travel guide in dubai

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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?

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• Where To Stay
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Dubai Travel Guide

It’s hard to believe when confronting the sheer scale of Dubai, but most of the city was built in just the last 50 years. It makes the world’s biggest shopping mall, tallest skyscraper, and a host of ultra-luxurious hotels all the more bewildering. Still, amid all the glamor and superlatives, there are vestiges of a pre-skyscraper Dubai, in its winding souks and the vast empty desert that surrounds the city. Here’s how to navigate both sides of this always-growing metropolis.

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This Glamorous Middle Eastern City Has Luxury Hotels, Thrilling Desert Adventures, and Michelin-starred Dining

Here's how to plan the perfect visit to Dubai.

• Best Hotels & Resorts

Best Things to Do

Best shopping, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

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Dubai is full of contrasts. There's the glittering skyline of skyscrapers so tall they defy imagination. There is the modern collection of stores and eateries, offering every option a traveler could want. And then there are the luxurious hotels, ready to welcome even the most discerning traveler in style and excess. Then there's the desert with its rolling hills of sand stamped with the footprints of Arabian oryx and gazelles; the souks with their labyrinth of stalls, bins overflowing with a rainbow of spices; and the traditional abra boats ferrying riders across the Dubai Creek.

“Dubai is the ideal destination for tourists, and there are a number of reasons why,” Farida Ahmed, a guide and owner of Frying Pan Adventures , told Travel + Leisure . “It is safe, whether you are traveling solo or as a family. That, for me, is one of the most pivotal points on which tourism rests."

The city, one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has sprouted up from its desert port beginnings to become a sprawling metropolis full of vibrant neighborhoods, record-setting buildings, and over-the-top shopping centers all in the last several decades. "There is something for everyone and everyone's pocket — if you’re looking for budget travel you can absolutely do it in Dubai," said Ahmed.

Today, Dubai can be fast and slow at the same time — a place to grab an avocado toast and relax on the beach, a place to appreciate a desert conservation reserve, and a place to shop 'til you drop, all in the same day. It's these contrasts that make Dubai one of the most dynamic and interesting cities in the world.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Armani hotel dubai.

This luxurious hotel is located in one of the most famous buildings in Dubai and the world: the Burj Khalifa. Armani Hotel Dubai takes up the first eight floors as well as the 38th and 39th floors of the world's tallest tower, offering incredible views of the city and the Arabian Gulf below. Rooms are designed by the hotel's namesake, Giorgio Armani, and feature muted colors that will relax any guest after a long day of shopping at nearby The Dubai Mall.

Burj Al Arab

If the Burj Khalifa is the most recognizable building in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab is a close second. Inside this iconic sail-shaped building floating in the middle of The Gulf is one of the most stunning hotels in the city. Each colorful room comes with Hermes amenities and butler service as well as access to the hotel's private beach.

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa

Set against rolling sand dunes and roaming oryx, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa offers guests an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with 42 individual suites all with their own private pools overlooking unobstructed views of the pristine desert. During your stay, book a dune drive to get your heart pumping or go on a guided nature walk in the desert. In the morning, sit down to breakfast on the veranda and keep your eyes peeled for a few gazelles popping by to say hello over coffee.

Queen Elizabeth 2

This unique property was once a working cruise ship that has been converted into a hotel , permanently docked in Dubai. The 13-deck ship features 447 refurbished hotel rooms and suites — including the Royal Suite with a large wood-lined private deck — restaurants, a spa, and a theater. History buffs can tour the ship's bridge and see what the cabins looked like in the 1960s before settling in for a leisurely afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, traditional cakes, and warm scones with clotted cream.

XVA Art Hotel

XVA Art Hotel is a boutique hotel that feels like stepping back in time with its romantic shaded courtyards, dark wood, and rich textiles. The hotel, which was built in what used to be a home in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, has 15 individually designed rooms all located around three courtyards. And don't miss a chance to walk through the hotel's art gallery, which features contemporary art from both established and emerging artists.

Frying Pan Adventures

One of the best ways to experience a place is through its food and these food tours offer to paint visitors a culinary map of Dubai, which Ahmed said has “now established itself as one of the culinary meccas of the world.” Try sweet milky tea in the back alleys of a souk, meat and rice pilaf , stuffed falafels, or learn about the custom of making Arabic coffee while also learning about the history of the city with one of the many female guides. 

Global Village

Dubai's Global Village is unlike anything else, showcasing more than 70 cultures at different country pavilions where visitors can shop, eat, and more. Bring a camera and capture a cool photo "for the 'gram" at one of the "selfie spots" or catch one of the many shows.

Skiing in the desert is possible at Ski Dubai where an indoor slope in the Mall of the Emirates allows ski and snowboard enthusiasts to clip or strap in and hone their skills. Playing in the snow more your thing? Try the twin-track bobsled experience or take some time to hang out with the resident gentoo and king penguins.

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest tower in the world and the view from the top is rightfully spectacular. Take in Dubai's many neighborhoods with this bird's eye view from the 125th floor or book a spot on the world's highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace on the 148th floor. The Burj Khalifa VIP experience includes access to the world’s highest lounge on the 154th floor. 

Ahmed recommended checking the weather forecast before you book a trip up the Burj Khalifa, noting that “if it's not a clear day you are not going to be seeing anything but haze.” For your best chance of a clear view, she noted that “the sky tends to be clearer before sunset.”

Royal Shaheen

Learn all about falconry from a team of professional falconers on a tour with Royal Shaheen — and get the chance to handle some of the magnificent animals yourself. These tours are interactive and family-friendly, and allow guests to learn both traditional and modern falconry training techniques.

The Dubai Mall holds the Guinness World Record for the largest shopping center in the world with more than 1,200 retail outlets, including two major department stores: Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's. It also has more than 200 food and beverage outlets. Basically, it's so big you could easily get lost for days. The mall even developed its own app with turn-by-turn navigation to help shoppers reach (and return from) their destination. Beyond shopping, the mall has an aquarium and an Olympic-sized ice rink. The vibe and decor change depending on which part of the mall you're in, so plan to spend some time exploring. An added bonus: it's air-conditioned.

Mall of the Emirates

The Mall of the Emirates is slightly smaller than the Dubai Mall, but still features more than 630 brands and more than 100 places to grab a bite. Beyond the stores themselves, visitors will find the city's indoor ski slope and a bowling alley. (If your phone dies while you're shopping, you can borrow a portable charger for free.)

The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence

This shopping destination stretches along more than one mile of beachfront and features both international designers and fun pop-up markets. Check out Sauce for beachy and boho-inspired dresses and cool rattan bags before grabbing a bite at one of the restaurants overlooking the gulf.

Textile and Gold Souks

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Dubai may be known for its modern skyscrapers, but there's another side to the city where traditional souks sell everything from souvenirs to beautiful scarves. Choose from towering racks of fabric at the Textile Souk in the historic Bur Dubai neighborhood or hop across the Dubai Creek to browse endless rows of jewelry stores selling gold bangles and sparkling gems in the Gold Souk . And remember: haggling is all part of the fun.

Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant

Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant is part museum and part eatery. The restaurant, which boasts a covered dining courtyard with a tree, has live music, and fresh-made bread, and the staff is dressed in traditional robes. “Do not leave the city without trying Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant," said Ahmed. "It is one of the few restaurants in Old Dubai that's been recognized. The food is great and I love the decor.” The restaurant has earned the Michelin's Bib Gourmand designation.

Al Farooj Al Shami Restaurant

The Syrian fare served at Al Farooj Al Shami is second to none. Grilled meats, fresh-made sauces, and a mouth-watering list of hot appetizers make this local spot one of Ahmed’s must-visits.

Comptoir 102

You'd be forgiven for thinking you were in California or Tulum when you settled into the shaded courtyard of Comptoir 102 . Order an avocado crostini, halloumi salad, or gluten-free buckwheat pancakes, and recharge with a chai latte made with homemade almond milk. After you're done eating at this organic cafe, pop over to the attached concept store where you'll find boho dresses, unique glassware, jewelry, and more.

Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams

Dinner at Al Hadheerah is more than just a meal, it's an experience. Ten live cooking stations delight guests as they feast under the stars in the middle of the desert, offering classic dishes like shawarma and lamb ouzi cooked underground as well as salads like hummus and tabbouleh. And don't forget dessert where you can sample favorites like kunafa and baklava. Reservations are recommended.

The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter when the year-round hot weather starts to cool. In general, temperatures start to dip in October and it remains only moderately hot through May. While the hot season is from June to September, it's worth noting that air conditioning is plentiful across Dubai.

“The really amazing months for me are November to February,” said Ahmed, who noted that when winter arrives in Dubai, “we literally crawl out of our hibernation phase and it's all about spending time at the beach and desert BBQs.”

Winter is also when the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place. It's a December and January event that is known for its great deals, live entertainment, and raffles.

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The best way to get into Dubai is by plane. Thousands of flights arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB) each week, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. It is located in the northern part of the city, making it the best option for travelers who will be staying and playing on the northern side of Dubai.

The newer Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), also known as Dubai World Central, started welcoming travelers in 2013 and is still under construction. The airport provides access to the growing southern end of the city. When it is completed, it will be the world’s largest airport.

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This area is a collection of neighborhoods around Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai) , including Deira and the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood . A stroll through this area — lined with low-profile gypsum, sand, and coral buildings — will give visitors a small taste of what Dubai was like before the modern construction boom. Spend some time exploring the area's souks or hop on an abra for a boat ride along the creek, which used to be the entry to the pearl diving port.

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Jumeirah Beach Residences and Dubai Marina

These neighborhoods, which sit next to each other, form one of the best places to go for a waterfront stroll. Grab a bite to eat with a view of the gulf in Jumeirah Beach Residences before getting ice cream and walking over to the marina to watch the sunset on the water, surrounded by towering modern skyscrapers.

Downtown Dubai

This is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city, home to the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Fountain , which puts on a fantastic show every 30 minutes each night. Shop 'til you drop, head up to the top of the tallest tower in the world, or grab a seat at one of the many restaurants surrounding the fountain for dinner and a show.

Palm Jumeirah

This palm-shaped island is man-made and dotted with luxury hotels and beach clubs. Kids will love the over-the-top waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm , while adults will enjoy whiling away the day at one of the many pool decks. For a bird's eye view of the island itself, try skydiving — just remember to stop screaming long enough to take it all in.

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Taxis are the default way to get around Dubai, but if you want to really explore the city and the neighboring emirates, Ahmed recommended renting a car. “It will make your life easier plus it will open up the possibility for you to explore the other emirates in the UAE. If time is of the essence, get yourself a car,” she said.

She noted that the metro is great if you’re staying in and traveling around Old Dubai, but if you want to explore New Dubai or go further afield, taxi hires and car rentals are the easiest way to get around.

Taxis: Dubai has an extensive network of taxis that bring travelers throughout the city. It's easy to hail a taxi at popular attractions like the malls and the beach. For women who feel more comfortable with a female driver, the city even has " Ladies and Families " taxis, which are always driven by women. Those looking to schedule a taxi ride can use apps like Uber and Careem, which operate throughout the city.

Trains: The Dubai Metro is cooler than your average subway, featuring automated and sleek cars, WiFi, and even separate cars that women and children can use. (The Red Line even holds the Guinness World Record for the longest driverless metro line at more than 32 miles long.) There are nearly 30 metro stations and a good amount of the track is outdoors, passing by iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and making it a great way to see the city and get from Point A to B. Passengers can purchase single, return, or day-pass tickets — or get a cashless smart card called Nol.

Buses: Dubai has more than 1,500 buses that cover a hefty majority of the city's urban areas.

Abra : Travelers can ride these traditional wooden boats between the Bur Dubai area and the Deira area where Dubai's Gold Souk, Textile Souk, and Spice Souk are located.

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• Visit Dubai

An essential guide to Dubai

Essential Information

Mon, May 1, 2023

Planning a trip to Dubai soon? Here's everything you'll need to know, from getting around the city to local customs.

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Dubai is like nowhere else on the planet and is a fascinating place to visit. Often claimed to be the world’s fastest-growing city, over the past four decades it has metamorphosed from a small Gulf trading centre to become one of the world’s most glamorous, spectacular and futuristic urban destinations, fuelled by a heady cocktail of petrodollars, visionary commercial acumen and naked ambition. Visit Dubai for a week or just a short stopover, and you’ll be blown away by the clash of cultures, extreme luxury and world famous architecture. Find out what this unique city has to offer with the best travel guide to Dubai.

Things to see in Dubai

Where to stay in dubai, 7 best places in dubai, best time to travel to dubai, how to get to dubai, entry requirements, the inner suburbs, the arabian dhow, construction, festival city, ras al khor, tailor-made travel itineraries for united arab emirates, created by local experts.

4 days  / from 1138 USD

Dubai and Abu Dhabi: a Glimpse of the Future

As the fastest-growing city in the world, Dubai is always looking towards the future. Even for those who have visited before, this unique trip will reveal something new about this vast megacity.

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Magnificent Emirates

Experience the best of the UAE, from unexpected cultural discoveries to modern high-rises and mega malls. Be surprised by spectacular mountain scenery, vast, rolling dunes, desert oases and a sparkling Arabian Sea. Then simply tie it all in with laid-back beaches, fine dining and world-class hotels.

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Dubai Family Stopover

Make a luxury stopover with all the family in gorgeous, glam Dubai for a spot of lazing on the beach and luxurious relaxation. Get the adrenaline racing in Wild Wadi Water Park and on an action-packed desert safari, boat rides along the creek and more.

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Dubai’s ability to dream (and then achieve) the impossible has ripped up expectations and rewritten the record books, as evidenced by stunning developments such as the soaring Burj Khalifa , the beautiful Burj al Arab and the vast Palm Jumeirah island – a testament to the ruling sheikhs’ determination to make the city one of the world’s essential travel destinations for the twenty-first century. Yellow boats will take you to see the Palm Jumeirah, the Burj al Arab and the Marina on a single trip.

Modern Dubai is frequently seen as a panegyric to consumerist luxury: a self-indulgent haven of magical hotels, superlative restaurants and extravagantly themed shopping malls. Perhaps not surprisingly, the city is often stereotyped as a vacuous consumerist fleshpot, appealing only to those with more cash than culture, although this one-eyed cliché does absolutely no justice to Dubai’s beguiling contrasts and rich cultural make-up. The city’s headline-grabbing mega-projects have also deflected attention from Dubai’s role in providing the Islamic world with a model of political stability and religious tolerance, showing what can be achieved by a peaceful and progressive regime in one of the planet’s most troubled regions.

For the visitor, there’s far more to Dubai than designer boutiques and five-star hotels – although of course if all you’re looking for is a luxurious dose of sun, sand and shopping , the city takes some beating. If you want to step beyond the tourist clichés, however, you’ll find that Dubai has much more to offer than you might think, ranging from the fascinating old city centre, with its higgledy-piggledy labyrinth of bustling souks interspersed with fine old traditional Arabian houses, to the memorably quirky postmodern architectural skylines of the southern parts of the city. There's a vast array of diversions for children, too. Dubai Ice Rink offers a range of open-to-all public sessions, the aquarium is wonderful and iFly Dubai allows you to don a flying suit and take to the air.

Dubai’s human geography is no less memorable, featuring a cosmopolitan assortment of Emiratis, Arabs, Iranians, Indians, Filipinos and Europeans – a fascinating patchwork of peoples and languages that gives the city its uniquely varied cultural appeal. The credit crunch may have pushed Dubai to the verge of bankruptcy but pronouncements of its imminent demise proved wildly premature, and the city remains one of the twenty-first century’s most fascinating and vibrant urban experiments in progress. Visit Dubai now to see history, literally, in the making.

Beyond Dubai, there's endless expanses of desert to explore. Go dune-bashing in an off-road vehicle, or try your hand at sand-skiing. You can even book onto a Desert Safari , with BBQ, falconry, a camel ride and sandboarding all included.

Dubai has a vast range of accommodation, much of it aimed squarely at big spenders. There's also a decent selection of mid-range places, although nothing for real budget travellers.

