A ski slope in the desert, ATMs that dispense gold bars, palm-shaped artificial archipelagos… Dubai doesn’t shy away from excess. But there’s more to this flourishing city than glitz and glamour. You might come for the endless sun, sweeping gold-sand beaches and the glittering blue waters of the Persian Gulf. There’s the lure of the surrounding desert, which stretches to the heat-hazed horizon. Or, in areas of the city less touched by glass and metal, you can find traditional Bedouin buildings, maze-like souqs and foods that reflect the breadth of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Our specialists have visited Dubai and can offer first-hand advice on how to uncover the culture that’s often hidden in the shade of skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa. They can arrange for a guide to help you explore spice-scented souqs and sample elusive local dishes. You can also leave the city for a driving safari in the Arabian Desert. And, if you want to spend your Dubai vacation simply lounging by the water with a cocktail, they’ll be happy to suggest resorts with the best private beaches and most attentive service.
Suggested Dubai tour
This sample tour will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Dubai, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your tour will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Suggested activities for Dubai
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Dubai.
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Sundowner desert safari with dinner Sundowner desert safari with dinner
Sundowner desert safari with dinner
Explore the desert with this evening tour that will give you the chance to ride a camel, go dune bashing in a 4x4 and enjoy a traditional feast under the star-lit sky. You may even glimpse some of the desert’s elusive wildlife.
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Old Dubai evening walking tour Old Dubai evening walking tour
Old Dubai evening walking tour
Look beyond Dubai’s gleaming glass-and-steel skyscrapers to discover the historic side of the city on this walking tour of the Dubai Creek area. Browse spice-scented souqs, explore Al Fahidi District and ride in an abra (water taxi).
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Middle East food pilgrimage Middle East food pilgrimage
Middle East food pilgrimage
Dubai is known for its world-class restaurants, but authentic Middle Eastern food can be surprisingly hard to find here. Get an insider’s glimpse into the cuisine on this guided walking tour, which includes sampling baklava, saffron ice cream and cardamom-scented coffee.
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Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Dubai, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Useful information for planning your vacation in Dubai
The official language of Dubai is Modern Standard Arabic, but in casual conversation, Emiratis speak a local dialect called Khaleeji (Gulf Arabic). However, most people living in Dubai are from other countries, so English is commonly spoken and most signs are written in both Arabic and English.
The currency of Dubai is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). ATMs are widespread and cash is the primary means of payment throughout the city, though credit cards are widely accepted everywhere except the souqs.
Tipping in Dubai is completely discretionary and down to personal preference. Only food and drinks outlets in hotels are legally allowed to add service charges to your total but they’re often not passed on to serving staff, so you may want to add an additional tip. Independent restaurants don’t typically add service charges, so leaving a 10% tip is appreciated.
For the latest travel advice for Dubai, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the .
In Dubai, you can unwind on sandy beaches, visit lavish shopping malls, peruse traditional bazaars, go on a desert adventure, and sample cuisines from across the globe. It’s also the kind of place where you can zip-line across the marina, visit coffee and pearl museums, and get a gold-leaf facial. In other words, Dubai is a city of excess.
For a more traditional take on the city, why not take a walking tour through Old Dubai to see its gold and spice souqs, wander down narrow lanes lined with mosques and minarets, and see the original fishing village that blossomed into the glittering modern city? You can also get an introduction to Middle Eastern culinary traditions on a guided food tour or venture outside the city to explore the sea of endless dunes on a desert safari.
Dubai offers a huge range of places to stay from five-star beachfront properties to family-friendly resorts, intimate guesthouses, and hotels in restored historic buildings. You might like to stay in a Moorish-style retreat with opulent suites and a Michelin-starred chef, an adults-only escape with a private golf course, or a palatial hotel in downtown Dubai with a palm-lined pool and manicured gardens. Alternatively, you could leave the bustle of the city behind and stay in a Bedouin-style villa in a desert conservation area. To get some ideas, browse our collection of places to stay in Dubai.
