- CountryUnited Arab Emirates
- RegionAsia
- Best time to goNov–Mar
Dubai is the gleaming flagship city of the United Arab Emirates, where record-breaking skyscrapers, luxury malls and man-made islands rise from the Arabian Desert. Beyond the glitz, atmospheric old quarters along Dubai Creek and rolling dunes just outside town reveal the region's older soul.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
The best time to visit Dubai is November to March, when daytime temperatures are pleasant (around 24–30°C) and ideal for the beach, desert and outdoor sightseeing. Summer (June to September) is brutally hot, often topping 40°C, though hotel rates drop and everything indoors is heavily air-conditioned.
Top things to do in Dubai
Tap any experience for photos, a little history, and practical tips.
Ride to the top of the Burj Khalifa
Soar up the world's tallest building for jaw-dropping views over the city, desert and Gulf.
- History
- Completed in 2010 and standing 828 metres tall, the Burj Khalifa was designed by Adrian Smith of SOM and remains the tallest structure on Earth. It anchors the Downtown Dubai district and was a centerpiece of the emirate's ambition to put itself on the global map.
- Insider tip
- Book timed tickets online in advance and aim for sunset slots, which sell out fastest but offer the best light. The 'At the Top SKY' level (148th floor) is pricier but far less crowded.
- Good to know
- Tickets from roughly 169 AED (levels 124/125) up to 400+ AED for higher floors; open daily, typically from around 9am to 11pm; reached via Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station.
Shop and watch the fountains at The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest malls, packed with shops, an aquarium, an ice rink and the spectacular Dubai Fountain outside.
- History
- Opened in 2008 at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the mall was conceived as the retail and entertainment heart of Downtown Dubai. The adjacent Dubai Fountain, set on the 30-acre Burj Lake, was designed by the makers of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas.
- Insider tip
- The fountain shows run every 30 minutes in the evenings and are free to watch from the waterfront promenade or restaurant terraces. Arrive early for a railing spot facing the Burj Khalifa.
- Good to know
- Mall entry is free; aquarium and other attractions ticketed separately; mall open daily roughly 10am to midnight; directly connected to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station by a long covered walkway.
Wander Old Dubai and ride an abra across the Creek
Explore the historic Al Fahidi quarter, bustling gold and spice souks, and cross Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra.
- History
- Dubai Creek was the original trading lifeline of the city, where pearling and dhow commerce built early Dubai before the oil era. The Al Fahidi (Bastakiya) neighbourhood preserves wind-tower architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Insider tip
- Take an abra between Bur Dubai and Deira for one of the city's cheapest, most atmospheric experiences, then haggle hard in the Gold and Spice Souks. Visit in the cooler morning or evening.
- Good to know
- Abra crossings cost about 1 AED per person; souks generally open morning to late evening (many shops close midafternoon); nearest stops are Al Ghubaiba and Al Ras Metro stations.
Visit Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis
Drive or monorail out onto the iconic palm-shaped island for beach clubs, resorts and the landmark Atlantis hotel.
- History
- Palm Jumeirah is a vast artificial archipelago reclaimed from the sea, with construction beginning in 2001 and the first residents arriving in 2007. Atlantis, The Palm opened in 2008 at the island's crescent as its flagship resort.
- Insider tip
- You don't need to stay at Atlantis to enjoy it: book a day pass to Aquaventure waterpark or The Lost Chambers Aquarium, or visit the View at The Palm observation deck. The Palm Monorail offers great photo ops.
- Good to know
- Aquaventure day passes from roughly 350 AED; The View observatory around 100 AED; reach the Palm via taxi, the Palm Monorail, or the Nakheel Metro/tram connections.
Go on a desert safari
Head into the dunes for dune-bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and a Bedouin-style camp dinner under the stars.
- History
- The deserts surrounding Dubai were home to Bedouin tribes for centuries before the city's modern boom. Today protected areas like the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve preserve native wildlife such as the Arabian oryx and gazelle.
- Insider tip
- Choose an evening safari to avoid the worst heat and catch sunset over the dunes; reputable operators include the camp dinner and cultural shows. Opt for a conservation-reserve tour for a quieter, more responsible experience.