At the top end of the market, the city has some of the most stunning hotels on the planet, from the futuristic Burj al Arab to traditional Arabian-themed palaces such as Al Qasr and the One&Only Royal Mirage. When it comes to creature comforts, all of Dubai’s top hotels do outrageous luxury as standard, with sumptuous suites, indulgent spa treatments, spectacular bars and gorgeous private beaches. The size and style of the very best places makes them virtually tourist attractions in their own right – self-contained islands of indulgence in which it’s possible to spend day after day without ever feeling the need to leave.

Madinat Jumeirah

Astounding mock-Arabian city, home to a string of lavish hotels and leisure facilities – the quintessential Dubaian example of opulent kitsch on an epic scale.

Deira Souks

At the heart of old Dubai, the district of Deira comprises an atmospheric tangle of bazaars, ranging from the Gold Souk’s glittering shop windows to the aromatic alleyways of the Spice Souk.

Dhow Wharfage

Home to hundreds of superb Arabian dhows moored up along the Deira creekside – one of central Dubai’s most incongruous but magical sights.

Al Ain Oasis

An idyllic retreat from the heat and dust of contemporary Al Ain, with peaceful little pedestrianized lanes running through shady plantations of luxuriant date palms.

Jumeirah Mosque

Dubai’s most beautiful mosque – open to visitors during informative guided tours.

One of the city’s best-preserved heritage areas, with a fascinating little labyrinth of old houses topped by innumerable wind towers.

Ibn Battuta Mall

Kitsch and eye-poppingly extravagant, this mile-long mall takes its inspiration from the journeys of Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta.

The best time to visit Dubai is in the cooler winter months from December through to February, when the city enjoys a pleasantly Mediterranean climate, with average daily temperatures in the mid-20s °C. Not surprisingly, room rates (and demand) are at their peak during these months, though skies in January and February can sometimes be rather overcast, and it can even be surprisingly wet at times. Temperatures rise significantly from March through to April and in October and November, when the thermometer regularly nudges up into the 30s, though the heat is still relatively bearable, and shouldn’t stop you getting out and about.

During the summer months from May to September the city boils – July and August are especially suffocating – with average temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s (and frequently higher). Although the heat is intense (even after dark), room rates at most of the top hotels plummet by as much as 75 percent, making this an excellent time to enjoy some authentic Dubaian luxury at relatively affordable prices, so long as you don’t mind spending most of your time hopping between air-conditioned hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and clubs.

Dubai is the Middle East’s largest airline hub, boasting excellent connections worldwide with the city’s own Emirates airline and other international carriers. These include numerous direct flights to various destinations in the UK, plus a number of places in the US and Australia.

Other options for getting to Dubai are contrastingly limited (for Western visitors, at least). It’s possible to travel overland into the UAE from several points in neighbouring Oman, but not Saudi Arabia. There are no regular ferry services to Dubai, although the city is a popular stop on many cruise itineraries. Click here to read more about how to get to Dubai.

Nationals of the UK, Ireland and most other Western European countries, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are issued a free thirty-day visa on arrival. Always check visa requirements direct with your UAE embassy or consulate as this information is subject to change. You’ll need a passport that will be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Having an Israeli stamp in your passport shouldn’t be a problem. This visa can be extended for a further thirty days at a cost of 620dh by visiting the Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (DNRD), next to Bur Dubai Police Station, close to Al Jafiliya metro station (Sun–Wed 7.30am–7.30pm; T 04 313 9999 or T 800 5111, W dnrd.ae ). Click here for more Dubai travel essentials.

This page contains affiliate links; all recommendations are editorially independent.

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Fringing the southern and eastern edges of the city centre – and separating it from the more modern areas beyond – is a necklace of low-key suburbs: Garhoud, Oud Metha, Karama and Satwa. Southeast of Deira, workaday Garhoud is home to the Dubai Creek Golf Club , with its famously futuristic clubhouse, and the adjacent yacht club, where you’ll find a string of attractive waterside restaurants alongside the lovely Park Hyatt hotel. Directly over the Creek, Oud Metha is home to the quirky Wafi complex and the lavish Khan Murjan Souk , while west of here the enjoyably downmarket suburbs of Karama and Satwa are both interesting places to get off the tourist trail and see something of local life among the city’s Indian and Filipino expats, with plenty of cheap curry houses and shops selling designer fakes.

A handful of additional attractions can be found slightly further afield. Just beyond Oud Metha the suburb of Jaddaf is home to the city’s last surviving traditional dhow-building yard , while over the Creek rises the shiny new Festival City development. A few kilometres further along the Creek, the Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary protects a rare surviving patch of undeveloped wetland, home to colourful flocks of flamingo, while a short drive southwest from here brings you to the spectacular Meydan Racecourse , home to the Dubai Cup, the world’s richest horse race.

The inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula were among the greatest seafarers of medieval times, using innovative shipbuilding techniques and navigational instruments to establish extensive maritime trading connections. Early Arab traders established outposts as far afield as India, Sri Lanka and East Africa, and the legacy of these early adventurers can still be seen in the religious and cultural heritage of places like Lamu in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania, where the distinctive form of the lateen-sailed Arabian dhow survives to this day.

The word “dhow” itself is simply a generic name used to apply to all boats of Arabian design. Classic designs include the sambuq , a sizeable ocean-going vessel incorporating Indian and European features, including a square stern which is thought to have been influenced by old Portuguese galleons (traditional Arabian dhows are tapered at both ends), and the boom , another large seafaring dhow. Other smaller dhows still in use around the Gulf include the shu’ai and the jalibut , both formerly used for trading, pearling and fishing, as well as the abra , hundreds of which still ply the Creek today.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the traditional dhow was its so-called stitched construction – planks, usually of teak, were literally “sewn” together using coconut rope. Nails were increasingly used after European ships began to visit the region, although stitched boats were made right up until World War II. Traditional dhows are also unusual in being built “outside-in”, with exterior planking being nailed together before the internal framework is added (the exact opposite of European boat-building techniques).

The traditional dhow’s most visually notable feature was its distinctive triangular lateen sails, which allows boats to sail closer to the wind when travelling against the monsoon breezes. These have now disappeared on commercial vessels around the Gulf following the introduction of engines, though they can still be seen on local racing dhows.

Traditional wooden dhows still play an important part in the local economy, and continue to prove an efficient and cost-effective way of shipping goods around the Gulf and, particularly, over to Iran – as well as finding a new lease of life as tourist pleasure boats. There are still a number of traditional dhow-building yards around the UAE: in Dubai at Jaddaf, and in the neighbouring emirates of Ajman, Umm al Quwain and Ras al Khaimah, although the incredibly labour-intensive production costs and a gradual loss of the traditional skills required in dhow-construction (local boat-builders are famed for their ability to work without plans, building entirely by eye and experience) may eventually drive old-style dhow-building into extinction.

Facing Jaddaf on the opposite side of the Creek, Festival City is one of Dubai’s newest and largest purpose-built neighbourhoods – a self-contained city within a city, complete with villas and apartments, offices, golf course, marina, shopping mall and a pair of swanky five-star hotels.

Centrepiece of the development is the bright Festival Centre shopping mall. There’s nothing here that you won’t find (and generally done better) at other malls around the city, although the canalside cafés at the Creek end of the centre are pleasant enough, and there are also “sofa boats” for rent if you fancy a sedate turn around the waterways. Best of all are the sweeping views from the waterfront promenade (next to the mall and the adjacent Crowne Plaza and InterContinental hotels) over the Creek to the dhow-building yard at Jaddaf and the long line of skyscrapers beyond. The panorama is particularly fine towards dusk, when the sun sets behind the Burj Khalifa and towers along Sheikh Zayed Road, turning them a smoky grey, like the outline of some kind of surreal bar chart.

Covering the area between the airport and the Creek, the suburb of Garhoud is an interesting mishmash of up- and downmarket attractions. The Deira City Centre mall is the main draw for locals, eternally popular with an eclectic crowd running the gamut from Gulf Arabs and Russian bargain-hunters through to the many expat Indians and Filipinos who live in the down-at-heel suburbs on the far side of the airport.

On the southern edge of Oud Metha, the district of Jaddaf is home to the very last of Dubai’s traditional dhow-building yards , where you may be lucky enough to see craftsmen at work constructing these magnificent ocean-going vessels using carpentry skills which appear not to have changed for generations. The yards aren’t really set up for visitors and are essentially places of work, rather than tourist attractions, while there’s also a certain degree of pot luck involved depending on how many vessels are under construction at any given time – although the mainly Indian workforce are usually happy to chat to visitors and the yard owners don’t generally mind visitors having a look around.

Karama is the classic Dubai inner-city suburb, home to some of the legions of Indian, Pakistani and Filipino expatriate workers – waitresses, taxi drivers, builders and shopkeepers – who supply so much of the city’s labour. The district is centred on Kuwait Street and the bustling little Karama Centre , one of the city’s pokiest malls, with colourful little shops selling shalwar kameez and flouncy Indian-style jewellery. At the end of Kuwait Street lies the lively Karama Park , surrounded by cheap and cheery Indian restaurants and usually busy with a dozen simultaneous cricket matches after dark.

Just south of Karama Park is the district’s main tourist attraction, the Karama Souk , an unprepossessing concrete mall of hundreds of small shops stuffed full of fake designer clothes, watches, glasses, DVDs and other items (or “copy watches” and “copy bags” as the souk’s enthusiastic touts euphemistically describe them).

Around 4km south of Ras al Khor, the vast Meydan complex provides conclusive proof of the ruling Maktoum family’s passion – bordering on obsession – for all things equine. Centrepiece of the complex is the superb racecourse , opened in 2010 to replace the old track at nearby Nad al Sheba and provide a new and more fitting venue for the Dubai World Cup , the world’s richest horse race with a massive US$10 million in prize money. The complex also contains the usual fancy five-star hotel along with a few other buildings in a mixed residential and business development which is eventually intended to form a self-contained “city” along the lines of Festival City down the road.

Godolphin and the racing Maktoums

Ruler and architect of contemporary Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum is also celebrated in racing circles as one of today’s leading owners and breeders of thoroughbreds in his role as the founder of Godolphin , established in 1994 and now one of the world’s largest and most successful racing stables. Sheikh Mohammed’s love of horses runs deep: he is said to have shared his breakfast with his horse en route to school as a boy, to have competed in his first horse race aged 12, and to have been able to tame wild horses considered unrideable by others. His love of the turf dates back to his time as a student at Cambridge in England in the 1960s, and within a decade he and his brothers Hamdan and Ahmed all had horses in training at nearby Newmarket. The first of many Maktoum family triumphs came in 1982, when Hamdan’s Touching Wood won that year’s St Leger classic at Doncaster, followed up by Derby wins in 1989 and 1994.

Godolphin now have over 1500 horses in training across the globe and have won more than three thousand races in fourteen different countries, becoming one of the biggest buyers and breeders of racehorses on the planet, with a total investment in bloodstock, stud farms and various related properties now worth over US$2.45 billion. In 2013, they also had the less enviable distinction of finding themselves at the centre of what The Economist described as "the biggest doping scandal in racing history" when it was discovered that 22 horses at their Newmarket stables had been dosed with anabolic steroids by their head trainer, Mahmood al Zarooni. Al Zarooni was immediately dismissed and prompt action was taken to clear Godolphin's global reputation, and in 2014 the stables went on to enjoy easily their most successful year ever, with a staggering 361 wins worldwide.

Across the Creek from Garhoud, the rather formless suburb of Oud Metha is home to assorted malls, hotels and lowbrow leisure attractions, including the old-fashioned Lamcy Plaza and the even more old-fashioned Al Nasr Leisureland amusement park. Nearby, the serene Ismaili Centre sits amid attractive gardens on land donated by Sheikh Rashid in 1982. It’s one of Dubai’s most beautiful places of worship, combining hints of Morocco and Egypt in its elegantly understated architecture, although sadly entry is restricted to Ismaili–Muslims, so most visitors will be able to see only those parts of the building visible from the street.

Khan Murjan Souk

Hidden away between Wafi and Raffles , Khan Murjan Souk is one of Dubai’s finest “traditional” developments, allegedly modelled after the fabled fourteenth-century Khan Murjan Souk in Baghdad. The souk is divided into four sections – Egyptian, Syrian, Moroccan and Turkish (not that you can really tell the difference) – spread over two underground levels with a lovely outdoor restaurant at its centre and some 125 shops selling all manner of traditional wares. It’s a great (albeit pricey) place to shop, while the faux-Arabian decor is impressively done, with lavish detailing ranging from intricately carved wooden balconies to enormous Moroccan lanterns and colourful tilework. Of course, it’s all about as authentic as a Mulberry bag from Karama – indeed, if the city authorities are serious about clamping down on the local trade in fakes and forgeries, they could do worse than start here. Still, the whole thing has been done with such enormous panache and at, presumably, such enormous expense that it’s hard not to be at least a little bit impressed.

Wafi and Raffles

Oud Metha's leading attraction is the wacky Egyptian-themed Wafi complex, a little slice of Vegas in Dubai, dotted with assorted random obelisks, Pharaonic statues, random hieroglyphs and miniature pyramids, and with a good selection of shops and restaurants inside. The Egyptian theme is continued in the opulent Raffles hotel next door, built in the form of a vast pyramid complete with glass-capped summit – particularly spectacular when lit up after dark. The hotel is also exactly the same height (139m) as the Great Pyramid of Cheops at Giza in Egypt, which puts the incredible size of that ancient wonder of the world into remarkable perspective.

Some 5km southwest of Festival City, the Dubai Creek flows into Ras al Khor , an extensive inland lagoon dotted with mangroves and surrounded by intertidal salt and mud flats – a unique area of unspoilt nature close to the city centre. As its name, "Head of the Creek", suggests, Ras al Khor originally marked the end of Dubai's principal waterway, although the Creek has now been extended a further 7km or so all the way to Business Bay, with further works planned as part of the Dubai Canal project which will eventually take it all the way back to the sea at Jumeirah – meaning that by 2017 Ras al Khor will no longer be anywhere near the head of the Creek, but more like about halfway round.

Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

The southern end of the lagoon provides, for now at least, a home for the low-key Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, best known for its aquatic birdlife. The sanctuary is an important stopover on winter migratory routes from East Africa to West Asia, and almost seventy different species have been spotted here. It’s best known for the colourful flocks of bright pink flamingoes which nest here – one of Dubai’s most surreal sights when seen perched against the smoggy outlines of the city skyscrapers beyond. You can’t actually go into the sanctuary, but you can birdwatch from one of two hides on its edge. Signage for the hides is minimal and you’ll need a car to reach them, but don’t expect taxi drivers to know where they are. Free binoculars are provided, although the roar of the nearby motorways isn’t particularly conducive to the relaxed contemplation of nature. The two hides are Fantir (“Flamingo”) hide on the west side of the sanctuary, beside the Oud Metha road (E66) just north of the junction with the Hatta road (E44); and Gum (“Mangrove”) hide on the south side of the sanctuary, on the north side of the Hatta road – although to reach it from central Dubai you’ll need to do an annoying 8km loop to get back on the correct side of the highway.

The unpretentious district of Satwa is the southernmost of Dubai’s predominantly low-rise, low-income inner suburbs before you reach the giant skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road and the beginnings of the supersized modern city beyond. It’s also one of the few places in Dubai where the city’s different ethnic groups really rub shoulders, with its mix of Arab, Indian, Filipino and even a few European residents reflected in an unusually eclectic selection of places to eat, from cheap-and-cheerful curry houses to Lebanese shwarma cafés and Western fast-food joints.

At the centre of the district lies Satwa Roundabout , overlooked by the Chelsea Plaza hotel. The streets south of here are mainly occupied by Indian and Pakistani shops and cafés, including the well-known Ravi’s . West from the roundabout stretches Satwa’s principal thoroughfare, the tree-lined 2nd December Street (still widely referred to by its old name, Al Diyafah Street), one of the nicest in Dubai – and one of the few outside the city centre with any real street life – with wide pavements, dozens of cafés and restaurants and an interestingly cosmopolitan atmosphere. It all feels rather Mediterranean, especially after dark, when the cafés get going, the crowds come out, and young men in expensive cars start driving round and round the block in a vain effort to impress.

