About Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai offers Saudi and GCC travellers a convenient destination just a short flight away, blending modern attractions with familiar cultural norms. Visitors enjoy visa-free entry, world-class shopping, diverse dining, and family adventures. The city provides a secure environment for exploring iconic landmarks, pristine beaches, and desert experiences.
Travel Tips
Dress modestly in public areas like malls and cultural sites, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.
Avoid public displays of affection, which are strictly regulated, and do not take photographs of locals without permission.
Observe local customs during religious periods, such as refraining from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours in Ramadan.
Dubai is exceptionally safe with low crime rates, but zero-tolerance policies exist for drinking and driving or possessing illegal drugs.
While cards are accepted almost everywhere, keep a small amount of cash (AED) for tipping and purchasing items in traditional souks.
Places to Visit
Burj Khalifa
landmarkVisit 'At The Top' observation decks on floors 124, 125, or 148 for views from the world's tallest building.
The Dubai Mall
shoppingExplore one of the world's largest shopping centers, featuring over 1,200 stores, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and the Dubai Aquarium.
Palm Jumeirah
landmarkSee this artificial, palm-shaped island, home to luxury resorts like Atlantis, The Palm, and extensive beachfront leisure options.
The Dubai Fountain
outdoorWatch the choreographed water, light, and music shows at the base of Burj Khalifa, visible from the promenade.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
districtWander through this restored heritage area with traditional wind-tower architecture and winding alleys, showcasing Dubai's pre-oil history.
Museum of the Future
museumDiscover immersive exhibits on space travel and future technologies within its striking torus-shaped building adorned with Arabic calligraphy.
Dubai Marina
districtStroll along the 7-kilometre waterfront promenade, lined with luxury yachts, residential skyscrapers, and diverse dining options.
Jumeirah Mosque
religiousTake a guided tour of this mosque, one of the few in the UAE open to non-Muslims, to learn about Islamic architecture and traditions.
Things to Do
Go on a Desert Safari
outdoorTake a 4WD into the Lahbab dunes for dune bashing, followed by a traditional Bedouin camp experience with dining and stargazing.
Ski at Ski Dubai
outdoorEnjoy indoor skiing and snowboarding at the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, located within Mall of the Emirates.
Take a Dubai Creek Abra Ride
cultureCross the historic Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra boat for just 1 AED, connecting the old districts of Deira and Bur Dubai.
Explore the Gold and Spice Souks
shoppingWander through the traditional markets in Deira, offering dazzling displays of gold jewellery, silver, and precious stones with regulated quality standards.
Visit Aquaventure Waterpark
familyTackle extensive waterslides and a multi-kilometre rapids river at this large waterpark located on Palm Jumeirah.
Experience Sky Views Dubai
outdoorPerched 219 meters high on the Address Sky View Hotel, brave the Glass Slide or test your nerves on the outdoor Edge Walk.
Dine at Time Out Market Dubai
foodSample signature dishes from the city's top chefs and local culinary innovators under one roof, directly overlooking the Dubai Fountain.
Explore Global Village
familyEnjoy an outdoor cultural extravaganza with pavilions from 90 countries offering unique food, crafts, and live shows, typically open during winter.
Areas to Stay
Downtown Dubai
A central hub near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, offering upscale hotels and diverse dining. Ideal for first-time visitors seeking city landmarks.
Dubai Marina / JBR
Excellent for beach access and evening strolls along the waterfront promenade, with luxury apartments and high-end dining options.
Deira
A lively and affordable area rich in heritage, traditional souks, and authentic street food. Convenient for short stopovers due to airport proximity.
Al Barsha
Located near Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai, this area offers mid-range to luxury hotels with good metro connectivity, suitable for shoppers.
Best Time to Visit Dubai
Dubai's peak travel season is from November to March, offering mild, pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The summer months, June to August, are characterized by intense heat and high humidity, leading to fewer tourists and potentially lower prices for indoor-focused trips.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
January | 24° | 14° | 10 |
February | 25° | 15° | 25 |
March | 29° | 18° | 22 |
April | 34° | 22° | 7 |
May | 39° | 26° | 0 |
June | 41° | 29° | 0 |
July | 42° | 31° | 0 |
August | 42° | 31° | 0 |
September | 39° | 28° | 0 |
October | 35° | 24° | 1 |
November | 30° | 19° | 2 |
December | 26° | 16° | 15 |
November to March (mild weather, higher prices)
June to August (hot, fewer tourists, lower fares)
Cost of Living
- Currency
- Emirati Dirham (AED)
- Language
- Arabic
- Timezone
- Asia/Dubai (UTC+4)
- Budget meal
- approximate 30-50 AED per person at local eateries
- Mid-range meal
- approximate 100-200 AED per person at sit-down restaurants
- Public transport
- approximate 5-8 AED for a single metro or bus trip
- Coffee shop
- approximate 20-30 AED for a specialty coffee at a café
Quick Facts
- Airport
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Currency
- Emirati Dirham (AED)
- Language
- Arabic (Official), English (Widely spoken)
- Flight demand
- High
Frequently Asked Questions
seasonal
The best time to visit Dubai is during the cooler months, from November to March, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Temperatures range from 19°C to 30°C.
During Ramadan, visitors should be mindful of fasting hours. Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours are prohibited. Restaurants may have altered opening times or offer Iftar meals after sunset. Always check local guidelines.
destination
Saudi and other GCC citizens enjoy visa-free entry to the UAE. Other nationalities may require a visa, which can often be obtained on arrival or applied for in advance. Always check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Key attractions include the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Fountain, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Museum of the Future, and Dubai Marina. Don't miss a desert safari for a unique experience.
Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world with a very low crime rate. Tourists can generally feel secure exploring the city, but it's always wise to take standard precautions.
Dubai is a shopper's paradise. Explore luxury brands at The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, or discover traditional goods, gold, and spices at the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira.
culture
The official currency of Dubai is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to have some cash for smaller purchases or souks.
While Dubai is generally tolerant, it's respectful to dress modestly in public places like malls, souks, and religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. Beachwear is acceptable at beaches and hotel pools.
Alcohol consumption is permitted in licensed venues such as hotels, clubs, and bars. It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places or be intoxicated in public. Tourists can purchase alcohol at duty-free shops upon arrival.
Arabic is the official language of Dubai and the UAE. However, English is very widely spoken and understood, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and business sectors, making communication easy for international visitors.
transport
Dubai has an excellent public transportation system, including the Dubai Metro (Red and Green lines), RTA buses, and water taxis. Taxis are readily available, and ride-hailing apps like Careem and Hala are popular. A Nol card is required for public transport.
Yes, Dubai Metro Red Line connects Terminals 1 and 3 directly to key city areas. RTA buses also serve all terminals, requiring a Nol card for travel.
airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is approximately 15 km from Downtown Dubai. Travel by taxi typically takes 15-25 minutes, costing around AED 50-65 (SAR 51-66).
Yes, registered UAE/GCC nationals and residents can use 122 Biometric Smart Gates at DXB. These allow immigration clearance in just 5 seconds using facial and iris recognition.
