered through personal choice while others wear swimsuits or bikinis at the beach and around pools.

However, if you’re heading to the mall, a restaurant, market, or really, any public place. Show some respect in terms of dress.

Certain items are not allowed, very short shorts and skirts, crop tops, strappy tops and so on.

Cover up from shoulders to knees and all should be well.

Men should also show similar respect.

Please check current requirements and dress regulations for anywhere you’re planning to visit in Dubai.

The locals always seemed dressed to the nines and you’ll be amazed by the well-groomed, fragrant, dazzlingly white-robed men and their immaculately made up partners.

Even if you can only see eyes, those eyes will be faultless and captivating.

Dubai-Best Times to Visit

December is a popular time to visit Dubai, with school holidays, Christmas, and cooler temperatures making Dubai a great winter sun destination.

Probably the worst time to visit Dubai would be July and August, when you could see temperatures up to 50C.

The best time to visit Dubai is generally the cooler months, November through to February. But Easter can be OK too.

Generally, Dubai is a winter destination for most northern hemisphere tourists (UK, Europe, USA), a summer destination for Australians escaping the Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney or Adelaide cold!

Can You Drink the Tap Water in Dubai?

Nearly all the drinking water in Dubai comes from desalination. The government has stated that it is safe to drink when it leaves the processing plants.

A lot of locals don’t drink the water blaming bad taste and the pipes that carry it.

We’re happy brushing our teeth with tap water but wouldn’t be drinking glasses of it.

Can You See Shows in Dubai?

Yes, Dubai has numerous shows, the biggest and best is probably La Perle by Dragone .

You can also see a belly dancing and tanoura dance show on most desert safaris in Dubai.

What to Take With You to Dubai

There’s very little that you’d need to pack for Dubai that you can’t buy there. Dubai culture revolves around shopping, they’ll have what you need. 

You’ll be in a city, so the sort of travel gadgets we normally recommend are redundant.

Theft isn’t a big worry but think about anti theft bags and devices particularly for the souks.  

Dubai is one of the places that we visit to stock up on things like good quality jeans and underwear, so don’t over-pack.

That’s it for now. We’re heading to Dubai again this autumn so this post will be updated yet again and more content added. It was a pleasure creating this Dubai travel blog and guide to help you plan your trip to Dubai and UAE. Can you use the red Pinterest button below to save this post to Pinterest? Or hover over the centre of one of the long images and a button will appear by magic. You can then choose which Pinterest image you like best. Thanks!

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If you'd like to hire a car during your stay, use this car rental comparison tool to find the best deal! We also suggest you take a look at this company to get a quote for all kinds of the more tricky adventure or extended travel insurance. Try Stayz / VRBO for an alternative way to find rentals on homes/apartments/condos in any country!

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Alyson Long

Everest base camp trek itinerary, ​best gyms in dubai, 84 thoughts on “dubai travel blog”.

What a great article! We’re lucky enough to be a photography company based in Dubai. You’re quite right about the best view of the Burj Al Arab being from Jumeirah beach. We’ve shot headshots there a few times.

Nice Blog, Can you next write a text about yacht in Dubai and the market development?

No, I can’t. I write about travel Tim. And we don’t take spammy guest posts.

It is interesting to read how you enjoyed many diverse experiences during your Dubai travel. I have always been eager to visit Dubai.

I love how you have gone from making modest amounts through your blogs to now making enough to fund your families lifestyle. It is truly inspiring. Keep doing what you do, so that we can continue to follow and learn from you, as we muddle our way through a journey of our own!

Your blog is a captivating read, beautifully showcasing the wonders of Dubai’s tourism and travel scene. It serves as an excellent guide for people seeking to discover the vibrant attractions and unique experiences Dubai has to offer. From stunning landmarks to fascinating cultural insights, Dubai is undeniably a delightful destination to explore.

Additionally, Dubai provides exceptional transportation options, including the renowned Dubai metro. With its extensive network and state-of-the-art facilities, the Dubai Metro offers a convenient and efficient way to navigate the city. Travelers can enjoy a comfortable and seamless journey while admiring the modern architecture and stunning cityscape from the metro’s panoramic windows.

To elevate your travel experience further, consider complementing your adventures with the luxury of a chauffeur-driven car. Indulge in the convenience and opulence of a luxury vehicle, ensuring a truly memorable and effortless trip throughout Dubai.

The Dubai metro can be very crowded. As a family we normally just take a taxi.

Very insightful blog! Thanks for sharing helpful information.

See why so many travelers make La Quinta Jumeriah by Wyndham their hotel of choice when visiting Dubai. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers an array of amenities designed for travelers like you.

La Quinta Dubai is the perfect choice for a luxurious and comfortable stay in Dubai. Ranked as the top hotel on Tripadvisor, our hotel apartments in Dubai offer exceptional hospitality and customer satisfaction. Book your stay at Dubai’s best hotel now!

Nice Blog, Thank you for sharing this information with us. We also provide family taxis with baby car seats. You can also visit our website.

Your description of Dubai travel really seems tempting. I am actually looking for cleartrip flights that will help me get the same experience in Dubai. I have always dreamt of witnessing the true beauty of the deserts. I wished to witness the belly dance myself and now you have mentioned it in this post and tempted me further. Nice post!

What a sensational guide here. Dubai has long been on our list. The closest we’ve been was Oman, when visiting Nizwa. I just love the feel in that part of the world. Middle Eastern hospitality is epic.

Hi Ryan good to hear from you again, we’re actually off to Jordan tomorrow, another Middle Eastern country checked off.

All place is nice but Dubai Love Lake is most top place according to me.

Thanks, we’ll add that soon.

You write such beautiful blog, and its help to introduce people with dubai tourism and travel, peoples make there holidays to know about that places and ideas, dubai is a such a lovely place. Enjoy your trip with luxury car with chauffeur service.

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Dubai again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

We offer Dubai Tour Packages From India at an affordable price. Dubai is one of the most visited travel destinations across the globe and this destination is not only for honeymooners but also for the solo travelers and for family vacationers.

Looking forward to try out some of these places! We’ll be in Dubai next Fall… can’t wait to get there. Talitha

Hi Talitha! Good to see you here again. Hopefully, we’ll be out of here about June, still don’t have passports, and D just bought himself a new kitten, so I don’t think he’ll want to leave here. She’s on the Tropical Food Garden Instagram, super cute. Have a great trip!

I really like this article you have written. Most of the things you mention here are very accurate. We also have Luxury Holiday Homes in Dubai.

Wonderful post! I recently filled out the Dubai Visa Application Form with the help of a reputable visa consultancy. Since then, I have been looking for some interesting places to visit in Dubai. That is when I stumbled upon your post. Your interesting Dubai travel guide coupled with beautiful pictures has piqued my interest. I am pretty excited to visit Dubai with my husband next month.

Strange. We’ve never needed a visa for Dubai.

What a great article! We’re lucky enough to be a photography company based in Dubai. You’re quite right about the best view of the Burj Al Arab being from Jumeirah beach. We’ve shot headshots there a few times.

Hi, It’s great content. This is the ultimate guide for first-time Dubai travelers. Really informative and fun to read, I am planning to visit Dubai, I have book also H Hotel Dubai, as per my google search The H Dubai Hotel is located right in the heart of the Middle East’s most dynamic city. The city’s main attractions including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Dubai Mall, Dubai Garden Glow, La Mer Beach, and Dubai World Trade Center are a short distance from the hotel.

You have a comprehensive Dubai travel guide here. This will help travellers interested in doing self-packaging, find their way around Dubai. I’ve commented with love from Dubai tour pro.

Arabian Desert Safari

Dubai Desert Safari tour is among the very popular activities. The combination of various activities is the reason behind it,s popularity. Dubai desert safari deals include dinner, tours & shows.

Desert Safari Dubai Desert Safari Toura

Your content is amazing, I appreciate it. But if you want to off-roading in the desert of Dubai, You can contact us, we care about your experiences.

Greetings, Awesome blog. Burz Khalifa is my favorite place over there.

Beyond Dubai

Excellent post! Your Dubai travel experiences have nudged me to get a Dubai visa. Some of the adventure activities like camel riding, dune jumping, belly dancing and desert safaris look really enjoyable. I would love to experience all these amazing attractions and more in Dubai with my lovely wife. Hope she likes the short Dubai getaway.

Excellent Article Loved it, thanks for sharing

RENT A DUNE BUGGY TOURS IN DUBAI You worry about dune buggy riding techniques, so you don’t need to worry about it all! Your safety is our priority. As our buggies are equipped with advanced modernized safety features with comfortable bucket seats giving you all the cushion you need to immerse yourself in the red crystals of desert dunes.

WOW Amazing I absolutely enjoyed every part of your website and i also have you bookmarked to see new stuff in your site.

Etihad Airline flight, Just amazing — they’ve never been late for me, but Etihad booking cancellation policy is easy to understand. After searching so much about the modification policy, finally, I got a solution. They have crisp, short, and relevant information about modification, cancellation, check-in, Baggage, and Pet policy. They helped me a lot during the harsh Covid-19 time. I am very thankful to the team of airlinespolicy.

The Golden Sands series of apartment hotels is good.

explanation of Dubai Tourism by your blog is a very good manner

Don’t miss Emirati food. Bin Eid Restaurant is the Best and oldest Emirati restaurant in Dubai

this blog is really helpful for travelling to Dubai however, home to more than 200 nationalities; Dubai is very tolerant, cosmopolitan and multicultural. This rainbow of diversity brings an array of delectable global cuisines, fashion and delightful entertainment from around the world right to its shores, much to the delight of curious visitors. When in Dubai, just as in any other foreign destination, respect for local customs and culture is important and it’s recommended to dress modestly, particularly in public spaces like shopping malls and restaurants and when visiting the heritage areas just like Al Fahidi Dubai and the Dubai Creek. There are few things you should take care of while visiting to Dubai.

This guide is very interesting and I came to know many things about Dubai through this blog. However there is one thing very less people are aware about. Bird-watchers will be thrilled to hear that there are over 320 bird species that migrate between Europe, Asia and Africa via Dubai. During the spring and fall, birds such as spotted eagles, broad-billed sandpipers, and greater herons pass through the city. They can be seen on a visit to Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and a falconry safari is a must for bird-lovers young and old. Experience the traditional sport of falconry first-hand with a greater spotted eagle, Harris’ hawk, and desert eagle owl.

The answer is that the flight tickets, hotel fares, and hence the overall package cost would be high as the lock-down lifts.

Your blog has literally provided all the impetus to visit Dubai with my kids. I can imagine myself enjoying in this city with my family as I was going through it. I have already been to this city twice on an official tour. That’s why I couldn’t explore it to the fullest owing to the lack of time. But I will see to it that I spend a full fledged vacation here very soon with my family.

Good to hear!

Dubai is indeed a must-go travel destination in the Middle East, especially during this winter season. You will enjoy every amenities and events in every nook and corner of the city. The way you have described Dubai in your blog makes it more exciting for travelers from all over the world to be here soon.

Hi! Great content. This is the ultimate guide for first time Dubai travelers. Really informative and fun to read! 🙂 I think your readers would find this little info on Car rental services in Dubai to be useful!

Very interesting and informative blogs. Must read

This is excellent Travel guide thanks for sharing;

wow….so nice…. Dubai mall is so amazing…….

well written,… congrats,,,,,,,,,

Very informative blog.

Even Dubai natives may not know this much about Dubai.

A definitive Dubai Travel Blog anyone ever needs in my opinion.

Keep up the good work.

All the best,

Exellent info about Dubai

Thanks for sharing such an important information with us but i also want to add one point that you don’t mention, Dubai’s safe and secure taxi service…i experienced taxi service last month for the first time really it was fabulous.

Hi, I am planning to visit Dubai. I have a craze to go on the safari desert, and I also have amazed to see water parks in Dubai. Can you please recommend a budget to enjoy 15 days in Dubai. Should I wait for the off-season to travel?

I can’t really advise on a budget because we all spend differently. Dubai is an expensive destination. You will be spending – probably a few hundred dollars a day depending on what you do and what you spend, up to thousands per day if you stay at the Burj. All these tours are pretty expensive too. You can self cater and eat at McDonalds or use nice restaurants. You can spend a fortune or you can keep it as budget as possible. I’m sorry I can’t really help much more.

Iam going to Dubai in Nov.19 as single passenger through a travel agency. Can I visit all places safely with the cab driver.Though the travels is watching me via WhatsApp, is this safe ? Iam 68 years old.can I go around all the places easily without any guide?.

In my opinion, yes, but you can find bad people anywhere, I’ve never felt unsafe in Dubai. The opposite infact, I feel highly safe there and have wandered around by myself, as a woman, often. They have tough laws. Just follow normal safety procedures.

Your blog is unbelievably fantastic. This is very nice and informative blog. National Day UAE 2019 .

Great post! Thanks for sharing. I think a lot of travellers are looking for more ops to make those cultural connections and see more.

EXCELLENT ARTICLE…

Thank you. Appreciated.

Thanks For deep knowledge about Dubai Foods and Clothes

Thanks for sharing the post. Dubai is the perfect place to enjoy the holiday with family.

Beautiful article, Really interesting to read. I have gone to Dubai one year later with the assistance of a tour operator . I got a wonderful experience. Thanks for sharing this article.

Very well explained all about dubai travel guide. Thanks for the great dubai travel ideas. Very informative post indeed.

This was a complete article on Dubai. Thanks for sharing this amazing knowledge. Keep up the good work, Cheers!!!

The best time to explore Dubai is in Winter time. Dubai is known for its luxury homes, this guide is more than that. thank you for sharing your experience.

Very comprehensive blog post on Dubai tour. It is beneficial for all the visitors who are going to Dubai. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Hi Alyson Long,

Thanks for sharing your knowledge about Dubai. It’s very helpful for me when I visit in Dubai as a traveler or I am also happy to read your travel blog because I also love traveling.

I simply say keep it up and don’t stop writing a blog for travels

Hi, can you suggest any site for tours and trips in emirates or dubai? Which one will be used there? I found getyouguide, tripadvisor and tripsemirates.com. Thanks, Tony

We provide links to GetYourGuide tours on this page. Scroll back up and have a look, we use them a lot and can certainly recommend the desert safaris we mention above, we also tried an speed boat tour recently. They are our preferred company.

Yes. We took the on off bus. It has three different guided tours, each a different color. We did all 3 in one day. Reasonably priced, Feel like we saw all highlights of Dubai.

Very easy to get a taxi or hop on the Metro also. But beware bad traffic and packed trains. It’s not a place you can walk much other than down around The Creek, Old Dubai and the Souks, with the little fery boats to cross.

Desert Safari Dubai is an amazing trip that will give you a unique experience. The undulating sands are not only an attraction, but they are an adventure that you should not miss. The sand will beckon you with the shine and mystery that is has hidden in it. The desert is one of natures amazing gifts to mankind that you should go on a Desert Safari to fall in love with the sand dunes.

I really like the blog you have written on Dubai very informative and in detail. I think you covered almost everything from hotels to popular places, activities, travelling, etc

Nice and simple guide for people planning to visit Dubai! I saw the city while watching live cricket match in Dubai. The city is very beautiful! I would love to go there!

Hi. I just came across your blog and wanted to know if there’s any place in Dubai where tourists can go horseriding?

I’m sure there are although I’ve never done it. Use the links above to the other tours and search through what’s listed there. Have fun !

Hi, We will be there in Dubai from 31/10/2018 to 14/11/2018. With my three kids,wife and mother.we are looking for deals at popular destinations.any suggestions?

Just spent 2 days in Dubai. The airport and process,of entering are seamlessly organized. Everyone very helpful, We chose,the Big Bus, on and off for tours of the city, marina and beach. Well worth the beautiful sites and stories of Dubai. We also visited Dubai Mall and saw the beautiful fountain light display.

We are planning a trip for Dubai in late December for roundabout 8-9 days We are a family of 4 including 2 children Can you help plan a tour? We are planning to save on the accommodation by buying some apartments but can’t find any reasonable options.

Hello! We will go to Dubai on Dec. 23 to 30, any suggestion for our itinerary? Any any suggested hotel which is cheap, comfy and near to mall and metro. Thanks in advance.

I’ll get back to you ASAP Loren. Been up Everest!

My husband and I are headed to Dubai in October as part of our round the world adventure. There seems to be conflicted information about brining in prescription medications, I am prescribed meds for anxiety and sleep. Have you heard problems arising at customs? We plan to have original bottles, prescriptions and letter from doctor. Any feedback would be helpful. Thank you.

Hi Jude. We don’t have prescription drugs so no first hand experience, but yes, it DOES happen. Keep all drugs in their original containers and have your doctor’s notification, but also check which drugs and medications are illegal or banned in Dubai. It’s not just Dubai, certain drugs, legal in your own country, can get you into deep trouble in others, even if prescribed. I’m sorry I can’t be much more help than that.

Thank you for the insights! I am heading to Dubai this autumn and look forward to exploring this amazing city.

Have a great time Claudette!

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Dubai Travel Guide: What To Do | Budget Tips | Day Trips & More

Things to do in Dubai Dubai Travel Guide Dubai Travel Guide

Get ready to go on an epic adventure as I spill the beans on one of the most dazzling gems of the Middle East – Dubai! I've called this city home for quite some time, and let me tell you, it's a place that never ceases to amaze me. In this comprehensive travel guide, I'm dishing out all the deets from A to Z – why you absolutely must visit Dubai, how to prep for your journey, the top-notch things to check off your bucket list, breezy ways to get around, hidden gems near the city, the scoop on the best neighborhoods to crash, cozy hotels to make your stay memorable, and of course, the lowdown on what and where to chow down. Stick with me, and we'll even explore how to enjoy this dazzling destination without burning a hole in your pocket. Buckle up, let's dive into the fabulous world of Dubai together!

4 reasons you should visit Dubai

How to prepare for your trip to Dubai?

Visa requirements.

Navigating the UAE's visa landscape is like picking out the perfect outfit for your Dubai adventure – it's essential, and the options are diverse! Depending on your passport, you could either walk in visa-free, get one online, or apply for one at the embassy in your country. For the short-term fling, there's the UAE Tourist Visa, perfect for stays under 30 days. For a longer affair, you can dive into the world of UAE Residence Visas – Student, Work, Family, Retirement, or even the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa. Level up with the Long-Term Residence Visa, offering 5-10 years of UAE bliss. Just passing through? The UAE Transit Visa has your back.

Health insurance

Before you get swept away by the glitz of Dubai, let's chat about health insurance. Trust me, it's like having a golden ticket to the healthcare wonderland. While not a must for citizens from visa-free countries, snagging travel insurance is a savvy move. In a city where healthcare costs can empty your pockets, you want to be covered. Think ambulance rides, doctor dates, and unexpected hospital shindigs. Opt for a policy that hugs you in emergencies, guards against trip disruptions, shields your luggage and even has a plan for getting you home if things go sideways.

Best time to visit

Buckle up for the prime seasons – November to February, where the city flaunts its A-game. The desert escapades, live gigs, and perfect weather make it a dreamy getaway. March, April, September, and October dial it down for a laid-back escape without the hustle. Dubai's got a year-round charm, thanks to futuristic cooling tech! High season (Nov-Apr) rocks with cooler temperatures, lively events, and festive vibes, but brace for pricier tags. Low season (May-Aug) suits budget travelers with great summer deals, and my favorite, shoulder season (Sep-Oct), beckons with sea frolics on a budget.

Language Arabic

Time zone GMT +4

Country Code +971

Socket Type G

Currency AED

Top things to do in Dubai

Dubai's a massive playground I've been lucky enough to explore every nook! From the towering heights of Burj Khalifa to the mind-bending views at Dubai Frame, the wild wonders of Safari Park, the floral magic of Miracle Garden, the chilly thrills at Ski Dubai, the heart-pounding Desert Safari, and the cultural extravaganza at Global Village – we're diving into the city's beating heart.

Landmarks in Dubai

Adventure in Dubai:

Buckle up for Dubai's adrenaline buffet – where adventures are as bold as the skyline! From dune bashing and a free-fall euphoria with Tandem Skydiving, to frosty fun at Ski Dubai and breezy Sailing escapades, get ready to turn your vacation mode into a full-throttle adventure!

Observation decks in Dubai

Elevate your Dubai experience to new heights with the city's jaw-dropping observation decks. Get ready for eye-popping panoramas at The View at the Palm and Burj Khalifa's At The Top. Immerse in futuristic vibes at the Dubai Frame, and soak up the cityscape at Sky Views Observatory. These decks aren't just platforms; they're front-row seats to Dubai's glittering skyline

Unmissable experiences in Dubai

Brace yourselves for Dubai's show-stoppers – the unmissable experiences that'll add a dash of magic to your trip. Glide through the city lights on enchanting Dhow Cruises, savor the sky-high culinary thrill with Dinner in the Sky, and get ready to be mesmerized by the aquatic wonders at La Perle.