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updated 26.04.2021

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Your Trip to Dubai: The Complete Guide

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Dubai is renowned for having the tallest building in the world, amazing beaches, and fantastic shopping like the Dubai Mall . It is also home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the land and fun-filled adventures such as dune-bashing and Ski Dubai . Whatever your heart's content, it can be found in the City of Gold. Get lost zipping through the souks in Old Dubai or be stricken by the beautiful architecture and design throughout the city. Use this guide to lead you on your way exploring the enchanting city of Dubai.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Dubai is from October through April. This is the most comfortable time to explore the city as the months are cooler and much more bearable. It’s the best time for enjoying outdoor activities and festivals.

Language: Arabic is the official language in Dubai. However, English is widely spoken throughout the UAE.

Currency: The Emirati dirham (DH) is the official currency of Dubai and the UAE.

Getting Around: Dubai has an extensive public transport system consisting of buses, monorail, tram, taxis, and the Dubai metro. The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) is the official operator of the public transport network.

Travel Tip: If you are a fan of ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft, make sure you download Dubai’s version Careem prior to your trip. The app also offers food delivery and access to bike-sharing services.

Things to Do

While most have a desire to visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, while visiting Dubai, there are plenty of other things to see and do. From visiting one of the museums to enjoying fine dining at the assortment of international restaurants and soaking up some rays at the public beaches, Dubai has even more experiences to enjoy.

• Visit one of the many theme parks available in Dubai such as the Dubai Parks and Resorts , which features Motiongate Dubai and 27 themed rides. If you desire to cool off instead, then consider exploring IMG Worlds of Adventure , which is the biggest indoor theme park in the world featuring the Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure. The kids will rave for days from this action-packed experience!
• Dubai is home to the Guinness Book of World Records   largest structure made of flowers at the Dubai Miracle Garden . It features a real life-sized Boeing A380 full of over 500,000 floral arrangements. The Miracle garden also offers the Dubai Butterfly Garden, which houses 15,000 butterflies of more than 26 species.
• Dubai also features the largest shopping mall in the world the Dubai Mall. Explore this feast on the eyes, which offers the Dubai Ice Rink and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. The aquarium features more than 300 sharks and other species of fish, which can be seen for free from outside of the tank while walking by with friends and family.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the most adventurous activities to in Duba i, the 10 best day trips from Dubai , and Dubai’s top 10 beaches .

What to Eat and Drink

Dubai has an assorted food scene, considering that more than 80 percent of residents in Dubai are from various nationalities there is no wonder why. Whatever type of food that you desire, it can be found at one of the many fine-dining restaurants or street food stalls on Jumeriah beach.

Check out our complete guides to which foods to try, the best bars , and where to eat at the Dubai Marina .

Where to Stay

There are a host of hotel options in Dubai for the discerning traveler to the globetrotter willing to shell out the big bucks in the City of Gold. Many travelers enjoy staying closer to the southern end of the city in the Jumeriah Beach and Dubai Marina areas. Nevertheless, the Downtown Dubai and Business Bay area offers both high-end and affordable options as well such as Rove Downtown and the Palace Downtown , an Address hotel. 

Check out our recommendations for the 9 best Dubai hotels and a guide to Atlantis The Palm, Dubai .

Getting There

The main airport in the city is Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is a hub for many international destinations. It was operated with more than 86 million customers in 2019   , thus making it one of the world’s busiest airports for international passengers. Dubai also has the smaller Al Maktoum International airport at Dubai World Central (DWC), which is linked to the city and Dubai International airport by buses operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Culture and Customs

Some people may think of the Middle East and have concerns about safety there. Nevertheless, it is safe to travel to Dubai . The UAE actually is one of the safest countries in the world   . While Islamic culture may be different than what we are used to in Western cultures, as long as you respect the culture in Dubai, you will be respected as a tourist here.

It is advisable to dress conservatively in certain areas like visiting a mosque or traditional areas. This may include covering your arms past your elbows and legs past your knees. It’s a good idea for women to keep a scarf on them for visiting holy places so you can cover your hair. Again, respect is the key term here and better to err on the side of caution.

Money-Saving Tips

Many think that when you travel to Dubai you have to spend loads of money on entertainment, food, and shopping. You will more than likely pay for a tour for certain activities and will like to experience other unique activities popular in the city like Dinner in the Sky and more. However, there are some ways to stay on budget while in Dubai.

• The Entertainer is a booklet and app that many locals and visitors can use to get great discounts and deals at restaurants, activities, and hotels. It offers great two-for-one specials on various theme parks, attractions, clubs, restaurants, and more throughout the city. The booklet is available at bookstores and supermarkets, or you can download the app prior to your trip.
• Instead of paying for pricey taxis from one side of the city to the next, consider taking the Dubai Metro for a cheap ride across the city. It is available for transport from the airport to locations south of the city.
• Consider cutting back on those drink price by attending a happy hour at places like the famed McGettigan’s to Perry & Blackwelder’s, or one of the many other options.

Learn more about inexpensive ways to have fun by exploring 10 free things to do in Dubai .

Guinness World Records. " Largest Flower Arrangement/Structure ."

Reuters. " Dubai airport sees rare annual drop in passenger traffic in 2019 ."

Numbeo. " Safety Index by City 2020 ."

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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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Top 10 things to know before visiting Dubai

Jul 19, 2019 • 5 min read

Dubai Downtown Skyline in early morning fog, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is one of the most visited destinations in the world and home to a number of record-breakers, from the world’s tallest tower to the busiest international airport on the planet. Yet for all the city's accolades, there are still plenty of misconceptions about the glitzy Gulf emirate. Here are 10 things you to know before you arrive.

You don’t have to be a millionaire

It’s regularly named one of the world's most expensive cities , but you can enjoy Dubai on a budget . As the city gears up to host Expo 2020, millennial-friendly mid-market hotel chains such as Rove and Hilton Garden Inn are booming. Metered taxis are cheap by international standards, and you can ride the metro for as little as Dh3. The city is brimming with cheap eats too, especially around Al Muraqqabat Rd and Al Rigga Rd in Deira . You can now avoid any roaming charges as well, with visitors receiving free Sim cards on arrival at Dubai International Airport .

There is culture

Contrary to popular stereotypes, there’s more to Dubai than shopping and skyscrapers. Look beyond the bling, and you’ll discover a rich cultural heritage that blends Bedouin, Arab and Islamic traditions . For a quick history lesson, visit the Etihad Museum and Dubai Museum and then head to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for a no-holds-barred Q&A session on Emirati culture. Meanwhile, explore the burgeoning contemporary art scene at Alserkal Avenue and catch a performance at the ship-shaped Dubai Opera .

Dubai is not dry

Think you can’t get a drink? Alcohol is available in licensed bars and restaurants, which are generally attached to hotels (although exceptions include some high-end eateries in Dubai International Financial Centre and City Walk ). Most bars have happy hours – Nola has one of the best – and the legal drinking age is 21, so take your photo ID. Ladies’ night, usually on Tuesdays, means women can enjoy free drinks, while all-you-ca n-eat-and-drink Friday brunches are a Dubai institution . Visitors can now also obtain a liquor licence to buy alcohol in Dubai .

Dubai is a top spot for foodies

With Michelin tipped to launch a guide to Dubai in the near future, dining out in the city has never tasted so good. Dubai’s multicultural mix means you can feast on everything from budget-friendly ethnic eats and traditional Emirati cuisine to French fine-dining and molecular gastronomy. Hip homegrown eateries like Sum of Us and Salt are leading the shift away from international chains, while Frying Pan Adventures offers fantastic foodie tours of old Dubai. Dubai will also be getting a Time Out food market in 2020 , where travellers can sample the best of what the city has to offer under one roof, as well as the world's first MasterChef restaurant .

Skip the burkini

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, with expats making up almost 85% of the population. There’s no need to cover your hair, shorts and t-shirts are fine in many places, and you can wear a bikini at the beach or by the pool . It’s a glamorous city too, so dress to impress at brunch and out clubbing. In the malls, mosques and souqs, you should respect local Islamic culture by dressing modestly, which means shoulders and knees covered.

Dubai is incredibly forward-looking

Forget notions of a city fuelled solely by black gold; Dubai has successfully diversified its economy away from oil to become a thriving hub for transport, trade, finance and tourism. What’s more, the government is working with high-tech companies to develop self-driving cars, flying drone taxis and 3D organ printing. One of the most exciting partnerships is with Hyperloop One, which is developing a supersonic transport system that could link Dubai with Abu Dhabi in 12 minutes.

The weekend is Friday and Saturday

Most people have Friday off work, when Muslims gather for congregational prayers. Dubai Metro services start at 10am on Fridays, and businesses are traditionally closed for a few hours in the afternoon, although many now remain open throughout the day. If you’re looking to party, the busiest nights of the week are Thursdays and Fridays, while malls are also packed with shoppers until midnight.

Dubai wants to rival Orlando

Florida’s theme-park capital faces a new challenger, with four major theme parks opened in Dubai in 2016 . They include IMG Worlds of Adventure , the world’s largest indoor theme park with dedicated Marvel and Cartoon Network zones, and the Hollywood-inspired Motiongate , with rides based on blockbusters such as Madagascar and Ghostbusters . Dubai's biggest water park is also soon to become the biggest in the world , with the addition of a giant new tower as well as 12 new slides.

Dubai is probably safer than your home city

Despite unrest in the region, the UAE is the second safest country in the world, according to the World Economic Forum. Dubai is very safe compared with other large cities across the globe, and street crime is rare. It’s safe to take taxis at night, and walking around on your own is fine in most areas. The biggest dangers are reckless driving and crossing the street, with many motorists ignoring pedestrian crossings.

There’s (almost) a new super-tall tower in town

Dubai is a city that loves a superlative. Not content with the world’s tallest tower, the 828m Burj Khalifa , the emirate is building another epic skyscraper. Located at Dubai Creek Harbour, The Tower will stand at 928m when completed in 2020 and house a 360-degree observation platform, along with a hotel, restaurants and vertical gardens. It's got competition for the ‘world’s tallest’ title though, with Saudi Arabia’s kilometre-high Jeddah Tower also set to open in 2020.

First published in June 2017, last updated July 2019.

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• PLAN YOUR TRIP
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Dubai Travel Guide

The insiders' guide to discover all the wonders of dubai, top 3 unmissable attractions in dubai, burj khalifa: the highest skyscraper in the world, enjoy a memorable safari in the dubai desert, visit the incredible dubai aquarium, the best things to do and see in dubai, al bastakiya: the historical district of dubai, burj al arab: how to visit the iconic 7-star hotel, dubai creek: the most authentic side of dubai.

PALM JUMEIRAH

The most incredible island in the world

DUBAI MARINA

The heart of Dubai nightlife

DUBAI FRAME

A strange new tower in the Dubai skyline

Discover Deira: the Old Town of Dubai

The Deira district is one of the oldest and most authentic places in Dubai. Bustling with locals and tourists from sunrise to sunset, Deira is the ideal place for a stroll through the old souks of spices, essences and gold.  Read also: GUIDE TO DUBAI GOLD SOUK

Climb to the top of Burj Khalifa!

Discover the best tips and discounts for the most unmissable experience in dubai.

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JUMEIRAH MOSQUE

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Top 10 Best Public Beaches in Dubai

In Dubai you can go to the beach almost all year round: not just resorts and luxurious beach clubs, but tens of kilometers of free public beaches, white sand and crystal clear water.

We have made our own ranking of the best public beaches in Dubai, based on the best tips from the locals.

DUBAI FOUNTAIN

The most famous show in the city

DUBAI OPERA

Home of the best international music

An incredible ancient oasis in the desert

Top 20 Museums to Visit in Dubai

Dubai is not just modernity, luxury and skyscrapers. In the city there are excellent museums that tell the incredible history of the United Arab Emirates and allow you to see exhibits featuring the best of world art.

In this guide you will find all the best museums to see in and around Dubai and tips on how to visit them on a budget.

The Best Theme Parks in Dubai

The ultimate guide to the best water parks in dubai, dubai parks and resorts: info, tickets & offers, dubai garden glow: useful tips, tickets & offers, outdoor activities in dubai, camping in dubai: best places to stay in the desert, ride a camel in dubai: 3 amazing safaris and trekking to do, practical information, best time to go.

The best time is from November to March, because the temperatures are milder (around 20-30 °C). The hottest month is August and temperatures can be higher than 40 °C.

Language and Religion

The official language is Arabic. However English is widely spoken in all tourist facilities, in shops, on transport and on guided tours. UAE is a Muslim country.

Electricity and Sockets

In Dubai the electrical voltage is 220 V AC at 50 Hz. British-style three-pin sockets (type G and D) are the standard. Remember to bring a universal travel adapter with you.

The official currency of the UAE is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). It is possible to withdraw directly from ATMs that are widespread in the major cities.

Day Trips from Dubai

The wonderful sheikh zayed white mosque, a day at the ferrari world theme park in abu dhabi, scuba diving o snorkeling experience in fujairah, hatta: mountains and lakes on the oman border, al ain: discover the most authentic side of the uae, liwa hotels & resorts: stay in a fabulous oasis in the desert, best places to stay in dubai, hotels with burj khalifa view, dubai airport hotels in & around dbx, villas with private pool in dubai, more things to do in dubai, visit dubai at night, dubai abra boat ride, dubai new year's eve, the green planet dubai, dubai spice souk, museum of the future dubai, camel races in dubai, aura skypool dubai, dubai quranic park, ski indoor at ski dubai, dubai hot air balloon, qe2 ship hotel in dubai, last exit dubai food trucks, time out market dubai, love lake dubai, trampoline parks in dubai, splash park & splash pad, deep dive dubai.

Few places divide opinion as much as Dubai, the most cosmopolitan city-emirate of the United Arab Emirates. Detractors claim that its newness feels artificial, however Dubai has a long history and archaeological sites dating to the Bronze Age. The culture of this place is intertwined with Bedouin traditions and Arab hospitality. Despite the recent rush of development, you’ll still find gritty backstreets and low-rise neighborhoods amid glitzy shopping arcades and gleaming skyscrapers. For those who take the time to get beneath the skin of the place, Dubai is a compelling and dynamic destination.

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Photo by Frantic00/Shutterstock

When’s the best time to go to Dubai?

With year-round sunshine, Dubai’s weather is warm in winter (with a handful of cool days) and sultry in spring and fall. In the summer, temperatures are sizzling, and the humidity fogs your glasses the minute you leave your air-conditioned building or vehicle. While December through March is the most comfortable and lively period, it’s also high season, with plenty of festivals and sports events, and therefore very expensive. Prices are more reasonable in the shoulder periods of fall (October–November) and spring (April–May), but summer (June–September) is when you’ll really find the bargains.

How to get around Dubai

The colossal size of the airport terminals means that it can take forever to get from the plane through immigration to the taxi stand. If you want to make a cultural overture, greet immigration staff in Arabic with As’salam Alaykum (“Peace be upon you”), to which they’ll respond with Wa’alaykum salaam (“Peace right back to you”). For a hassle-free arrival, ensure that your passport is valid for six months. (If it does, you run the risk of being sent back on the next plane.) Avoid carrying codeine (you can buy many medications over the counter in Dubai) and banned materials such as R- and X-rated DVDs or magazines. When you leave the country, it is worth arriving at the airport well in advance of your departure so that you can enjoy the excellent airport shopping.

The winter months, with their slightly cooler temperatures, are a wonderful time to stroll the backstreets and wander the parks of Dubai. The rest of the year—and to traverse longer distances—the Metro can transport you between malls and along Sheikh Zayed Road. An air-conditioned public bus service travels along Jumeirah Beach Road. Check Dubai Government’s Road and Transport Authority for timetables and fares. The abras (open-sided wooden boats) that continually crisscross Dubai Creek are fun for moving between the older neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai, especially if you’re exploring the souqs and the historic waterfront. Taxis are reasonably priced and useful when traveling from the airport to your hotel or when heading out to dinner. Rental cars are also affordable—and UAE roads are excellent—but are only necessary if you’re day-tripping or driving around the country. An international driver’s license is required.

