Dubai is one of the most audacious cities ever built. In just five decades it has transformed from a pearl-fishing village into a gleaming metropolis of superlatives — the world's tallest building, the world's largest mall, the world's busiest international airport and some of the world's most ambitious architecture. It's not subtle, but it is spectacular.
When to visit
October to April is the only comfortable time to visit. Temperatures are warm and sunny — 20–30°C — and the outdoor lifestyle the city is built around is fully accessible.
May to September is brutally hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C and humidity making it feel worse. Most outdoor attractions are essentially off-limits.
December and January are peak season and the most expensive time to visit — book well in advance.
Top experiences
Burj Khalifa — The world's tallest building at 828 metres. The observation deck on the 124th floor offers views across the city, the desert and the Persian Gulf. Book tickets well in advance and go at sunset for the most dramatic light.
The Dubai Frame — A 150-metre picture frame offering views of old and new Dubai simultaneously. Excellent and underrated.
Old Dubai (Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood) — A fascinating contrast to the glass towers. The wind-tower architecture, the narrow alleyways and the excellent coffee house museum give a genuine sense of Dubai's pre-oil heritage.
The Deira Gold and Spice Souks — Cross the creek by abra (water taxi) and spend an hour in the sensory overload of the gold and spice markets. The gold souk alone contains more gold than almost anywhere on earth.
Palm Jumeirah — The artificial palm-shaped island. Walk along the boardwalk, visit the Atlantis resort, and take the Palm Monorail for aerial views.
Desert Safari — Drive into the desert, watch the sunset from a sand dune, eat a traditional Emirati meal in a Bedouin camp and experience camel riding and sandboarding. Best booked as a full evening experience.
Dubai Marina and JBR Beach — The modern waterfront district with a pleasant walk, good restaurants and the most accessible beach in the city.
Expo City Dubai — The legacy site of Dubai Expo 2020 (delayed to 2021-22) has been transformed into a permanent innovation and cultural district worth exploring.
Day trips
Abu Dhabi — A 90-minute drive from Dubai. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world's most beautiful buildings. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is extraordinary. Warner Bros. World is excellent for families.
Food you must try
- Al Harees — Slow-cooked wheat and meat, traditionally eaten during Ramadan. Deeply comforting.
- Shawarma — Shaved meat in flatbread with garlic sauce. Late-night fuel throughout the Gulf.
- Camel milk chocolate — A Dubai speciality and an excellent souvenir.
- Luqaimat — Deep-fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup. Ubiquitous and delicious.
- Majboos — Spiced rice with meat or fish, similar to biryani. The UAE's national dish.
Dubai also has one of the world's most diverse dining scenes — with over 200 nationalities living in the city, the choice of international cuisine is extraordinary.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly in malls, souks and public areas — shoulders and knees covered. Swimwear is fine on the beach and at pools.
- Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants but not in souks or residential areas.
- Ramadan: If visiting during Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone.
- Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated — 10–15% in restaurants is standard.
- Photography: Ask before photographing local Emiratis, particularly women.
- Currency: UAE Dirham (AED). Cards accepted almost everywhere.
Staying connected in Dubai
Dubai has exceptional 4G/5G coverage across the entire emirate. Get an InstantESIMs UAE eSIM before you fly for instant connectivity on arrival — plans start from $2.