Dubai has a variety of distinct districts, and you’ll find different experiences in each from the super-sized shopping malls in the heart of the city to the traditional architecture of Al Fahidi, and the waterparks of the Palm. Downtown Dubai is where you’ll find some of Dubai’s best shopping along with the aquarium, opera house, Museum of the Future, and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Jumeirah is one of the city’s most fashionable addresses and has an array of smart restaurants to choose from, nearby Dubai Marina is another good spot for dining and nightlife. For a more traditional take on the city, head to historical Al Fahidi to wander meandering lanes lined with artists’ workshops, traditional wind towers, cafes, galleries, and small gift shops, or hop across Dubai Creek to visit the gold souq. Beyond the city lies the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a rippling blanket of dunes with a surprising array of wildlife.
It takes around 13 hours to fly to Dubai from the East Coast of the USA and around 16 from the West Coast. Flights from Hawaii to Dubai take upwards of 24 hours.
The time zone in Dubai is UTC+4 hours. The clocks don’t change during the year.
The best way of getting around Dubai is by public transport because it’s clean, efficient, and easy to use. You can take the metro or tram to most places of interest, and there’s also a monorail that will take you to Palm Jumeirah and the Atlantis hotel. The Dubai Ferry runs along the coast, and you’ll find taxis everywhere. They can be booked in advance or hailed on the street. Taxis with a pink roof are driven by women and take female passengers or families only.
Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for Dubai. Enter where you’re traveling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.
Your doctor can provide you with vaccine advice for Dubai, but you should also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the C.
You can take medication into Dubai, but some medications require a permit. You should check with your doctor before you travel to see if your medication requires one. If it doesn’t, you’ll just need to carry your prescription with you. However, if your medication is on the controlled list, you’ll need to apply in advance for a . Applications are normally processed within five working days.
In Dubai, you should wear long, loose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees in public areas including shopping malls. Cotton or linen clothing is most comfortable in hot weather, and everyone is expected to dress modestly regardless of gender because the United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country.
If you’re visiting a mosque or religious site, you should wear full-length sleeves and trousers or an ankle-length skirt. Women will also need to bring a scarf to cover their heads. It’s a good idea to carry an extra layer in case you need to cover up or just feel cold in the air-conditioned shopping malls.
On the beach and at hotels, you can wear regular swimwear including bikinis, but you should always cover up when leaving the beach.
You can travel to Dubai during Ramadan and shouldn’t encounter any significant changes to your experience. Non-Muslims are not required to fast and there are no specific restrictions for visitors during Ramadan. Most restaurants, including those in hotels, operate as normal during the day, but you may find there are different opening hours at some on-site dining options in hotels.
It’s strictly prohibited to take photographs of military or government buildings, ports, aircraft, or in the airport in Dubai. You must also ask for permission before taking a picture with anyone else in it and you should never take photos of women or families in public areas.
Dubai is part of an Islamic country, so the customs and traditions may be very different from your home country. For example, it’s illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in a public place, though you can still drink alcohol in a licensed hotel, and its restaurants or dedicated lounges.
Out of respect you shouldn't use your right hand for opening doors, greeting people, or for eating. Excessive public displays of affection are prohibited, and swearing, fighting, or using rude gestures in public can land you in a lot of trouble. It’s also worth knowing that the weekend is Friday and Saturday.
Dubai in pictures
Our expert guides to traveling in Dubai
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Dubai. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Dubai at its best.
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Dubai travel guide: our highlights Dubai travel guide: our highlights
Dubai travel guide: our highlights
Though it’s known for dizzying skyline, man-made islands and vast malls, Dubai has plenty to offer besides. Specialist Matt shares his recommendations, from its best beach areas to discovering the hidden traditions of this desert city in its souqs and bazaars.
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How to pack for the Middle East How to pack for the Middle East
How to pack for the Middle East
First-time visitors can find it tricky to pack for the Middle East. Specialist and one-time resident Talia offers packing advice for handling the dramatic swings in temperature, the wide variety of terrains and the conservative culture.
Read this guide