Can’t miss things to do in Dubai

Stroll the backstreets of Satwa, a working-class neighborhood where locals and expats live in modest, sometimes ramshackle, houses with colorful iron gates and peeling paint. Crimson bougainvillea falls over the white walls, chickens scratch about the dusty lanes, and residents can often be seen cooking and eating in the courtyards, or playing cricket or soccer in the vacant sandy lots. On the main streets, you’ll find textile stores and tailor shops, simple eateries, and hole-in-the-wall bakeries where you can buy piping-hot flatbread straight out of wood-fired ovens for one dirham (about 25 cents).

Food and drink to try in Dubai

Eating out is one of the delights of visiting Dubai, and countless restaurants cater to all tastes, styles, and budgets. If you are staying at a five-star hotel, take advantage of its reservation service to book tables at the finest restaurants, however, don’t reserve a table before 8:30 p.m. or you’ll be eating only with other tourists. Arabs eat a late dinner (from 10 p.m. onward), and expats who’ve lived in the city for years do the same. You’ll need to reserve weeks in advance for weekend meals at Dubai’s best restaurants, such as Le Petite Maison and Zuma. Expect to dress up at the high-end places. Liquor is available at restaurants, hotel bars, and special clubs. If you want a drink on your balcony before going out, stock up at the airport duty-free, where allowances are generous.

Culture in Dubai

Dubai is often criticized as being a soulless city without culture, but anyone who tells you that has neither spent much time in the city, nor befriended any Emiratis or expats. The UAE’s culture was intangible until recent years when a contemporary art scene and numerous arts festivals began to evolve. There are no monumental pyramids and no majestic heritage buildings, but visitors will find a rich traditional culture based on things like oral storytelling, song, dance, and poetry.

Dubai has festivals for everything: shopping, food, film, and sports. Most are scheduled from November through March, culminating with the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race. The Muslim calendar is lunar, so religious festivals always begin with the sighting of the moon, and the night before a religious holiday, alcohol isn’t served. During Ramadan, the holy fasting month, business hours are limited, and it’s forbidden ( haram ) for anyone—Muslim or non-Muslim—to eat, drink, or smoke in public. Many clubs close for the month, as music is also haram , except for the traditional oud (Arabian lute). At the end of the month, after the breaking of the fast, the streets come alive, malls stay open until midnight, and families picnic in the parks until the wee hours. Other holidays to watch for include Islamic New Year, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammed, Eid Al Fitr (the festival marking the end of Ramadan), and Eid Al Adha (a four-day celebration at the end of the Hajj, or the main pilgrimage to Mecca). If you’re in Dubai for National Day, which takes place on December 2, head to the Dubai Heritage Village and Diving Village after dark to participate in the festivities.

Local travel tips for Dubai

- Do as the long-term expats do: dress modestly if you want to be accepted and value the opportunity to befriend locals. Women should wear skirts to the knees or longer, tops with sleeves, and nothing too tight or revealing. Men should wear long pants and tops with sleeves, no matter what the weather. Leave the swimsuits, shorts, and tanks at the hotel. You’ll see some foreigners wearing less, but this is highly offensive to Emiratis. - Never shake hands with an Emirati woman unless she offers her hand first, and don’t photograph women without permission. Also don’t photograph sheikhs’ palaces, police stations, military buildings, ports, or airports—although this has more to do with security than culture or religion. - Avoid public displays of affection, especially during Ramadan, as you run the risk of being fined. - If you are visiting someone’s home, remove your shoes at the door, don’t show the soles of your feet when sitting down, and avoid eating with your left hand. - Don’t use rude gestures or swear in public.

Practical Information

Electricity in Dubai is 220/240 V. Don’t forget your 3-pin plug adapter (a Type G). The official language of Dubai is Arabic but you’ll find that many people speak English (as well as other languages from around the world).

Local Resources

Gulf News Dubai Tourism Time Out Dubai Platinum List

Guide Editor

Rend Beiruti is a long-term resident of Dubai. She is passionate about licorice, poetry, and four-day work weeks.

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Shortcut Guides

Essential travel guide to dubai [infographic].

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The city has been developing at a mind-blowing pace as the world’s ultimate tourist destination.

Essentially a desert city, Dubai has turned itself into a magnet for visitors with its liberal policies, superb infrastructure, excellent tourist amenities and spectacular manmade marvels. Read about traveling to Dubai with our Essential Travel Guide to Dubai.

You must check out the magnificent Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world; the manmade Palm Islands; the Dubai Fountain, the Dubai Mall and so many others.

You might think that, being so modern and new, Dubai has nothing to offer tourists except shopping and glitz, but that’s really not the case.

You’ll likely discover that you enjoy Dubai, and nearby Abu Dhabi , more than you ever thought possible, once you’ve given it a chance.

↓ Click to jump directly down to the Shortcut Guide Infographic

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

Table of Contents

When To Go to Dubai

Seasonal Travel : The best time to travel to Dubai is from October to March. The weather is mild, and visitors can sunbathe on Dubai’s beaches safely. The city throngs with tourists during this period though, so remember to book reservations for hotels and sights such as the Burj Khalifa in advance. It tends to rain a bit from January to March, so carry an umbrella if you need to.

Off-season Travel : During summer, the heat is oppressive and humidity levels are also very high. Heat strokes are common, so best to keep your head covered. Wear plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water. Literally every building, taxi, metro and boat in Dubai is fully air-conditioned.

So as long as you don’t walk the streets, you can still visit Dubai during the summer. Off-season travelers can benefit from discounted airline tickets, and discounts and freebies offered by hotels and attractions.

Dubai – Festivals And Events

• January-February: Dubai Shopping Festival
• February: Dubai Food Festival
• March: Al Marmoom Heritage Festival)
• October: Islamic New Year
• December: Dubai International Film Festival

Where to Go in Dubai

Visit the Jumeirah district for its mixed cultures, fabulous beaches, beautiful villas and the Jumeirah Mosque. Downtown Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain and other fabulous skyscrapers. Dubai Marina has the world’s largest manmade port, Jebel Ali, along with a lovely open-air market, fabulous beaches and more.

The Satwa district with its gold Souqs, Indian restaurants and supermarkets is a good place to visit. Bur Dubai and Deira are Dubai’s historic and financial districts, located on either side of the Dubai Creek. Here you’ll find souqs, floating restaurants and the famous Dubai Creek.

Don’t forget to enjoy the amazing Dubai Dhow cruise for two hours of absolute fun and entertainment while admiring the glittering Dubai skyline. The two manmade hills, Arabian Ranches and Emirates Hills are lovely, with their lovely villas. Dubai’s International City is built in the middle of the desert and is famous for its architectural design.

What to Do in Dubai

Building an itinerary is a great idea to make sure you’ve researched the things you want to do and booked tours if necessary. Here’s a 7-day Dubai itinerary that we recommend.

If you want to take part in some of the fantastic activities we’ve suggested in our shortcut guide (below), here are some quick links you can use to book in advance. There are a lot of things you can do in Dubai without reservations, but we do suggest booking these ones in advance because they fill up fast.

(Note: these are affiliate links, which cost you nothing to use, but earn us a small commission.

Tours to Book:

Where To Stay in Dubai

Dubai has its share of 5-star hotels and it can be very tempting to spend your entire budget on one of these amazing rooms with views that are unbelievable. If you visit Dubai during high season, you’ll have a hard time finding any deals, but even five star hotels offer discounts on rooms during the off-season, so keep your eye out for deals.

Three of the most convenient locations for travelers are Downtown Dubai and near The Dubai Mall, Jumeira Beach and Dubai Creek. You may be wanting to stay on the Palm, which has a lot of really great hotels and restaurants, but just be aware that it takes a long time to get from the Palm to downtown and other popular activities.

We stayed at the JW Marriott Marquis (see on Trip Advisor ) in Downtown Dubai. It was convenient to transport links on the metro. There were always taxis available to take us where we needed to go. And it was a lovely hotel with lots of restaurants and bars.

However, I think it might have been even more convenient to stay near The Dubai Mall. When we go again, we’ll book a room at Palace Downtown ( see on  Tripadvisor ) or Address Dubai Mall (see on  Tripadvisor ). Staying at the mall is convenient for many reasons, the most of which is that it’s just easier to to get to everything you’ll want to see from there.

If you want to splurge, the Burj al Arab is a gorgeous hotel with stunning architecture and equally amazing views. It’s not cheap, but it’s one of the most worthy splurges in the world. It’s a 5-star ultra luxury hotel on a man-made island with a private beach – the 7th tallest hotel in the world.  If you don’t stay, there are other more affordable ways to visit the Burj al Arab and get a peek inside.

Where & What To Eat

Dubai’s hotels, restaurants and eateries offer all kinds of cuisines – Iranian, Indian, Pakistani, Emirati, European, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese and more.

There are many luxury restaurants and bars in Dubai. Be sure you’ve packed your dresses and travel blazer for this trip. You’ll need them. Many restaurants have dress codes. You can’t just walk in wearing what you had on for touring around.

Some of our favorite restaurants:

• Coya – Peruvian – Four Season Jumeira Beach
• Pai Thai – Madinat Jumeira
• Nobu – Japanese/Sushi – Friday Bottomless Brunch! – Atlantis, the Palm

The UAE’s answer to the ubiquitous burger is the Shawarma roll . Meat is barbecued on skewers and served on pita bread with assorted veggies and yummy dressing. They are cheap and made of quality chicken, beef or lamb.

Fala-Fil is another cheap snack when you’re on the move. You’ll find plenty of American fast food chains all around Dubai, but give those a pass and explore the more exotic eateries.

Dubai is famous for its excellent restaurant chains, such as the Karachi Darbar and Jabal Al Noor. The Pak Liyari Restaurant is well known for its amazing biryani, while Dubai Frying Pan Adventures is famous for regional foods.

The Royal Kebab Restaurant, Jedoudna Restaurant, BBQ Tonight, Noodle House, Toscana, Lal Qila Dubai and Karam Beirut are some other great budget eateries.

Tour You May Enjoy:

The 10 Tastings of Dubai With Locals: Private Food Tour

What & Where To Drink

Dubai’s nightlife has grown along with its skylines and liberal attitudes. You’ll find classy nightclubs and bars at most 3 to 5 star hotels. Dubai’s nightclubs often host world-class DJs, and several A-list musical celebrities perform at the Burj-Al-Arab and other top hotels.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that there are severe laws in place with regard to alcohol in Dubai.  Only licensed premises are allowed to sell alcohol to guests, which will be bars, nightclubs and hotels with bars attached. During Islamic holidays alcohol will not be sold.

This is especially true during the holy month of Ramadan, when even non-Muslims will not be served food or drinks during the daylight hours.

Dubai’s laws are very strict when it comes to drinking in public places, and drunk driving is absolutely not tolerated. A month’s jail sentence plus a hearty fine or outright deportation awaits anyone who drinks and drives.

Supermarkets are not allowed to sell alcohol – not even food items that might contain alcohol – such as fruit cakes. Always carry your identification card when visiting a bar; 21 is the legal age for drinking.

Besides the great bars and cocktails we mention in our shortcut guide below, here are a few more good bars to check out while you’re in Dubai: Longs Bar (near Financial center metro); Left Bank (Madinat Jumeirah), The Rooftop Swimming Pool ( Hilton Dubai Creek ); The Cocktail Bar ( Jumeirah Beach Hotel ); The Terrace Bar ( Park Hyatt Dubai ).

How to Get to Dubai

International flights come into Dubai International Airport (DBX). From there, it’s a 15+-minute taxi ride or 30-minute train ride to the city center, depending on where you’re going.

On the train, you can reach downtown Dubai by taking a Red Line metro from either Terminal 3 or Terminal 1. A ride will cost only 4 AED, but you will need to purchase a red metro card before boarding, and you can only take 2 pieces of luggage aboard with you.

More Tours to Book:

• Big Bus Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
• Old and Modern Dubai City Tour
• Dubai Guided Sightseeing Boat Tours

Essential Travel Guide to Dubai

Now that you’ve read this Dubai travel guide, you know where to go and what to do. Make sure you follow Dubai’s rules with regard to alcohol, clothing and public behavior and you’ll be bound to enjoy your trip to this magnificent city.

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

5 thoughts on “ Essential Travel Guide to Dubai [Infographic] ”

Great article, thanks for the tips! With pristine sandy beaches, blue seas, palm trees and cosmopolitan cities, UAE is a dream to visit. However, with the rise of tourism, cases of tourist targeted scams and crime have risen as well.

Do be wary of the spilled liquid/spit scam, pickpockets, woman with sick child, travelling salesman scam, man with injury, out of petrol sob story, fake goods/jewellery, unofficial taxis, rogue taxis, door knocking scam, fake police and many more!

Thanks for your input, David. There are a lot of travel scams out there to be aware of. Too bad for those of us who still want to be helpful to people.

Dubai is considered one of the safest cities on earth. The law is so strict in Dubai. On the other hand, the people of Dubai are maintained with full of the morality.

Do you have any plan to visit Dubai in near future?

Shedi, we actually visited Dubai last November.

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• Travel Resources

Dubai   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Basith Rahman Rahman | EyeEm

Why Go To Dubai

Dubai and  Las Vegas  have a lot in common. Both cities share a love for the fantastical, with skylines that shine like beacons against barren desert backdrops. People from all over the world flock to these shimmering oases with the same goal: to play hard. But as a vacation spot, Dubai easily trumps ol' Sin City thanks to its gorgeous cream-colored Persian Gulf shoreline, international culinary scene and larger-than-life attractions . And the city's still growing; plans are underway for something bigger and better. At one point, it was estimated that a quarter of the world's construction cranes could be found here. If that's any sign, even the sky may not be able to limit Dubai's growth. 

Dubai is a city of superlatives, home to the world's tallest tower, one of the world's largest shopping malls , and one of the world's largest man-made marinas… but on a smaller scale, this emirate is still tied to its days as a modest port town. Traditional wooden  abras  (boats) float past motorboats on Dubai Creek, the natural sands of  Jumeirah Public Beach  fringe the carefully sculpted Palm Islands, and the bustling  Gold and Spice Souks  (marketplaces) thrive amid the larger-than-life Dubai Mall. Despite constantly looking to the future, this city isn't quick to let go of its past. It's this dynamic that not only put Dubai on the tourist map but will also keep it there.

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• # 10 in Best Places to Visit in January 2024
• # 18 in Best Cities in the World to Visit
• # 21 in World's Best Places to Visit for 2023-2024

Best of Dubai

Best hotels in dubai.

• in Jumeirah Al Qasr - Madinat Jumeirah
• in Raffles Dubai
• in Jumeirah Mina A'Salam - Madinat Jumeirah

Best Things to Do in Dubai

• # 1 in Burj Al Arab
• # 2 in Dubai Mall
• # 3 in Jumeirah Mosque

Popular Tours

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Dubai Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. Weather-wise, Dubai really only experiences two seasons: hot and hotter. During the winter months, the city sees blue skies and primo beach weather. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect plenty of company on  Jumeirah Beach . You can escape the crowds if you visit during the summer months, but be prepared for triple-digit temps and high humidity levels

Weather in Dubai

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

You'll feel safe here  Dubai is unaffected by the turmoil taking place in other parts of the Middle East. The city's population stems from countries across the globe, and everyone coexists peacefully.

What not to wear  Nearly 60 percent of Dubai's residents are practicing Muslims, which means that you'll find conservative attire to be the norm. Avoid wearing anything too revealing.

Too much sun can be a bad thing  Dubai's visitors often fall in love with the city's warm, sunny climate. However, it can get really hot, and there aren't a lot of shady places in the middle of the desert. Lather on sunscreen, drink plenty of water and wear a hat.

