Dubai: The City of Superlatives

Dubai defies expectations at every turn. In 50 years, it transformed from a modest fishing village to a futuristic metropolis of record-breaking skyscrapers, artificial islands, and unimaginable luxury. Yet beneath the glitz, traditional souks and Arabian heritage persist.

Understanding Dubai

Why Dubai Works

• World-class infrastructure
• Virtually zero crime
• English widely spoken
• Tax-free shopping
• Year-round sunshine
• Perfect stopover destination
• Culinary diversity

The Geography

• Downtown: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera
• Old Dubai: Creek, Deira, Bur Dubai souks
• Marina: Modern waterfront, JBR beach
• Palm Jumeirah: Iconic artificial island
• Jumeirah Beach: Beaches, resorts, Burj Al Arab

Best Time to Visit

Winter (November-March)

• Perfect weather (20-25°C)
• Peak tourist season
• Higher hotel prices
• Beach weather
• Shopping festival (January)

Shoulder (April, October)

• Warming/cooling but manageable
• Good deals
• Less crowded

Summer (May-September)

• Extreme heat (40-50°C)
• Empty attractions, huge discounts
• Indoor activities only
• Ramadan (dates vary)

Iconic Experiences

Burj Khalifa

World's tallest building (828m):

• At The Top (124/125): Standard observation decks
• At The Top SKY (148): Higher, pricier, includes refreshments
• Atmosphere Lounge (122): Drinks with views
• Book ahead: Sunset slots best, priciest
• Fountain show: Free, every 30 min after sunset

The Dubai Mall

More than shopping:

• 1,200+ stores
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• VR Park
• Ice rink
• Dinosaur skeleton
• Fashion Avenue (luxury)
• Plan half a day minimum

Palm Jumeirah

Artificial island icon:

• Atlantis: Waterpark, aquarium, restaurants
• The Pointe: Dining, views
• Monorail: Scenic ride
• Luxury resorts: Royal Atlantis, One&Only, Waldorf

Burj Al Arab

Iconic sail-shaped hotel:

• Non-guests need restaurant booking
• Skyview Bar: Cocktails with views
• Al Mahara: Underwater dining
• Al Muntaha: Sky-high gastronomy
• Book well in advance

Old Dubai

Dubai Creek

Historic heart:

• Abra rides: Traditional boats, 1 AED crossing
• Deira Souks: Gold, spice, perfume markets
• Bur Dubai Souk: Textiles, bargaining expected
• Al Fahidi District: Heritage houses, museums
• Dubai Frame: Modern icon, old/new contrast

Cultural Experiences

• Al Seef promenade
• Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)
• Coffee Museum
• Jumeirah Mosque tours (non-Muslim access)
• Friday brunch (Dubai tradition)

Beaches & Water

Beach Options

• JBR Beach: Public, buzzy, dining strip
• Kite Beach: Sports, food trucks, family-friendly
• La Mer: Developed, trendy, Instagrammable
• Private beaches: Hotel access or day passes

Water Activities

• Jet skiing
• Parasailing
• Wakeboarding
• Yacht charters
• Diving (artificial reefs)
• Seaplane flights

Desert Experiences

Desert Safari

The quintessential Dubai experience:

• Morning safari: Dune bashing, sandboarding
• Evening safari: Sunset, BBQ, entertainment
• Overnight: Glamping under stars
• Hot air balloon: Sunrise over dunes

What's Included (Typically)

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Dune bashing in 4x4
• Camel rides
• Sandboarding
• Henna painting
• BBQ dinner
• Belly dance, fire shows
• Stargazing

Shopping

Malls

• Dubai Mall: Biggest, everything
• Mall of the Emirates: Ski Dubai inside
• Ibn Battuta Mall: Themed by explorer's travels
• City Walk: Open-air, boutique feel

Traditional

• Gold Souk: Best prices, negotiate
• Spice Souk: Saffron, frankincense
• Global Village: Seasonal, cultural pavilions
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Touristy but pretty

Tax-Free

• No sales tax
• Great for electronics, gold, luxury
• Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February)

Food Scene

Dining Options

Dubai is a culinary United Nations:

• Every cuisine imaginable
• Celebrity chef restaurants
• Street food from every country
• Michelin-quality options

Must-Try Experiences

• Friday brunch: Dubai institution, book ahead
• Desert dining: Under the stars
• Dhow cruise: Dinner on traditional boat
• Rooftop restaurants: Views, vibes
• Arabian cuisine: Hummus, shawarma, mandi

Top Restaurants

• Zuma: Japanese, Dubai institution
• Nobu: Classic Japanese-Peruvian
• La Petite Maison: French, business lunch favorite
• Al Hadheerah: Desert setting, Arabian feast
• Pierchic: Seafood on the pier

Practical Information

Visa

• Many nationalities: Visa on arrival (30-90 days)
• Check current requirements
• Passport valid 6+ months

Currency

• UAE Dirham (AED)
• 3.67 AED ≈ $1 USD (pegged)
• Cards accepted everywhere
• Cash for souks, taxis

Dress Code

• Conservative in public
• Cover shoulders and knees in malls
• Swimwear at beach/pool only
• Modest at mosques, Old Dubai
• Luxury restaurants: Smart casual minimum

Alcohol

• Licensed hotels and restaurants only
• Not in public
• Zero tolerance for drinking and driving
• Expensive

Cultural Notes

• Public affection: Keep it minimal
• Ramadan: Respect fasting hours (no eating in public daytime)
• Photography: Ask before photographing people
• Left hand: Use right for greeting, eating

Transportation

• Metro: Clean, cheap, expanding
• Taxi: Metered, reliable
• Uber/Careem: Available
• Water taxi: Scenic option
• Tram: Palm, Marina areas
• Rental car: Easy, well-signed roads

Costs

Dubai can be expensive:

• Budget: $100-150/day (hostels, metro, street food)
• Mid-range: $200-400/day
• Luxury: $500+/day

Day Trips

Abu Dhabi (1.5 hours)

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (stunning, free)
• Louvre Abu Dhabi
• Emirates Palace
• Yas Island (Ferrari World, waterpark)

Ras Al Khaimah (1 hour)

• World's longest zipline
• Mountain scenery
• Less touristy beaches

Fujairah (1.5 hours)

• East coast beaches
• Diving
• Mountain wadi hiking

Sample Itineraries

Long Weekend (3-4 days):

• Day 1: Downtown—Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, fountains
• Day 2: Old Dubai morning, beach afternoon
• Day 3: Desert safari
• Day 4: Palm/Marina, shopping

Week Stay:

• Add Abu Dhabi day trip
• Water activities
• Spa/beach days
• More dining experiences

Final Thoughts

Dubai is polarizing—some find it soulless, others find it thrilling. Approach it for what it is: a modern marvel built on ambition, a shopping and dining paradise, and a comfortable base for Arabian adventures. Skip the cynicism, embrace the spectacle, and you'll find a city unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Ready for Dubai? Our Middle East specialists can design an itinerary from desert adventures to urban luxury.