Dubai

Dubai is the commercial and tourism capital of the United Arab Emirates, a global city that has transformed from a pearling and fishing village into a metropolis of superlatives — the world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa), largest shopping mall (Dubai Mall), and man-made archipelagoes (Palm Jumeirah, The World). It is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven emirates, and the most populous city in the UAE with over 3.6 million residents, the vast majority of whom are expatriates.

The city is divided by Dubai Creek into the older districts of Bur Dubai and Deira (with traditional souks, textile markets, and the gold souk) and the modern areas stretching south and west: Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall), Jumeirah (beachfront hotels), Dubai Marina (waterfront dining and nightlife), and Palm Jumeirah (luxury resorts). The discovery of oil in 1966 accelerated development, but oil accounts for less than 1% of Dubai's economy today — its wealth comes from aviation (Emirates airline), tourism, real estate, trade, and financial services.

Dubai has a hot desert climate with extremely humid summers (June–September, 40–45°C) and warm winters (November–March, 24–30°C). The winter months are the peak tourist season. Arabic is the official language but English is universally spoken. The currency is the UAE dirham (AED), pegged at about 3.67 to the US dollar.

By Plane

Dubai International Airport (DXB IATA) is the world's busiest international airport, hub of Emirates and flydubai, with direct flights to over 240 destinations. A second airport, Al Maktoum International (DWC IATA), serves mainly cargo and some passenger flights. From DXB, the Dubai Metro connects to the city centre in 15–30 minutes (5–8 dirham); taxis cost 25–50 dirham to Downtown.

By Train

By Car / Road

Dubai is connected by the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) to Abu Dhabi (130 km, 75 min), Sharjah (25 km, 30 min), and other emirates. Intercity buses run from Al Ghubaiba station to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and all emirates. Renting a car is straightforward but parking in busy areas is expensive.

The Dubai Metro (Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Road from Rashidiya to UAE Exchange; Green Line covers Deira and Bur Dubai) is the most efficient way to travel between major districts. Buses supplement the metro network. Taxis are plentiful — starting fare 12 dirham, about 2 dirham/km. Ride-hailing apps Careem and Uber are widely used. The Nol card covers metro, bus, and tram. Walking is pleasant in Downtown, Marina, and JBR areas; elsewhere distances are too large.

• Burj Khalifa — The world's tallest building (828 m). Observation decks on levels 124/125 (from 169 dirham) and 148 (from 378 dirham). Book in advance.

• Dubai Mall — The world's largest shopping mall, with the Dubai Aquarium, ice rink, cinema, and hundreds of shops. Free entry.

• Palm Jumeirah — The iconic man-made palm-shaped island. Visit the Atlantis resort, The Pointe, or the Boardwalk. Free to access.

• Old Dubai / Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood — Traditional wind-tower architecture, the Dubai Museum (in Al Fahidi Fort), and the Textile Souk.

• Gold Souk (Deira) — Glittering gold jewellery market with over 300 retailers.

• Jumeirah Mosque — Open to non-Muslims on guided tours (Sat–Thu 10:00, 25 dirham).

• Dubai Frame — A 150-m-tall picture-frame-shaped structure with panoramic views. Tickets 50 dirham.

• Museum of the Future — An immersive exhibition space near Emirates Towers. Tickets 149 dirham.

• Alserkal Avenue (Al Quoz) — Contemporary art galleries and creative spaces.

• Dubai Creek — Take an abra (water taxi, 1 dirham) across the creek between Deira and Bur Dubai.

• Desert safari — Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and BBQ dinner in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. From 150 dirham.

• Skydive Dubai — Tandem skydiving over Palm Jumeirah or the desert. From 1,999 dirham.

• Dubai Fountain — Free nightly water-and-light shows outside Dubai Mall (every 30 min after 18:00).

• Ski Dubai — Indoor ski slope in Mall of the Emirates. From 220 dirham.

• Yacht cruises — Marina and Palm Jumeirah dinner cruises. From 200 dirham.

• Dubai Parks and Resorts — Three theme parks (Motiongate, Legoland, Bollywood Parks) plus Legoland Water Park.

• DXB Night run — Jog or walk along Kite Beach and Jumeirah Beach at sunrise.

• Scuba diving at The World Islands — Artificial reef dives.

Dubai's dining scene is among the most diverse in the world, spanning Michelin-starred restaurants to street-side shawarma stands.

• Al Ustad Special Kabab (Al Mankhool) — Famous Persian kebabs since 1978. Budget.
• Zuma (Gate Village, DIFC) — Michelin-starred contemporary Japanese. Splurge.
• Bu Qtair (Jumeirah 1) — Tiny shack serving fresh fried fish. Budget.
• Pierchic (Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah) — Overwater seafood with Burj Al Arab views. Splurge.
• Ravi Restaurant (Satwa) — Legendary Pakistani eatery, butter chicken and naan. Budget.
• Shabestan (Radisson Blu, Deira) — High-end Persian. Mid-range.
• Operation: Falafel (various) — Casual falafel, shawarma, and manakish. Budget.

Alcohol is widely available in licensed hotels, bars, and clubs across Dubai. Popular nightlife districts include Dubai Marina, JBR, Downtown, and DIFC. Happy hours run 17:00–20:00 at most venues. Non-alcoholic options include karak chai (heavy sweetened milk tea), fresh juices, Camelicious camel milk, and Arabic coffee. Public intoxication is illegal. Drinking age is 21. No licence is required for tourists to buy alcohol in bars (2020 law change).

• Budget: Ibis Al Rigga (from 180 dirham/night); Rove Downtown (from 350 dirham/night).
• Mid-range: Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City (from 500 dirham/night); Jumeirah Creekside Hotel (from 600 dirham/night).
• Upscale / luxury: Burj Al Arab (from 4,000 dirham/night); Atlantis The Palm (from 1,500 dirham/night); Address Downtown (from 1,200 dirham/night).

Dubai is a shopping paradise, tax-free and with huge malls: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Deira City Centre. Traditional shopping includes the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk in Deira. Expect to bargain in souks but not in malls. Local specialties include gold jewellery, pashminas, dates (Bateel and Al Nassma), Arabic perfumes (oud), and saffron.

• Abu Dhabi — 130 km S, 75 min by car or bus. UAE capital with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
• Sharjah — 25 km N, 30 min. Cultural capital with museums, Al Qasba, and the Sharjah Art Foundation.
• Hatta — 130 km SE, 90 min. Mountain enclave with wadi pools, hiking, and a heritage village.
• Ras al-Khaimah — 120 km N, 75 min. Outdoor adventure with Jebel Jais zipline and pristine beaches.
• Al Ain — 100 km E, 75 min. Garden city with Jebel Hafeet and the UNESCO-listed oasis.