How to Save Money in Dubai

Plan in advance  A trip to Dubai will be expensive. But you'll have a better chance at snagging a lower room rate if you make your hotel reservations two to three months in advance.

Visit in the summer  Most travelers can't take the heat during this season, leaving little competition for desirable room rates.

Stay sober  Alcohol is rarely served outside of restaurants and bars, where prices are about as high as the  Burj Khalifa . You'll save big bucks if you skip the drinks.

Culture & Customs

Dubai stands as one of seven states (or "Emirates") that make up the United Arab Emirates; the other six are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain. Each emirate is governed by a sheikh, or Arabic ruler. The sheikh of Abu Dhabi acts as president of the Federal Supreme Council (both the UAE's legislative and executive body), while the sheikh of Dubai fills the role of vice president. Although Abu Dhabi serves as the official capital of the UAE, Dubai has long been the emirates' commercial and financial hub.

But Dubai wasn't always the economic powerhouse it is today. Before oil was discovered in the mid-1960s, Dubai's economy relied solely on fishing and a moderately successful pearl industry. But once oil became a point of trade about 10 years after its discovery, the economy soared, and continues to do so. The current UAE vice president of and prime minister and Dubai Sheikh, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is strongly invested in the city's growth and status as a tourist hot spot.

The emirate's role as a commercial heavyweight attracts expats from around world. Dubai's population features citizens of 200 different nationalities, and each has left its own imprint on daily life. However, the dominant religion here is Islam, and Muslim culture greatly impacts Dubai's society. As a result, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly here – that means no exposed chests, thighs or midriffs – and alcohol is not commonly found outside of international hotels and restaurants. Those who visit during Ramadan (the Islamic month of fasting) are encouraged to refrain from eating or drinking in public places.

Despite its size, Dubai has earned a reputation as being one of the safest places in the Middle East. The UAE remains removed from the political and religious conflicts taking place in other parts of the Middle East. Women visiting Dubai should also feel safe to move about freely. However, women are often taken aback by Emiratis' tendency to stare; note that these gazes are most likely out of curiosity, not rudeness. 

Although the official language is Arabic, Dubai's trade history and booming tourism market means that almost everyone speaks English. American travelers can also rejoice in the fact that most major credit cards are accepted at stores, hotels and restaurants. For those paying in cash, the official currency here is the Emirati dirham (AED), which is equal to roughly $0.27. Check what the current exchange rate is before you arrive and have cash on hand when visiting Dubai's traditional  souks   (markets).

What to Eat

Emirati food, the principal cuisine in Dubai, is all about one thing: spice. Put down the salt and pepper; in Dubai, all the flavor you'll ever need is already sprinkled into the dish from a wider variety of seasonings, few of which you may not be familiar (Is za'atar in your spice cabinet? What about cardamom?). There are so many interesting and exotic dishes to sample in Dubai, the best way to navigate its rich culinary landscape is by starting with the basics.  

Al machboos is the Emirati's staple dish – think what red beans and rice are to New Orleans – and something you can't skip on your tasting tour of the Emirates. A favorite in the home and at restaurants, al machboos appears to be a simple dish – your choice of meat topped with rice – but packs a big punch flavor-wise, because it's seasoned with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, dried lemon and yellow raisins. Thanks to Dubai's location along the coast, fish is plentiful and widely used as the choice of meat in hardy dishes. M'hammar will satisfy any seafood lover's craving for the taste of the Arabian Peninsula, prepared with locally caught fish and served with sweet yellow rice, caramelized onions and of course, a host of spices. Believe it or not, camel is widely available throughout Dubai, but is typically served on special occasions and often considered a food eaten among VIPs. 

Other traditional fare to look out for are chebab, Emirati pancakes infused with saffron and cardamom and topped with yogurt and date syrup; khameer bread, which is stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, and kunafa, the Middle Eastern take on a cheese Danish. Arabic coffee is an experience in itself, especially for those who often take theirs with only cream and sugar. This coffee features regional lightly roasted beans mixed with saffron and cardamom. The ingredients are ground, boiled then strained and served in small cups. Don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth here either. Emiratis love their desserts. The most traditional is luqaimat, which is batter deep fried in ghee and served with local date syrup (think doughnut holes with a Middle Eastern twist). Another classic dish is balaleet, which features sweet vermicelli noodles with raisins, saffron, cardamom and other spices. And if you're visiting during Ramadan, try Assidat al-Boubar, a pumpkin pudding made with rosewater that's widely served after the fast is broken. 

A huge part of what has shaped Dubai's food landscape is the melting pot of cultures (more than 200 nationalities) that share the city. Aside from Emirati establishments, you'll find restaurants serving everything from classic French fare to dim sum. If you want flash, definitely go to one of the Burj Al Arab 's restaurants. There's also  La Petite Maison , a Michelin star-rated French import that sits near the Four Seasons. For beloved (and cheaper) casual eateries, head over to Al Samadi Sweets for Lebanese and Arabic dessert, or kick back and relax at  Seven Sands, the oceanfront restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Residence. For more information about where to eat, check out the Dubai tourism board's  website.

Getting Around Dubai

The best way to get around Dubai is by taxi or by metro. Although prices are high across the board in Dubai, a taxi here or there won't break the bank. Plus, they provide the freedom to move at your own pace without the hassle of navigating traffic. Dubai's metro system transports passengers to major areas of interest, including  Burj Khalifa  and the Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airport is about 10 miles from downtown Dubai. You can also rent a car at the airport, but be forewarned: driving here is not for the faint-hearted.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Americans visiting the United Arab Emirates must have an official U.S. passport that is valid for at least six months following your arrival date. Travelers must also possess a return ticket or other proof that they will be leaving the UAE within that 30-day timeframe. For visits exceeding 30 days, travelers must obtain a tourist visa prior to departure. Americans exiting the UAE by land transportation will be subject to departure fee of 35 dirhams (about $9.60), payable only in local currency. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department website .

Once a small fishing town, Dubai has developed significantly since it struck gold in the oil business. Today, the city is dotted with impressive skyscrapers but still features old towns throughout. 

Explore More of Dubai

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A Luxury Guide to Dubai, The City of Gold

After lifting Covid-19 restrictions, the city is back on travelers' lists with plenty to do and see.

By Jessica Kelly

Glam, luxury and fashion meet the melting pot of the Middle East. With over 200 different cultures and a ton of expats, Dubai is nestled in the southeast of the Persian Gulf and has a luxurious reputation in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai, also known as the City of Gold, is even home to an entire souk devoted to selling gold. The modern architecture with buildings like the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa makes the Dubai skyline a noteworthy one. After lifting Covid-19 restrictions, the city is now back on many travelers’ lists with plenty to do and see. In this travel guide, Elite Traveler takes a look at the diverse range of experiences to choose from in Dubai.

When planning your trip to Dubai, consider Emirates business class flights . It’s over a 12-hour flight from New York City , so comfort is essential. You’ll have access to the standup lounge bar, plenty of food, a top-tier wine list, cocktails and entertainment, and the service is impeccable. Once you arrive, they arrange airport transfers in Mercedes vehicles to your destination.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

At the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, guests have views of the Persian Gulf, with private beach access and beautiful sea views from most of the rooms. Not only do guests get to take in beautiful views of the gulf, but incredible views of Burj Al Arab, too. The deep soaking tubs in the suites and the balcony overlooking the lit-up view of the Burj Al Arab in the evening is the perfect backdrop when you order prawn curry, naan bread and knafeh on the room service menu. For the romance package, the hotel fills the room with chocolates, a tub filled with bubbles and rose petals, a huge bouquet of red roses, champagne and more.

jumeirah.com

Burj Al Arab

When people see the Burj Al Arab, they are reminded of top-tier Arabian luxury / ©Jessica Kelly

The Burj Al Arab is easily one of the most iconic buildings in the city’s skyline, among being an architectural icon around the world. When people see the Burj Al Arab, they are reminded of top-tier Arabian luxury. Even the most basic rooms are incredible, but the top-tier suites are something to splurge on if you want to feel like royalty. The suites have attracted some of the highest names among celebrities and royalty, with the architecture reflecting the colorful unique designs throughout the Burj Al Arab.

The spa treatments at Talise Spa in the Burj Al Arab are something that just simply cannot be missed. The massage tables overlook the view of the skyline and the gulf. While waiting, guests are served tea and dates while relaxing by the infinity pool. Talise is also the only place to offer the “Leg King” Professor Francesco Canonaco’s wildly successful program that is said to cure cellulite, water retention and all vascular problems in the legs.

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Atlantis, the palm.

There are a variety of romantic packages and luxury stays within Atlantis / ©Jessica Kelly

Atlantis caters to couples, adults and families, with so much to offer guests that they sometimes don’t even leave the hotel . There are a variety of romantic packages and luxury stays within Atlantis, including the notable underwater suites, among other prime suites with stunning waterfront views. The underwater suite is truly unbelievable. Guests can relax in bed, or soak in their deep tub while watching eagle rays, sharks, and schools of fish swim by. The high-end suite is a spacious two-story room with its own personal elevator, perfect for a luxurious getaway.

atlantis.com

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Bab al shams.

The design at Bab Al Shams consists of traditional Arab architecture / ©Jessica Kelly

Arriving at Bab Al Shams, it truly feels like a luxurious desert escape. The design consists of traditional Arab architecture, immersed in the desert with infinity pools overlooking the sand dunes and an extensive ecosystem filled with birds and gazelles, among other wildlife. The location provides an escape from the busy city life with a selection of activities for guests including desert exploration hikes, massages, horseback riding, archery, camel riding, falconry and more in between sunbathing or relaxing in your soaking tub in the bedroom.

The food is fantastic, with plenty of fresh-squeezed juices, coconut water, wraps and more. Pre-dinner cocktails at Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge are a must before heading out. If guests are lucky enough to be in Dubai during Ramadan, the hotel’s Iftar is outstanding, with a wide selection of traditional foods, live shows, music, tea, hookah and more. Since Covid-19, the shows are back and more lively than ever, and group activities are encouraged for guests.

babalshams.com

[See more: The Most Luxurious Hotels in Dubai]

The King Crab and homemade trenette pasta at SAL / ©Jessica Kelly

While visiting the Burj Al Arab, stop at SAL for a bite to eat before relaxing by the infinity pool over the Arabian Gulf. SAL serves a variety of Mediterranean dishes and fresh seafood, like the King Crab and homemade trenette pasta with bright green, fragrant fresh basil pesto, plump tomato, espelette chili and tangy balsamic or the light tomato gazpacho with capsicum, cucumber and crispy bread.

Dinner at Bastion is a must while staying at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel / ©Jessica Kelly

Dinner at Bastion is a must while staying at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The steakhouse offers views of the Burj Al Arab and serves delicious cuts like kiwami wagyu and rack of lamb, among other appetizers to share like foie gras, calamari, tableside steak tartare and more. In addition to the main courses, the restaurant offers an extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff waiting to suggest pairings. Don’t forget to stop for an after-dinner cocktail at Floor 24 at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Sometimes when visiting a place that already has frills like a waterfront view, the food tends to be just so-so. They don’t have to try as hard because crowds will continue to visit if the place has a good view. The Atmosphere overdid itself with this dining experience. Not only do you get incredible views being on the 122nd floor of the world’s tallest building, but there are incredible crepes, egg dishes with freshly shaved truffles, towers of fresh cheeses, meats, fruit and fresh-squeezed juices like mango and orange to choose from. Finish the meal with a golden coffee because everything in Dubai is coated in gold.

atmosphereburjkhalifa.com

[See more: The 13 Best Restaurants in Dubai]

Cocktails at Nobu and Dinner at Ossiano

Chef Gregoire Berger shares his passion for food, art and flavors at Ossiano / ©Jessica Kelly

Nobu is a great spot within Atlantis to grab a drink before dinner and deserved a special mention in our travel guide to Dubai. It’s the perfect place to try out a new sake or a refreshing lychee martini. After drinks at Nobu, check in at Ossiano . The gourmet eatery is surrounded by tanks filled with 65,000 marine animals. Guests are dining, sipping their espresso martinis while watching the fish swim gracefully by. Throughout this experience, chef Gregoire Berger shares his passion for food, art and flavors he’s picked up through personal experiences, each dish coming with its own story.

Burj Khalifa

As far as activities go, our travel guide to Dubai would not be complete without mentioning Burj Khalifa. A staple in the skyline, the building reaches over 2716 feet and has 160 stories. It holds multiple world records including the tallest building in the world, having the highest number of stories in the world, having the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, and having the tallest service elevator in the world, among others.

burjkhalifa.ae

Aura Skypool

Aura Skypool is the world’s tallest 360-degree infinity pool, with incredible views of the palm, the gulf, the skyline, and more. You can rent a chair and relax by the water. Take a dip while waiting for your fresh coconut water to be delivered to you in the sun. Don’t forget to order some delicious sushi or a refreshing cocktail at the onsite restaurant. They’re almost too pretty to drink. Almost.

auraskypool.com

Balloon Adventures Dubai

Taking a hot air balloon ride over the desert during sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience / ©Jessica Kelly

Taking a hot air balloon ride over the desert during sunrise is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that we simply had to include in our luxury travel guide to Dubai. The ride is so peaceful and calm, riders barely even feel any movement. With other balloons floating by in the distance, riders will get to watch the sunrise over the desert from a bird’s eye view. The company is Dubai’s longest operating hot air balloon company with seasoned, professional pilots to safely lead the tour. When the balloon lands, vintage Land Rovers will bring guests to an extensive breakfast filled with local favorites.

balloon-adventures.com

Camel Rides

The camels take riders for a short walk around the desert after the hotel air balloon ride / ©Jessica Kelly

After breakfast mentioned above, as part of the Balloon Adventures experience, guests will have the opportunity to ride a camel. The camels will take riders for a short walk around the desert, only about 3 to 5 minutes or so, in between getting food at the camp, so guests can experience what it’s like before hopping back in the colorful Land Rovers.

[See more: The 9 Best Things to do at Night in Dubai]

Jessica Kelly

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Dubai Travel Guide: Is Dubai Worth Visiting?

· everything you need to know to visit in dubai in 2022, including the top things to do and how to stay safe. [updated august 2022] ·.

Dubai is hands-down one of the coolest cities we have ever visited. If you read our other posts about this country, you know how much we love the United Arab Emirates. We love everything from the mix of Arab culture and the huge immigrant population to the glamour and luxury that is found in all of its major cities.

On our trip to the United Arab Emirates we spent a good amount of time in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and this trip put the country easily onto our list of the most unforgettable destinations that we’ve been to. If you’re interested in visiting one of the most international, glamorous, and developed cities in the world, keep reading!

This post contains affiliate links through which we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed are my own.

Best Things to Do in Dubai

Dubai is out of this world. While many think it is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, it actually isn’t. Much like New York City in the United States, it is the biggest and most well-known city in the country, but isn’t the capital. Abu Dhabi is. Either way, this city is absolutely mesmerizing and jam-packed with things to do. Kind of like Texas, everything is bigger in Dubai, and this list will show you what I mean.

1. Check out Burj Khalifa , the Tallest Building in the World

I can’t describe how big the Burj Khalifa is. It is so big that you can’t see the top on a cloudy day, and unless you stand several blocks away you can’t fit the entire thing in an iPhone picture. The sheer size of this thing is awe-inspiring and you need to see it to believe it. In my Shanghai Travel Guide , I said that the Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in the world.

We were struggling to get the Burj Khalifa to fit in our iPhone Camera frame.

The Burj Khalifa is so big that you can take the entire Shanghai Tower and add half of the Empire State Building to it and it would still be shorter. You can either view it from outside like we did, or you can take an elevator to the top and see the city from the observation deck.

2. Have Lunch on a Yacht in the Bay

Dubai is a port city sitting right on the Straight of Hormuz, and it built its wealth by being on the water. As one of the wealthiest cities in the whole world, you can imagine there are a lot of yachts sitting in Dubai’s famous harbors. One of the best ways to enjoy an afternoon in Dubai is to have lunch on a yacht out in the water. To celebrate getting engaged, we found a tour that left from the harbor and circled around the water for two hours and had an absolute blast. The weather was great, the views of the city and its skyline from the water are the best you can get, and the time away from the hustle and bustle of the city is very peaceful and restorative.

