The tourist dollar is changing the Middle Eastern city of Dubai, and rapidly. Visitors wanting to get an unspoiled experience of this unique holiday destination should get in quick. Already the home of many an expatriate, the city has a solid infrastructure and is incredibly cosmopolitan, sitting in stark contrast to the desert environment that surrounds it. Modern attractions and an abundance of vacation activities are on offer in this friendly and welcoming city.
What it is: The largest city in the United Arab Emirates and a global hub of luxury, futuristic skyscrapers, and desert adventures.
Affordability: Mid-to-high range, with luxury shopping and hotels, but affordable street food and public transport options.
Safety: Extremely safe, with low crime rates and strict laws, though travelers should respect local customs.
Popularity: One of the most-visited cities in the world, attracting millions for its modern architecture, shopping, and entertainment.
Tourist Infrastructure: World-class, with an efficient metro, high-end hotels, and endless attractions.
Accommodation Options: Budget hotels, stylish boutique stays, beachfront resorts, and ultra-luxury skyscraper hotels.
Dining Scene: A mix of Michelin-starred restaurants, international cuisine, and cheap but flavorful street food.
Nightlife: Glamorous, with rooftop lounges, high-end clubs, beach parties, and strict alcohol regulations.
Weather: Hot desert climate, with extremely high temperatures in summer and mild winters.
Best Time to Go: November to March, when temperatures are cooler and outdoor activities are enjoyable.
Known For: Burj Khalifa, luxury shopping, desert safaris, artificial islands, theme parks, souks, futuristic skyline, opulent hotels.
Top Attractions: Burj Khalifa • The Dubai Mall • Palm Jumeirah • Dubai Marina • Burj Al Arab • Desert Safari • Dubai Creek • Gold and Spice Souks.
- Population: Approximately 3.6 million in the city.
- Emergency Numbers: 999 for police, 998 for fire and ambulance.
- Time Zone: Gulf Standard Time (GST), UTC +4 (no daylight saving time).
- Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham (د.إ AED); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Language: Arabic is the official language; English is widely spoken and used on signage.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 230V; plugs are type G (three rectangular pins, same as the UK).
- Internet: Very good coverage; free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls, cafes, and many public areas.
- Convenience stores: Found throughout the city, Zoom, Carrefour Market, and Choithrams are common chains.
- Nearest International Airport: Dubai International Airport (about 3 miles / 5 km east of the city center).
- Trivia: Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet).
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try dishes include shawarma, hummus, machboos (spiced rice dish), and luqaimat (sweet dumplings).
- Fun Fact: Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah is the largest artificial island in the world and is shaped like a giant palm tree.
Dubai is a city of extremes, where futuristic skyscrapers rise out of the desert, and luxury meets tradition at every turn. Most tourists come for its record-breaking sights like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, massive shopping malls, and high-end resorts. But Dubai also offers old souks, desert safaris, and glimpses of Emirati culture that make it more than just a glitzy playground. Whether you’re skydiving over the Palm or enjoying dinner by the Dubai Fountain, the city is all about big experiences.
What makes Dubai unique is its rapid transformation from a small fishing village into a global hub for business, tourism, and luxury. It combines ultra-modern architecture with Islamic traditions, offering travelers both cutting-edge attractions and glimpses of local heritage.
Top attractions include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and the historic Al Fahidi District. Adventurous visitors can try a desert safari, dune bashing, or visit the Dubai Frame and Miracle Garden. Day trips to Abu Dhabi or the Hajar Mountains add variety.
Take a cultural tour of the city and you’ll no doubt visit the likes of the Grand Mosque, Jumeira Mosque, Dubai Heritage Village and the Dubai Museum. Of these, the Grand Mosque is among the most significant attraction as the city’s most important Islamic worship center. Capable of seating some 1,200 people, the building is impressively large and boasts Dubai’s tallest minaret. Non-Muslims are denied entry but may appreciate its grandeur from outside.
To get the sense of an Arabian city a la Hollywood movie, be sure to visit Dubai’s Spice Souk, where the locals frantically peddle aromatic ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and turmeric in a truly authentic Middle Eastern environment. Elsewhere, there are numerous other markets with similar ambiences offering the gamut of food items plus traditional handmade textile products.
For accommodations, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay are ideal for those who want to be near the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Jumeirah and the Palm offer beachfront resorts, while Deira and Bur Dubai provide more budget-friendly stays near traditional markets. Dubai’s lodging options range from seven-star luxury to affordable guesthouses and serviced apartments.
Getting around is easy with the Dubai Metro, buses, and plentiful taxis. While many areas are walkable in cooler months, distances can be long and the heat intense, so taxis or ride-hailing apps are often the most practical choice.
Dining in Dubai is incredibly diverse, reflecting its expat population. You’ll find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual shawarma stands. Nightlife is lively but regulated, bars and clubs are usually attached to hotels, and you’ll need ID to enter. Shopping is a major draw, with everything from sprawling malls to traditional souks.
Dubai is generally very safe, with low crime rates and strict laws. However, travelers should be aware of cultural norms regarding dress, alcohol, and public behavior to avoid any misunderstandings.
Why Go to Dubai?
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Record-Breaking Sights: See the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa), largest mall, and man-made islands.
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Desert Adventures: Try dune bashing, camel rides, or enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style desert camp.
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Luxury & Shopping: Stay in opulent resorts, shop at high-end malls, and browse traditional gold and spice souks.
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Cultural Fusion: Experience both futuristic attractions and traditional Emirati culture in historic districts and museums.
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Warm Weather: Sunshine and beach weather almost year-round make Dubai a top winter sun destination.