Getting around Dubai

Before we get into the ways of getting around Dubai, let's talk about the magic wand of Dubai commuting – the NOL card. This little card is your golden ticket to glide through the city hassle-free. Just tap your NOL card at Metro and Waterbus gates, RTA Bus entrances, and parking meters – and voilà, you're on your way! Load it up with credit before your adventures begin, and you're set to conquer Dubai's transport wonders. Metro rides, breezy bus journeys, water escapades, tram adventures, and even parking – NOL's got your back.

• Metro: Hop on the sleek Dubai Metro for a hassle-free city tour. With the Red Line stretching from Dubai Intl Airport to UAE Exchange and the Green Line meandering from Etisalat to Al Qusais Creek, it's the ultimate transit duo. Switch lines at Union or Bur Juman for a seamless ride, making exploring Dubai's vibrant neighborhoods a breeze.
• Bus: Feel the cool breeze in air-conditioned comfort aboard Dubai's RTA buses. Equipped with NOL card sensors and accessible for all, these buses cover the city efficiently. Even the bus stops are cooled – a thoughtful touch to combat Dubai’s heat.
• Trams: Ride the modern wave with the Dubai Tram, connecting Dubai Marina to the Palm Jumeirah and Al Sufouh. With Wi-Fi, disabled access, private cabins, and dedicated metro police, it's a deluxe journey with seamless transfers to the metro and Palm Jumeirah monorail.
• Cabs: Dubai's ubiquitous taxis offer convenience at a cost. Despite being pricier, their availability and comfort make them a go-to choice. Spot them at malls, tourist attractions, or simply hail one on the road.
• Monorail: Glide along the Palm Islands with the Dubai Monorail, the Middle East's first. The Monorail also accepts the NOL card now. Connecting to the mainland and having future plans to link with the Metro Red Line, it's a unique journey, where a one-way ticket opens the door to Palm Jumeirah's wonders.
• Abras: Step back in time with Abras, Dubai's traditional water taxi. Half boat, half raft, they gracefully traverse the Dubai Creek, providing a link to the city's rich history. As you float across the waters, it's a nostalgic nod to the old days, offering a serene and scenic ride.
• Ferries: Embark on a journey with a touch of tradition on Dubai Ferries. Echoing the design of Abras, these boats ferry passengers along the picturesque 14-km stretch of the Dubai Creek.

Places to visit near Dubai

Buckle up for nearby city jaunts that'll add a pinch of diversity to your journey. Sneak off to Abu Dhabi, the UAE's glitzy capital, just a road trip away, flaunting architectural wonders and cultural gems. Sharjah, a cultural haven, beckons with vibrant markets and artsy vibes. Craving beach bliss? Head to Ajman, where pristine shores await. For an old-meets-new vibe, Ras Al Khaimah's got you covered with historic sites, adventurous activities at Jebel Jais, and modern luxuries. These neighboring gems are like Dubai's cool cousins, each offering a unique flavor to savor.

Best neighborhoods to stay in Dubai

For the views, nightlife & beaches, on a budget, luxury stay, where to stay in dubai for the views - downtown .

Downtown is the heart of Dubai. It is where the glitz and glam take center stage. It's the Dubai you've seen on TV, boasting the iconic Burj Khalifa, luxe shopping havens, and chic boulevards. This vibrant hub is the reason Dubai is in the spotlight. With dazzling club nights, fountain spectacles, and the world's largest mall, Downtown is the ritziest playground in Dubai. Do your research on cheap accommodation here because this area can get quite expensive!

Where to Stay in Dubai for Nightlife & beaches - Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence

The lively duo of Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (my home turf) is the epitome of Western vibes in this cit. Spending the best of my 20s growing up in JBR, with its sandy shores and chic promenade was a dream! Peek beyond, and the Marina's towering skyscrapers and scenic canals steal the show. Living here is a breeze for European expats with endless bar options, relaxed beach vibes, and fewer wardrobe restrictions. It's the hub of fun, flaunting a beachy charm, diverse dining, and a skyline that'll leave you in awe.

Where to Stay in Dubai on a Budget - Bur Dubai & Deira

If you're chasing the heart and soul of Dubai without breaking the bank, Bur Dubai is your hidden gem. Steeped in history, this Old City haven offers narrow alleys, bustling bazaars, and authentic vibes. Inhabited by vibrant Indian communities, it's a cultural immersion you've been craving. Affordable accommodations and some of the city's best wallet-friendly Indian eats? Check and check! Now, if you're feeling the modern buzz, wander into Deira – a bit more polished but still flaunting that old-world charm. Both areas let you stretch your dirhams without sacrificing the essence of Dubai.

Experience Luxury in Dubai - Palm Jumeirah

If your idea of a dreamy Dubai stay involves glam, glitz, and a dash of exclusivity, Palm Jumeirah is your golden ticket. The Palm Jumeirah is a colossal palm-shaped island tethered to Dubai's mainland, flaunting opulence at every turn. Stretching for kilometers, it culminates in the lap of extravagance – the Atlantis Hotel, a mirror image of its Bahamian counterpart. This is the playground for those craving ultimate luxury vibes. From lavish accommodations to the mesmerizing Palm views, it's a haven for the discerning traveler. First time in Dubai and ready to splurge? Palm Jumeirah is where luxury whispers your name!

Where do expats stay in Dubai - Al Barsha

If you're craving practicality and pocket-friendly living without sacrificing city perks, Al Barsha is your Dubai haven. Sure, it might not shout glamour, but here's the deal – it's functional, well-connected, and a budget-friendly gem. Nestled near the metro, it's a commuting dream, linking you seamlessly to Marina and Downtown. The Mall of the Emirates is at your doorstep, and the area is a budget-friendly haven with a few Carrefour markets, diverse shops, and an array of local eats, from Arabic delights to top-notch Indian and Pakistani flavors.

Hotels in Dubai

• WeStay Hostel
• Marina Homes
• Hawana Hostel
• Bollywood Beach Hostel

Mid-range Hotels

• Royal Club By RVHR
• Aloft Palm Jumeirah
• Roda Beach Resort
• Rove La Mer Beach
• Hyatt Regency

Budget Hotels

• Montreal Barsha Hotel
• HIcon Delux Hotel Apartments
• Ramee Rose Hotel
• Signature 1 Hotel
• ibis Dubai Al Barsha

Luxury Hotels

• Atlantis, The Palm
• Burj Al Arab
• Bulgari Resort Dubai
• Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
• Kempinski Hotel

What to eat in Dubai

1. Manakish Dubai's manakish scene is a flavorsome journey through Levantine delight. These thin, crispy flatbreads adorned with cheeses, meats, and herbs have conquered hearts for centuries. Akawi Oven, a standout, crafts pizza-style manakish with a tantalizing array of toppings, from classic sausage and cheese to the intriguing meat with grenadine.

2. Arabic coffee and Dates Dubai's coffee culture is a delight, especially the complimentary Arabic coffee sprinkled across the UAE. For a top-notch experience, swing by Café Bateel and savor their signature qahwa – a traditional Arabic brew blended with lightly roasted beans and cardamom, accompanied by organic local dates.

3. Luqaimat Meet Luqaimat – Dubai's delectable dumplings, a lot like doughnuts but with a unique twist. Swing by Local Bites Café in Jumeirah for a morning delight. Freshly made, dripping in date sauce, and sprinkled with sesame seeds – a perfect sweet treat with your coffee!

4. Oozie Dubai's got a culinary gem – Oozie, a star at weddings and Ramadan. It’s basically rice, chicken, and a flavor explosion. Scoop it with yogurt or sprinkle some nuts for pure comfort. During Ramadan, it's a must-try, offering a taste of Dubai's festive flavors.

5. Al Harees Savor the heartwarming delight of Al Harees in Dubai – a culinary treasure of wheat, meat, and a pinch of salt slow-cooked to perfection. Traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan, Eid, and weddings, this dish embodies Dubai's rich culinary heritage. Experience its magic at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe.

6. Iranian Sangak Dive into Dubai's culinary charm with Iranian Sangak, a whole wheat flatbread sensation. Served plain or gluten-free, it's a health-conscious foodie's dream. For the best bite, swing by Al Adedh Baker - Harmoodi Irani – your go-to spot for top-notch Sangak delight!

BONUS: How to save money in Dubai

1. Use City Cards Maximize your Dubai adventure without maxing out your budget with a Go City Dubai Explorer Pass or a Turbo Dubai City Pass . Unlock top attractions, tours, and experiences at a steal. It's your golden ticket to explore, save, and make the most of dazzling Dubai without burning a hole in your pocket!

2. There are loads of affordable food joints (and they're delicious) Eat at Karama, Bur Dubai, and Deira. These hidden gems serve up tasty treats starting at just AED10. Savor Pakistani delights at Ravi's and Iranian kebabs at Al Ustad Special Kebab. Don't overlook mall food courts for wallet-friendly fast food.

3. Choose the right neighbourhood If you're chasing affordable vibes in Dubai, check out areas like Al Barsha and Bur Dubai. They're not flashy, but they're practical, well-connected, and budget-friendly.

4. Use public transportation Maximize your dirhams with the budget-friendly Dubai Metro – a wallet-wise ride to key spots, from malls to the airport. Grab a 'Nol' card for metro, trams, and buses covering every nook. For Old Dubai charm, cruise the Creek on AED1 abra rides, blending savings with scenic views.

5. Groupon Groupon is the go-to magic wand for unlocking discounts galore! Whether you're itching for adventures, dining out, or some pampering, Groupon's got your back. It's the city's treasure trove of 2-for-1 specials and wallet-friendly deals. Planning a day out or craving a fancy dinner? Before you say 'let's go,' peek into Groupon for a high chance of snagging a sweet discount.

6. Travel during off season While it's sizzling outside, the city cools down its prices. Bag incredible hotel deals, snag budget-friendly airfares, and score discounts galore. Top-notch malls and attractions offer summer specials, letting you beat the heat indoors.

Amulya Chintaluri

Amulya's love for travelling was a natural consequence of her moving around so much as a child. Throw in her love for writing into the mix, and there's no better way to spend her time. A person who collects hobbies like Infinity Stones, she loves reading, sketching, drawing, painting, dry pressing flowers, music, cooking, eating cake, watching TV and sleeping.

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Home » Middle East » Itinerary

Dubai Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Picture a shimmering city full of sky-high buildings and expansive deserts, plus white-sand beaches and the most luxurious hotels on the planet – that’s Dubai.

With the perfect blend of beachy paradise, historical medinas and an incredible urban environment, Dubai – the crown jewel of the United Arab Emirates – checks every box.

But before you go, it’s a good idea to plan what you want to see and do while you’re in the jewel of the Middle East. There are a ton of attractions in Dubai, and a lot of fun to be had for any type of traveler.

So jet off on an unforgettable holiday, and with our itinerary in hand, you can’t go wrong!

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A Little Bit About This 3-Day Dubai Itinerary

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Dubai is known for being a sparkling skyscraper city in the desert, but it’s more than that. Its history, architecture, souk markets and foodie scene make it a truly memorable city in the UAE! It is a luxury destination, and you will need to save a few pennies to visit Dubai, but not every attraction costs a lot of money. From sprawling parks to incredible museums and the epic Dubai Fountain Show, you’ll find that even backpackers in Dubai can find something inexpensive to do!

Whether you’re spending one day in Dubai for a Middle East layover or planning an unforgettable Dubai itinerary, there are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! I’d personally suggest taking at least two-three full days to explore the city. If you want to see all of the important landmarks you might be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but that’ll guarantee a lot of stress. So do yourself a favour and set more time aside.

In this itinerary, you’ll find two days packed with the best attractions, culture, history and adventure. But don’t worry, you won’t have to rush from A to B, trying to fit everything in. That way if you’re still deliberating between Dubai and Qatar , this might settle it for you!

I’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot. Of course, you can add your own spots in, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration instead of a fixed plan to get the most out of your trip!

3 Day Dubai Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Dubai Frame  |  Dubai Garden Glow  |  Museum of Illusions  |  Burj Khalifa  |  Dubai Water Canal
• Day 2: Dubai Marina  |  Dubai Miracle Garden  |  Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo  |  Ski Dubai  |  City Walk
• Day 3: Palm Jumeirah  |  Al Qudra Lakes  |  Wild Wadi Waterpark  |  Global Village  |  Burj Al Arab and Kite Beach  |  Evening Desert Safari Tour

With a Dubai City Pass , you can experience the best of Dubai at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Finding the best places to stay in Dubai  can be quite tough as you are spolied for choice. Whether you want beachy warmth, city vibes or old-school Arabia, Dubai has something for everyone.

The Dubai Marina is a fantastic place to stay in Dubai, right on the coastline with excellent restaurants, cityscape views, and the Marina Walk, which is a great way to scope out your next landmark to visit. Downtown Dubai also has a fantastic blend of eateries, attractions and Dubai photo ops!

If you’re looking for a taste of history, head for one of Downtown Dubai’s historical areas including Dubai Creek, Deira or Al Fahidi, where you can find the fascinating and oh-so-good smelling Coffee Museum in Old Dubai. You can also find the iconic and deeply impressive IMG Worlds of Adventure fun park in the City of Arabia medina.

Across the city lies Al Quoz, the bohemian art hub of Dubai with its beautifully designed buildings, cafes and street performances. Bur Dubai is another prime spot with a plethora of museums and historical buildings to discover in central Dubai.

One of the best and most unique places in Dubai is the Palm Jumeirah, where seaside resorts and water sports reign supreme!

We have hand picked a few of our favourite accomodation options and listed them below. In case nothing takes your fancy though, we also have our epic Best Hostels in Dubai post.

Best Hostel in Dubai – Backpacker 16 Hostel

Enjoy an amazing sense of community and fun at this superb Dubai hostel! With a prime location near the Dubai Marina and just 5 minutes away from the Dubai Internet City metro station, the Backpacker 16 Hostel makes the perfect spot if you’re backpacking through Dubai! With its warm atmosphere, well-decorated interior and wonderful staff, you’ll find a home-away-from-home right in the heart of Dubai.

Best Airbnb in Dubai – Bright Room in Shared Villa

Enjoy staying just outside of the hustle and bustle at this villa in Dubai near the beach! It’s just footsteps from the sea and provides beach towels during your stay. Hang out in the large living space right outside your bedroom door that is decked out with large comfy sofas, coffee tables, books, board games and a massive TV with both cable and Netflix. Perfect for couples looking to have a lazy weekend stay.

Best Budget Hotel in Dubai – Maisan Hotel

The Maisan Hotel has all the makings of a fantastic Dubai getaway. With an amazing fitness center, a stunning sun terrace and a delicious continental breakfast served every morning, the Maisan checks all the boxes. You can also enjoy nearby attractions like the Nakheel Harbor, Burj Al Arab and Dubai Parks and Resorts. The hotel also happens to be pet-friendly, need we say more?

Best Luxury Hotel in Dubai – Raffles Dubai

Find yourself at the height of luxury in this pyramid-inspired hotel in Bur Dubai. The hotel boasts an incredible spa and outdoor pool as well as amazing on-site eateries, including the Raffles Salon (which serves traditional afternoon tea). As proof that Dubai does nothing by halves, the stunning decor, private balcony and butler service are what awaits you at this incredible hotel, which makes quite the landmark on Dubai’s skyline!

If you’re looking for the best things to see, places to eat and Dubai-standard activities to partake in, our top-notch itinerary has everything and more. Whether you’re spending 2 days in Dubai or looking for a mammoth Dubai itinerary (4 days or more), I’ve got you covered. Enjoy Dubai’s architectural feats or indoor snow parks, and every attraction in between! There are so many things to do and see in Dubai that you will struggle to fit it all in!

The first day of your itinerary in Dubai is going to take you around some of the best Dubai museums, art installations, and attractions in the city. Why wait to see the best?

9:00am – Dubai Frame

Begin your visit to the city with one of the top places in Dubai, the iconic Dubai Frame that overlooks the entire city. The Dubai Frame is the largest picture frame on the planet!

The frame forms a doorway of sorts between Dubai’s storied past, its vibrant present and the city’s bright future. On one side, visitors can see the modern Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa, while ancient Deira and Karama can be seen on the other.

The frame has become a true emblem of the city and sits at the top of many travel wish lists (and features in many an Instagram post)!

• Cost – Dhs 50 ($14) for adults, Dhs 20 ($6) for children over the age of 3, and free entry for infants and visitors with disabilities.
• Getting there: Take the metro to Al Jafiliya and walk for 5 minutes to Zabeel Park in Zabeel.
• How long you should stay: 30 minutes should be enough to get a good photo.

10.00am – Dubai Garden Glow

Experience this unique celebration of light where artists from across the globe have contributed incredible creations.

This illuminating venue has a heart for the environment with many exhibits being eco-friendly.

Walk through the parks many shimmering zones as you admire giant floating jellyfish moving with the music over Zabeel Lake, or admire the sight of a mini sparkling Burj Khalifa.

You can explore the stunning Glow Park, the largest glow-in-the-dark garden in the world, where millions of energy-saving bulbs and endless sculptures of recycled luminous fabric fill the pathways with light!

Then, head to the Art Park, which is made of recyclable bottles, ceramic dishes and CDs, all designed into incredible artworks.

Finish your visit to Dubai Garden Glow with a walk round My Dubai, a glittering recreation of Dubai, in a park that feels like it was plucked out of a fairytale (especially with a life-size replica of Cinderella’s glowing carriage)!

Insider Tip: Look out for the new additions to the park, some colorful characters from Disney’s colorful repertoire.

• Cost: Dhs 65 ($18) and children under 3 enter for free.
• Getting there: Take the metro to Al Jafiliya. The Dubai Garden Glow is a 16-minute walk away.
• How long should you stay there? 1-2 hours

12:00 pm – Dubai Museum of Illusions

Enjoy an incredible trip through mind-bending illusions and fascinating tricks of the light at the Dubai Museum of Illusions.

Visitors are encouraged to interact with exhibits and take tons of pictures, which you will definitely want to do.

With more than 80 uncredible exhibits that take you through a visual, sensory, and educational world to trick your brain, entertain and make you think. Play with perception at the Chair Illusion or enjoy the unbelievable sight of the Split Nose face-changing mirror (where your face is spliced with a person on the other side).

Enjoy the novelty of the Ames Room, where a trick of perception makes one person giant and the other tiny. For the videographer in you, check out the Color Room for some exceedingly awesome illusion of color and shadow!

Don’t miss out on the hilarious Maple exhibit were a fascinating mirror trick lets you have dinner with yourself. The incredible museum is also home to the world’s first Zoetrope exhibit where you can step into a movie stars shoes as you become part of an animated sequence!

• Cost: Dhs 80 ($22) for adults, Dhs 70 ($19) for senior citizens and Dhs 60 ($16) for children.
• Getting there: Take the metro to Al Fahidi and walk for 5 minutes.
• How long should I spend there? 1-2 hours.

2.00pm – Arabian Tea House Cafe

Enjoy tasty cuisine from a diverse menu in their quaint courtyard. The ambiance of this tea house is serene and the staff is willing to help. The food is delicious, affordable and you get a decent-sized plate. Don’t forget to try Moroccan tea!

• Cost: depending on your order
• Getting there: it’s a 5 minute walk from Sharaf DG metro station.
• How long should I spend there? 1-2 hours

4.00pm – Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain

You can’t visit Dubai, the city known for its incredible architecture, without checking out the Burj Khalifa ! It is home to the world’s highest restaurant!

As the world’s tallest building with numerous awards for its feats of height, the spectacular skyscraper makes for an incredible sight! It is also the home to the pretty amazing Dubai fountain illuminated by 6600 lights, 50 colored projectors, which illuminate the tower as spouts of water shoot through the air.

The Dubai Fountain Show is one of the best attractions around the Dubai Mall. It puts on quite the show to the sound of classical and contemporary music, and holds the crown as the second-largest choreographed fountain in the world!

The Burj Khalifa also has an amazing observation platform with a view to match. Literally, At The Top on the 124th floor is decked out with an electronic telescope and an augmented reality device where visitors can view the surrounding landscape in real-time.

You can also admire the impressive skyscraper from a spot in the lush park surrounding it, which is designed in the shape of a Hymenocallis, a fitting desert plant. The park also has a water feature at its center with a series of pools and a serene water jet fountain!

Insider Tip: the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa is to watch the sunset but between 4 pm and 6 pm, it is also prime time so reservations are more expensive.

• Cost: Dhs 135 ($37) for adults, Dhs 101 ($28) for children and free for toddlers under 4 years old for a tour round At The Top; you can book tickets here.
• Getting there: Burj Khalifia is located in Downtown Dubai, next to the Dubai Mall. Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa Metro Station and then take the F13 bus to the Dubai Mall Bus Stop (one stop).
• How long should I spend there? 1-2 hours, then you can dive into Dubai mall for some A/C!

7.00pm – Dubai Water Canal

Take a stroll along the beautiful Dubai Water Canal as it winds along from Old Dubai, through Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and meets the sea on Dubai’s coastline. The bridge created a new island in Dubai when it was created.

Take in the sight of the canal’s unbelievable automated waterfall, which falls back like a curtain as boats pass under it! There is also the stunning pedestrian bridge adorned with a shimmering blue arc draped lights, which illuminate the water below you. The pedestrian bridge is suspended by cables and makes for an amazing photo spot!