This is absolutely one of the best things to do in Dubai!

3. Stroll the Luxury Malls

Most people, like us, can’t afford to actually buy anything in the stores in most Dubai malls. The Dubai Mall , which is the biggest in Dubai, is absolutely stuffed with the most expensive stores you can imagine. Emiratis are very wealthy thanks to subsidies from the government, and it’s on full display in the malls. Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton – any luxury brand you can think of has a large store in The Dubai Mall. Just seeing the beauty of the buildings is worth the visit, even if you can’t drop $500 on a belt. Strolling through the luxury malls will give you a really good idea of just how wealthy of a country the United Arab Emirates is!

Watch a sunset on the top floor observation deck of the Dubai Mall

4. Admire the Grand Jumeirah Mosque

Islam is a beautiful religion. As very devout Catholics ourselves, we have a great appreciation for and interest in religions around the world. While many view Dubai as a very worldly and more secular place, the Islamic roots of the city are undeniable and absolutely worth exploring and learning about. If you’ve never visited a mosque, I highly recommend doing it while you’re in Dubai.

Be sure to dress conservatively, as head coverings and full length attire is either required or strongly suggested depending which mosque you visit.

5. Take a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has all the glamour of Dubai but in a more toned-down, subtle way. Everything in Abu Dhabi is still big and shiny, but the city is much more traditional and conservative than Dubai. As the capital of the country, there is so much to see and do here and it honestly deserves so much more than a day.

For more information on Abu Dhabi, including where to get a cappuccino made of gold and how to fly a Ferrari, check out my Abu Dhabi Travel Guide .

6. Visit Old Dubai to Learn about its Arab Roots

Old Dubai looks like it is straight out of Aladdin. This part of the city is preserved to show what Dubai used to be like before the addition of skyscrapers, and it honestly feels magical. Whenever we travel somewhere, we are very interested in learning about the history of the place we are in and how it came to be, and visiting Old Dubai is the perfect example of living history.

How to Get to Dubai

Flying to dubai.

Getting to Dubai is really straightforward. You really don’t have any option other than flying right into the city. Flying from the United States, Dubai is one of the most accessible and affordable destinations in the entire Arab World. Dubai has two large airports, but if you’re arriving on an international flight, you’ll probably land in Dubai International Airport (DXB) , which is Dubai’s bigger hub airport. Depending where you are flying from, you may even find a direct flight from the United States! Washington D.C. and New York are two places that offer direct flights, and there are definitely more. For some tips on saving a little money on your flight, I’d recommend that you check out my detailed guide to finding cheap flights .

Dubai is also an incredible place for a stretched-out layover. DXB is one of the busiest airports in the world for connecting flights, and this makes it a perfect candidate for an extended layover. This is actually what we did one of the times that we visited Dubai. An extended layover is basically when you look where a flight route’s layovers naturally occur, and you then book the flight to follow the same route, but with a 2 or 3 day layover instead of a 2 or 3 hour layover. I wrote a full blog post on extended layovers here.

– R E A D –

However, we found that coming from the United States you’ll get a much better flight deal 99% of the time if you fly into Dubai, which is only an hour and a half east of Abu Dhabi. Dubai has two large airports, but if you’re arriving on an international flight, you’ll probably land in Dubai International Airport (DXB) , which is Dubai’s bigger hub airport. While this option requires you to then make your way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, it can actually still be faster and cheaper than flying directly into Abu Dhabi!

The best way to get from the airport to your hotel in Dubai is by booking a private transfer with our partners at Welcome Pickups . Welcome Pickups offers personalized, private, comfortable rides from the airport into the city for about the same price as a standard taxi. They monitor your flight status while you are in the air, and a driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it as soon as you arrive.

How to Get Around Dubai

BUS | METRO | UBER

First things first, the public transportation in Dubai is pretty good. The bus network is expansive and there are also two metro lines, one of which is the longest driverless train line in the world! To use any form of public transportation, you’ll need to buy a Nol Card . This is essentially a Dubai public transit pass that you can reload as you go. You can buy this at the bus or metro station, and there are plenty of multi-lingual machines where you can top up your balance. Be sure to put enough on the card to cover your travel route, as you don’t buy tickets as you go – you just tap your card as you board the bus or metro, and it automatically deducts from your balance.

If you’re not a fan of public transportation or public transportation isn’t very convenient to your day’s schedule, we fully recommend calling an Uber. Uber is one of our favorite creations of the past decade, and we use it almost daily while traveling. It is always safer than a taxi due to the GPS tracking and background screening of all of the drivers, and it usually is cheaper than a traditional taxi, too. The app works the exact same in the United Arab Emirates as it does anywhere else in the world. If you’re apprehensive about using Uber during your trip, check out my post on using Uber in foreign countries.

While you could rent a car, I almost never advise this unless you’re going somewhere that will inherently require a lot of driving, like any kind of wine country. When you plan on visiting a city and only venturing out a couple of times, avoiding a rental car can save you from spending hundreds of unnecessary dollars.

Safety in Dubai

If you read my Abu Dhabi Travel Guide, you’ve seen this exact same section. If you haven’t read that, read it here. Some people wonder about safety for their next trip to the United Arab Emirates. After all, it’s in the Middle East.

Isn’t the Middle East supposed to be super dangerous? Nope.

There are some parts of the Middle East that are in conflict, and sadly the region as a whole has been plagued by some sort of constant conflict over the past century. But trust me – the United Arab Emirates is extremely safe, and there is very little to fear. There is a high police presence, but it doesn’t seem like they need it at all. The country as a whole and the individual cities that we visited could not have felt any safer. If you take normal precautions like you would in any big city, you have nothing to worry about.

In a lot of places, I’d say “leave the Rolex at home.” Yet, in the United Arab Emirates, half of the population is wearing one ! I won’t advise you to show off any wealth or name brands, but realistically, carrying a Gucci bag and driving a Ferrari doesn’t really make you stand out in the United Arab Emirates; it makes you blend in !

What to Wear in Dubai

A lot of people who are traveling to the Middle East for the first time wonder what they need to wear. While every country in the region has its own laws and level of conservatism, a generally modest dress code is universal across the entire area. Yes, Dubai has in some ways earned the title of the “Las Vegas of the Middle East.” Don’t let that fool you in the slightest bit. It is a ton of fun, and everything is big and shiny, but the United Arab Emirates is still a Muslim country and there are certain modesty standards that need to be met. If you want what you imagine when you think of Las Vegas, then just go to Las Vegas! ( Check out my Las Vegas Travel Guide first though ). In Dubai, you might see some people walking around in some not-so-modest things, but you really don’t want to be that kind of person. You want to respect the country that you’re visiting, right?

Pro Tip for Ladies : Pack a scarf. It is extremely versatile and can easily cover exposed skin.

In terms of what to wear, I’d say try to cover your shoulders, wear knee-length bottoms, and if you’re a woman, try to minimize the amount of cleavage that you show. Doing a little bit to show respect goes a very long way. I think that the dress code in Dubai lines up somewhat comparably with the dress code in Morocco , and I wrote an entire post about that which might be helpful to read before you travel.

But what if you’re going to the beach? Dubai has a great beach scene, and you will definitely want to visit! There’s no need to buy a whole new bathing suit to try and show respect. There are plenty of bikinis on the beaches in Dubai – just try to pick your most conservative one, if you can, and be sure to cover back up before you walk along the boardwalk area or into the city, as the police turn a blind eye to the people on the sand, but are much less accepting once you leave the beach.

The Emirates are more lenient at the beach. Bikinis are acceptable. Try to bring a more modest one though.

Is Dubai Worth Visiting In 2022?

Dubai was always near the top of my bucket list, and visiting Dubai did nothing but make me want to return. This city is one of the coolest places I have visited throughout all of my travels, and I fully plan to return as soon as possible. Not only is the United Arab Emirates a really interesting country, but it is also one of increasing importance on an international level. Dubai is on track to be one of the most important cities in the world very soon, and I can’t wait to return in the future. From incredible things to do, to glamour that is unmatched elsewhere, to a rich heritage and culture, Dubai is absolutely worth visiting, regardless of what you’re into.

Our Final Tips for Visiting Dubai

Dubai rocks, and you won’t regret the long flight. To make the most of your vacation in Dubai in 2022, we have a couple more recommendations for you.

ALWAYS BE AS RESPECTFUL AS POSSIBLE

Firstly, always be as respectful as possible. Respect is a crucial component of Arab culture, and being disrespectful can put you in situations you don’t need to be in. Remember that the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country and many laws and regulations are much stricter than they are in the west.

DO NOT GET PUBLICLY DRUNK

Stemming from that, you should know that the consumption of alcohol is forbidden in Islam. While you will find drinks being legally sold in Dubai because of the city’s international nature, you should remember that drinking on the streets and being publicly intoxicated are giant no-no’s. Since alcohol is already a faux-pas substance, the abuse of it carries very high consequences.

BE AWARE OF MUSLIM CUSTOMS

Thirdly, I just wanted to quickly note that since the UAE is a Muslim country, there are some religious customs and celebrations that you should be aware of when planning your trip. The biggest of these is Ramadan, which is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. If you happen to be traveling during Ramadan, I highly recommend reading my post on traveling to a Muslim country during Ramadan , as the advice within it will likely be very helpful.

ENGLISH IS SPOKEN EVERYWHERE

Finally, I never mentioned much about language in the United Arab Emirates. The population of the UAE is 88% immigrants. The 12% of the country that is Emirati speaks Arabic, but about 70% of the country can’t speak the national language of Arabic. As a result, English is very common . If you speak English, you’ll be able to get around mostly with just that. I speak a decent amount of Arabic, and I found that speaking Arabic wasn’t very useful at all during our trip to the United Arab Emirates.

About 70% of the country can’t speak the national language of Arabic. 

That’s all I have for you about Dubai! Hopefully you learned a few things from my Dubai Travel Guide and are looking forward to your next trip to the United Arab Emirates. If you have any questions be sure to drop a comment in the comment section or shoot us an email.

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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The Ultimate Dubai Travel Guide

Dubai Travel Guide - Are you currently in the process of organizing a journey to Dubai? You are about to experience a delightful surprise.

Mundo Maya Travel

• Updated: December 7, 2023
• 12 min read

Dubai Travel Guide – Are you currently in the process of organizing a journey to Dubai? You are about to experience a delightful surprise.

Our complete Dubai travel guide has everything you need to make your vacation to this dynamic city unforgettable.

Dubai offers everything—beautiful architecture, world-class shopping, delicious food, and thrilling desert excursions.

Dubai has something for everyone—luxury, adventure, and culture. So saddle up and prepare to conquer this stunning city!

What awaits you in Dubai? Stop looking elsewhere! Our complete Dubai travel guide covers prominent sites, must-see neighborhoods, and local suggestions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Overview of Dubai : Often perceived as a luxury stopover, Dubai is a city with deep cultural roots and a range of activities that go beyond its glitzy surface. It's a blend of conservative culture and a Middle-Eastern version of Las Vegas.
• Burj Khalifa : The world's tallest building with observation decks offering panoramic views.
• Desert Safari : A day-long adventure in the desert, including jeep tours and traditional food.
• Global Village : A cultural and entertainment extravaganza showcasing Middle Eastern cultures.
• Dubai Miracle Garden : The world's largest natural flower garden with over 150 million flowers.
• Kite Beach : Popular for kitesurfing and water sports, with various amenities.
• Exploring the Marina, shopping malls, and the Grand Mosque.
• Visiting old Dubai for a traditional experience.
• Enjoying the Jumeirah Beach and Palm Islands.
• Experiencing local and international cuisine in various restaurants.
• Hostel and budget hotel prices are provided with an average cost for food, transportation, and attractions.
• Three suggested budgets: Backpacker (260 AED/day), Mid-range (870 AED/day), Luxury (1,425 AED/day).
• Use Groupon and The Entertainer for discounts.
• Eat in Old Dubai for cheaper meals.
• Choose accommodations near the metro for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
• Use a reusable water bottle as tap water is safe to drink.
• Accommodations : Limited hostels available; advance booking recommended.
• Public transportation is efficient with a metro and bus system.
• Taxis and ridesharing options like Uber and Careem are available.
• Bicycles can be rented for short trips.
• Car rental is advised only for trips outside the city.
• Best Time to Visit : November to April for cooler weather; avoid May to August due to extreme heat.
• Safety Tips : Dubai is generally safe, but conservative behavior and dress are advised. Awareness of local laws, especially regarding public behavior and photography, is important.
• Travel Insurance : Recommended for all travelers.
• Booking Resources : Various recommended platforms for booking flights, accommodations, and tours.

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Table of Contents Show The Best Places to Eat in Singapore 10 Best Restaurants in Singapore for Fine Dining 5 Best Restaurants in Singapore for Fine Dining 1. Odette 2. Waku Ghin 3. Nouri 4. Cure 5.... Read more .

The Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and local secrets will be revealed. Want to shop at the world’s largest mall or go desert dune bashing? You’re covered.

Sit back, relax, and let us take you on a magical tour of Dubai.

Unlock the Wonders of Dubai: Your Complete Travel Handbook

Photo by Christoph Schulz

Dubai is an incredible city that provides a one-of-a-kind blend of luxury, culture, and adventure.

Whether you want to explore towering buildings, engage in world-class shopping, or immerse yourself in the rich Arabic culture, Dubai has plenty for anyone.

In this comprehensive Dubai travel guide, we will take you on a journey through the geography, attractions, activities, cuisine, and transportation options that Dubai has to offer.

Geography and Climate

Tucked away on the Arabian Peninsula in the bustling Middle East, Dubai is nestled on the southeastern coastline of the Persian Gulf, staking its claim as the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Now, don’t go thinking it’s all vast expanses, though. With an area covering just around 1,588 square miles, it’s a bit of a pocket rocket in terms of land size.

But, don’t let its compact size fool you! This city is like a Pandora’s box, jam-packed with an endless treasure trove of attractions and experiences waiting to be explored . Dubai’s got more than just a few aces up its sleeve!

One thing to note – Dubai serves up a healthy dose of heat! With a climate that’s as dry as a bone, you can expect sweltering summers that often tip the scales at a toasty 104°F (40°C).

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A visit during these months means you’ll want to drink like a fish and slather on sun protection to keep from frying like an egg under that relentless sun.

On the flip side, winter in Dubai is a whole different ball game.

Picture perfect days ranging from a mild 64°F (18°C) to a balmy 86°F (30°C), making it an idyllic time to play tourist and explore the city . So, folks, pack your bags and let’s dive headfirst into the wonders of Dubai!

Dubai Travel Guide: Getting to Dubai

Embarking on an adventure to Dubai? We’ve got you covered! Navigating your way to this gleaming jewel in the United Arab Emirates is a breeze with our handy guide.

From flights to visas, let’s unpack the essentials of getting to Dubai, your gateway to an unforgettable vacation.

Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the busiest airports in the world, serves the city.

It is well-connected to major cities worldwide, with multiple airlines providing direct flights to Dubai. When you arrive at the airport, you can take a cab, metro, or bus to the city center.

Road Travel

If you want to travel to Dubai, there is a network of motorways connecting it to other emirates in the UAE and other countries.

Dubai’s roadways are well-kept, and driving in the city is quite simple. Keep in mind, though, that Dubai’s traffic can be crowded at peak hours.

Dubai is also a popular cruise destination, with several cruise lines including a stop in the city on their itineraries.

If you arrive by boat in Dubai, you will dock at the Dubai Cruise Terminal, which is conveniently positioned in the city center.