Who Might Not Enjoy Dubai?
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Budget Travelers: Dubai is known for its high prices, accommodation, dining, and attractions can quickly add up.
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Visitors Wanting Authentic History: While Dubai has cultural spots, it’s a modern city with less depth of historical sites compared to older destinations.
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Those Sensitive to Heat: Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures regularly over 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities challenging.
What’s Cool
Burj Khalifa and city skyline, Dubai Mall and indoor ice rink, desert safaris, luxury hotels and resorts, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Fountain shows, souks (gold, spice, textiles), Marina and JBR beachfront, futuristic architecture, global dining scene, skydiving over the Palm, Miracle Garden, film spots (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol), Expo City, day trips to Abu Dhabi.
What’s Not
Extreme summer heat, high costs for hotels and activities, strict laws and cultural rules, limited public transport coverage, heavy traffic, construction noise, artificial feel to some attractions, limited pedestrian areas, alcohol restrictions, crowded malls on weekends, occasional sandstorms, pricey beach clubs, conservative dress code expectations.
Dubai is located on the southeastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, along the Persian Gulf. It sits in the Arabian Desert, about 150 km (93 miles) northeast of Abu Dhabi. The city is a global hub for business, tourism, and aviation, with Dubai International Airport (DXB) ranking among the world’s busiest. Dubai is well connected by metro, buses, and taxis, with many areas designed for car travel.
Covering about 4,114 km² (1,588 mi²), Dubai stretches along the coast and inland into desert areas. It’s broadly divided into historic districts like Deira and Bur Dubai, modern hubs like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, and outlying developments like Palm Jumeirah and Business Bay. The city is defined by its futuristic skyline, artificial islands, and ambitious architecture, including the Burj Khalifa.
Most tourists stay in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, or Deira, depending on whether they prioritize landmarks, beaches, or budget.
Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is the city’s modern heart, home to its most iconic landmarks. It features the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain, making it the top choice for first-time visitors. The area is polished, walkable, and busy with tourists and business travelers.
- Accommodations: (Mostly High-End) - Luxury hotels and serviced apartments with views of Burj Khalifa.
- Nearby Attractions: Burj Khalifa • Dubai Mall • Dubai Fountain • Dubai Opera
- Dining: (Upscale) - Fine dining, international cuisine, and gourmet food courts.
- Nightlife: (Chic) - Rooftop bars and lounges.
- Shopping: (World-Class) - Dubai Mall and designer boutiques.
Dubai Marina & JBR
Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) are coastal districts known for their beaches, skyscrapers, and waterfront dining. This area is popular with families, expats, and beach lovers, offering a relaxed but upscale atmosphere.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) - Beach resorts, luxury hotels, and apartment rentals.
- Nearby Attractions: JBR Beach • The Walk at JBR • Ain Dubai • Dubai Marina Mall
- Dining: (Trendy) - Seafront restaurants, casual cafés, and beach clubs.
- Nightlife: (Lively) - Beach bars, lounges, and nightclubs.
- Shopping: (Good) - Malls and boutique stores.
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is Dubai’s iconic man-made island shaped like a palm tree. It’s known for luxury resorts and private beaches, appealing to travelers seeking a resort experience. The area feels exclusive and is a bit removed from central Dubai.
- Accommodations: (Mostly High-End) - Luxury resorts, including Atlantis and Waldorf Astoria.
- Nearby Attractions: Atlantis Aquaventure • The Pointe • Palm Fountain
- Dining: (Luxury) - High-end international restaurants and beach clubs.
- Nightlife: (Exclusive) - Resort lounges and beach parties.
- Shopping: (Limited) - Resort boutiques and The Pointe complex.
Deira
Deira is Dubai’s historic commercial center, known for its souks and old-world charm. It’s budget-friendly and offers a glimpse of traditional Dubai, though it’s more chaotic than modern districts.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) - Older hotels and guesthouses.
- Nearby Attractions: Gold Souk • Spice Souk • Dubai Creek • Al Fahidi Fort
- Dining: (Authentic) - Middle Eastern eateries and street food.
- Nightlife: (Minimal) - Few local bars and hotel lounges.
- Shopping: (Traditional) - Souks and small shops.
Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai is another historic district, home to museums, heritage sites, and Dubai Creek. It offers a mix of old and new, attracting visitors interested in culture and history.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) - Guesthouses, hotels, and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Dubai Museum • Al Fahidi Historical District • Dubai Frame • Textile Souk
- Dining: (Traditional) - South Asian and Emirati restaurants.
- Nightlife: (Low-Key) - Small bars and hotel venues.
- Shopping: (Good) - Souks and mid-range retail.
Business Bay
Business Bay is a fast-developing business district adjacent to Downtown Dubai, known for its modern skyline and hotels. It’s quieter than Downtown but offers close proximity to major attractions.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) - New hotels and apartment hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Dubai Water Canal • Bay Avenue Park
- Dining: (Varied) - Business-friendly restaurants and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Stylish) - Lounges and rooftop bars.
- Shopping: (Limited) - Convenience stores and small malls.
Al Barsha
Al Barsha is a residential and commercial district best known for Mall of the Emirates and indoor skiing at Ski Dubai. It’s practical for shoppers and those wanting to be near Dubai’s main highway (Sheikh Zayed Road).
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) - Hotels and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Mall of the Emirates • Ski Dubai
- Dining: (Casual) - Food courts and family-friendly spots.
- Nightlife: (Basic) - A few bars and hotel venues.
- Shopping: (Excellent) - Mall of the Emirates and surrounding shops.