You can also explore further along Dubai’s landscape as you follow the Dubai saltwater creek, which winds like a ribbon across the city. The gorgeous canal with its cloak of lights makes for one of the best places to visit in Dubai at night!

• Cost: it’s free!
• Getting there: take the red line on the metro to Business Bay metro station, then walk towards Sheikh Zayed Road. There is a path by the bridge that takes you to the canal.
• How long should I spend there? 1-2 hours, it’s a great place to catch the sunset!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

The second day of our Dubai itinerary will take you to the Dubai Mall where you will see a whole host of attractions. You could spend a whole day there, but because you’re on vacation, I’ve selected some cool outdoor attractions to visit too.

10.00 am – Dubai Marina

Begin your second day in Dubai at the lapping water of the Dubai Marina, one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free! t is the home to some incredible Dubai architecture including the unbelievable Cayan Tower, which twists at 90 degrees.

This stunning canal was built along the Persian Gulf shoreline and you may even be able to spot some incredible sea life as you enjoy the view!

The sun-kissed promenade is well worth the fantastic views of the bay, where you can experience the perfect blend of beach and vibrant urban activity.

You can take a leisurely stroll down the immaculate Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk where top-quality boutiques and unbelievable restaurants are the order of the day, then find Dubai Marina’s gorgeous beach waiting for you at the end of it!

• Getting there: take the metro to Damac Properties Station and cross the overpass.
• How long should I spent there? 1-2 hours should be enough.

11.00am – Dubai Miracle Garden

If you’re looking for a Dubai attraction that may literally take your breath away, the Miracle Garden is the answer.

The Miracle Garden has the Dubai Butterfly Garden inside, which is the world’s largest butterfly sanctuary, with over 15 000 butterflies from 26 species!

Explore the giant park with what seems like an endless collection of flowers. Colors cascade across the garden with floral animals and incredible sculptures covered in blossoms create a dreamlike landscape!

You can wander at the Lost Paradise, a village of bungalows and houses, which are engulfed flowers of every color. This burst of color on Dubai’s landscape is also the home to a giant model of the Emirates A830, which is painted with a splash of blossoms, while an incredible floral clock stops time as you explore this flower-strewn wonderland!

As if this place could get more fantastic, there is an 18 m high Mickey Mouse who gazes over the garden’s visitors! The park just happened to be launched on Valentine’s Day and aptly has the iconic Heart’s Passage, where larger-than-life hearts create an amazing walkway that feels everlasting.

Floral animals graze in front of a glorious floral castle in this dreamy park, which is truly a ‘must-see’ in Dubai!

Insider tip: make sure you keep an eye out for the new addition of colorful characters from Disney’s famous movies.

• Cost: Dhs 50 ($14) for adults, Dhs 40 ($11) for children under 12 years old, free for children under 2 years old and people with disabilities.
• Getting there: take the metro to the Dubai Mall of the Emirates station and walk.
• How long should I spent there? 1-2 hours is fine.

1.00pm – Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dive into Dubai’s natural side at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, where aquatic creatures and incredible underwater sights abound!

You can enjoy a unique, close-up look at the lives of some incredible aquatic creatures with the aquarium’s fully immersive VRZOO!

Enter the world of sharks, where you can free dive or hop into a cage for the ultimate shark encounter. Then, get a behind-the-scenes look as you watch baby sharks have feeding time and get a peek into the life of these vastly misunderstood creatures.

Say goodbye to the sharks and get ready to be royally entertained by King Croc, an incredible (and lengthy) saltwater crocodile. At 40 years old, the King is one of the largest known crocodiles in the world and his majesty is unmissable on a trip to the aquarium!

The aquarium’s massive 10 million liter tank is filled with creatures of the deep and some of the most unbelievable marine life. Enjoy a look at the largest group of sand tiger sharks in the world and meander through an indigo tunnel where you can admire some of the aquarium’s 33 000 aquatic animals.

Add a slice of Dubai’s desert to your experience with a visit to the Night Creatures exhibit, which is home to a menagerie of animals, including Arabian toads, fruit bats, giant camel spiders, scorpions, veiled chameleons, Cheesman’s gerbils and (prepare yourself) hedgehogs!

Don’t forget to jump aboard one of the aquarium’s stellar glass-bottomed boats for a ride over the underwater wonderland, where over 140 incredible species reside!

• Cost: Depending on your ticket, you can pay from Dhs 145 ($39) for a general ticket up to Dhs 630 ($172) to include the Shark Encounter; you can book your tickets here .
• Getting there: head to the Dubai Mall. Take the metro to Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station.
• How long should I spent there? 2-3 hours, there’s so much to see!

3.00pm – Ski Dubai

For the ultimate meeting of 2 worlds, why not take a trip to Ski Dubai, a snowy oasis in the middle of the desert!

The ski park is a snowy oasis beneath one of Dubai’s biggest malls – The Dubai Mall.

Hidden like a treasure in the Dubai Mall (which is already one of the most important places in Dubai) awaits this indoor playground for kids, adults, and skiing newbies.

In fact, it’s the perfect place to learn with less pressure than a real mountain, and trainers to help you find your feet. Then again, if you’re a pro at snow sports, it’s got some real doozies for you to enjoy.

You can stick to more traditional activities like skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, or take a ski lift out of your comfort zone with zip lining, tubing, or an old-fashioned snowball fight! The Snow Park is a winner with giant zorbing on offer as well as exploring an ice cave or getting an adrenaline rush on the Mountain Thriller ride.

You can even feel like you’re in the Arctic Circle as you watch a colony of penguins waddle around their snowy home!

• Cost: Prices vary but the penguin encounter is Dhs 230 ($63); get full-day-ski-pass here .
• Getting there: It is located within the Dubai Mall, just walk around to it.
• How long should I spent there? 1 hour – it gets quite cold in there!

6.00pm – City Walk

Feel the heartbeat of Dubai as you hit the jam-packed streets of the City Walk, an unmissable part of any Dubai city tour itinerary!

Some of the world’s most famous urban artists were invited to fill the walls of City Walk with color, including murals and smaller designs.

Enjoy the sights along the boulevard of eateries, bars, boutique stores and quirky landmarks, including an old-school postbox and phonebooth nestled amongst the buildings. Visit Dubai’s larger-than-life, famous characters of Mattel Play! Town.

Then, find yourself in the lush and fascinating rainforest (in a desert!) at The Green Planet! You can stroll through the incredible indoor park and experience over 3000 plants and animals, including snakes, birds, and, pop culture icon, the sloth. Butterflies and stunning flowers take center stage as you explore this forested wonderland.

There’s no end to the epic attractions and landmarks you’ll see on a trip down Dubai’s incredible street with just about everything on it!

• Cost: Entrance is free to the City Walk, but The Green Planet tickets go for Dhs 99 ($27) or more depending on the package.
• Getting there: it’s right by the mall!
• How long should I spent there? 1-2 hours.

Backpacker 16 Hostel

With its warm atmosphere, well-decorated interior and wonderful staff, you’ll find a home-away-from-home right in the heart of Dubai.

• 24-hour Reception

Whether you’re looking for incredible places to visit in Dubai in 5 days or spending a weekend in Dubai, you won’t be disappointed. If you’ve covered our 2-day itinerary and are looking for more, take a look at these beyond-amazing options for 3 days in Dubai (or more)!

10.00am – Palm Jumeirah

Aah, the Palm Jumeirah. Is it shaped like a palm? Is it a man-made island off the coast of Dubai? Is it exceedingly cool? The answer to every question is yes, so the Palm Jumeirah easily earns its spot on any itinerary.

The stunning island paradise extends into the shimmering Persian Gulf and is part of a family of Palm Islands including the Palm Jebel Ali and Plam Deira. Ride the uber fast monorail from the mainland and bask in the sandy paradise.

You’ll also find an array of exciting activities amongst the fronds of the magnificent Palm. Spend a few fun-filled hours at the Aquaventure Waterpark at the palatial, rose-colored Atlantis hotel.

Want to know why it’s worth visiting?

• It is an incredible architectural feat.
• It was built to resemble a stylised palm tree surrounded by a circle.
• It is the home to some truly spectacular beaches in Dubai!

You can also meander through The Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you can get into a spot of snorkeling or dive through refreshing lagoons, the home to a world of marine life!

We’re not done yet, see the island from the waves as you take a speedboat tour around its waterways or hop on a kayak as you explore the Palm’s crescent. You can even play Aquaman for the day with Hydro Water Sports where you can soar above the water on a water spout.

Take your trip to the Palm Jumeirah to new heights with a helicopter tour or a session of tandem skydiving, where the views are breathtaking and the thrill is real!

• Cost: It’s free!
• Getting there: take the metro to Dubai Internet City or Nakheel and walk.
• How long should I spend there? 1 hour should be enough

12.00pm – Al Qudra Lakes

Take a trip just out of the city as you journey to Dubai’s hidden gems , the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. You can spot an array of reptiles, birds, and mammals.

It is the perfect place for star-gazing because of its low light pollution. You can enjoy the reserve’s sights from one of the world’s longest cycling tracks.

These man-made wetlands are a glorious escape from Dubai’s urban hub where 10 km of lakes make for an unbelievable sight. The reserve is the safe haven to 19 animal species including elegant flamingos and other incredible birdlife.

It is also the home to the amazing Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site withall kinds of artifacts including bronze, copper and iron items as well as gold jewelry, beads and pottery. Make this an oasis of tranquility as you hike through the park, watch the sunset or pitch your tent for a night of camping under the stars!

For a spot of nature-watching just outside of the city, visit the Al Qudra Lakes, one of the best places to see in Dubai with family.

• Getting there: take bus 67 to Endurance City Terminus

2.00pm – Wild Wadi Waterpark

Take your thrill factor the maximum at the incredible Wild Wadi Waterpark where having fun and cooling off are top priority!

Home to Breaker’s Bay, the biggest wave pool in the Middle East. Created the Burj Surj, a double-bowled slide which is the first of its kind in the area. The park was featured in 3 seasons of The Amazing Race.

The theme park is based on the tales of Juha, a character from Arabian folklore who accompanies each heart-fluttering or jaw-dropping water slide. You can even learn to surf on one of the park’s artificial surfing machines, FlowRider.

The park is among impressive company with neighboring, Burj Al Arab, but with its unbelievable 18 m high waterfall, it fits right in! Wild Wadi is also home to a list of incredible rides including the Jumeirah Sceirah (the highest free-fall water slide with the biggest drop outside of the Americas).

Up the ante even more with the Tantrum Alley slide, which just happens to include 3 tornados!

• Cost: Above 1.1 meter, AED 299. Below 1.1 metre, AED 249.
• Getting there: take the metro to Wild Wadi metro station.
• How long should I spend there? 2-3 hours.

4.00pm – Global Village

Take a trip around the world from this incredible corner of Dubai. With exhibits, attractions and cuisine representing 90 cultures from across the globe, Dubai’s Global Village makes for a world-class day out.

The park has some sensational themed rides including the Athen’s Slingshot or the Honolo-loop.

The stunning Wheel of the World displays incredible live scenes, shows and Dubai scenery on its LED screen, and the views from one of its gondolas are incredible. Performers from across the world share their traditional dances and music in a variety of cultural shows!

The lively festival takes place along a number of pavilions where cuisine and entertainment from the representing countries are at your fingertips. Enjoy a meander through the park as you enjoy attractions from the floating market to the Heritage Village.

There are also some stunning shows on offer including incredible stunts and Circus Circus. Then, find yourself an unbelievable ride to go on at Carnaval! Enjoy the rhythmic vibe of the Global Village as you traverse the streets of what could be described as an open-air museum!

The village is also a paradise for lovers of street food with an adventurous palette. Take a walk down Kiosk Street or Cultural Square and find yourself some not-so-local cuisine. You can also discover some delicious flavors at every pavilion as you eat your way across the world.

Give Canadian poutine a try, which is a mouthwatering mixture of crispy French fries covered in cheese curd, gravy and toppings of your choice. Check out the Flaming Pumpkin for a refreshing drink on your travels and then, if you needed any more convincing, get yourself a shot of something tasty the Chocolate Injection!

Insider Tip: the village runs from November to April each year so be sure to book your ticket then if you’d like to visit the Global Village!

• Cost: 20 AED per person
• Getting there: take the bus, Route 102 from Rashidiya Metro Station.

5.00pm – Burj Al Arab and Kite Beach

Pay a visit to one of the tallest hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab, which sits on an artificial island just off Jumeirah Beach. Made in the likeness of the sail of a ship, the hotel has become a truly iconic Dubai landmark with a reputation in luxury!

You can admire the impressive Burj Al Arab as you bask in the sandy haven of Kite Beach. Walk along the pristine white sand or engage in one of the many ocean activities including kitesurfing, beach tennis, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, volleyball, kayaking and swimming. Aptly named for everything this beach has to offer, the gorgeous piece of Dubai is situated in gorgeous Jumeirah.

There are also plenty of food trucks and beachside eateries for you to partake in!

• Cost: free!
• Getting there: take the metro to Mankhool, Standard Chartered Bank station.
• How long should I spend there? 2 hours max.

7.00pm – Evening Desert Safari Tour

Booking this 4×4 desert tour to end your stay in Dubai is definitely worth it. Seeing the desert on the back of a camel is a one-of-a-time experience that can only be topped by testing out your sandboarding skills.

There’s no need for transportation, you’ll be picked up right at your hotel. At the end of the trip, you’ll also get a tasty BBQ to fill your empty stomach!

Ride on camels, surf down massive sand dunes and explore and learn more about the desert!

• Cost: depending on package
• How to get there: hotel pick up! Niceee
• How long should I spend there? Around 3 hours.

Since it is smack dab in the middle of the Arabain desert, the weather of Dubai can be quite harsh, making it hard to decide when in fact is the best time to visit .

Dubai summers are oppressive, almost unbearable sometimes, and will often leave you trapped indoors. The best places to visit in Dubai in June, July and August will all have air conditioning and sometimes even artificial snow!

Dubai’s winter months are the most comfortable time of year and are comparable to summers elsewhere. Most of Dubai’s landmarks will be very busy though as this is peak tourist season. Plan a visit to during Dubai’s winter season but be ready to spend lots of cash.

The best months to backpack Dubai are hands-down during the spring and autumn. Dubai’s shoulder seasons are comfortable, not too hot, and not too busy with tourists. As such, these are the best times to visit Dubai’s beaches. Dubai in May starts to heat up again so take note.

It’s no surprise that Dubai is a pretty big city with loads of interesting attractions to see and do. Luckily, getting around is super easy, thanks to its well-developed public transport network spread throughout all parts of the city. 

The metro is the most commonly used public transport in the city. It connects most neighborhoods and it’s just two lines, so it’s really easy to navigate and it’s also the most cost-effective way to get around. They are clean, ultra-modern, and safe. Women can choose to use the women-only carts if they want to. Plus, it connect you all the way to Dubai International Airport.

Another way to get around the city is by taxi. Uber and Careem are the common taxi service apps in Dubai. They are more expensive than a licensed taxi usually, but they offer a flat rate, which means if you get stuck in traffic you’re not paying for it. As a rule of thumb, Careem is less expensive than Uber if you’re travelling shorter distances and Uber is less expensive than Careem for longer distances.

Finally, another way to get around Dubai is by taking the bus. There are a total of 1,518 buses in Dubai, running on 119 internal lines, including 35 lines connected to the metro stations. Buses are a cheap way of getting around, but they require a bit of searching to make sure you’re on the right bus. As Dubai is so hot and it’s no fun waiting around in the scorching heat for a bus, I recommend you get the metro and Ubers. Plus they are so cheap it makes perfect sense!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Coming prepared is one of the most important parts of travelling, no matter where you want to go. Although Dubai is considered to be one of the safest cities in the United Arab Emirates. It is also known as one of the safest middle eastern destinations for women and travelers in general. However, it is still wise to take precautions and know the country you’re visiting while traveling abroad.

• It is recommended that travelers who visit Dubai, especially women, dress fairly modestly in public, and bathing suits are only allowed on the beach and at hotel pools. While women are generally safe in Dubai, It is also a good idea to avoid situations that can place you in a more vulnerable position. If traveling alone, ask to be seated in the family section and try to sit in the women’s section at the front of the train.
• There can also be unpredictable driving behavior in the United Arab Emirates, so keep an eye out for reckless driving. Pickpocketing is fairly rare in Dubai, but pay attention to your surroundings (as is always wise when traveling), especially around the tourist hub, Jumeirah Beach.
• While Dubai is fairly cosmopolitan in many ways, they remain highly conservative, so try to avoid PDA because if someone is offended by it, you can get charged/fined. It is also forbidden to eat in public during the daylight hours of Ramadan, however, most hotels provide a screen in their restaurants so foreign guests can eat during the day.

Dubai is considered to be friendly and safe for the most part, but make sure you check out all the rules and tips for traveling there before you go. As you are likely traveling in a foreign country, ensure you have access to emergency numbers in case of an accident or problem. It’s also always a good idea to have travel insurance in the event of a problem. 

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

It’s good to get lost sometimes, but it’s also good not to get too lost. There are people that want you home in one piece.

There’s one travel insurance provider The Broke Backpacker trusts for all his wildest shenanigans… World Nomads!

Click the button below to get a quote on your insurance or read our in-depth review of World Nomads’ coverage. And then… let the shenanigans begin. ?

Find out what people want to know when planning their Dubai itinerary.

Is 7 days in Dubai enough?

7 days in Dubai is ideal if you want to get in all the top attractions. Any extra days for lounging at the beach are a bonus!

What are the best things to include on a 5 day Dubai itinerary?

Don’t miss out on the Dubai Frame, the Garden Glow, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and the City Walk.

Where is the best place to stay if you have a full Dubai travel itinerary?

Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai are ideal as they’re close to all of the top landmarks.

Is Dubai worth visiting?

Some say Dubai is overrated , but there’s still lots to discover. It’s a great place for foodies, architecture lovers, and anyone who’s keen to learn more about emirates culture. However, it can be expensive to travel in Dubai .

So there you have it! Our 3 day itinerary for Dubai. As you can see, there are a ton of awesome attractions to get stuck into.

When you want to find yourself in fantastic shopping malls, desert-defying activities or just lying on the beaches in this incredible city – you’ll have the best time.

Take your sense of adventure, your sunglasses, and this itinerary to guarantee a trip you’ll never forget!

Insider Tip: If you don’t want to spend hours in the car, driving from one hot spot to the next, you should check out this helicopter tour .

Instead of exploring the city from below, you can simply fly over Dubai and have an amazing adventure that not many people get to experience.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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I’m again heading to Dubai at the beginning of June for 3 days, and I’m trying to plan my itinerary. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this post, it is going to be very helpful!

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UAE Travel Blogs

These are all of my uae travel blogs.

From exploring buzzy Dubai to the beautiful mosque in Abu Dhabi and the country’s most stunning beaches, find out the best places to travel to in the UAE here, in my UAE travel blogs.

Happy exploring!

What To Wear In Abu Dhabi For Women And Men: Abu Dhabi Packing List

Wondering what to wear in Abu Dhabi? Whether you’re heading to the city, the beach, the theme parks or the desert, this helpful guide will help you pack for your trip.

9 best places for winter sun.

Considering a break this winter? From the Caribbean to Dubai it’s time to reveal the best places for winter sun around the world.

Relaxation and adrenaline in ras al khaimah, uae.

From riding the world’s longest zipline, to relaxing at a beautiful resort, find out more about visiting Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

A quick guide to the united arab emirates.

Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates but haven’t figured out where to go yet? My quick UAE travel guide is the perfect place to start, with tips on what makes each emirate unique, top things to do and where to stay.

24 hours in dubai: these are the things you just can’t miss.

365 days of sunshine a year, beautiful beaches, pure luxury and an incredible, buzzing city, Dubai is the ultimate beach holiday meets city break.

UAE Travel Blog

Let me help you plan your trip to the UAE with basic information and posts from my UAE travel blog. If you’d like to go straight to the posts, click on ‘Latest UAE Posts’ below or scroll all the way to the end of this page to read the latest UAE posts.

I’ve called the U.A.E home for most of my life. I was born and raised in Dubai, and every time I’m asked how it was to grow up in a city that has changed as dramatically as Dubai (and I’m asked this very often), I struggle for the right words. As many words as I may have inside my head, it’s hard to explain that the Dubai I know is vastly different from the city that the average tourist sees on his three or four-day long stint.

Of course, part of that comes from having known the city as it once was and a comfortable familiarity with the lesser-known neighborhoods where it still feels the same.

Even so, I’m beginning to venture outside Dubai and explore more of the UAE and bring you stories and recommendations from places you may have not heard of before.

Markets, souks, mountains, beaches and trails- all of these in the UAE are just as beautiful as the glorious desert and just as impressive as the Burj Khalifa , but given how little information is available about them, it’s not surprising you’ve probably never heard of them.