Our Recommended Accommodations in Dubai

President Hotel

Bur Dubai, Dubai

2 (601 reviews)

Super 8 by Wyndham Dubai Deira

Deira, Dubai

2 (2,809 reviews)

Royal Club By RVHR, Paramount Tower B, Business Bay

Business Bay, Dubai

3.25 (175 reviews)

Marriott Hotel, Al Jaddaf, Dubai

5 (869 reviews)

Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Mall

Discovery Gardens, Dubai

3 (8,602 reviews)

MENA ApartHotel Albarsha At The Mall

Al Barsha, Dubai

3.25 (1,003 reviews)

5 (6,112 reviews)

Carlton Downtown Hotel

Trade Center Area, Dubai

4 (3,404 reviews)

One Perfect Stay - Executive Tower, Business bay

3.25 (1 review)

STAY Magnificent Studio Holiday Home near Burj Khalifa

3.25 (9 reviews)

Dubai offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxurious hotels to cozy vacation rentals, you will find the perfect place to stay during your visit .

Luxury Hotels

If you are looking for a lavish experience, Dubai is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels.

From the iconic Burj Al Arab, known as the world’s only seven-star hotel, to the Atlantis, The Palm, which is located on the stunning Palm Jumeirah island, these hotels offer unparalleled luxury and indulgence.

Budget Hotels

For travelers on a budget, Dubai also has a variety of budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses.

These accommodations provide comfortable rooms and convenient amenities at an affordable price, allowing you to save money while still enjoying your stay in Dubai.

Vacation Rentals

If you prefer a more home-like experience, consider booking a vacation rental in Dubai. There are numerous options available, ranging from apartments to villas, many of which offer stunning views of the city’s skyline or the Arabian Gulf.

Vacation rentals are a great choice for families or larger groups, as they usually provide more space and privacy than traditional hotel rooms.

Top Dubai Attractions

Dubai is known for its iconic landmarks, modern architecture, and unique attractions. Here are some must-visit attractions in Dubai:

Burj Khalifa

Photo by Riyas Mohammed

No visit to Dubai is complete without a trip to the Burj Khalifa. Standing at a towering height of 2,722 feet (829.8 meters), the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world.

Take an elevator ride to the observation deck on the 148th floor, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and beyond.

The Dubai Mall

Photo by Noah Bikoro

Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world. With over 1,200 retail outlets, including high-end fashion brands and international retailers,

The Dubai Mall offers a shopper’s paradise. Don’t forget to explore its entertainment offerings, such as the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo or the famous Dubai Fountain show, which takes place on the mall’s waterfront promenade.

Palm Jumeirah

Photo by Thomas Haas

Shaped like a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island that stretches out into the Arabian Gulf.

It is home to luxurious resorts, such as Atlantis, The Palm, and offers a stunning coastline with pristine beaches.

Take a walk along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk or indulge in water sports activities such as jet skiing or paddleboarding.

Exciting Activities and Entertainment in Dubai

Photo by ZQ Lee

Dubai offers a multitude of activities and entertainment options that cater to all tastes and preferences. Here are some popular choices:

Desert Safaris

Embark on a thrilling desert safari and experience the beauty of Dubai’s vast sand dunes. Take a ride on a 4×4 vehicle through the desert, try sandboarding, or enjoy a mesmerizing sunset over the dunes.

You can also indulge in a traditional Bedouin-style dinner and live entertainment, including belly dancing and henna painting.

Water Parks

Escape the heat and have a splashing good time at one of Dubai’s water parks. Aquaventure Waterpark, located at Atlantis, The Palm, offers thrilling water slides and a unique aquarium experience.

Wild Wadi Waterpark, situated in front of the iconic Burj Al Arab, is another popular choice, featuring adrenaline-pumping rides and wave pools.

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, with a multitude of shopping options. From traditional souks to modern malls, you are sure to find whatever you’re looking for.

Explore the traditional souks, such as the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk, where you can haggle for unique jewelry, spices, and traditional Arabian goods.

If you prefer a more modern shopping experience, head to the Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, which offer a wide range of international brands and designer boutiques.

Cultural Experiences in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Photo by Fernando Jorge

While Dubai is known for its modernity, it also offers a wealth of cultural experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the local traditions and heritage. Here are some cultural highlights:

Dubai Museum

Located in the historic Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Explore the exhibits that showcase traditional Emirati life, ancient artifacts, and archaeological findings.

The museum provides a fascinating insight into Dubai’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis.

Jumeirah Mosque

Photo by Mitesh

Visit the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque, one of the most significant landmarks in Dubai. This stunning mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors and offers guided tours that provide an in-depth understanding of Islamic culture and traditions.

Cultural Tours

Take a cultural tour of Dubai to explore its diverse neighborhoods and learn about the city’s heritage.

From the vibrant Al Fahidi Historic District to the picturesque Bastakiya Quarter, these tours offer a deeper understanding of Dubai’s local culture, art, and architecture.

Cuisine and Dining in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a melting pot of cuisines, offering a wide range of culinary delights that will satisfy every palate.

Here are some dining options to consider:

Local Delicacies

Indulge in traditional Emirati cuisine and savor flavors such as lamb machbous, a spiced rice dish, or harees, a creamy wheat and meat dish. You can also try local delicacies such as camel meat, which is available in select restaurants.

Fine Dining

Dubai is a haven for food enthusiasts, with numerous fine dining restaurants helmed by renowned chefs.

From Michelin-starred establishments to celebrity chef-owned restaurants, you can indulge in gourmet cuisine from around the world.

Street Food

For a more casual dining experience, explore Dubai’s street food scene. Head to the city’s vibrant food markets, known as souks, and sample delicious treats such as shawarmas, falafels, and kunafa, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert.

Shopping Experience in Dubai

Dubai is famous for its shopping, offering a wide range of retail therapy options to suit every taste. Here are some shopping highlights:

Traditional Souks

Experience the authentic charm of Dubai’s traditional markets, known as souks. The Gold Souk is a bustling market where you can find exquisite gold jewelry, while the Spice Souk offers a sensory experience with its aromatic spices and herbs. Don’t forget to haggle for the best prices!

Mall Shopping

Dubai is home to numerous world-class shopping malls that offer an unparalleled shopping experience.

From the luxurious Mall of the Emirates to the elegant Dubai Mall, you can find everything from high-end fashion brands to electronics and homeware.

Gold and Spice Souks

If you are looking for a unique shopping experience, head to the Gold and Spice Souks in Deira. In these vibrant markets, you will find an array of gold and precious gems, as well as a variety of aromatic spices.

Exploring these souks is an exciting way to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover hidden treasures.

Transportation Options in Dubai

Dubai’s transportation system is efficient and well-developed, making it easy to get around the city. Here are some transportation options:

Metro and Public Buses

Dubai has a modern and extensive metro system that connects major attractions and neighborhoods.

The Dubai Metro is clean, reliable, and offers a cost-effective way to travel around the city . If you prefer buses, Dubai’s public bus network covers most areas, providing an affordable mode of transportation.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are readily available in Dubai and are a convenient way to get around, especially if you prefer door-to-door service.

You can easily hail a taxi on the street or book one through a taxi app. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Careem are also popular and provide an alternative to taxis.

From Skyscrapers to Sandy Dunes: Your Ultimate Dubai Travel Guide

Photo by David Rodrigo

Dubai, pals, is an out-of-this-world destination, boasting a smorgasbord of experiences to tickle any traveler’s fancy.

You’re in for a treat, whether you’re itching to gawk at architectural marvels, splurge on posh shopping sprees, or dive headfirst into the local culture.

From the sky-kissing Burj Khalifa to the lively, scent-filled souks, each nook and cranny of this city is a treasure trove of wonders .

So, what are you waiting for?

Stuff your suitcase and buckle up for an unforgettable Dubai escapade, where a blend of luxury, thrill, and warm Arabian hospitality is ready to roll out the red carpet for you.

Hold on to your hats, folks, because Dubai is all set to blow your socks off!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days in dubai are enough.

For a comprehensive Dubai experience, a stay of 4 to 7 days is typically recommended. This duration allows you to explore the city's major landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain, as well as enjoy desert safaris, explore traditional markets (souks), and relax on the beaches. If you're interested in day trips to nearby emirates like Abu Dhabi, consider extending your stay.

How much should I budget for a trip to Dubai?

The budget for a Dubai trip can vary greatly depending on your travel style and choices. For a budget traveler, planning around $70 to $100 per day can cover basic accommodation, public transport, and modest dining. For a mid-range experience, budget around $150 to $250 per day for better accommodations, more dining options, and activities like desert safaris or entry to attractions. Luxury travelers should budget $300 or more per day, as Dubai offers a range of high-end experiences. Keep in mind that shopping, high-end dining, and certain experiences like skydiving or luxury desert tours will increase your budget.

Can I plan a Dubai trip on my own?

Absolutely, you can plan a Dubai trip on your own. Dubai is well-equipped for tourists, with extensive information available online for hotels, activities, and transportation. The city is known for being safe and having an efficient public transport system, making it relatively straightforward for independent travelers to navigate. However, consider researching local customs, rules, and necessary bookings for popular attractions in advance.

What are the rules for female tourists in Dubai?

Female tourists in Dubai should be mindful of local customs and laws to ensure a respectful and trouble-free visit. While Dubai is modern and relatively liberal, it is still important to dress modestly, especially in public areas like shopping malls and when using public transport. This typically means avoiding excessively tight or revealing clothing and ensuring shoulders and knees are covered. In more traditional areas and when visiting mosques, it's advisable to cover your arms and legs fully. Public displays of affection should be minimal, and cohabitation for unmarried couples, while generally overlooked, is technically illegal. It's also important to note that during Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited.

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Solo Trip To Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

By Monica Chapon. This guide to solo travel in Dubai solo contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Considering a solo trip to Dubai , but need help with the planning?

Then you’re in the right place!

Offering a blend of modern marvels, interesting history, and natural attractions in a safe place, Dubai is an excellent choice for solo travel.

That being said, the more you can plan and prepare, the better off you’ll be — which is where this solo female travel guide to Dubai comes in.

We’ll cover where Dubai is, how to get around, things to do, safety concerns, expected costs, and more. By the end, I hope to have convinced you that traveling Dubai solo is an excellent decision! It certainly was for me.

I fell in love with the culture and people; the landscapes and nature. And, since my very first trip, I’ve returned countless times. There is always something new to see in this ever-changing place.

Quick tip: While Dubai is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

Enjoy The Benefits Of Solo Travel [Free Course]

But first, before we get into our guide to traveling Dubai alone , I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to learn how to plan a safe fun solo trip to Dubai.

Solo Travel In Dubai: Is It Worth It?

Let’s kick off this solo female travel guide by discussing if traveling to Dubai alone is even worth it.

When solo travelers consider visiting the Middle East , it is fairly typical to feel a few nerves. After all, this region does not get the best press in western media.

In my opinion, that is a shame. I’ve had some of the best travel experiences of my life in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai.

Dubai is a great place to dip your toes into solo travel in the Middle East . It has everything a visitor could ask for, and then some: a welcoming culture, incredible architecture, interesting history, rugged nature, and adventure activities galore.

Additionally, English is commonly spoken, and the infrastructure is modern and reliable.

I originally went to Dubai not necessarily expecting to ever return back; but now, many years later, I’ve visited the United Arab Emirates countless times. I’m continuously impressed by Dubai, and I’m willing to bet that you will be too!

Where Is Dubai?

Dubai is an Emirate within the United Arab Emirates on the Arabian Peninsula. Think of “emirates” as states – and Dubai is the best known one.

The city of Dubai is located within the Emirate of Dubai, and it sits next to Abu Dhabi, which is the nation’s capital. Dubai is also bordered by the Arabian Sea.

Best Time To Visit Dubai

Dubai is a great place to visit year-round, but you may opt for one season over another depending on the activities you plan to do.

Summer in Dubai

If you enjoy outdoor adventures , you will likely want to avoid the summer heat. Summers can be overwhelmingly warm if you aren’t used to it. Triple digits and scorching sun should be expected.

That being said, almost anywhere you visit indoors will be expertly air-conditioned, such as hotels, malls, restaurants, and attractions. Be aware that some outdoor attractions are closed in the summer.

Winter in Dubai

The most pleasant weather is found in the winter months, between November and March. It’s the best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

But with the comfortable temperatures comes larger crowds. The winter season is when most tourists visit Dubai, so your accommodation and tours may carry a higher price tag during this time.

Getting To Dubai

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the central hub in the Middle East, so you can catch flights here from just about anywhere.

Most cities in Europe and Asia have easy direct flights here, and even the USA’s larger cities have non-stop and connecting routes here. The airport is modern, clean, and easy to navigate.

Alternatively, Abu Dhabi’s airport sometimes offers cheaper flights, but be aware that it is at least one hour away from most places in Dubai.

Getting from either airport to Dubai is easy, either via taxi or Uber, and even the metro stops at DXB.

Getting Around Dubai As A Solo Traveler

Those traveling alone in Dubai will be happy to know it is an easily navigable city. If you only have limited time, you will likely hire taxis and Ubers to get around. These are reliable and safe.

If you have more time to spare and are traveling on a budget, consider taking the Dubai Metro . It is clean and simple, with different colored routes carrying passengers around the city. You can reach many of the major attractions from the Dubai Metro too.

Overall, Dubai is not an easily walkable city. Think of it like Los Angeles – certain pockets are very walkable, but you will need transportation of some kind to get from one area to another.

Dubai Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a map. It has most of the main points and solo activities mentioned in this guide to solo travel in Dubai pre-plotted:

You can also click here for the interactive version .

Is It Safe To Travel To Dubai Alone As A Woman?

One of the reasons that Dubai is an excellent place to travel solo is due to its safety. In fact, according to Numbeo , the risk of violent crime and even petty theft and robby are very low.

Note that while Dubai is known for being ultra-modern, it is still a Muslim country. Women should dress conservatively and cover shoulders, knees, and heads for mosques. And, in areas outside of Dubai, this is even more important.

While you may see other women dressing in a casual way, I typically see it as a sign of respect to dress in a way that locals would. This also helps you avoid unwanted attention when you’re traveling solo!

Additionally, don’t leave valuables out in cars, restaurants, or hotels when you are not present. It’s also wise not to wear flashy jewelry or carry tons of cash when traveling solo to avoid pickpockets .

And, as with anywhere, don’t go out late at night alone. While walking at night in Dubai is generally considered safe, it’s still smart to take precautions when on your own.

Overall, you can travel Dubai without worry, even if you are solo.

Where To Stay On A Solo Trip To Dubai

Wondering where to stay when going to Dubai alone? You’ve got plenty of safe options, both near to the tourist spots and in more secluded areas away from the hustle and bustle.

Dubai Marina

One of the best areas to stay for first timers in Dubai is near the Dubai Marina , which is within walking distance of the popular Marina Beach . You can also walk to a few popular attractions, like the Dubai Eye Ferris Wheel (Ain Dubai) — the world’s tallest observation wheel — and trendy eateries and shops.

This is also a good base to reach many of the other sights by car.

Dubai Marina Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Dubai Marina .

Dubai Marina Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Dubai Marina .

For traditional Emirati charm on your solo trip in Dubai, consider staying in Old Dubai , specifically in its waterfront Al Seef area. Here you’ll find shopping, restaurants, and easy access to Dubai Creek – a waterway that divides the city.

This area will often have cheaper prices, but is farther from some of the main attractions.

Al Seef Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Al Seef .

Al Seef Tour: Click here to book a 3-hour Al Seef Sightseeing Tour .

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is a great place to be if you are a city person. You’ll be close to the Dubai Mall and the Dubai Aquarium , as well as many of the public art exhibits.

You will also be close to Jumeirah Beach , which is a free and very popular public beach.

Downtown Dubai Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Downtown Dubai .

Downtown Dubai Tours: Click here to book a Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Downtown Plaza and Dubai Opera Walking Tour in Downtown Dubai .

Deira is the place to stay if you have an overnight stopover or an early departure flight. It’s on the other side of Dubai Creek from the areas mentioned; however, it is cheaper and closer to the airport.

Deira Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Deira .

Hostels in Dubai

In recent years, several hostels have popped up in Dubai. These offer a great way to meet other travelers to sightsee with. You can even find hostels with private rooms, which are a popular option for solo female travel in Dubai!

