The city of gold!
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Dubai is a city that never sleeps. It is a city of contrasts, where the old and the new coexist in harmony. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the traditional souks, there is something for everyone in Dubai. But what is it really like?
If you are looking for a luxurious vacation, Dubai has you covered. There are world-class hotels, spas, and restaurants to choose from. If you are looking for something more adventurous, Dubai has plenty of options for you too. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to have a great time in Dubai. It is a place we definitely recommend booking many excursions and activities as possible. Dubai isn't a place where you can generally just wander around to see all the sights, you have to book for most attractions.
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, and it's an absolute must-see for any visitor to Dubai. You can take a tour of the observation decks, which offers stunning views of the city. It sits adjacent to the Dubai mall, more about this later.
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a flower garden with over 50 million flowers. It's open from October to April, and it's a truly magical sight. (Theres literally a plane made of flowers?) You can go sandboarding in the desert, go skydiving across the palm or even zip line across the marina! It is a city full of experiences that are well worth doing.
Sheikh Zayed Road is the main artery of Dubai, and it's lined with skyscrapers, hotels, and shopping malls. It's a great place to go for a walk or drive, and you're sure to see something amazing.
Dubai is said to be the home of luxurious shopping, and you can see why! The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world, and it's home to over 1,200 stores. You can find anything you're looking for here, from designer clothes to souvenirs. The Mall of the Emirates is another large shopping mall in Dubai. It has over 1,000 stores, including a number of high-end brands. The mall also has an indoor ski slope, making it a unique shopping experience.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a traditional souk located in the heart of Dubai. It has over 100 shops selling souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and other goods. The souk is also home to a number of restaurants and cafes.
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and you can find food from all over the world in the city. However, there are also many traditional Emirati dishes that you should try, such as hummus, baba ganoush, and shawarma.
Dubai has a vibrant nightlife scene, and there are plenty of things to do in the city after dark. You can go clubbing, see a show, or simply wander around the streets and take in the sights and sounds. just always make sure to be careful and follow local laws when consuming alcohol. (These vary depending on season/religious holiday).
The palm tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah islands are known for glitzy hotels, posh apartment towers and upmarket global restaurants. It is a must visit for anyone going to Dubai and a good place to stay but be warned, its is not easy to walk around the palm and taxis may be required. (It's bigger than it looks!)
Another great experience is visiting the World Islands. They are a collection of man-made small islands that are meant to look like a miniature world map. Each island is named after the country it represents.
Dubai is a truly unique city that is constantly evolving. There is always something new to see and do, so you are sure to have a memorable time. It is a city that is full of life and excitement.
Additional information:
Islam is the official religion of Dubai, and the vast majority of the population is Muslim. However, Dubai is a religiously tolerant city, and people of all faiths are welcome to live and work there. The official language of Dubai is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. You will find that most people in Dubai are able to speak English, especially in the tourist areas.
Dubai is a conservative city, and there is a dress code that is enforced in public places. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should wear long pants and shirts. There are a few cultural etiquettes that you should be aware of when visiting Dubai. For example, it is considered rude to point with your finger, and you should avoid touching people of the opposite sex unless you are close friends or family.
How do I get to Dubai?
Dubai is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many major cities around the UK. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of six hours. We flew with Emirates and enjoyed their world class service on their A380.
Where should I stay in Dubai?
We stayed in the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and had an incredible time. There are plenty of other options for accommodation in Dubai. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget on booking.com.
Do I need a visa to visit Dubai?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Dubai. You can get a visitor or tourist visa issued free of charge when you arrive in the UAE. You do not need to apply in advance of travel. Your passport will be stamped with the visa as you go through immigration. It will be valid for up to 40 days.
What's the weather like in Dubai?
Dubai has a hot, desert climate which means the city is hot and dry all year around.
Here are the average high / low temperatures for each season in Dubai:
Spring: 34°C / 24°C
Summer: 41°C / 30°C
Autumn: 35°C / 24°C
Winter: 24°C / 15°C
Here's the current weather in Dubai:
What's the currency in Dubai?
The currency of Dubai is the UAE dirham. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency, but we had no issues paying by card in Dubai.
What languages are spoken in Dubai?
The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. You will find that most people in Dubai are able to speak English, especially in the tourist areas.
What's the time zone in Dubai?
Dubai is in the GMT+4 time zone.
What are the best things to do in Dubai?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Dubai on GetYourGuide.