Don’t believe me? Just explore these day trips from Dubai for a bit of nature, adventure, culture and cities. It’s also not true that Dubai is an expensive city, suitable only for luxury travelers.

There are plenty of things to do in Dubai on a budget , and they’re just as much, if not more fun than the high-end stuff.

As with any city, Dubai is not just one thing, it’s so many and I encourage you to explore as many faces of the city as you possibly can before you decide whether or not you like it. You might also be interested in my posts about what to wear in Dubai and the best romantic hotels in Dubai .

Join me as I get off the tourist trail and experience and share everything that’s authentic in the UAE. And if you ever find yourself here, take time to get to know the country and the culture; take day-trips from Dubai , visit a mosque , visit a nature trail and go kayaking , and venture outside the cities- you won’t be disappointed.

What To Pack

Read my complete guide on how to dress in Dubai to know exactly what to wear in different situations and settings in Dubai.

For the cities: The cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have huge expat populations and are essentially very cosmopolitan. It’s common for women and men to be dressed as they would be in the Western world. The residents are very fashionable and very rarely do you see people dressed sloppily. Women wear dresses, jeans, skirts and even shorts and tank tops.

That being said, it’s best to steer clear of clothing that’s too revealing and dressing appropriately (depending on where you are) so as not to attract unwanted attention or hurt the feelings of locals (who’re conservatively dressed in keeping with their culture).

So while it’s common to see women wearing super short dresses in nightclubs, that isn’t the best way to show up at the mall or on the metro.

If you’re not sure about how much is too much, keep your knees and arms covered and you should be okay.

While visiting a mosque, men and women must cover their arms and knees.

Nicer nightclubs and restaurants require men and women to be dressed impeccably in formals or smart casuals. Some may not let you enter in T-shirts, sneakers or casual clothing.

Carry a pair of walking shoes or sandals and something formal/stylish for fancier places.

For the outdoors: In summer, light, breezy and breathable fabrics are recommended to keep you cool. In winter, a light to medium jacket should suffice.

Swimwear is allowed at the beaches only. Don’t expect to cross the street in beachwear or ride the metro to the beach wearing skimpy clothing.

Additional Reading

Where To Stay in Dubai: The Dubai Hotel Accommodation Guide for Every Budget

Best Places To Stay in Dubai for Couples (The Most Romantic Hotels)

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara Review: Stay at Abu Dhabi’s Grandest Desert Palace

Best Time to Visit Dubai

Guide to Ramadan in Dubai

What to Wear in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide

How to go from Dubai Airport to City Center

Best Day Trips from Dubai

Best Things to Do in Khor Fakkan

Best Places to Visit in Dubai for Cheap & Free

Best Cafes in Dubai for Great Coffee and Good Vibes

What to Buy in Dubai: Best Souvenirs from Dubai

Wadi Shees: Nature Trails and Kayaking on this Dubai Day Trip

How to spend 48 hours in Sharjah

Chedi Al Bait: Tasteful Luxury in a Heritage Setting

Should You Rent a Car on your Dubai Vacation?

13 Countries to Visit From Dubai On Your Holiday

Stay at the Only Wildlife Safari Resort in the UAE

20 Signs I’ve Been in Dubai Too Long

Dubai Through the Eyes of an Old-Timer

Almost Wonderland at Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Travel Blog

Languages Spoken

Arabic and English

In certain areas, you’ll also hear a lot of Hindi, Malayalam, Farsi and Urdu, among other languages, because people from the Indian subcontinent and other countries in the Middle East were among the first to have moved to the country for a living.

But almost everyone speaks English, signs and instructions are mostly mentioned in English and you should be okay even if you do not speak a word of Arabic.

The Arabic greeting As-salamu ‘alaykum is answered with W’alaykum as-salam . An informal Hello is Marhaba and thank you is Shukran .

Budget Hotels in Dubai

Dubai can be very expensive during the peak season with hotel prices increasing drastically.

For cheaper options, look at hotels in the older areas of the city such as Bur Dubai, Mankhool, Satwa, Oud Metha or Deira. Hostels and guest houses are rare (there’s just one hostel I know of and it really just is the bare minimum).

Recently, there have been quite a few nice budget hotels that have opened up in the city, and I’ll keep adding to this list as I find and hear of new ones.

Here’s my guide on where to stay in Dubai with a complete breakdown of neighborhoods plus hotels and apartments for every budget .

Tours in Dubai

Need to know.

Whether or not you really enjoy your trip to Dubai also depends upon choosing to visit Dubai at the right time- summer can be extremely hot and humid, so here’s a guide to the best time to visit Dubai , to help you choose.

Regardless of how modern the cities are, this is still the Middle East- it’s important to understand that the culture is different from the west. So public displays of affection, wandering the streets inebriated, and giving bear hugs to people you’re meeting for the second time are big no-nos.

Alcohol is served only at licensed establishments which are usually restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges or nightclubs attached to or inside a hotel.

If you’re visiting during the Holy Month of Ramadan, you should be aware of the right etiquette. You can check my guide to Ramadan in the UAE .

Planning your trip to Dubai? Join my Dubai Travel Planning Group on Facebook for FREE resources, tips, and updated and new info about cool restaurants, cafes, instagrammable spots, attractions and things to do in and around Dubai.

LATEST UAE POSTS

16 Best Things to Do in Khor Fakkan

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Best Places To Stay in Dubai for Couples in 2024

What To Buy In Dubai: 30 Best Souvenirs From Dubai

How to Go From Dubai International Airport to City Center 

The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah is a Tasteful Luxury Hotel in a Historic Setting

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Sunday 12th of March 2017

[…] 11. The Boho Chica […]

DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary

A mixture of sadness, pride, and joy enveloped my heart when a very dear friend announced that she had been reassigned to their company’s UAE office. Sadness because I was losing yet another friend to a faraway land. We had been very close, and the thought of not being able to constantly see her or talk to her brought tears to my eyes. Pride because this was the promotion she had been hoping for. And joy, because — and I’m embarrassed to admit this — I finally found a reason to visit Dubai.

Well, in true Catriona Gray fashion, I’m always that guy who finds a silver lining and makes a run for it. Months later, I was in Dubai.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING DUBAI

Dubai is a true global city, where people from all around the world come together. It is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The other six are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Although Dubai City is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, it is not the federal capital of the UAE. That title belongs to Abu Dhabi. Yet, Dubai is the most populous, with the biggest fraction of the population composed of migrant workers, like the rest of the country. For many, like my friend, it is a land of opportunity. Much of the economy is driven by foreign migrant workers, which make up 80% of UAE’s population and 90% of its workforce.

Dubai is also the most popular destination among tourists, registering an estimated 16.7 million visitors in 2018 alone. Dubai has become the region’s banner city for opulence and grandeur. It is well-known for its ambitious projects like its artificial offshore islands and towering skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa, the tallest man-made structure in the world.

Here are more facts about this city.

• Location : Dubai Emirate, United Arab Emirates. UAE lies on the southeastern chunk of the Arabian peninsula in Western Asia (what many westerners like to call the Middle East). The UAE shares its borders with Saudi Arabia to the south and Oman to the east. Coordinates: 25°15′47″N 55°17′50″E.
• Time Zone : UTC+4 (UAE Standard Time). Dubai is 4 hours behind the Philippines, Singapore or Malaysia; and 5 hours behind Japan.
• Language : Arabic is the national language and the official language of the UAE. But English is the second language and is widely spoken.
• Currency : UAE dirham (AED, Dhs, د.إ). AED 1 is roughly equivalent to PHP14, USD 0.27, SGD 0.37, EUR 0.24 (as of July 2019).
• Modes of Payment : Cash and credit cards are both commonly accepted.

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBAI

Dubai is a coastal city, a long stretch of concrete caught between the waves of the Persian Gulf and the dunes of the vast Arabian Desert. The city is divided into several districts but these are what tourists should be more familiar with.

• Downtown Dubai. If you haven’t been to Dubai, this is probably the image that first pops in your head when you imagine the city. Downtown Dubai is where you’ll find some of the city’s most iconic structures including Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping complexes. It is also sometimes called the New Dubai.
• Dubai Marina. This is one of the most ideal places to stay in the city, which is probably why most European expats live here. It is hemmed in by a beach and is easily accessible. It is also close to a lot of attractions.
• Jumeirah Beach. Another seaside district that is linked to almost anywhere in the city. Jumeirah is centrally located, surrounded by the Marina, the Downtown area, and the Old City. It is home to diverse communities including Europeans, Pakistanis, and Filipinos.
• Al Barsha. Situated between Marina and Jumeirah. The great thing about this area is that it is well-connected to the rest of the city. You’ll also find several mid-range hotels here.
• Bur Dubai. The heart and soul of Dubai. When they say Old City, they usually mean Bur Dubai. This was the center of the city before all the developments happened. If you want a more cultural and historical approach to your trip, this is the place to be. Lots of vibrant souks (bazaars), traditional structures, assorted restaurants, and cheap accommodations.
• Deira. Traditionally considered an extension of the Old City. Think of it as a more modern Bur Dubai, also with plenty of affordable dining, shopping, and lodging options. The best part about Deira is its proximity to the airport.

Best Area to Stay in Dubai

What’s the best area? It depends on what you want to experience and how much you’re willing to spend. The Downtown and Marina areas are closest to the modern attractions but are notably expensive. When you search for hotels online, don’t be shocked to see hotels at USD 400 to 1000 per night. Dubai is widely considered a luxury destination, so there are dozens of luxury hotels especially in these areas. There are a few more affordable options.

Bur Dubai and Deira offer a more traditional experience at a significantly lower price. If you’re on a budget, Bur Dubai and Deira may offer more options that are within your spending range. You can find a double room at a great hotel for USD 100 per night. Budget hotels are also available, offering much cheaper rooms.

Top Budget Hotels in Dubai

• Rove City Centre. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Rove Trade Centre. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Rose Park Hotel Al Barsha. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Roda Links Al Nasr. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Zabeel House MINI Al Seef. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Top Dubai Hostels and Dorms

A more pocket-friendly option is staying at a hostel. Although very few of them are available, they are all around the city, even in the pricier districts. You can find a dorm bed for USD 20 to 30 per night.

Here are some Dubai hostels that can be booked via Agoda.

• AtTheTop Bed & Breakfast. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Backpacker 16 Dubai Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• California Hostel Dubai Beach. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Super Stay. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Dubai Hotels!

How to get to dubai.

Dubai is served by two airports: Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

Dubai International Airport (DXB). Located northeast of the city center, near Deira. DXB is the busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic. DXB is also the hub for airlines Emirates and flydubai. These two airlines alone connect Dubai to over 150 cities around the globe.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Located south of the city center. Only a handful of commercial flights are operated here, primarily by Russia’s flag carrier Aeroflot and European low-cost airlines like Wizz Air. Most flights are seasonal.

If you’re coming from Manila, the cheapest non-stop flights are operated by Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Here’s a quick random search on SkyScanner.

Emirates sometimes reduce their rates when there’s a promo.

All three airlines use DXB. Travel time from Manila is usually 9 hours, 30 minutes.

DUBAI AIRPORT TO CITY CENTER

The good news is, the Dubai International Airport is situated not too far from the city center. In fact, you can get to Bur Dubai in 15 minutes or Deira in 5 minutes. Here are some of your options.

• BY METRO. Dubai Airport is directly connected to the metro system, so just find out the metro station closest to your hotel. Both Terminals 1 and 3 have their own metro station. There’s one train leaving either station every 10 minutes. Operating hours: Saturday-Wednesday, 5:50am-12 midnight; Thursday, 5:30am-1am; Friday, 1pm-1am. Travel time: 15-20 minutes to Bur Dubai/Downtown, 2-5 minutes to Deira Fare: AED5 to Bur Dubai/Downtown, AED3-5 to Deira,
• BY TAXI. There’s a cab queue right outside the terminal. For taxis picked up at the airport, a flagdown rate of AED25 applies. Then, AED1.96 is charged per succeeding km. Travel time: 10 minutes to Deira, 15-20 minutes to Bur Dubai or Downtown Estimated fare: AED50-60 to Bur Dubai, AED 60-70 to Downtown.
• BY UBER/CAREEM. Uber operates in Dubai, so if you’re more comfortable with it, you can use this app to reach the city effortlessly. Aside from Uber, there’s also Careem, another transportation app, which you can use to book a private car or even taxi.

Note that if you decide to take the metro, you’re allowed only 2 suitcases and you must store them in dedicated areas.

HOW TO GET AROUND DUBAI

Dubai has one of the most advanced transportation system in the region, with a very uncomplicated metro, plenty of ride-sharing options, and the usual taxi service. But before we delve deeper into each, it is important to be familiar with the transport zones.

The city’s public transportation network is run and managed by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), a branch of the local government. The agency has centralized all modes of transportation into a system that appears intimidating at first, but is more forgiving once you get the hang of it.

The city is divided into seven fare zones. But for tourists, most of the points of interest are within Zones 2, 6 and 5.

Here are the zones that cover some of the most visited areas:

• Zone 2: Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah, Al Barsha
• Zone 6: Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall), Bur Dubai
• Zone 7: Deira, Dubai International Airport

You can use RTA’s Journey Planner to figure out the best route you can take and the corresponding fare. The fare depends on the number of zones your journey will straddle and the type of ticket you use. Speaking of tickets…

Understanding Nol Cards

Nol cards are reloadable cards that give you easy access to Dubai’s public transportation system including the metro, buses, trams, and the Dubai ferry. All you need to do is hover the card above the reader and go. It’s similar to Hong Kong’s Octopus card or Singapore’s EZ card, but because of the zonal fares, it’s actually much closer to Melbourne’s myki, if you’re familiar with it.

There are four cards available: red, silver, gold, and blue (personalized). Assuming that you’re staying in Dubai for a short time, let’s just focus on the RED TICKET because it’s the most suitable for tourists.

The RED Ticket is a disposable paper ticket that you can top up. Here’s what you need to know about it.

• Price: AED 6 (AED 2 for the actual card and AED 4 balance that you can use immediately)
• Reload limit: Can only be used up to 10 single journeys or 5 daily passes. (I’ll explain these daily passes later).
• Types: It can only be used on one mode of transportation at a time. For example, METRO only or BUS only. You cannot use one card for metro and then a bus later. You will have to buy separate tickets if you change the mode of transport.
• Validity: Valid for 90 days.

For short-term visitors, the RED Ticket is often sufficient. But if you’re interested in other types, we have a separate post for it.

If you feel like you’ll be taking public transportation multiple times a day, you might want to consider purchasing a pass instead of paying for every single ride. Purchasing a pass means you get to use the metro or bus for an unlimited number of times within the covered period.

The pass comes in five variants, tagged by number of days: 1-day, 7-day, 30-day, 90-day and 365-day passes.

A 1-Day Pass that covers all zones costs AED 22 (AED 2 for the card + AED 20 balance).

Note that your RED TICKET must have a minimum balance equivalent to 1 trip or 1 daily pass. Other cards must have a minimum of AED 7.5. Spot checks are done, and penalties apply.

Wifi Rental and Local SIM in Dubai

For extra help when navigating or taking public transportation around Dubai, stay connected! A good Internet connection will allow you to use travel apps like Google Maps and Uber. You can also use one of the many Dubai Metro apps available.

Klook offers pocket wifi devices for rent and local data SIM cards that you can pick up at Dubai International Airport. Choose whatever is better for you. Both options will give you access to the city’s 4G/LTE network. If you’re a group, the pocket wi-fi might be more convenient.

Dubai Metro links most of the city’s most popular attractions. It is composed of only two lines: RED and GREEN. It’s also easy to use. Just touch on your Nol card as you pass through the gates and make your way to the platforms to catch a train.

Trains run frequently from 5:50am-12 midnight (Saturday-Wednesday); 5:30am-1am (Thursday); 1pm-1am (Friday). Note that in Dubai, weekend is Friday-Saturday.

Here are some things you need to know about Dubai Metro.

• It is generally comfortable, but expect some crowding during rush hours (7-9am and 4-7pm).
• There are separate cars for GOLD class passengers. You must only use it if you’re holding a GOLD nol card. Otherwise, you might be fined a substantial amount.
• Female passengers may also choose to use the FEMALE-ONLY cars.
• Chewing gum, eating, drinking, and sleeping are prohibited onboard the metro.
• Nol cards have a minimum balance that you must maintain. It’s AED 7.5 for silver, gold, and blue cards; and the equivalent of one trip or a daily pass for the red ticket.
• Spot checks are sometimes done so always follow the rules. You don’t want to get fined.

There are plenty of Dubai Metro apps available on App Store and Google Play that you can use. Just make sure you know the nearest station to your origin and destination and it will show you how to get there (including the transfers) and how much the fare is.

With its network of wide roads, Dubai is a city ruled by cars. Despite the reliable metro, the taxi remains a very popular transportation mode. There are thousands of taxi units roaming the streets of Dubai.

A special fleet of pink cabs have also been deployed to serve female passengers. These taxis can pick up solo female passengers and groups with female members, but not solo males or male-only groups.

The standard taxi rate si AED 1.75/km. But take note of the following surcharges:

• Minimum fare: AED 12
• Regular taxi starting fare: AED 3 when hailed on the street, AED 6 when booked. A slightly higher night time rate applies (10pm-6am).
• Ladies taxi starting fare: AED 6 from 6am-10pm, AED 7 from 10pm-6am
• From the airport: AED 25
• When passing through the Sharjah border: AED 20
• When crossing a toll gate: AED 4

By Uber or Careem

Uber operates in Dubai, so if you’re more comfortable with it, you can use this app to reach the city effortlessly. Aside from Uber, there’s also Careem, another transportation app, which you can use to book a private car or even taxi.

According to my Dubai-based friends, the taxi is still slightly cheaper but Uber and Careem have better service. But between Uber and Careem, the latter is the better, cheaper option.

By Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

If you’re a fan of HOHO tourist buses, you’ll be glad that it’s also available in Dubai. If you’re not familiar, these are the open-top sightseeing buses that roam the city and makes a stop at some of the city’s most popular attractions. You don’t need to busy your mind with fares and navigation. All you need to do is hop in, present your ticket, and get off at your desired stop.

Here are some of the stops covered by the sightseeing bus.

• Burj Khalifa
• Jumeirah Mosque
• Mall of the Emirates
• Dubai Creek
• Deira City Center
• Miracle Garden

Global Village

There are 6 day routes and 2 night routes available. Each bus is also equipped with multi-lingual audio guide that can give more information about every stop. Every ticket also comes with FREE tours!

THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI

Burj khalifa observation deck.

Ride the world’s fastest elevator to the 124th-125th floor of the world’s tallest man-made structure, the Burj Khalifa. Enjoy a fantastic view of the emirates! If you want to skip the lines, you can book in advance below.

Hours Open: 8:30am–11pm, daily Nearest Metro Station: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station (Red Line)

Dubai Desert Safari

This is definitely the most unforgettable tour that I did in Dubai! A desert safari tour usually starts in the afternoon and ends at night. It will take you on a 4×4 ride on the red dunes of the Arabian desert. You also get to watch the sunset and have a glimpse into the Bedouin culture. At night, dinner will be served as you enjoy a traditional show, including a tanoura and belly dancing performances.

You’ll find a lot of desert safari tours on Klook, and almost all of them offer the same package. But the two below are the most popular. The first one is the regular tour, while the other is a more premium service. Both options include hotel pickup and drop off, and service of an English-speaking guide.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

This is the world’s largest indoor theme park! It spans an area of 1.5 million sq. ft., featuring dozens of attractions inspired by Marvel (Thor, Spider-Man) and Cartoon Network (Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10) among others. There’s also a spooky Haunted Hotel, for horror fans out there.

Opening time: 11am until sunset. Closing time: Between 8pm and 11pm, depending on time of the year and day of the week. Closest Metro Station: Mall of the Emirates Station (Red Line). From here, you can take a cab to IMG Worlds of Adventure.

Legoland Dubai

Legoland Dubai is the first Legoland in Western Asia. It harbors 40+ Lego-themed attractions and divided into six zones! It’s perfect for kids and kids at heart!

Opening time: 10am Closing time: Between 6pm and 8pm, depending on time of the year and day of the week. Nearest Metro Station: Ibn Battuta Station (Red Line). From here, take the bus to Dubai Parks and Resorts. There are 26 trips from 7am until 11:15pm.

Dubai City Tour

One of the best ways to truly appreciate the city is by joining a group tour. Not only will you get to see the tourist sites, you also learn about them along the way, with insights from locals. Klook’s Dubai City Tour will take you to some of the city’s historic and modern wonders alike including Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Museum, and Palm Island. Hotel pick up and drop off are included.

Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Aside from a great selection of stores and restaurants, it houses a lot of attractions that the whole family can enjoy including KidZania and the VR Park.

If you plan on trying out three of the attractions here, it would be best to purchase a Dubai Mall Attraction Pass, which you can use for up to 30 days. It also comes with a FREE SIM card worth AED65.

Hours Open: 10am-12am, daily. Nearest Metro Station: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station (Red Line).

Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai

The Mall of the Emirates is another well-known mall in Dubai with over 600 retail shops and 100 restaurants. Aside from shopping, it also takes pride in its fun attractions including Ski Dubai, an indoor ski park where you can enjoy snow activities like skiing and hamster balling!

Mall Hours: Sunday-Wednesday, 10am-10pm; Thursday-Saturday, 10am-12am. Ski Dubai Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-12am; Friday-Saturday, 9am-12am. Closest Metro Station: Mall of the Emirates Station (Red Line).

Wild Wadi Water Park

Although situated next to a vast desert, Dubai has an obsession with water parks. One of the most established name is Wild Wadi Water Park, which boasts 30 heart-racing waterslides and rides, including the 32-meter Jumeirah Sceirah, the tallest slide in the region. I think this has been featured on the Amazing Race a couple of times, too!

Operating hours: 10am until sunset. Closing time is between 5:30pm and 10pm, depending on time of the year. Closest Metro Station: Mall of the Emirates Station (Red Line). From here, you can take a cab or the Bus 81 to Wild Wadi.

Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beaches

The coast of Dubai Marina and Jumeirah District are fringed with public beaches (JBR Beach, Jumeira Public Beach). You can swim, get a tan, or simple admire the view here.

Aside from the beach, visitors tend to gravitate towards The Walk , a waterfront boulevard flanked with retail outlets, cafes, and restaurants.

Dubai Miracle Garden

This is the biggest natural flower garden in the world, covering an area of over 70,000 square meters. The park features flowering plants that are creatively sculpted to mimic landmarks, animals, and other beautiful shapes. It’s a vibrant destination for the whole family, especially children!

It is not open year-round. The garden is routinely closed to the public in the extreme summer months (some time in April/May until October). It reopens some time in November.

Entrance Fee: Adult, 50 AED; Child (2-12yo), 40AED; Child below 2yo, FREE. Operating hours: November-April, 9am until 9pm/11pm. Closest Metro Station: Mall of the Emirates Station (Red Line). From here, you can take a cab or the Bus 105 to Dubai Miracle Garden.

Global Village is an international cultural theme park that combines tourism, entertainment and shopping. The cultures of around 90 countries are featured here, which makes a visit fascinating and, to a certain extent, educational. I enjoyed my time exploring this park, especially at night!

NOT open year-round! It welcomes visitors only from late October/early November until early April. Closed from April to October. The exact dates vary every year.

Entrance Fee: Adult, 15 AED; Child below 3yo or senior above 65yo, FREE. Operating hours: 4pm to 12am (weekdays), 1am (weekends) Closest Metro Station: Mall of the Emirates Station (Red Line). From here, you can take a cab or Bus 106 to the Global Village.

SAMPLE DUBAI ITINERARY

Here’s a sample 4-day 4-night Dubai itinerary. This assumes the following:

• You’re a party of 2 pax, splitting some of the costs like hotel and cab fare.
• You’re arriving at Dubai International Airport in the evening, so we added a Day 0.
• You’re staying at a budget hotel/hostel in Deira for AED72 per night per person. Check the nearest Metro Station.
• Your food budget is AED 25 per meal. You’ll find a lot of fast food chains or inexpensive restaurants within this budget. ZOOM, a convenience store chain in Dubai, also sells cheap packed meals.
• You only have 1 theme park visit. For Day 3, choose among IMG Worlds of Adventure, Wild Wadi and Legoland.
• Prices below are in UAE dirhams.

Note that the times here are just estimates, for sample purposes only. Actual times may vary so double check before your trip.

Feel free to change anything in the itinerary in order to match your preferences or flight schedule.

DAY 0 – ARRIVAL 09:40pm – Arrival at DXB 11:00pm – Buy nol ticket, top up, AED 10 11:30pm – Metro to Deira, AED 3 11:45pm – Walk to hotel 12:00pm – Hotel Check in

DAY 4 – DUBAI SOUKS 08:00am – Wake up call 09:00am – Early check out, leave bags 09:30am – Metro to Al Ghubaiba Station, AED 3 09:45am – Explore Souk places 12:00pm – Lunch, AED 25 01:30pm – Explore Bur Dubai, buy pasalubong 03:30pm – Metro to Deira, AED 3 04:00pm – Pick up bags at hotel 04:30pm – Metro to Airport, AED 3 05:00pm – Flight check-in 07:35pm – Flight out

If you follow the itinerary above, the total cost depends on what you choose for Day 3. But here are some ballpark figures per person:

• Option A (with Legoland Dubai): AED 870 (PHP 12,110, USD 237, SGD 323, EUR 213)
• Option B (with IMG Worlds of Adventures): AED 825 (PHP 11,500, USD 225, SGD 306, EUR 202)
• Option C (with Wild Wadi Waterpark): AED 810 (PHP 11,280, USD 221, SGD 300, EUR 198)

The above estimates do NOT include accommodations, airfare, travel tax, and shopping expenses.

If you spend AED 72 per night on accommodations, Options A-C will cost you the following:

• Option A (with Legoland Dubai): AED 1083 (PHP 15,100, USD 299, SGD 402, EUR 265)
• Option B (with IMG Worlds of Adventures): AED 1038 (PHP 14,500, USD 283, SGD 385, EUR 254)
• Option C (with Wild Wadi Waterpark): AED 1019 (PHP 14,200, USD 277, SGD 378, EUR 249)

The above estimates do not include airfare, travel tax, tips, and shopping expenses.

We added a little bit of extra allowance to cover incidental expenses, price adjustments, and other costs we might have missed.

There are many ways to further reduce the expenses. See the next section!

MORE DUBAI TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

• Find a hotel that is within walking distance of a Metro Station , so you don’t need to take a cab all the time.
• Cut your food budget. The itinerary above assumes you’re spending AED 25 per meal. But you can find cheaper options especially at Asian restaurants. Shawarma, manakish and sandwiches are also a lot cheaper.
• If you can also find a place with a kitchen , you can prepare your own meals instead of eating out all the time.
• Form a group with other travelers. This will allow you to reduce food and taxi costs.
• Hit a supermarket or convenience store. A small bottled water at a restaurant can cost as much as AED 5. But you can find 1.5L of water at supermarkets for less than AED 2. Some convenience stores also sell cheap packed meals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DUBAI

Is dubai safe.

It is generally safe. The government also wants to build its reputation as one of the safest destinations in the region. There are shady areas, but most of the touristy parts of the city are very safe. That said, practice common sense and beware of pickpockets especially at crowded places.

In addition, make sure you follow the local laws and customs. Although relatively loose compared to its neighbors, Dubai is still pretty conservative by Western standards.

Do we need a visa to visit Dubai?

If you’re holding a Philippine passport, yes, you need a visa to visit Dubai or any part of UAE. The good news is, it’s easy to get one. We have a separate post for the application here: HOW TO APPLY FOR A UAE VISA!

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

November to March , when the temperatures are pleasant and comfortable and when most seasonal attractions are open. There’s a reason why some of these sites are closed for business for the rest of the year.

While April and October can be tolerable, May to September is when the heat can be unforgiving.

Note that weekend in Dubai is NOT Saturday-Sunday. Instead, workdays are from Sunday-Thursday. Weekend is Friday-Saturday.

What type of power plug / socket is used in Dubai?

Type G , with 3 cornered pins. 220/240 V, 50 Hz.

What is the tipping custom in Dubai?

Tipping is appreciated in Dubai but NOT mandatory. At restaurants, the bill usually includes a service charge already, but if you enjoyed the service, tipping 10% is customary.

For taxi drivers, you can tip AED 5 or tell them to keep the change if it’s less than 10 dirhams.

For bell staff, AED 5-10 is sufficient.

What is the escalator etiquette in Dubai?

Walk to the left, stand to the right.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 7️⃣ • 2️⃣6️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

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Nice Article. Thanks for sharing the post. Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Your article explains all about Dubai very well. Thanks Again.

nice posting

Good article, nice sharing. good talked about place.

thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing all the information! VEry helpful. :-)

One question: Is there also a day pass that allows to take metro AND tram AND bus AND water taxi as often as you want? If yes, what is the price?

Thank you for sharing, I will be coming to Dubai as soon as possible

Fantastic article. I m inspire from this article. Dubai is the most beautiful place . I also want to come.

are gays, transgenders allowed to enter and travel in Dubai?

So informative.. I enjoyed your blog never knew things before about dubai.. thanks for sharing ..

Thanks, Dan!

Enjoyed reading the article Dubai City, really explains everything in detail, the article is very interesting and effective. Thank you and good luck for the upcoming articles

I think I’ve seen the entire Dubai city through your article. You’ve written it with such in-depth knowledge and details. The best Dubai blog in my opinion. Kudos to you!

The creativity in this post just summed the whole city in a few sentences. Thanks for taking me round Dubai in less than 30 minutes.

I am really crazy about Dubai and would love to visit very soon. I keep on reading articles written on Dubai, but, your blog has proved one of the best with something new to read and know about. A very detailed blog with amazing insights.

This is the best blog for those looking to travel to Dubai, you have described everything in detail. Thanks for the information!

Thank you very helpful for my Dec trip to Dubai this year.

Detailed and to the point. Thanks for this comprehensive guide

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Nomadic Notes

Travel blog and weekly travel newsletter

Dubai Travel Notes

October 11, 2022 By James Clark

Travel Notes > United Arab Emirates > Dubai Travel Notes

Nomadic Notes Blog Posts

Notes on Dubai – old and new – Notes from my trip to Dubai in October 2007.

A day in Dubai – 2018 edition .

Notes on Dubai – Expo 2020, South Asia food paradise, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and more .

Dubai Metro

Accommodation

Dubai hotels – Search for discount hotels in Dubai with lowest rates guaranteed.

Where to stay in Dubai – The best areas and most iconic hotels.

Best hotel gyms in Dubai – Fitness options in Dubai, faqs on using gyms and good options for hotels with gyms.

A guide to budget accommodation in Dubai

Travel Guides

Dubai Tourism – Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing.

Dubai.com – City info, entertainment, news, maps, and travel booking services.

Dubai Information Site – First-hand, practical perspective on Dubai. Aimed at tourists and people who have recently moved to Dubai.

Time Out Dubai – Dubai lifestyle magazine featuring restaurants, nightlife, films, things to do and places to see.

Dubai Travel Agents

Rayna Tours and Travels is a Dubai-based destination management service offering all-inclusive holidays, tours, safaris, and cruises that go beyond the ordinary. Its extensive portfolio offers international visa services, high-end logistic solutions, and sightseeing tours introducing visitors to the city’s most modern and cultural landmarks. They are also specialists in Dubai desert safari and dhow cruise packages, and arranging tours to attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, theme parks, water parks, and museums (including the Museum of the Future).

Buy Tickets

– Visit the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, to enjoy breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline. With Burj Khalifa tickets , get access to At The Top (Levels 124 & 125) and At The Top SKY (Level 148), and benefit from super saver combo offers.

– Enjoy a dolphin & seal show, swim with the creatures, and take endless photographs with your Dubai Dolphinarium tickets .

– Head to the top of the Dubai Frame, 150 meters in the sky, to discover the city’s past, present, and future. Choose from a selection of the Dubai Frame tickets to enjoy skip-the-line access and combo tours to other popular attractions in the city.

– Head to The View at the Palm observatory at the top of the Palm Tower for an unparalleled sight of Dubai’s towering skyline. Book The View at the Palm tickets to enjoy fast-track entry into the Palm Tower or choose combo tickets that offer access to top attractions such as the Dubai Frame and Burj Khalifa.

Dubai Travel Blog – Places, food, attractions, adventures, culture in Dubai.

Gubbi of Arabia – American girl in Dubai blogging about Dubai, travel, and expat life.

Dubai’s Desperate Housewife – Trials and traumas of a full-time mum in Dubai.

Best 7-day Dubai itinerary

Guide Books

Lonely Planet Pocket Dubai (Travel Guide)

Dubai Photo Gallery – My photo gallery of Dubai.

About James Clark

James Clark is the founder of Nomadic Notes. He has been a digital nomad since 2003, and Nomadic Notes features trip reports, train travel articles , and where to stay guides . He writes about transport and urban development at Future Southeast Asia . Subscribe to the weekly travel newsletter .

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Traveling to Dubai for the First Time (2024): 19 Tips & Tricks

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

Traveling to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) for the first time  and not sure where to start? Indeed, planning a trip to Dubai might be overwhelming, even more so if this is your first time in this rapidly growing and continuously changing city!

When is the best time to visit? How much time do you need in Dubai? What are the best areas to stay in and how to travel around? Do you need to pre-book tickets or can you just go with the flow? How to save time and money and still see the best that Dubai has to offer?

Dubai is a city of contrasts, a place where modern extravagance and traditional values go hand in hand. From its towering skyscrapers to its pristine beaches and bustling souks, visiting Dubai is like stepping into a different world…

To help you plan your first trip to this dynamic and unique city, in this guide we share some of our top travel tips for visiting Dubai .

We have visited Dubai several times and all the information and tips in this article are based on our personal experience. Some of these tricks we only learned after several trips…

This practical guide includes all the info I wish we had known before planning a trip to Dubai. These tips will not only help you plan your trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your visit, time, and budget. Find out!

Top 5 Experiences in Dubai:

• Burj Khalifa (book in advance + opt for the level 148 ticket for priority access).
• Desert Safari.
• Museum of the Future (book well in advance!).
• Luxury Yacht Tour .
• Abu Dhabi Day Trip .

Here are our top travel tips for visiting Dubai:

1. Avoid Traveling in Summer

Dubai is known for its scorching temperatures, especially during the summer months. To give you an idea, average daytime temperatures during June, July, and August are well over 40°C (104°F). Even in April or November, Dubai temperatures usually still exceed 30°C (86°F).

The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months – between December and February. The daytime temperatures at this time of the year are usually around 25°C (77°F). So it’s still warm enough to enjoy beaches, pools, and waterparks, but the temperatures are also pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Good to know: Winter is also the peak tourist season in Dubai. So expect accommodation prices to be higher and more crowds at the main attractions. However, with some advance planning and preparation, you can still have a very enjoyable visit, more than in the summer.

The shoulder season – the months of March-April or October-November – can be a good time to visit Dubai as well. If you don’t mind temperatures of around 30-35°C (86-95°F), you can take advantage of somewhat lower prices and fewer crowds than in the winter.

In addition, you may want to check when Ramadan is. During this month, most Muslims do not eat from sunrise to sunset, so many restaurants will be closed during the day. This may might impact your experience, depending on the places you visit.

TIP: No matter when you visit Dubai, be prepared for the heat by wearing lightweight, breathable clothing, using sun protection, and staying hydrated. Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat.

READ ALSO: What It’s Like to Visit Dubai in February

2. Book Attraction Tickets in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning a trip to Dubai is not to plan/book attraction tickets in advance.

Booking in advance means more time slots to choose from, better prices, and less time wasted queuing.  After all, you want to make the most of your trip to Dubai and not spend all your precious time standing in lines.

Good to know: Tickets to many popular attractions in Dubai are often sold out at least a few days in advance. Furthermore, many tickets are cheaper if booked online. In addition, some attraction tickets, e.g. Atlantis Aquaventure , cost less if you book at least a week before your visit.

For some places, not reserving in advance means that you won’t be able to visit at all.  For example, the Museum of the Future is so popular that all tickets are usually sold out at least 2-3 weeks upfront. If you want to be able to choose the time slot that fits you best, you need to book at least a month in advance.

If you want to visit observation decks at Burj Khalifa or Dubai Frame , you also need to book ahead. In most cases, a few days in advance is sufficient, but it really depends on the period when you travel and how flexible you are. Also, consider visiting these attractions early in the morning or late in the evening for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.

PRO TIP: For Burj Khalifa, we recommend getting a ticket that includes Level 148 . Not only you get to visit another level which is not included with standard tickets, but you also get skip-the-line access through the security check and at the elevators, and it includes some snacks and drinks. It’s well worth it.

Overall, we always recommend booking tickets and tours at least a month before your trip. But keep in mind that for many popular destinations worldwide booking a month or even two upfront is not sufficient anymore.

Tickets don’t get cheaper and there’s less availability the longer you wait. Plus, if you use GetYourG u ide for all attraction tickets and tours like we do, you can take advantage of their very flexible cancelation policy.

Good to know: Booking tickets/tours via websites like GetYourGuide , Viator , or Tiqets also saves you money on exchange rates. The exchange rate they use is the official rate and transactions are in your currency. Whereas if you pay on the spot, it will usually cost you quite a lot more (not only because many tickets are more expensive at the counter, but also because of credit card fees, exchange rate deviations, etc.).

Plus, booking and paying ahead makes it easier to budget for your vacation and keep your credit card’s spending limit available for other expenses during your trip.

READ ALSO: Top Places to See & Things to Do in Dubai

3. Foresee Enough Time & Plan Wisely

There is one thing that you may not realize as a first-time visitor to Dubai and that’s how huge the city is. It’s not a place that you can compare to cities like Rome or London , or even New York City where you can still walk between many attractions and see a lot in a short time…

Dubai is totally different! It’s big, not really walkable (except in some areas), and the attractions are spread out all over the enormous and ever-growing city.

Plus, road works and traffic jams turn every ride into an expedition. The same trip that takes 20 minutes at night or early in the morning can take you an hour or even longer during the day. And yes, public transport can be a good option, but it also has its limitations – more about it further below.

Good to know: When planning your sightseeing itinerary, you will see that most Dubai attractions work with timed entry slots. Be sure to foresee plenty of extra time everywhere though! Even with timed entry tickets, you will often be standing in line for an hour or even longer, not to mention the time that it takes to actually visit the place or get from one attraction to the other.

TIP: So while planning what to see and do, foresee enough extra time between the sights and don’t try to do too much in a single day. Also, group the attractions based on their location, and go for a mix of top attractions with some lesser-known ones. That way, you don’t have to rush from one queue to another and your trip will be much more relaxed.

This brings us to the next tip – see below.

4. Don’t Try to See Everything

There is so much to see and do in Dubai that you could easily stay here for a few months and still not experience everything the area has to offer. So resist FOMO and the urge of having to see ‘everything’. It’s simply impossible, especially if you are only traveling to Dubai for just a few days or a week.

TIP: Choose a few places, attractions, and experiences that interest you the most and focus on those rather than ticking off boxes just because some guidebook told you that one or the other place is ‘a must’.

If you absolutely want to go to the top of Burj Khalifa, well – just do it and tick it off your bucket list. After all, how often will you get a chance to visit the world’s tallest building… In that case, book tickets in advance and be prepared to queue, or save time and avoid the crowds with priority access .

On the other hand, maybe you are perfectly content just seeing the building from the outside and rather spend your time visiting other viewing platforms like Sky Views , the View at The Palm , or Dubai Frame …

Or maybe you don’t care about any of these at all and much rather spend a day at a water park , exploring the old town souks (markets), or enjoying the views from a luxury yacht …

Dubai has so much to offer to all types of travelers. So personalize your itinerary based on what you really want to do, taking into account the time that you have, your interests, and your budget. If you are visiting Dubai with the family, try to incorporate some fun activities for the kids in your itinerary as well, even if it means that you’ll have less time for sightseeing.

READ ALSO: Dubai Itinerary (detailed guide for a week in Dubai)

5. Consider Tours & Private Drivers

If you want to see a lot of Dubai in a short time or you don’t know where to even start deciding where to go, consider booking tours or private guides/drivers .

Sometimes, a private driver can also be cheaper than taking a taxi between all those places, and often, you can also find cars that can take up to 6 passengers (vs 4 in most taxis).

Just to be clear, I am talking about quickly seeing multiple places all over the city in a single day. If you want to spend more time exploring the sites, you better go on your own.

There are tons of different ‘city highlights’ tours that bring you to many of the main landmarks of Dubai in (half) a day. Keep in mind that in most cases, your ‘visit’ will be just a quick photo stop, so it’s not comparable to actually visiting the sights. But it’s a good way to get an introduction to Dubai and catch a glimpse of the top spots.

PRO TIP: If you do a city highlights tour, do it at the beginning of your trip! That way, you can later come back to some of the places that you like the most. An ideal way to explore Dubai is to take an introductory city tour first as you arrive and then thoroughly visiting some of the main landmarks and attractions on your own later.

Abu Dhabi day trip tip: One of the best guided tours we recently did in Dubai was this highly-rated tour. If you want to see the top sights of Abu Dhabi in a day, this tour has by far the best itinerary (I compared many tours before we chose this one and it didn’t disappoint).

READ ALSO: Best Abu Dhabi Tours from Dubai (+Review of the Tour We Chose)

6. Save Time & Money with Combination Tickets

Dubai is expensive, there is no arguing about it. But with some smart planning, you can save some money on some of the main attractions.

One of the best ways to do this is by opting for combination tickets and/or city cards that include several popular places.

Here are some of the most popular deals:

• Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium (+-$20 savings per person).
• Atlantis Aquaventure + Lost Chambers Aquarium (+-$25-30 savings per person).
• GoCity Explorer Pass (up to 50% savings, depending on the attractions you visit).

