Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Desert, sea and skyline, from old souks to the world’s tallest tower.

City
Beach
Family

A souk shop stacked with sacks of colourful spices in Dubai

Camels resting on the sand dunes of the desert outside Dubai

Photos: David Rodrigo, Rumman Amin, Fernando Jorge on Unsplash

Best time to go: November to March, when days are warm and evenings comfortable. Summer is very hot and humid, and most activity moves indoors.
Ideal length: 4 to 5 days

Plan with ROVE AI

Rovepoint guide: general information. Check current details before you travel.

Known for

The Burj Khalifa and a skyline of record-breaking architecture
Golden beaches along the Arabian Gulf
Desert dunes just beyond the city
Traditional souks for gold, spices and textiles in old Dubai
Vast shopping malls and year-round indoor attractions
Theme parks and waterparks for families

Getting around

The Dubai Metro is clean, air-conditioned and links many of the main areas, and a tram serves the Marina.
Taxis are plentiful and ride-hailing apps are widely used. Distances are large, so walking between areas is rarely practical.
Abra boats cross Dubai Creek between the old souks.
The desert is best visited with a licensed tour operator rather than on your own.

Areas to explore

Downtown
The Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain and wide boulevards.
Deira and Bur Dubai
Old Dubai: the creek, wooden abra boats, the souks and the restored Al Fahidi historical district.
Dubai Marina and JBR
A waterfront of towers and promenades, with a long beach alongside.
Jumeirah
Long beaches and a relaxed, residential stretch of coast.
Palm Jumeirah
The palm-shaped island, lined with resorts and beaches.
The desert
Dunes, sunset drives and starry skies, usually visited on an organised trip.

A three-day outline

1Day 1Old Dubai
- Morning in the Al Fahidi historical district
- Cross the creek by abra to the spice and gold souks
- An evening walk along the creek
2Day 2Skyline and sea
- The Burj Khalifa and Downtown
- An afternoon on the beach at Jumeirah or JBR
- An evening stroll along Dubai Marina

Good to know

Currency: UAE dirham.
Plugs: Type G (three rectangular pins), 230V.
Language: Arabic is the official language. English is spoken almost everywhere you are likely to go.
Tipping: Some restaurants include a service charge. Where they do not, a tip for good service is appreciated but not required.
Local customs: Dress modestly in traditional areas, malls and religious sites, and be considerate of local customs, especially during Ramadan.
Heat: Even in the cooler months the sun is strong. Carry water and keep outdoor plans for mornings and evenings.

Before you go

Rovepoint does not have visa information for United Arab Emirates yet. Check the official embassy or immigration website for United Arab Emirates before you book.

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3Day 3Into the desert

A slow morning or a museum visit
An afternoon trip out to the dunes
Sunset and dinner under the desert sky

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