Hostels in Dubai (from $25!): Click here for a full list of hostels in Dubai .

Top Things To Do Alone In Dubai

Dubai is known for being a modern, clean city with impressive architecture; but, there is much more to it than that!

It’s truly a city that offers something for every type of traveler. After spending countless months here, I have found some of the best things to do in Dubai as a solo traveler:

1. Go to the top of Burj Khalifa

You can’t visit Dubai and not see the world’s tallest building, the Burj K`halifa . While it is stunning from the ground, visitors have the option to ride up to the 148 th floor for some of the best views in the city.

Every evening at 6pm, you can catch the famous Dubai Fountain show in front of the Burj Khalifa. If you get a table at one of the restaurants inside the adjacent Dubai Mall , you will have one of the best vantage points. Just get there early as tables sometimes fill up.

Whether you appreciate architecture or just a spectacular view, the Burj Khalifa is a must see.

Click here to view ticket options for the Burj Khalifa — including skip-the-line access!

2. Explore outdoor public art

Dubai has a steadily growing art scene, and plentiful artworks have been cropping up around the city.

During my time enjoying Dubai solo female travel, I fell in love with the Wings of Mexico by Gorge Marin. Not only are the wings themselves beautiful, but the sculpture perfectly frames the Burj Khalifa and is a great photo spot.

Another unique artwork in Dubai is Mirek Struzik’s Dandelions . Located just outside of the Dubai Opera , the artwork consists of 14 giant steel dandelions. Stay until after sunset, when they light up in different colors that reflect the mood of their surroundings.

And near to the Dandelions is another piece called Declaration . Bright pink calligraphy is etched into a grey wall that depicts a saying from Sheikh Mohammed: “Art in all its colors and types reflects the culture of the nations, their history and civilization.”

3. Take an abra to Old Dubai

Old Dubai is, as you would guess, the older and more traditional side of the city. Though it has been getting a bit of a facelift over the years, this is where you can still find the old souks and shops from days before.

Take an abra, or traditional wooden boat, across Dubai Creek to explore the Spice Souk , which showcases a colorful display of aromatic spices.

Or wander the Gold Souk , where a labyrinth of shimmering gold jewelry is on display. Explore the ornate mosques and get lost in Al Seef’s alleyways.

Old Dubai is one of my favorite areas of the city. Don’t miss it!

4. Stroll the Dubai Miracle Garden

The Dubai Miracle Garden offers a stunning display of colorful flowers.

Closed during the summer, it’s the largest outdoor flower garden in the world — which is quite a feat, given that it is in the middle of a desert city.

Featuring endless flower species in every bright color you can imagine, the garden is absolutely breathtaking.

Shapes and characters have been sculpted through expertly cut leaves and shrubs, and you may even see animatronic dancers and animals covered in blankets of petals!

5. Book a desert safari

Whether you spend one day or one week in Dubai, make it a point to book a desert safari . For me, nothing says “Middle East” more than the stunning Arabian Desert .

You can choose from sunrise or sunset options, and both will include wild dune bashing — as in, driving at high speeds over the dunes — beautiful photo stops, and often a trip to a camel farm.

If you book the dinner safari, you’ll also be treated to a Middle Eastern buffet, a belly dancing show, henna tattoos, and more.

6. Visit the Jumeirah Mosque

If you are a first time visitor to Dubai, be sure to add the Jumeirah Mosque to your list of things to do in Dubai solo.

Dubbed by some as the “love mosque,” the Jumeirah Mosque has become a popular spot for newlyweds to take their wedding photos. You may catch a couple standing against the backdrop of its striking white facade, with intricate designs and towering minarets that seem to touch the sky.

I like to wander around the outside and inside, when allowed, of various mosques when in the UAE. The architecture is usually stunning, with plush carpets and Arabic calligraphy adorning the interior.

Be sure check the day’s prayer times to avoid disturbing any services.

7. Take a sunset cruise on Dubai Creek

As vibrant Dubai shifts from day to night, there’s no better way to witness the colorful sky than on a sunset cruise. Prepare to be amazed as you set sail with a backdrop of the cityscape against the fiery red sky.

Most tours, like these , serve a buffet dinner and provide entertainment as you glide along the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf. Bring your camera, as there will be traditional dancing, singing, and lively music on board.

You will also have the best views of iconic landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab or Old Dubai , depending on where you sail.

A sunset cruise is a great way to close out an evening of solo traveling in Dubai.

Click here for a full list of Dubai cruises and sailing tours .

8. Enjoy shopping in Dubai

Both travelers and Emirati citizens tend to love Dubai’s shopping options. When it comes to shopping, Dubai has it all — from sleek designer boutiques to traditional souks selling handmade trinkets.

Dubai is home to some of the biggest malls in the world. The top three mega malls in Dubai are the Dubai Mall, the Mall of the Emirates, and Ibn Battuta Mall.

The Dubai Mall is an absolute behemoth. Not only does it house over 1,300 stores, but it also has its own aquarium, ice rink, and indoor theme park. Did you ever think you could ice skate in the desert? You can in Dubai.

Meanwhile, the Mall of the Emirates has it’s very own indoor ski slope, complete with man-made snow.

And if you’re looking to indulge your wanderlust while shopping, then the Ibn Battuta Mall is the spot for you. This gigantic mall is designed to look like different countries, with each section themed after a different region of the world.

So whether you’re a shopaholic or are just looking for an offbeat experience, Dubai’s malls won’t disappoint.

9. Visit the Dubai Frame

This incredibly tall architectural marvel is a must see. Looming over Dubai, the Dubai Frame captures the skyline of this magnificent metropolis within its boundaries.

This stunning attraction offers visitors a unique experience too: from 150 meters (492 feet) high, visitors can see panoramic views of the city, the desert, and the Persian Gulf on a clear day.

My favorite part about this structure is that Old Dubai sits in one direction, and modern Dubai sits in the other.

With its shimmering gold design and unparalleled views, the Dubai Frame is one of the best things to do in Dubai as a solo traveler.

10. Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi

If you have the time, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Abu Dhabi , the capital of the UAE. Here you will experience a more quiet and understated atmosphere, but with equally stunning views.

In Abu Dhabi, you can tour the Emirates Palace or stroll the Louvre Abu Dhabi art museum. You can also visit the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque , which will wow you with its opulence.

Abu Dhabi also has several theme parks, like Ferrari World — which is perfect for car fanatics — and Warner Brothers World , which is home to the world’s largest indoor theme park.

Though very different than Dubai, visiting Abu Dhabi on a day trip will give you a deeper understanding of the country.

Best Tours For Solo Travelers In Dubai

As you can see, there are many fun solo activities to enjoy solo in Dubai — including guided tours. Booking a tour is a smart way to get to know the destination while also  interacting with locals  and connecting with other travelers.

A few top-rated tours to add to your Dubai itinerary include:

• Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Tickets Guided Tour from Dubai
• Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner, Quad Bike And Camel Ride Experience from Dubai
• Dubai to Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque & Qasr Al Watan Palace
• Hot Air Balloon Ride, Vintage Land Rover Ride & Breakfast from Dubai
• Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings ( Small-Group)

Click here for a full list of top-rated tours in Dubai .

Tips For Solo Dining In Dubai

Solo dining in Dubai is a non-issue, even for females. The worst that will happen is you may get a few curious stares, particularly when you choose establishments that typically cater to locals.

To help ease any discomfort or awkwardness, here are some tips for eating alone in Dubai:

Consider a food tour. If you aren’t sure where to eat, book one of the many food tours in Dubai . Along with gaining an understanding of the local culinary culture, these types of tours also make it easier to meet other people.

Opt for a meal in a local home. If you love culturally-immersive dining experiences, EatWith is a platform showcasing in-home meals, cooking classes, and food tours hosted by locals. The experiences are perfect for solo travelers in Dubai nervous about eating alone at a restaurant.

Grab an outdoor table at the busy Marina. At the Dubai Marina, many restaurants have outdoor tables — like these — so you will feel like you’re in a crowd even if you’re alone. Plus, it is great people-watching!

Eat at your hotel restaurant bar. The hotels here are used to welcoming solo travelers. If you’re not feeling up to braving Dubai’s restaurants solo, this is a great option. And, you are likely to see or meet other travelers as well.

Other tips for dining solo in Dubai:

• Dubai has everything from street food to local eateries to high end restaurants, and most of them will have menus in English on hand.
• Smaller local eateries may require Google Translate , but for the most part you will have no problem.
• Carry cards for larger restaurants and have cash on hand for the smaller stalls or street food.

Estimated Dubai Solo Trip Cost

It can be difficult to estimate expected costs for solo travelers in Dubai. This is because the city is home to such a wide spectrum of options — from the very cheap to the ultra luxe.

If you travel on a shoestring budget by staying in hostels and using the Dubai Metro to get around, you could get by on about $35 per day. This would require easy street food and casual meals.

A midrange traveler who stays in an affordable hotel, eats at local restaurants, and occasionally uses a taxi or Uber might pay around $75-$100 per day.

And, if you are looking for luxury, you will find it in Dubai. A more upscale itinerary might include glamorous hotels for hundreds to even thousands of dollars per night, eating at the fanciest restaurants, and shopping sprees at luxury malls.

Travel Insurance For Solo Travel In Dubai

When traveling solo in Dubai — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Solo Travel 

Q) is dubai good for solo travelers.

Yes! With a mix of stunning architecture in the city and great nature attractions in the desert, it’s easy for solo travelers to find something they enjoy.  

Q) What are the top things to do alone in Dubai at night?

The top activities for solo travelers at night are either the Dubai Fountain show, an evening desert safari, or a Dubai Creek dinner cruise.

Q) Is it safe to travel to Dubai as a woman?

It is generally safe to travel Dubai as a woman. While normal precautions should be taken, the city is very safe and risk of violent crime or even pretty crime is low. Don’t drink too much, dress in accordance with local customs, avoid flashing valuables, and keep common sense practices in mind.

Q) How many days do you need to visit Dubai?

At minimum, you should allot three days for a solo trip to Dubai. You’ll be able to explore the large city, enjoy some of the nature attractions, and even take a day trip to Abu Dhabi.

Q) How strict is Dubai’s dress code?

If entering mosques or public malls, the dress codes are posted and enforced. Traveling to Dubai as a woman means knees and shoulders should be covered. Men, depending on the venue, can occasionally get away with shorts, but it’s best to wear pants for the most part.

In hotels and at the beach, things are typically more relaxed.

Women should plan to dress conservatively here so as to respect the locals and not attract unwanted attention.

Final Thoughts On Solo Travel To Dubai

Dubai is one of the most modern and diverse areas within the Middle East. In fact, it is becoming more and more common to see other solo travelers in the UAE, both male and female.

As a very safe and easily navigable city, Dubai is a great place to solo travel. And from the crystal Arabian Sea waters to the vast desert sand dunes to the impressive architecture that blends history with modern innovation, there is a lot to see and do.

Everyone who experiences solo travel in Dubai will likely find something they deeply enjoy.

What are your top tips for planning a solo trip to Dubai?

About The Author

Monica Chapon is a long-time world traveler and founder of This Rare Earth . You can usually find her exploring the Middle East or other offbeat destinations for solo females. She has a passion for traveling the deserts of the world and immersing herself in cultures vastly different than the USA! Follow her adventures on Instagram , or connect via Facebook and Pinterest .

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• Culinary Delights: Dubai is a melting pot of global cuisines. This guide provides recommendations from luxurious dining experiences in underwater restaurants to discovering local gems where the city's multicultural residents eat. We’ve also included a food glossary to help you navigate diverse culinary landscapes from Emirati dishes to international delights.
• Shopping Havens: Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion or traditional markets, our guide covers the best shopping experiences. Detailed sections on the Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, and lesser-known markets ensure you can shop like a local and find the best souvenirs to bring home.
• Adventure and Entertainment: Discover the thrill of skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah, the serenity of a desert safari, or the joy of family time at theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure. Our guide includes contact information and booking tips to help you plan your adventures smoothly.
• Cultural Experiences: Learn about the Bedouin traditions, visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, and explore the art galleries in Alserkal Avenue. This guide ensures you experience the heartbeat of Dubai’s diverse culture.
• Practical Information: From navigating the Metro to tips on respecting local laws and customs, our travel guide ensures you’re fully prepared. It includes practical advice on everything from transport options and the best time to visit, to etiquette and emergency contact numbers.
• Stunning Photography: Filled with inspiring photographs, each page of this guide is a visual journey that will entice you to explore every corner of Dubai.
• Itineraries and Day Plans: Tailored itineraries help you plan your visit according to different interests and durations, whether you're looking for a quick stopover or a detailed exploration.
• Print length 180 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date April 6, 2024
• File size 1695 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D13HDNDQ
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 6, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 1695 KB
• Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 180 pages

About the author

William j. robinson.

William J. Robinson is an intrepid explorer and passionate storyteller, weaving narratives that transport readers to the far reaches of the globe. With a penchant for adventure and a keen eye for detail, Robinson has spent years traversing diverse landscapes, immersing himself in cultures, and unearthing hidden gems in every corner of the world.

Robinson's love affair with travel began in his formative years, sparked by a curiosity for the unknown and a desire to connect with people from different walks of life. From the bustling streets of Mexico to the serene shores of the Maldives, he has embarked on countless journeys, each one fueling his insatiable wanderlust and enriching his understanding of the world.

Drawing on his experiences as a seasoned traveler, Robinson crafts meticulously researched travel guides that empower readers to embark on their own adventures with confidence and curiosity. Whether uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations or delving into the heart of iconic landmarks, his writing invites readers to explore the world through a new lens, discovering hidden wonders and forging unforgettable memories along the way.

When he's not globetrotting or penning his next travelogue, Robinson can be found indulging his other passions, which include photography, gastronomy, and immersive cultural experiences. He resides in [United States of America], where he continues to draw inspiration from the world around him and eagerly anticipates his next expedition.

Join William J. Robinson on a journey of discovery, as he invites you to explore the world's treasures, one destination at a time.

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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

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Booking.com is offering cheap vacation deals to Paris, Dubai, and more

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Booking.com's new Getaway Deals are an excellent opportunity to book a destination vacation for less. Discounts start at 15% off and include an array of locations, from the beaches of Cancún to the streets of Paris. 

Whether you've been planning a trip or need some last-minute vacation deals, this promotion covers select stays anytime from now to October 31. All you need to do is book on Booking.com before September 30.  Though it's not uncommon to come across hotel discounts from booking sites online, this deal is a rare chance to save on a large selection of top destinations. It's a long-lasting opportunity, too, meaning you won't have to rush any of your planning, and can even choose the best time of year for your getaway.

Once you've got your hotel booked, check out our guides to the best carry-on luggage and the best travel essentials for an even smoother trip. 

11 destinations from Booking.com's vacation deals

• Istanbul starting at $12/night
• Dubai starting at $25/night
• Paris starting at $103/night
• Cancun starting at $27/night
• Los Angeles, CA starting at $78/night
• San Francisco, CA starting at $79/night
• Orlando, FL starting at $53/night
• Kissimmee, FL starting at $243/night
• Miami Beach, FL starting at $171/night
• Las Vegas, NV starting at $163/night
• Myrtle Beach, SC starting at $144/night
• Browse hotels with Booking.com's cheap vacation deals

How much can you save with Booking.com?

When you shop through Booking.com's Getaway Deals, you can save 15% or more on your stay. It varies by location and hotel, but some offers feature over 50% in savings. We recommend taking your time to browse through all the available deals from your preferred locations to find the perfect balance of cost and amenities for your trip. 

Are these all-inclusive vacation deals?

These Getaway Deals are limited to stays only, meaning these bookings don't include flights, food, or rental cars. You can still book things like flights and attractions through Booking.com, and maybe even score a discount that way as well. 

When do Booking.com's Getaway Deals end?

Though you can book a trip that takes place in October, you have to book it online by September 30 to qualify for the deal. We recommend booking sooner rather than later to avoid room shortages and low stock at your preferred stays.

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