Good to know: Some tickets cost more during the most popular times. For example, Burj Khalifa around sunset. So if you want to save money, be sure to check prices for different time slots/days when making reservations.

7. Stay Longer

You might be wondering how much time you need to see the best of Dubai. Well, there is really no straightforward answer to this and so much depends on your interests.

That being said, I recommend planning at least a week for a first visit to Dubai. But if you have time and your budget allows it, stay longer. You won’t get bored!

With a week in Dubai, you will be able to visit most of the top landmarks, explore several different parts of the city, and also find some time to relax and unwind. If you want to spend more time at the beach or by the pool, visit a water park or a theme park with your kids, or make a day trip to Abu Dhabi, ideally, you plan at least 10-12 days for Dubai.

But don’t worry if your trip is shorter and you can’t extend it. You can have a perfectly enjoyable visit and see a lot even if you only have a day or two in Dubai. Via the link below, you can find plenty of ideas for planning a shorter visit.

LEARN MORE: Dubai Stopover: How to See The Best of Dubai in 1-2 Days

8. Choose the Location of Your Hotel Wisely

Deciding where to stay in Dubai might not be as straightforward as you may think, especially if the main purpose of your visit is to explore the city.

There is not one perfect place to stay in Dubai – it’s simply much too big and too spread out for that.

However, some areas are better than others and some are really a disaster for commute. If you pick the wrong location, you might be stuck in traffic for hours every time you want to go anywhere and do some sightseeing. On the other hand, that same spot might be perfect for those who are mainly interested in swimming and dining, and are just looking for a relaxing vacation with maybe one or two excursions that include a pick-up and drop-off at the hotel…

TIP: I strongly recommend that you look at the map and the location of the places that you want to visit before deciding where to stay in Dubai. Also, consider how you will travel around.

For example, staying within walking distance of a metro station might save you a lot of time and money on commuting if you plan to do lots of sightseeing. Whereas staying in a nice walkable area with lots of shops and restaurants will be ideal if you like to go out at night.

Here are two of the very best areas to stay in Dubai:

• Dubai Downtown (the area around Dubai Mall – Burj Khalifa) is very central and is perfect for those who want to do a lot of sightseeing, but also for shopping and dining. Sofitel Dubai Downtown is a great choice in this area, close to Dubai Mall and just near a metro station. Remember, however, that this is the heart of the city, so very busy and far from the sea.
• Dubai Marina in the south of the city is another popular area to stay in Dubai. It’s a great choice for those who are looking for a more relaxing vacation, boat trips, water parks, dining, shopping, etc. The beach is not too far from here, however, it will take at least 45-60 minutes to reach the city center. Millennium Place is a very popular hotel not too far from the main Marina area and close to the metro. On a somewhat higher budget, JW Marriott Hotel Marina is a wonderful choice if you want to be in the heart of the Marina.

TIP: On our most recent visit to Dubai, we stayed at Rove La Mer Beach Hotel . It’s close to the downtown area, so quite convenient for sightseeing, but also with direct access to a private beach – the best of both worlds. We loved this hip modern hotel, also because it’s much smaller and more intimate – a kind of place where you don’t have to worry about losing your kids at breakfast. It also offers great price/quality for Dubai. The only downside is that the area around the hotel is still developing with lots of construction going on, but it will only get more attractive in the future.

9. Beware of Tourism Taxes

Hotel stays (including hotel apartments, guesthouses, holiday homes, etc.) in the United Arab Emirates are taxed with various fees, surcharges, and taxes. These amounts might vary depending on the hotel, but it’s not abnormal that these taxes add over 20-25% to your room rate.

For example, our recent hotel invoice in Dubai showed a 10% service charge, 7% municipality fees, 5 % VAT, and an additional 10 AED (+-$3) Tourism Dirham Fee per night.

Altogether, we paid about 24,4% on top of the official room rate. The good thing is that we knew in advance how much we had to pay. Otherwise, this could be a very unpleasant surprise…

So when looking for accommodation in Dubai and comparing prices, make sure that you are actually comparing the same thing!

Many hotel websites show prices without (some/any) taxes, so you may think that booking directly with them is cheaper. Often, it’s not the case at all!

TIP: We always use Booking.com for our accommodation bookings, also in Dubai. With them, you see the total price, including all fees and taxes, so you know exactly how much you will spend. (Depending on booking conditions, you may have to prepay for the stay in advance whereas the taxes are charged separately when you arrive at the hotel, but the total amount you see when making a reservation is correct).

10. Use Public Transport & Local Taxis

Dubai’s public transport system is efficient and inexpensive. Depending on where you are staying and traveling to, it might be very convenient to use the Dubai Metro, Tram, Monorail, or even local buses.

However, this depends on the exact trip you are planning to make and also on the size of your group. Sometimes, public transport is the best way to get around the city quickly and affordably. But there are also many situations when it’s a real hassle and doesn’t make your trip faster or much cheaper.

In those cases, you will be glad to know that taxis are rather affordable in Dubai . The most expensive taxi ride we recently took in Dubai was 25 kilometers, it took over 50 minutes, and it cost us 76 AED (+-$21).

However, be careful that you only use official taxis! Because e.g. Uber is often quite a lot more expensive. Not even to mention that they sometimes charge twice the price during peak times of increased demand. We learned this the hard way, after taking a few overpriced Uber rides…

Also, unlike in many other countries where we use Uber all the time, in Dubai, you never really know how much you will pay until the end of the ride. The price you see in the beginning is usually just an approximate indication.

TIP: Install Careem app on your smartphone and use it to request ‘Hala Taxi’. That’s the best way to get an official taxi in Dubai. If you request ‘Rides’, it works similar as Uber and is more expensive. We learned this from a local taxi driver after a few very unpleasant experiences with Uber and private drivers randomly offering their services at the main tourist spots, and it saved us a fortune.

To give you an idea, we were quoted 120 AED ($33) by Uber and 150 AED ($40) by random ‘kind strangers’ for a ride that in the end cost us 22 AED ($6) by official taxi. When it comes to busy times and popular tourist hotspots, getting a taxi ride in Dubai can feel like navigating the Wild West…

LEARN MORE: Tourist Guide to Dubai Public Transport

11. Start Your Days Early

One of the best ways to make the most out of your trip to Dubai is to start your days early.

There’s much less traffic in the morning, so you can get everywhere much quicker. But the main advantage is that there are hardly any other people, even at the most popular attractions. In addition – if you are visiting Dubai in the warmest months – getting up early is the best way to avoid the biggest heat.

Good to know: Be sure to check opening times of the places you want to visit. While some attractions don’t open until noon, many others are open from 9-10 AM. There are also places – like e.g. Burj Khalifa – that you can visit at 7 AM, and on some days even earlier if you like…

For example, we recently went to the Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis around opening time. There were no lines at the entrance and we could also do many popular slides without any wait. A few hours later, people were queuing for 45-60 minutes at the same rides…

In addition, the taxi ride to get there in the morning took us just 22 minutes. That same ride to get back to our hotel in the evening was over 50 minutes, not counting more than 10 minutes for a taxi to arrive… So yes, it really pays to explore Dubai in the morning!

READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Atlantis Aquaventure

12. Stay Connected

While pretty much all public places and tourist attractions in Dubai offer free Wi-Fi, we highly recommend getting a local SIM card for your visit to UAE. There are so many situations when it’s just much easier to stay connected. For example, if you need to book a taxi ride, or book some tickets on the go, etc.

Depending on your data plan, roaming can cost a fortune in Dubai. My provider sent me an sms saying that using data in UAE will cost me 15 euros per megabyte (ouch! and no, thank you!). So the first thing I did after landing in Dubai was disconnect roaming.

There are several ways to approach this:

• Pocket Wi-Fi. One of the easiest ways to stay connected on the go is by renting a pocket WiFi at Dubai airport . This is a very convenient option if you don’t want to change anything on your phone. It’s also convenient if you are traveling with a family/friends since you can connect up to 10 devices to it.
• Local SIM card. Alternatively, you can opt opt for a physical SIM card, which is also available at the airport . With this option, you will need to place this card into your phone. If you want to keep your ‘own’ phone number working as well, see if your phone has a dual SIM option – then you can use both. Otherwise, you may want to bring an old phone to use with this local card.
• eSIM. There are many providers available (just search online), but what’s included and the prices vary a lot. Depending on which one you choose and also on your device, this can be a very easy and simple process, but it’s also not very straightforward if you have never done it before. Also, not all phones allow eSIM – so be sure to double-check if your smartphone has this capability.

13. Respect Local Culture

While Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city, it’s also a place with different cultural norms and traditions. Overall, UAE is very ‘Western’ and Dubai in particular is very laid back and relaxed. With over 200 nationalities living in Dubai, it’s a true melting pot of different cultures. Still, remember that you are a visitor here, and be respectful.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or public places. Also, avoid public displays of affection, as these can be considered disrespectful.

If you’re visiting during Ramadan, be mindful of local customs and traditions. Keep in mind that many traditional restaurants and cafes will be closed during the day but will come to life after sunset. If you are visiting during Ramadan and are planning sightseeing during the day or a day trip to e.g. Abu Dhabi, it’s advisable to pack your own lunch.

One of the most common questions we get is what to wear when traveling to Dubai. Well, you will see people wearing all kinds of clothing – from burkas that cover the entire body to revealing summer clothes that hardly cover much at all. However, while a lot is tolerated, it’s not always appreciated.

So when in doubt, remember that it’s always safer to cover your knees and shoulders. See-through clothing is also not the best idea, unless on a beach.

TIP: Wear loose light clothes – not as much for religious or cultural reasons, but also because of the heat. Long skirts/dresses or wide summer pants will be much more comfortable than tight clothes.

LEARN MORE: What to Wear in Dubai

14. Use Credit Cards

The official currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) and all the prices are displayed in this currency. All regular businesses accept cash and electronic means of payment, such as credit cards or smartphone payments.

We haven’t encountered a single place in Dubai that wouldn’t accept a credit card. So if you want to make it easy and simple for yourself, you don’t even need to exchange money and can simply use cards everywhere.

Important! Inform your bank about your visit so that they don’t block your cards for ‘suspicious activity’. And even then… Despite precautions, one of my cards got blocked by a credit card company after a random payment at a restaurant in one of the main malls in Dubai. We had to call the bank to get them to unblock it again and they say that this happens when ‘the systems’ suspect anything suspicious, despite us having notified our bank in advance…

If you want to leave a tip to someone or purchase something small, you may want to have some local currency at hand. In that case, you can get some cash from local ATMs which you will find in malls all over the city. I strongly encourage you to only use ATMs attached to local bank offices as some others might charge additional fees and/or give the worst exchange rates.

PRO TIP: When using ATMs to withdraw money or paying by card, you always get an option between local currency (AED) and your own currency. Always choose local currency (AED) – that way, your bank will do the exchange and you will always get a better rate than the one offered by ATMs or pay terminals.

Good to know: We heard it on quite a few occasions that money is king in Dubai and it doesn’t matter in which currency you want to pay – they will accept it. Indeed, this is the case at the markets (souks) and some smaller private businesses. On a recent trip to Dubai, I could use Euros at the souk. The sellers also told us that they accept credit cards (just make sure to haggle – see below).

15. Shop Smart

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, but prices can vary a lot depending on where you shop. The prestigious locations like the Dubai Mall are home to some of the most expensive brands in the world and the prices here are usually very high. You will be able to find much better deals at the Dubai Outlet Mall, for example.

Also, if you go to various local markets (souks), be sure to shop around for better deals. Also, don’t forget to haggle – and not a little! Many sellers take advantage of tourists asking ridiculously high prices. Often, 3-4 times higher than what you should pay, and likely even more… Don’t be shy, offer the price that seems correct to you, and be prepared to walk away.

On a recent trip, I got intrigued by a perfume someone put on me while walking through the Dubai Spice Souk (this is common practice – people will (try to) put all kinds of stuff on you – from scarfs to perfumes etc.). So I asked how much it was. The prices depend on the size and the design of the bottle, they said, and so we settled on a medium-sized simple bottle and they told me it was 280 AED (+- 70 euros).

No way I would pay 70 euros for a tiny bottle of perfume at a market! And so we started the negotiations. In the end, I paid 20 euros in cash which – to me – felt like a correct price. The seller was telling me that this was way too low and he was only willing to do it because it was our last day in Dubai and my kids were cute… 😉

After that, I saw similar perfumes at Dubai Airport souvenir store and indeed, most of them were about 20-25 euros for about the same size I got. So don’t be afraid to negotiate and if you don’t feel comfortable with the price or the quality, simply walk away.

16. Explore Beyond the Glitz

While Dubai is best known for its skyscrapers and extravagant landmarks, don’t miss out on its cultural gems as well.

One of the best places to catch a glimpse of authentic culture is Old Dubai. Visit the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, explore the spice and gold souks, and take a traditional abra ride along Dubai Creek. These experiences are also quite touristy, but they are also totally different from the main attractions in Dubai.

TIP: There are many excellent guided tours that visit Old Dubai . They all take you to the same area, do the traditional boat ride on Dubai Creek, and visit the same local markets. Most tours also include local coffee and dades, and some also food tasting. While you can just visit the area on your own, these tours are really affordable and give you a somewhat deeper insight and insider tips.

On our recent visit, we chose this walking/food tour . It started with some traditional food tasting at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the old town, a boat ride, and ended at the gold and spice souks. A nice way to spend a few hours and get to know a different side of the city.

READ ALSO: Best Tours in Dubai

17. Avoid Weekends

If you think Dubai is busy on a weekday, try to imagine it on a weekend or on public holidays.

So if you can adjust your plans, avoid visiting the most popular attractions on weekends (Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday).

If you are in Dubai for more than a few days, this is really not difficult to do. Visit the most popular places such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Global Village , Miracle Garden , or theme parks and water parks on weekdays.

On weekends, you can do more relaxing activities such as a sightseeing a yacht trip , a speedboat tour , spend time at the beach or by the pool, go parasailing or jetskiing , or take a desert tour – see below.

18. Experience the Desert

No trip to Dubai would be complete without experiencing its desert. Book a desert safari tour for an adrenaline-pumping ride over the dunes, followed by a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars. It’s an unforgettable experience!

There are many desert tour options , but when you look closely, they are very similar in what they offer. Depending on the option you book, you have one main activity – usually, dune bashing in a jeep, quad, or camel ride. Afterward, you spend time in a desert camp where you can partake in all kinds of different experiences.

Some of these experiences include taking pictures with falcons and camels, sandboarding, various shows (traditional dance, belly dance, fire show), henna tattoos, etc. There is always lots of local food and it’s surprisingly good.

Our experience: We have done two desert tours in Dubai (on different trips) and they were both very similar and both excellent. The first time we went on this dune safari tour and on a recent trip, we opted for this highly-rated tour that includes a longer camel ride . In both cases, the second part of the tour was quite similar, the main difference was that the first tour included an exhilarating jeep ride through the dunes, and the second one – a 45-minute camel ride.

The whole family really enjoyed these tours and I couldn’t say which one is better. All I can tell you is that it’s a nice experience that will make your trip to Dubai even more memorable.

19. Don’t Forget Little Important Details

Here are some additional travel tips for Dubai:

• Bring a reusable water bottle. Dubai is so warm and dry that you will want to carry a bottle of water on you at all times. If you want to minimize plastic waste, you may want to bring your own reusable water bottle. Tap water is, in general, safe to drink. In addition, you will also see free water taps at some public areas, where you can refill your bottles.
• Pack a travel adapter. UAE uses  Type G  plugs, same as in the UK. However, we noticed that in most hotels you can also simply use European plugs and sometimes a simple USB cable. Still, we always pack a Type G adapter just to be safe.
• Bring a power bank to charge your phone on the go. Also, carry extra batteries for your camera.
• Know that you are not obliged to tip, but it’s also appreciated. Many people tip 10-15% at the restaurants or give a small tip to tour guides. If you like to tip, make sure you have some small bills of local currency.
• Bring a small crossbody bag for sightseeing. At some landmarks, you will be asked to leave bigger bags/backpacks in a locker. I like Hedgren crossbody bags for travel – they are light, sturdy, and very durable. The one I have is big enough to hold my camera, a power bank, documents, and even two water bottles, and I was never asked to use a locker. But pack the smallest backpack and you’ll often have to leave it behind…
• Don’t forget sun protection. A sun hat, sunscreen lotion, and sunglasses are a must when visiting Dubai!

So, these are some of the most useful travel tips for Dubai that you may want to know when traveling to this fascinating city for the first time. I hope that this helps you make the most of your visit.

Have a great trip!

Before you go, you may want to learn a bit more about Dubai with some surprising and interesting facts that will leave you fascinated and eager to explore more. Check it out: Fun & Interesting Facts About Dubai .

More tips for visiting Dubai:

• Budget:  How Expensive is Dubai
• Getting around:  Public Transport in Dubai
• With kids:  Best Things to Do in Dubai with Kids
• Fun to do:  Best Free & Cheap Things to Do in Dubai

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Friday 23rd of February 2024

Thanks for the article. It is very informative.

Glad to help. Have a great time in Dubai!

Dubai Travel Blog

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ABU DHABI , MIDDLE EAST , UNITED ARAB EMIRATES · October 17, 2019 Last Updated on March 15, 2024

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ABU DHABI

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but the city often gets overshadowed by it’s much larger and glitzier neighbour Dubai just 1 hour down the road.

Abu Dhabi , however, is a great place to spend a few days as it can often be much cheaper than Dubai , plus there are more and more tourist attractions opening all the time!

It is also a very safe city, and whilst Arabic is the official language, English is spoken widely as there is a very large expat community. I spent almost 4 years living in Abu Dhabi so let me share with you my favourite tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels in Abu Dhabi!

THINGS TO SEE IN ABU DHABI

Sheikh zayed mosque.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, also known as The Grand Mosque , is Abu Dhabi’s most famous attraction and for good reason – it is simply stunning!

With its white marble walls, 82 intricately detailed domes and reflective pools in the courtyard, many people believe this to be the most beautiful mosque in the world.

It is also one of the world’s largest mosques (it can fit a staggering 40,000 people inside) and houses the world’s largest carpet and third-largest chandelier (covered in Swarovski crystals)! It cost half a billion USD to build!

As it is a holy place of worship you must dress appropriately. If required, women will be loaned an abaya to cover themselves up with as they must be covered from their wrists to their ankles, as well as have their hair covered.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is open daily from 9 am until 10 pm except on Fridays. Friday is the holy day in Islam so opening times on a Friday are from 4.30 pm-10 pm.  It is free for tourists to visit and it does get pretty busy here so arrive first thing to avoid the crowds as much as possible. At night time it is lit up beautifully so it is also nice to visit just after sunset. You can read my guide on taking great photographs at the mosque here .

Across from Sheikh Zayed Mosque is Wahat al Karama park – head here for a fabulous view of the mosque. There are very few people here even during sunset.

For more information, read our complete guide to visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi !

Desert Safari

No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without doing a desert safari! The desert is less than an hour away and a desert safari is a really fun adventure. You can do morning or evening safaris, or even an overnight one camping in the desert!

By far the most popular one is the evening safari which usually lasts from 3 pm-9 pm as guests get to watch the sunset in the desert which is really magical. It includes pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, sandboarding, riding a camel, holding a falcon (the national bird of the UAE) and then a BBQ buffet and a belly dancing show at a Bedouin-style camp under the stars in the desert.

It is a really special and exciting experience and you definitely shouldn’t leave Abu Dhabi without experiencing it!

There are many companies that offer very similar desert safaris for a very reasonable price. There are several desert safaris available, including overnight stays and half day tours .

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Louvre Abu Dhabi

Even if you are not into museums it is definitely worth it to check out the impressive Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first of it’s kind to open outside France.

The building itself is a masterpiece – the roof is metallic and looks almost like a cosmic dome! Natural light pierces through the latticework and creates a beautiful illusion inside.

The collections here are very impressive and include civilisations all over the world, from ancient times until the present day. They also feature pieces from Monet, da Vinci and Van Gogh.

Make sure to view the opening times before you go. Note Louvre Abu Dhabi is closed on Mondays. Entrance is 63 dirhams ($17).

Gold Cappuccino And Ice Cream At Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi’s most iconic hotel. This elaborate and grand hotel is beautiful both on the outside and on the inside, yet it is far too expensive for most people to stay in (the cheapest rooms start at $560 per night!). However, you can visit the Palace for free to have a look around and take in the grandeur and beauty of the floor to ceiling marble and gold.

What’s more, you can head to Le Cafe in the lobby to experience the renowned Palace cappuccino! This cappuccino is sprinkled in 23 karat gold flakes (yes they are real!). If coffee isn’t your thing, try the vanilla and chocolate ice-cream covered in 23 karat gold. I’ve tried both of them and they are equally delicious! The coffee is priced at 60 dirhams and the ice cream at 40 dirhams.

A walk along the Corniche (seafront) is a must when in Abu Dhabi. It stretches for 8km along the coast but the most popular part is around the Corniche Beach/Family Beach area, just a few minutes walk from Emirates Palace.

