Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai in the UAE, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in the Southern Peninsula of the Persian Gulf, this global city is home to 2.7 million inhabitants. Famous for its grand skyscrapers, luxurious hotels and pristine beaches, Dubai attracts millions of tourists and business travelers annually.
Cheap flights to Dubai are now available for a limited period of time, so prepare to enjoy the cosmopolitan thrills and spectacular coastline of this progressive city! Dubai is home to Dubai International Airport (DXB), a short 15-minute drive from the city centre.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Whether it’s retail therapy or souvenir scavenging, shopping in Dubai feels like a sport, and you’ll win, trust us. Then unwind at the underwater Zoo in the Dubai Mall, where even the aircon is bougie.
From designer stores to hunting for the perfect bargain, you’ll quickly realise: you can’t leave without picking up something (or five). Plus, with tax-refundable shopping, you might even feel a little bit like a VIP.
Dubai isn’t shy when it comes to flaunting its impressive landmarks. Get your camera ready for the iconic Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) or take a ride in the traditional abra boats on Dubai Creek. From exploring the dazzling Palm Jumeirah to checking out the world's biggest indoor ski slope, Dubai is packed with jaw-dropping attractions and adventures. Love a good sunset? Watch it paint the sky over the desert dunes or from one of the city’s many stunning rooftop bars. Being bored is not an option in Dubai.
Foodies, this is your happy place. In Dubai, you can enjoy everything from cheap eats to world-class fine dining. Want to try traditional Emirati dishes? You’ll find them at the local food stalls, bursting with rich, spicy flavours. And just like its skyline – bold, global and never boring, Dubai’s food scene blends so many cultures— from Indian curries to Lebanese mezze, and sushi that’ll make your tastebuds sing. Some cities are known for art. Dubai? It's all about the flavour.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|
| Currency | Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) |
| Language | Arabic / English |
| Hub Airport | Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
| Airline | Emirates |
| Time Zone | GMT + 04:00 |
| Travel Adaptor | Type C / D / G |
Dubai’s desert climate means that the city experiences two seasons – hot and sizzling. The winter months, between November and March, is the best time to experience the blue skies and prime beaches. Be prepared for crowds and inflated prices and if possible, pre-book attractions to escape the queues. Note that January to March is Dubai’s rainy season, so beach bums may want to explore the museums and galleries during these shower spurts. The city clears out during the scorching summer months of June to September, where temperatures reach a sizzling 40°C. Outdoor activities are simply unbearable and you’ll need plenty of water and sunscreen. On the upside, hotel prices are slightly cheaper and you’ll have the beaches all to yourself. The city hosts a range of festivals throughout the year. Bargain hunters can fill their baskets at the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January, while the International Jazz Festival in February rustles up famous artists from around the world.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 13°C | 14°C | 17°C | 19°C | 23°C | 26°C | 29°C | 29°C | 26°C | 22°C | 18°C | 15°C |
| High °C | 24°C | 25°C | 28°C | 32°C | 36°C | 38°C | 40°C | 40°C | 38°C | 35°C | 31°C | 27°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 17 | 28 | 13 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 16 |
In recent years Dubai has become the number one destination for holidays in the Middle East. With its modern architecture, hot climate and coastal location, this modern world wonder is the most progressive emirate in the UAE, with a booming trade and tourism industry. Always striving to build the biggest and best constructions, Dubai is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. From state-of-the-art theme parks to grand structures like the Dubai Fountains and Burj Khalifa, this city certainly knows how to pull out all the stops.
Opulent living and world-class attractions go hand-in-hand with this city. Modern architectural feats like the World Trade Centre and Emirates Towers are interspersed with mosques and colourful souks, brimming with Middle-Eastern jewels and spices. Visit the Dubai Museum at Al Fahdi Fort to trace the city's historical development and see how it was built.
Wildlife sanctuaries and sprawling green parks are dotted in between the multicultural neighbourhoods. Explore the man-made wonder that is Palm Jumeirah, along with its pearly-white beaches, from where you can indulge in any water sport your heart desires. Other popular activities include desert safaris where off-road vehicles take you into the Arabian Desert to experience camel rides and sleep in Bedouin tents.
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Due to stringent laws and police authority, Dubai is a fairly safe city with no violent crime known to occur towards tourists.
Dubai is governed under Islamic law, so visitors are expected to behave and dress accordingly. Avoid discussing the country’s political affairs and public displays of affection, especially between unmarried couples as this could result in jail time or deportation. Women are advised to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing outfits in crowded areas. Swimsuits and bikinis are perfectly fine for the beach and hotel pools. The districts of Karma, Deira and Bur-Dubai should be avoided by solo women travellers. Consuming alcohol in public places is illegal and, if you’re planning on visiting bars and nightclubs, always carry some form of identification.
The only real concerns visitors should have are scams and petty theft. Be aware of well-dressed businessmen trying to coerce you into winning a gift or lurking around ATMs.
If you are carrying prescription drugs, ensure you have the original prescription note on hand when going through the airport. It is highly advised to take out comprehensive health insurance, as medical treatment is expensive.
Dubai is a very expensive city and living lavishly is the norm for locals and expats. If you feel that your pocket can match up to the incredibly high standards of the city, the glamourous resort hotels and beach clubs along Jumeirah Beach offer the best in stylish accommodation. Similarly, Sheikh Zayed Road boasts an impressive range of skyscraper hotels, residential towers, shopping malls, gourmet cafés and art galleries.
Visit the Skyview Bar for cocktails at sunset to see modern Dubai in all its glory. A helicopter or sea plane tour will allow you to see the city's main attractions from the air, including the man-made islands at Palm Jumeirah, Deira and Jebel Ali.
For those less blessed in the finance department, there are a number of affordable options a little further out of the city in Bur-Dubai and Deira. You may have to give up breath-taking views but the hospitality is usually unrivalled.
Dubai has a comprehensive public transport system that is well-integrated into all areas of the city. A Nol Silver travel card is useful for anyone travelling around the city for more than a week, valid for all metro and bus travel. Taxis are widely available and easy to spot, particularly outside shopping malls and hotels. It is recommended to have an idea of where your destination is, especially if it’s off the beaten track, as drivers may drive around in circles asking passers-by for directions while the meter clocks away. Taxi fares are fixed, so no haggling is required. Solo women travellers are encouraged to travel in the back of the taxi to avoid uncomfortable glances from the driver.
Dubai’s busiest area is Deira, where the colourful streets are brimming with bustling souks and museums, overlooking the traditional sailing dhows in the marina. The historic quarter of Bastakiya in Bar-Dubai houses the Dubai Museum and Heritage and Diving Village. Be sure to check out the Creekside Park, a sprawling oasis of gardens with an amusement park and dolphinarium nearby.
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