- Good to know
- Group safaris cost roughly 150–300 AED per person with hotel pickup; tours run about 6 hours, typically from midafternoon into the evening; transport is included from most central hotels.
Stroll Dubai Marina and JBR Beach
Promenade past glittering skyscrapers and yachts, then relax on the beach and dining strip at Jumeirah Beach Residence.
- History
- Dubai Marina is an entirely man-made canal city built along a two-mile stretch of the Gulf coast, developed largely through the 2000s. The adjacent JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) became one of the city's most popular waterfront leisure districts.
- Insider tip
- Walk the Marina Walk at night when the towers light up, then head to The Walk at JBR for beachfront cafes and street markets. Catch a traditional dhow dinner cruise from the marina.
- Good to know
- Free to wander; beach access at JBR is public and free; served by the DMCC and Sobha Realty Metro stations and the Dubai Tram, with Ain Dubai (the giant observation wheel) nearby on Bluewaters Island.
Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visit the UAE's most breathtaking mosque, a vision of white marble, gold and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet.
- History
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was completed in 2007 and is named for the UAE's founding president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is buried on site. It can hold over 40,000 worshippers and blends Mughal, Moorish and Arab architectural styles.
- Insider tip
- Dress conservatively (women must cover hair, arms and legs; abayas are sometimes lent for free) and visit at dusk when the white marble glows. Entry is free but book a time slot online.
- Good to know
- Admission is free; closed to tourists during Friday morning prayers; Abu Dhabi is about 90 minutes' drive from Dubai by car, bus or organized day tour.
Know before you go
Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken almost everywhere and is the de facto language of business, signage and tourism.
The currency is the UAE dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US dollar at roughly 3.67 AED to 1 USD.
Cards are accepted nearly everywhere, but carry some cash for taxis, souks and small eateries; ATMs are plentiful and bargaining is expected in traditional markets.
The driverless Dubai Metro is clean, cheap and efficient, complemented by trams, buses and abundant taxis; buy a rechargeable Nol card for public transport, and ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber are widely used.
Plugs are Type G (the UK-style three-pin), and the supply is 230V at 50Hz, so UK travellers need no adapter while most others will.
Dubai is one of the safest major cities in the world with very low violent crime, but laws are strict: respect modest dress in public areas, avoid public displays of affection, and never carry illegal drugs.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Dubai?
Three to four days is enough to cover the headline sights: the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Old Dubai and the creek, a desert safari, and a beach day at the Marina or JBR. Add a day or two if you want a trip to Abu Dhabi, more time at the waterparks, or simply to slow down and enjoy the resorts.
Is Dubai expensive to visit?
Dubai can be pricey, especially for hotels, alcohol and big-name attractions, but it is flexible. Budget travellers can ride the cheap Metro, eat at excellent low-cost eateries in Deira and Karama, and enjoy free beaches and fountain shows, while luxury seekers will find no shortage of ways to spend. Expect a mid-range daily budget of roughly 400–800 AED per person excluding accommodation.
Is Dubai safe for tourists?
Yes, Dubai is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world, with very low rates of violent crime and theft. The main risk for visitors is unintentionally breaking local laws, so be mindful of rules on public behaviour, dress and alcohol. Solo and female travellers generally report feeling very secure, including at night.
What is the best time of year to visit Dubai?
November to March offers the most comfortable weather, with warm but manageable days perfect for the beach and outdoor activities. Summer from June to September is extremely hot, often above 40°C, though you'll find lower hotel prices and everything indoors is air-conditioned. Ramadan dates shift each year and can affect daytime dining and opening hours.
What are the rules on alcohol and dress code in Dubai?
Alcohol is legal and widely served in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants, but public drunkenness is an offence and you should never drink and drive. Dress is relaxed at beaches, pools and clubs, but in malls, souks and public areas you should cover shoulders and knees, and modest dress is essential when visiting mosques. Public displays of affection are best avoided.
How do you get around Dubai?
The driverless Dubai Metro is the cheapest and easiest way to move along the main corridors, supplemented by trams and buses, all using a rechargeable Nol card. Taxis are metered, affordable and plentiful, and ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber work well. Renting a car is convenient for day trips but city traffic and paid parking can be a hassle.