The pedestrianized promenade along The Corniche is very elegant and relaxing and there are several restaurants and cafes you can stop in along the way which offer beautiful views of the beachfront.

Yas Island, a 30-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi features a whole host of activities. Ferrari World, Warner Brothers World, Yas Waterworld  – that’s enough theme parks to keep you entertained for a while! Ferrari World  features the world’s fastest rollercoaster that reaches 240km/h (150mph) whereas Warner Brothers World  has the world’s largest indoor theme park.

Additionally, Yas Island features the huge Yas Mall as well as the Formula One circuit. The Formula One takes place each November in Abu Dhabi and is a really fun event! Nearby Yas Marina also offers a nice vibe in the evening with several nightlife options available.

If you want to try driving a race car for yourself, you can even book a Yas 3000 Driving Experience !

Visit The Mangroves

For something a little different and to keep you in shape on your trip to Abu Dhabi head to the Eastern Mangroves for some Stand Up Paddleboarding or kayaking. The natural mangrove forest is really beautiful and home to a variety of marine life.

It is very calm here, certainly a world apart from fast-paced Abu Dhabi! For 2 hours paddleboarding, the price is 140 dirhams per adult. Click here for more info.

If you fancy trying some other water sports whilst you are in Abu Dhabi you can go surfing at Saadiyat Beach or jet skiing at Yas Beach.

Sightseeing Boat Trip

Abu Dhabi is made up of over 200 islands so the best way to see the city is from the water!  Jalboot  does a really great boat sightseeing tour of Abu Dhabi. It covers the best sites of Abu Dhabi, from the striking skyline of downtown Abu Dhabi to Emirates Palace, going past the Grand Mosque and even heading down to Yas Marina.

RESTAURANTS AND DINING

Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan city. It has residents from many different countries and its restaurants are a reflection of this. The variety of cuisines available in this city is genuinely impressive!

And from award-winning restaurants to eateries with more modest prices, there is something to suit every tastebud and pocket in Abu Dhabi! As a general rule of thumb, restaurants specialising in Arabic food will often be cheaper than restaurants serving international cuisine.

Fine Dining

Many of Abu Dhabi’s finest and expensive restaurants can actually be found inside its top hotels. Some of these restaurants that I really recommend include:

• Italian: Villa Toscana  (located inside Hotel St Regis Abu Dhabi )
• Indian:  Angar (located inside Yas Hotel )
• Japanese: Zuma – located on Al Maryah Island
• Steakhouse: BOA Steakhouse  – located at Eastern Mangroves

The restaurants listed above are all on the pricey side but are perfect for a special occasion.

Moderately Price Dining

More reasonably priced restaurants that I also love include:

• Italian:  Spaccanapoli (located inside Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi )
• Seafood: Aquarium (located on Yas Marina)
• Local Emirati cuisine: Al Fanar  (located inside Yas Mall)

WHERE TO STAY

The great thing about Abu Dhabi is that there are so many hotels to choose from. Before you start looking at hotels though, decide your budget. Hotel prices vary greatly in Abu Dhabi, although you can get some good deals.

You’ll also want to check on the map which area you would like to stay in. Abu Dhabi is quite a spaced out city without a real main centre as new areas are constantly being built.

Neighborhoods

Think would you prefer to stay on trendy Yas Island (such as the unique and very reasonably priced Yas Hotel ), or do you want a view of the Grand Mosque (at the more expensive Shangri-la  and Ritz Carlton Hotels).

Or perhaps you want to be downtown near the Corniche where there is a vast choice of hotels to choose from, or you would prefer something a little further away on Saadiyat Island (such as St Regis ) – although generally, the most expensive hotels are on Saadiyat Island.

Some of Best Places To Stay

• Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel
• Emirates Palace Hotel
• Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan
• Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri

Desert Hotels

Alternatively, if you fancy a change of scenery you can stay in one of Abu Dhabi’s desert hotels. This is where you can really experience the uninterrupted beauty and tranquillity of the desert. Qasr al Sarab is the ultimate in luxury, or for a much more affordable option, head to Tilal Liwa .

Both are a couple of hours’ drive from Abu Dhabi into the desert and you will need a car to get to both of these hotels as there is no public transport. Staying in one of these desert hotels is highly recommended as it really gives you a chance to relax and recharge your batteries.

WHEN TO VISIT

The cooler months from October until April is the perfect time to visit Abu Dhabi. This is when the weather is at it’s most pleasant and when the majority of tourists visit Abu Dhabi.

From May to September it is unpleasantly hot as temperatures reach over 40 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit) on a daily basis. The UAE is very hot and humid in the summer, and despite the excellent aircon, it is very difficult to withstand the outside temperatures.

Locals and residents even avoid being outside as much as possible during this time. Hotel prices though are much cheaper as there are a lot fewer people around.

GETTING AROUND AND TRANSPORTATION

Taxis are very reasonably priced in Abu Dhabi. They are always available and are considerably quicker than the buses so this is the preferred mode of transport for most people here.

Abu Dhabi taxis are usually grey in colour and they all have CCTV inside them for safety and security reasons. Some even have wifi inside them too!

Currently, taxis in Abu Dhabi only take cash so make sure you have enough for the journey.

Renting A Car

Renting a car in Abu Dhabi is fairly reasonably priced. There are many car hire companies available at the airport, and you can often hire cars for around 100 dirhams per day (around $25).

However, beware there are many speed cameras in UAE and there is no longer a speed buffer! Therefore, if the road sign says 120 km/h you cannot go faster than this. Even if you are doing 121 km/h you will get a fine if caught by the speed cameras!

Abu Dhabi has also just recently introduced toll gates across 4 of the bridges in Abu Dhabi. Therefore, be aware of this and how you have to pay.

Even for experienced drivers, driving in the UAE can sometimes be challenging. Just keep very alert of the other drivers and you will be fine!

HOW TO GET TO GET THERE

Airport and airlines.

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is located 30 km from downtown Abu Dhabi. To drive to the Corniche takes just over 30 minutes, but to drive to Sheikh Zayed Mosque or Yas Island it will take around only 15 minutes.

Etihad Airways is the national carrier of the UAE with the airline’s hub being located in Abu Dhabi. Most people flying into Abu Dhabi will, therefore, arrive with Etihad Airways. But many other international airlines fly into Abu Dhabi too such as British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Alitalia, Air France, Lufthansa and KLM.

Getting To Dubai From Abu Dhabi

From Abu Dhabi, it is a 1-hour drive to Dubai . A taxi will cost around 200 dirhams ($50).

Alternatively, you can take the coach for 25 dirhams ($7) from Abu Dhabi bus station. Just look for the number 100/101 red bus going to either Ibn Battuta or Al Ghubaiba. Buses leave every 20 minutes.

If you are going to Dubai, be sure to read our First-Timer’s Guide To Dubai !

OTHER INFORMATION

United arab emirates visas.

The typical visa to visit United Arab Emirates allows you a free 30 day stay on arrival depending on your country of nationality. Be sure to check the official United Arab Emirates Immigration website for the latest information.

The currency used in United Arab Emirates is the  Dirham (AED) . The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 3.65 AED. You can check the latest IDR exchange rate on Google .

While traveling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate.

Best Tours In Abu Dhabi

Some of the best tours and things to do in Abu Dhabi are:

• Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding
• City Tour with Grand Mosque & Royal Palace Visit
• Formula Yas 3000 Race Car Driving Experience

Best Books About Abu Dhabi

Read more about United Arab Emirates before you go! Some of the best books about Abu Dhabi are:

• From Rags to Riches: A Story of Abu Dhabi by Mohammed Al Fahim
• Spaceship in the Desert: Energy, Climate Change, and Urban Design in Abu Dhabi
• Keepers of the Golden Shore: A History of the United Arab Emirates

What Power Adapters Do You Need

United Arab Emirates uses standard 2 prong Type C adapters (commonly used in Europe), 3 prong round Type D adapters , and 3 prong Type G adapters (commonly used in the United Kingdom).

You can buy a universal adapter that will work in any country with any plug type and has extra ports for USB cables to charge your phone and other devices.

We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies.

Travel Insurance

Our top recommended travel insurance companies for Abu Dhabi are:

• World Nomads : Comprehensive coverage for medical, travel delays, and electronics.
• SafetyWing : Cheaper monthly coverage primarily for medical.

More Articles About The United Arab Emirates

• 9 Tips For Visiting The Sheikh Zayed Mosque In Abu Dhabi
• First-Time Visitor’s Guide To Dubai: What Not To Miss
• 10 Must Do Unique Experiences In Dubai
• 5 Wonderful Sights Not To Miss In Old Dubai

ABU DHABI WRAP UP

Over recent years Abu Dhabi has become very popular as a tourist destination. With many nationalities granted a free visa on arrival, more and more people are also using it as a stopover for a few days before continuing their journey elsewhere.

The modern buildings and attractions constantly popping up make a nice contrast to the Arabian traditions that are firmly rooted in this region. With year-round sunshine and it being named the world’s safest city in 2019, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be planning your trip to Abu Dhabi!

We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit Abu Dhabi. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!

We Are Travel Girls Contributor Catrina McGrail  of 24HoursLayover.com Connect with Catrina  Instagram  | Pinterest  | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

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You’ll Also Love

TRAVEL DONE CLEVER says

October 17, 2019 at 7:34 am

Great post! Thank you for inspiring us to visit this stunning country. Now we need to start planning our trip. How many days would you recommend to stay in Abu Dhabi? ❤

24 Hours Layover says

October 18, 2019 at 11:23 am

Hello, thank you for your comment! I think 3 or 4 days in Abu Dhabi is perfect to enjoy all the sights Abu Dhabi has to offer (plus more if you like to relax on the beach or then visit Dubai!). Hope you have a great time! ?

Pauline mathilde Herst says

October 17, 2019 at 2:00 pm

Absolutely love your blog!!!

Anonymous says

October 18, 2019 at 7:23 am

Hi Pauline! Aw thank you so much, so happy!! ??

Kim Groover says

January 9, 2020 at 7:30 pm

Hello. Thanks for sending along helpful tools for travel.

Colleen Hughes says

January 18, 2020 at 8:53 am

I will be in Abu Dhabi for 1 week for a conference. Would you recommend doing a bicycle tour in the city?

Nieska Vandemark says

January 24, 2020 at 11:11 pm

Best condense informative blog on the web.I am trying to find practical information about traveling to Abu Dhabi for last 3 days.I looked at over 50 places and opinionYou blog is THE BEST .Practical,short usefu.Thank you for giving me confidence and knowledge

Sana Haris says

February 2, 2020 at 7:41 am

Best Post thanks for sharing this information I really like your posts.

Amal Owasi says

May 24, 2020 at 9:20 am

Hey there! Absolutely love the way you have put in so much effort to explore the city and covered every tourist spot you could. The pictures are breathtaking and I think you have transformed the way people look at Abu Dhabi as a tourist spot. Loved it to the core. Keep going!

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United Arab Emirates

The definitive guide to a jeep safari in dubai.

Are you looking for one of the most fun things to do in the UAE? Then head into the desert & go on an adrenaline-fueled jeep safari in Dubai!

11 adrenaline pumping adventurous things to do in the uae.

From skydiving the Palm in Dubai to the world’s longest zipline in Ras Al Khaimah, these are the best adventurous things to do in the UAE!

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Looking for the best places to visit in UAE? From the architecture of Abu Dhabi to the beaches of Fujairah, here is my itinerary for the entire UAE!

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From going on a desert safari to playing in the snow at Ski Dubai to hitting the beach, here are 4 super fun things to do in Dubai, UAE!

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Abu dhabi travel blog — the fullest abu dhabi travel guide & what to do in abu dhabi for first-timers.

Abu Dhabi is the largest city and also the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abu Dhabi is likened to a shining pearl in the vast desert of Western Asia. Located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi also has a very developed economy and is an attractive tourist destination for international tourists, especially the upper class. If you are planning a trip to visit Abu Dhabi, let’s refer to some Abu Dhabi travel experiences below! So, is Abu Dhabi worth visiting, what to do in Abu Dhabi and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Abu Dhabi for the first-time? Let’s check out our Abu Dhabi travel blog (Abu Dhabi blog) with the fullest Abu Dhabi travel guide (Abu Dhabi city guide, Abu Dhabi guide, Abu Dhabi tourist guide) from how to get Abu Dhabi, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Abu Dhabi to find out the answer!

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Abu Dhabi along with Dubai are the two richest and most luxurious emirates among the seven emirates of the UAE, and are also two of the most attractive cities in the Middle East today. Dubai is famous for its luxury services, but Abu Dhabi is the place to bring visitors more wonderful travel, culinary and cultural experiences.

Abu Dhabi travel blog: Overview of Abu Dhabi

The city of Abu Dhabi is located in the northeast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian peninsula. It is located on an island less than 250m from the mainland and is connected to the mainland by two bridges, Al Maqta’a and Mussafah. Abu Dhabi is considered the largest, most populous and prosperous emirate of the 7 United Arab Emirates, including deserts, coastlines and modern cities. Financially, Abu Dhabi is stronger than Dubai because it has more oil. Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest oil producer, accounting for more than 9% of the world’s oil reserves.

Abu Dhabi has a population of about 1.5 million, covering an area of 972 km² and is currently the second most populous city in the UAE. Economically, Abu Dhabi is richer and more prosperous than Dubai because this emirate possesses a huge oil reserves. It is estimated that Abu Dhabi’s oil reserves account for 9% of the world’s oil reserves. Not only that, Abu Dhabi is also home to the headquarters of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, which is also the residence of the President of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi owns great and super cultural architectures that gives this emirate its own impressive features that stand out from the countries in the Arabian Gulf. Those are cultural architectures that include Islamic culture mixed with modern architecture. Abu Dhabi is also chosen as a relaxing destination for many stars in the world. It can be said that this is the most attractive tourist destination in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi travel guide: When is the good time to visit?

Abu Dhabi has a hot desert climate, so it is always hot all year round. From June to September the weather is very hot and humid with an average temperature of over 38°C. This is also the time when there are frequent sandstorms in Abu Dhabi, visibility can be reduced to a few meters. August is the hottest month of the year.

You should not come in May to October because this is the time when the temperature in Abu Dhabi is quite high, around 40 degrees Celsius.

From November to March, the temperature in Abu Dhabi starts to decrease, the weather is more pleasant and cooler. This period also sees heavy fog on some days and a few rainy days. This is also the best time to travel to Abu Dhabi because the temperature is not too high and many festivals are held along with many great outdoor activities.

Abu Dhabi guide: How to get to Abu Dhabi?

From vietnam.

The most popular means of transport for you to getting from Vietnam to Abu Dhabi is by plane. At three major airports in Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City, there are daily flights take visitors to Adu Dhabi. You should choose to fly with Vietnam Airlines or Etihad Airways and do not forget to book flight tickets about 1 to 2 months in advance to save costs.

To saving more costs as well as find the suitable flight routes based on your departure point you can access Google Flights , Skyscanner or Kayak to hunt.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is located around 37 km to the downtown. The traveling time by car to the center is around 24 minutes. Taking a taxi can cost you around €19 (80 AED) with traveling time is about 20 to 24 minutes.

Another option to get to the center is by bus by taking A1 bus route, which operates 24/7 and taking you to the City Air Terminal (bus station) in Abu Dhabi centre. The ride takes around 45 minutes and costs €1 (4 AED). The A1 bus line available and runs through Terminals 1, 2 & 3. See detailed route here .

In addition, you can also rent a private transfer service via Klook .

Abi Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates consisting of seven emirates. So from any emirate, you can get there quite easily, especially from Dubai.

• Cheapest way: By bus. From Ibn Battuta Bus Station take a bus to Abu Dhabi. Buses start at 5am and run every 15 minutes until midnight. The ride takes 1 hour 40 minutes to Abu Dhabi Central Station. This journey is low priced, the bus is new and comfortable.
• Fastest way: By taxi, it will take you about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Abu Dhabi city guide: Getting around Abu Dhabi

There is a good public transport in the city, and there are hardly any major traffic jams even during rush hours. Modern bus transportation is available at all major locations for 24 hours. Another cheaper option to explore the city is to take a taxi or rent a car, which are conveniently located around the city.

• Bus: Comfortable, the fare is quite soft, only USD 1.5, the fastest speed in the world, with stops at all famous tourist spots.
• Metro: With fare only 0.5 USD to 1.75 USD depending on the distance traveled. Comfort and fastest running speed in the world.
• Rent a car: In Abu Dhabi to rent a car to explore tourist attractions is very easy. However, with just a little carelessness you can be rented at a ‘too expensive’ price.

Abu Dhabi Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Abu Dhabi blog: Where to go, what to do in Abu Dhabi, top things to do in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh zayed grand mosque.

Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street، – 5th St – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 9AM–10PM/Friday: 9AM–12PM, 3–10PM

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is dubbed the “precious diamond” of Abu Dhabi in particular and the UAE in general. This is the largest mosque in the Middle East with a capacity of 40,000 worshipers. It was built from 100,000 tons of marble over the course of 10 years and completed in 2007. The interior of the mosque is decorated with gold, with Swarovski crystal magnificent chandeliers. Sunset is one of the best times to admire the splendor and majestic of the mosque. Visitors are allowed to visit here except during prayer time.

The grand mosque is also a buried place of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE.

The dress code is really strict for women: you must wear loose, ankle-length pants or skirts that cover your arms. If you don’t dress properly, you need to wear an abaya which I personally don’t mind at all. You can choose from three different colors: blue, red or beige.

Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Half Day Tour from Dubai

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Address: Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 10AM–6:30PM/Monday: Closed

Even if you don’t like to go to museums, you should definitely visit the impressive  Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum on Saadiyat Island, just a 10-minute drive from the center of  Abu Dhabi City. Opened in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first museum of its kind to open outside of France. Formed from a partnership with France, this landmark arts and culture destination showcases classical masterpieces and contemporary Arab art along with highlights of the rich heritage of the Middle East. Designed by famous French architect Jean Nouvel, the futuristic building seems to float on water.

The architecture of Louvre Abu Dhabi is breathtakingly beautiful, combining the curves of the dome and the straight lines of the interior walls, brings lightness and elegance, this is a work of art according to its true meaning. In addition, the exhibits are arranged very differently from the usual, very beautiful and worth seeing.

• Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket

The building itself is already a masterpiece, the metal roof looks almost like a cosmic dome! Natural light penetrates the mesh and creates a beautiful illusion inside. The collections here are impressive and cover civilizations around the world, from ancient times to the present day. The museum also features works by Monet, da Vinci and Van Gogh.

• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Address: Yas Island – Yas Leisure Dr – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 11AM–8PM

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest indoor theme park located on Yas beach, between the coasts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Coming here, you will be immersed in an area of ​​200,000 m2 with a series of games associated with racing cars. This is also the ideal destination to experience the world’s fastest roller coaster Formula Rossa with a speed of 240km/h or the world’s steel tallest roller coaster Flying Aces.

Arabian Wildlife Park

Address: 8HGX+WGC – Sir Bani Yas – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

If you are a nature lover, love animals, you definitely cannot miss the opportunity to visit this wildlife park in Abu Dhabi. This park is currently home to more than 10,000 wild animals. There are many rare species in danger of extinction.

Located on Sir Bani Yas Island, it is home to more than 10,000 animals, of which the most popular are ancient giraffes. Here, you will discover the world of wildlife and experience giraffe riding.

Qasr Al-Watan

Address: Address: Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 11AM–6:45PM

This is quite a refreshing sight! Qasr Al Watan is a new landmark inside the Presidential Palace and it was only recently opened to the public (on 11 March 2019 to be exact). With its name roughly translated as “Palace of the Nation”, this palace is the venue for official state visits and summits.

• Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Ticket in Abu Dhabi

After visiting the Central Dome inside the majestic Great Hall, take time to tour the other separate areas. These include Presidential Gifts, with gifts from foreign dignitaries; Qasr Al Watan Library, with a collection of books and other literary resources about the UAE; and Spirit of Cooperation designed to host Federal Supreme Council meetings and summits for the Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The palace is already amazing from the outside but once you step inside it is definitely one of the most beautiful places you will ever see, there are no photos to prove how beautiful it is in real life! Visiting Qasr Al Watan is part of a tour to Abu Dhabi. It is a magnificent palace with a very impressive design, not only because of its great scale but also because of the decorations and history.

The Founder’s Memorial

Address: Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 9AM–10PM

This unique Abu Dhabi cultural attraction honor, contribute the life, legacy and values ​​of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, known as the Father of the Nation. This memorial offers locals and international visitors a unique way to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the UAE, with experiences designed to reveal aspects of social heritage, culture and wider environment of the country, from art to stories, exhibitions and more.

Al Ain National Museum

Address: Central District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

The Al Ain Museum is ideal for those who want to explore the history of this city. This structure originally was built in 1910 with the purpose of protecting the city of Al Ain. Over a long time until now, this place has become a museum with many beautiful gardens.

Etihad Towers and Observation Deck at 300

Address: F85C+FPM – King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St – opp. Emirates Palace Hotel – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi impresses visitors with its skyscrapers, located close together. In which, the most special thing is the Etihad tower cluster. This cluster of towers consists of 5 buildings located close to each other in the central area of ​​the city. You can go to tower 2, go to the observatory on the 74th floor to see a panoramic view of the bustling city of Abu Dhabi below and enjoy afternoon tea.

Observation Deck at 300 is the best way to see Abu Dhabi tourist city from above. It’s located in the Etihad tower and can be easily reached by taxi and the panoramic view of Abu Dhabi here is amazing!

Etihad Towers Observation Deck Ticket in Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace

Address: W Corniche Rd – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Among the most luxurious hotels in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace is the place to attract all visitors with its charming Arabian beauty, super beautiful suites and a private marina overlooking the bay.

Emirates Palace is a luxury 5-star resort, stretching along 1.3 km along the coast, surrounded by 85 hectares of gardens. This resort has 394 rooms, lavishly decorated, making visitors feel like they are lost in the palace of a rich and powerful emperor. Besides, Emirates Palace was also chosen as the setting for the hit movie Fast & Furious 7 in Abu Dhabi.

Emirates Palace is currently a luxury hotel, tourists are free to visit. If the exterior of the structure is appealing in itself, the interior is so much more. The structure exudes artistry, luxury and shows rich luxury.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi

It is one of the most beautiful hotels with Middle Eastern architecture and if this weren’t enough, the hotel offers an amazing view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the most admirable place in Abu Dhabi!

Yas Links Abu Dhabi

Address: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 6:30AM–11:30PM

Known as one of the 10 most beautiful golf courses on the planet, designed by architect Kyle Phillips. The entire Yas island in Abu Dhabi becomes a unique and attractive structure when viewed from above with a length of more than 6,700 m and more than 100 sand pits dotted in the green space of palm trees.

Empty Quarter Desert

The sand dunes in Abu Dhabi are huge. The Empty Quarter desert has the highest sand dunes in the world called Tel Moreeb (305 m). This sand dune has a 50-degree incline, attracting drivers of 4×4 or 4-wheel motorcycles to participate in the Moreeb Hill Climb competition, a race of the annual Liwa dates festival.

Yas Marina Circuit

Address: Yas Central – Yas Marina Circuit – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

This is a fun visit but not just for racing fans. The tour lasts 1 and a half hours, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of the Yas Marina Circuit with a tour of the pit track, paddock, race controls, stands and podium. This is a must-visit when visiting Abu Dhabi, especially for Formula 1 racing fans.

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi

Address: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 11AM–8PM

Both kids and adults love this Abu Dhabi travel experience . The internal structure will take your imagination to another dimension. You will surely spend many hours here having fun, playing and filled with happiness.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Address: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 10AM–9PM/Friday: 9AM–4PM, 5–11PM

The park has lots of fun for kids and adults with water sides, water sports. If you don’t want to go to the beach, Yas water park has great slides that you will enjoy.

Corniche Beach

When you strolling along Corniche, you can easily forget that you are in a city of desert. If you want to experience swimming in the Persian Gulf, this is a great and free beach you can free to visit and swim and sunbathe on the beach. The Corniche in Abu Dhabi is a long beach promenade with beautiful walking and cycling paths. It can be easily traversed at various points through a secured tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists. Everything here is clean and well maintained, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.

Desert Safari

No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without taking a desert safari tour! The desert is less than an hour away from the city and a desert safari tour in the desert is a really fun adventure. You can go safari in the morning or evening, or even camp overnight in the desert!

By far the most popular tour is the evening safari which usually lasts from 3pm to 9pm when visitors can watch the sunset in the desert which is truly magical. This tour includes pick up and drop off, dune hike, sandboarding, camel ride, falconry (the UAE’s national bird), followed by a BBQ buffet and belly dance performance at the style camp Bedouin under the stars in the desert. It is a truly special and exciting experience and you should definitely try and experience before leaving Abu Dhabi! What a worth try tour!

Heritage Village

Address: Near Marina Mall – Abu Dhabi Theatre Rd, Corniche – Breakwater Rd – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 9AM–4PM/Friday: 7:30AM–12PM, 3:30–9PM

Abu Dhabi Heritage Village run by Emirates Heritage Club in the form of a recreated traditional village. A timeless oasis in a postmodern city with an ever-growing skyline, the traditional buildings and landscapes here offer an immersive experience reminiscent of the desert’s heritage and lifestyle of this region. Things that you can find out in this Abu Dhabi tourist attraction are pre-modern Abu Dhabi residences, to a historic fishing village and Bedouin camp, to a market, to a traditional mosque…

Yas Island is a Abu Dhabi tourist destination 30 minutes drive from the city center, there are many activities here. Ferrari World, Warner Brothers World, Yas Waterworld, those are amusement parks enough to keep you entertained for a while! Ferrari World has the world’s fastest roller coaster reaching 240km/h while Warner Brothers World has the world’s largest indoor theme park.

Also, Yas Island has the huge Yas Shopping Mall as well as the Formula 1 race track. Formula 1 takes place every November in Abu Dhabi and is a really fun event! The nearby Yas Marina also provides an evening thrill with a number of nightlife options.

Abu Dhabi travel blog: Emirates Park Zoo

Address: 12th St – Al Bahyah – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 9AM–9PM

The zoo offers visitors the chance to get up close to some 1,700 animals, including rare white tigers, giraffes, elephants, a herd of zebras and Siberian bears. There is also a primate zone, with various types of monkeys, and a flamingo park with sea lions. At the petting zoo, kids can touch and feed the house pets. There are fun activities that you can participate in such as animal watching, breakfast with parrots and giraffes surround, and crocodile feeding.

Eastern Mangrove National Park

Address: FC49+C4F – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 10AM–12AM

For something a little different on your trip tour Abu Dhabi, head to East Mangrove National Park for stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking. The natural mangrove forest is really beautiful, fresh and is home to a wide variety of marine life. Mangrove National Park is one of Abu Dhabi’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Jubail Mangrove Park is the first self-contained education, nature and entertainment destination of its kind in Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

It’s very quiet here, definitely a world away from the hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi! For paddle boarding for 2 hours, the price is 140dirham/adult. If you’re interested in trying some other water sports while in Abu Dhabi, you can go surfing at Saadiyat beach or jet skiing at Yas beach.

Qasr Al Hosn

Address: Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St(2nd St) – Al Hisn – W3 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 9AM–8PM/Friday: 2–8PM

As the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn is one of the city’s most important tourist landmarks. Built in the late 18th century, the building’s watchtower was the city’s first fortified structure, presiding over trade routes. But after 11 years of renovations, it opened its doors as a cultural center, in 2018. Rotating exhibitions take place in two buildings: the Inner Fort and the newer Outer Palace, the former residence of the ruling family, the government, and the national archives.

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the calm and peaceful atmosphere that Liwa Oasis has to offer. Located on the edge of the United Arab Emirates’ largest desert region, Rub Al Khali (also known as the “Great Empty Quarter”), Liwa Oasis promises a completely unique experience. Historically, it was home to the Nahyan family, who headed the emirate of Abu Dhabi along with the UAE.

Throughout the time to this day, it has remained a date cultivation area for the local Bedouin tribes, the most famous of which is the Bani Yas. Due to its location in this vast, almost barren desert, it is the perfect place for dune crossings, a form of “off roading” on the dunes usually by Jeep or Land Cruiser – and road trips and other desert safaris.

Umm Al Emarat Park

Address: 15th Street, Mushrif Area – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 8AM–12AM

Umm Al Emarat Park, a meticulously designed public park, blends nature with modern design. The rows of palm trees leading to the water evoke a man-made oasis, all created to look like a modern fountain. It is home to a number of sites, including an amphitheater, a garden, a playground and an animal enclosure. The Garden of Wisdom is especially beautiful, with well-tended native plants and marble slabs with quotes by the late Sheikh Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Cruise tour

Abu Dhabi is made up of over 200 islands so the best way to see the city is from the water! Take a boat tour in Abu Dhabi. It covers Abu Dhabi’s most popular tourist attractions, from the striking skyline of downtown Abu Dhabi to the Emirates palace, passing through the Grand Mosque and down to Yas Marina.

Abu Dhabi guide: What to eat?

The streets of Abu Dhabi are popular with traditional Arabic dishes, including burgers and Flafit (fried green bean buns). In addition, there are also fast food shops like KFC, McDonalds, Starbucks… especially, you can easily find Chinese food shops.

Al Harees is a traditional dish usually made during Ramadan, using wheat and optional meat (usually lamb or chicken), soaked wheat overnight then boiled in water with butter until it got thickened like porridge. The pieces of meat can then be added, along with cinnamon, salt, chili and other spices. Although it’s not pretty and the cooking process is quite long, the result is extremely delicious.

Shawarma : Inside this flatbread is thinly sliced ​​meat with extras like tahini, pickles, vegetables, and even fries. This dish is easy to find on the street, local grocery store or inside the supermarket.

If you are a vegetarian, don’t think that food in Abu Dhabi doesn’t have something perfect for you either. The falafel remains a quintessential meat-free option, consisting of chickpeas mixed with fresh herbs and spices and rolled into small balls before deep-frying with a crunchy outside, soft inside.

Al Machboos is one of the simplest and most delicious dish you can eat in Abu Dhabi. This dish is a mixed dish of meat, seafood, vegetables, spices and interesting ingredient – lemon called loomi. This hearty meal is shareable and is definitely a must-try traditional dish.

Hummus has become extremely popular around the world, so give it a try with its creamy cream and fragrant olive oil. Head to the famous Zahrat Lebnan restaurant to enjoy their hummus which is rated as the best in Abu Dhabi.

A little sweetness is always great after a meal and these delicious little balls are a great choice of sweet treats in Abu Dhabi. Luqaimat is the most popular Emirati dessert, you are looking at the small crispy dough dumpling covered with date syrup.

A truly unique dessert from Abu Dhabi. Think cheesecake, but in the Emirati style. This beautiful dish Aish el-saraya , also known as the ‘bread of the harem’ is made from lemon juice, rose water and bread soaked in orange blossom water, then topped with cream. A must try in Abu Dhabi after a meal and a dessert available in many restaurants.

Abu Dhabi blog: What and where to buy?

Shopping is the main purpose of many visitors when coming to Dubai Tourism as well as to Abu Dhabi, perhaps because this place has many high-end shopping centers and unique traditional markets. Whether it’s a market or a shopping mall, you can buy souvenirs, gifts, traditional perfumes, handicrafts, spices and rugs as gifts. Of course in traditional markets you can haggle (even bargain quite a lot) so the price will be cheaper.

Here are some suggestions for souvenirs you can buy when coming to Abu Dhabi:

• Gold: If you want to buy a valuable souvenir in Abu Dhabi, think of gold. As one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, it has everything from pure gold bars to exquisite gold jewelry such as rings, bracelets, etc.
• Flavors and spices: you can go to the traditional spice market, which sells hundreds of spices and unique traditional cooking ingredients of the Middle East.
• Persian rugs: Hand-woven Persian rugs with beautiful patterns are souvenirs not to be missed when you come to this land.
• Dates: Of course, you can leave Abu Dhabi without buying some dried, fresh dates and its related-products because it is a specialty of the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi is also a shopping paradise for shopaholics, below are some best shopping malls where you can find a wide range of items from clothings, accessories, electronics to souvenirs, specialties…

Address: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 10AM–12AM

This is a very nice shopping mall with a good mix of shops of all kinds of brands and plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious food. It is very spacious and also has some good restaurant options.

Marina Mall

Marina Mall is located on a small island and can be reached by bus or taxi. The shops are not much different from other malls but the mall itself is beautifully decorated and very easy to explore, also a great place for you to explore life in Abu Dhabi and shopping for souvenirs.

Dates Market

Address: Zayed Port, Near Mina Market, Mina Zayed – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours: 7AM–12AM

Visitors can come to this market for Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom and saffron and poured into small, handleless cups. Dates can be purchased from hotels and malls, but also in the Dates Market near Zayed Port (also known as Mina Zayed). This market has many shops selling fresh, dried, chocolate-covered dates and/or nuts. It is also near a vegetable and fruit market.

Abu Dhabi city guide: Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• InterContinental Abu Dhabi, an IHG Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal ( Agoda , Booking )
• Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers ( Agoda , Booking )
• Yas Island Rotana ( Agoda , Booking )
• Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, An IHG Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Al Raha Beach Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Southern Sun Abu Dhabi ( Agoda , Booking )
• Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi ( Agoda , Booking )

Read more top and best hotels in Abu Dhabi on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Abu Dhabi travel blog: Some notes before you go

The people of Abu Dhabi are Muslim, so there are some regulations that you need to pay attention to:

• According to Sharia law, women are not allowed to interact with men unless they are members of the family. Therefore, when traveling on public transport, you should sit separately, avoiding contact with other people, especially women.
• Not allowed to wear short pants, short skirts in public places, restaurants, shopping places, not wearing necklaces in public places.
• During the fasting month of Ramadan (September of the Arabic lunar calendar), Muslims, including children, must fast from sunrise to sunset. At that time, infidels were not allowed to eat or drink in public or in front of Muslims or to be seen as deliberately provoking them.
• Do not take photos in some government places, military areas, buildings without permission. Especially do not take pictures of Muslim women in public.
• Abu Dhabi is known as a shopping paradise, so before traveling, you should exchange money first. The countries of the United Arab Emirates use the common currency AED, 1 USD = 3.67 United Arab Emirates Dirham. Besides you can use US dollars.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Abu Dhabi you can refer to

• Shared Van Transfers to Dubai and Abu Dhabi Attractions from Dubai (Round Trip)
• Private Transfers to Yas Island Abu Dhabi Attractions
• Shared Transfers between Dubai and Ferrari World/Warner Bros. in Abu Dhabi
• Private Dubai International Airport (DXB) Transfers for UAE Emirates
• Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi City Tour with Ferrari World, Warner Bros. or Yas Waterworld Ticket
• KidZania Abu Dhabi Ticket
• Klook Pass Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi Full Day Tour from Dubai (Small Group Tour)
• Abu Dhabi City Small Group Day Tour from Dubai
• Abu Dhabi City Day Tour
• [SALE] Abu Dhabi Half Day City Tour
• Abu Dhabi Small Group Premium Day Tour from Dubai
• Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour with Louvre Art Museum
• UAE Prepaid 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) from AIS
• Etisalat 5G/4G SIM (UAE wide Airport Pick Up)

Read more Middle East guide here .

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Is it safe to visit Dubai? Latest UAE travel advice

Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, attracts more than a million heat-seeking British holidaymakers every year.

However, following the outbreak of war in Israel and Gaza, the recent drone attack carried out by Iran on Israel and tensions with Houthi rebels in the southern Red Sea, some people may be concerned about the safety of travelling to the Middle East right now.

Here’s everything you need to know about travel to Dubai and the rest of the UAE, whether it is safe to visit, and your rights if you do decide to cancel your upcoming holiday.

What does the FCDO say about travel to the UAE?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any blanket advisories against travel to the UAE. This means that travel insurance will be valid when visiting the country.

The FCDO has recently updated its advice to say: “On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. On 19 April, there have been reports of explosions in Iran, and unconfirmed reports of explosions in Syria and Iraq. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.”

You can see its full UAE travel advice here .

Has the UAE been affected by the conflicts in the Middle East?

To date, the UAE has not been directly impacted by the conflicts in the Middle East. As the crow flies, Dubai is more than 1,200 miles from Israel. To put that into perspective, parts of Italy are closer to Gaza than Dubai.

However, the FCDO has issued a warning regarding the conflict with Houthi rebels in the south Red Sea: “Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea.

“While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor travel advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.”

Is there a risk of terrorist attacks in the UAE?

The FCDO warns: “Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including against UK citizens. Maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events.”

Are flights still operating as usual to the UAE?

Yes, although some airlines have adjusted their flight routes to avoid flying over Iran and Israel as a result of recent tensions. This means that some flights may take longer than usual – something to be aware of, given that the UAE is home to some of the world’s major airport transit hubs.

Is it safe to visit the UAE after the recent storms?

On April 16, Dubai was hit by heavy storms that caused widespread flooding around the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain . Shopping centres including the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates suffered flooding, and water was ankle-deep at least one Dubai Metro station. Dubai Airport closed and cancelled more than 50 flights due to the weather. Normal service has now resumed.

What if I want to cancel my holiday?

If you have booked a package holiday to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or anywhere else in the UAE and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates.

But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any formal advice against travel to the UAE, there is no guarantee you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.

If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.

This story was first published in October 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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Hot Oceans Worsened Dubai’s Dramatic Flooding, Scientists Say

An international team of researchers found that heavy rains had intensified in the region, though they couldn’t say for sure how much climate change was responsible.

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By Raymond Zhong

Scenes of flood-ravaged neighborhoods in one of the planet’s driest regions stunned the world this month. Heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates and Oman submerged cars, clogged highways and killed at least 21 people. Flights out of Dubai’s airport, a major global hub, were severely disrupted.

The downpours weren’t a total surprise — forecasters had anticipated the storms several days earlier and issued warnings. But they were certainly unusual.

Here’s what to know.

Heavy rain there is rare, but not unheard-of.

On average, the Arabian Peninsula receives a scant few inches of rain a year, although scientists have found that a sizable chunk of that precipitation falls in infrequent but severe bursts, not as periodic showers. These rains often come during El Niño conditions like the ones the world is experiencing now.

U.A.E. officials said the 24-hour rain total on April 16 was the country’s largest since records there began in 1949 . And parts of the nation had already experienced an earlier round of thunderstorms in March.

Oman, with its coastline on the Arabian Sea, is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones. Past storms there have brought torrential rain, powerful winds and mudslides, causing extensive damage.

Global warming is projected to intensify downpours.

Stronger storms are a key consequence of human-caused global warming. As the atmosphere gets hotter, it can hold more moisture, which can eventually make its way down to the earth as rain or snow.

But that doesn’t mean rainfall patterns are changing in precisely the same way across every part of the globe.

In their latest assessment of climate research , scientists convened by the United Nations found there wasn’t enough data to have firm conclusions about rainfall trends in the Arabian Peninsula and how climate change was affecting them. The researchers said, however, that if global warming were to be allowed to continue worsening in the coming decades, extreme downpours in the region would quite likely become more intense and more frequent.

Hot oceans are a big factor.

An international team of scientists has made a first attempt at estimating the extent to which climate change may have contributed to April’s storms. The researchers didn’t manage to pin down the connection precisely, though in their analysis, they did highlight one known driver of heavy rain in the region: above-normal ocean temperatures.

Large parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have been hotter than usual recently, in part because of El Niño and other natural weather cycles, and in part because of human-induced warming .

When looking only at El Niño years, the scientists estimated that storm events as infrequent as this month’s delivered 10 percent to 40 percent more rain to the region than they would in a world that hadn’t been warmed by human activities. They cautioned, however, that these estimates were highly uncertain.

“Rainfall, in general, is getting more extreme,” said Mansour Almazroui, a climate scientist at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and one of the researchers who contributed to the analysis.

The analysis was conducted by scientists affiliated with World Weather Attribution, a research collaboration that studies extreme weather events shortly after they occur. Their findings about this month’s rains haven’t yet been peer reviewed, but are based on standardized methods .

The role of cloud seeding isn’t clear.

The U.A.E. has for decades worked to increase rainfall and boost water supplies by seeding clouds. Essentially, this involves shooting particles into clouds to encourage the moisture to gather into larger, heavier droplets, ones that are more likely to fall as rain or snow.

Cloud seeding and other rain-enhancement methods have been tried around the world, including in Australia, China, India, Israel, South Africa and the United States. Studies have found that these operations can, at best, affect precipitation modestly — enough to turn a downpour into a bigger downpour, but probably not a drizzle into a deluge.

Still, experts said pinning down how much seeding might have contributed to this month’s storms would require detailed study.

“In general, it is quite a challenge to assess the impact of seeding,” said Luca Delle Monache, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. Dr. Delle Monache has been leading efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve the U.A.E.’s rain-enhancement program.

An official with the U.A.E.’s National Center of Meteorology, Omar Al Yazeedi, told news outlets that the agency didn’t conduct any seeding during the latest storms. His statements didn’t make clear, however, whether that was also true in the hours or days before.

Mr. Al Yazeedi didn’t respond to emailed questions from The New York Times, and Adel Kamal, a spokesman for the center, didn’t have further comment.

Cities in dry places just aren’t designed for floods.

Wherever it happens, flooding isn’t just a matter of how much rain comes down. It’s also about what happens to all that water once it’s on the ground — most critically, in the places people live.

Cities in arid regions often aren’t designed to drain very effectively. In these areas, paved surfaces block rain from seeping into the earth below, forcing it into drainage systems that can easily become overwhelmed.

One recent study of Sharjah , the capital of the third-largest emirate in the U.A.E., found that the city’s rapid growth over the past half-century had made it vulnerable to flooding at far lower levels of rain than before.

Omnia Al Desoukie contributed reporting.

Raymond Zhong reports on climate and environmental issues for The Times. More about Raymond Zhong