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أهلاً وسهلاً Ahlan wa sahlan
أهلاً وسهلاً Ahlan wa sahlan
Welcome to Dubai
Welcome to Dubai
Glitz, Desert, and Dreams...
Glitz, Desert, and Dreams...
Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’ crown jewel, is a desert metropolis where towering skyscrapers pierce the sky and golden sands stretch toward infinity, a must-see marvel that fuses audacious modernity with whispers of the past. Home to 4.5 million residents, this city dazzles with the Burj Khalifa’s dizzying heights, its glass spire glinting like a beacon over a skyline that screams ambition and dreams made real. Sprawling malls, a labyrinth of luxury, where fountains dance and aquariums glow—rivaling the souks’ timeless bustle, their stalls fragrant with saffron and oud.
Whether you’re dune-bashing across the crimson desert, tires kicking up sand as the sun dips below rippling dunes, or shopping till your bags overflow with silks and gold, Dubai delivers thrills at every turn. Picture sipping sweet mint tea by the creek, wooden dhows gliding past as the call to prayer drifts over Bur Dubai’s old quarter, or savoring shawarma under the neon hum of Sheikh Zayed Road. This is a place that blends opulence, with marble-clad lobbies and rooftop infinity pools, with tradition etched in Bedouin tales and falconry’s grace, crafting a timeless escape as bold as its vision and as breathtaking as its horizons.
Finding All The Right Places
Finding All The Right Places
We've compiled a helpful map showing all of the attractions we've detailed throughout the guide.
Click on the icon at the top left of the map to open the Attractions menu.
Click on one of the numbered waypoints to open details about that attraction.
You can also expand the map using the icon at the top right of the map.
You can also click the icon at the top right of the details pane for directions when you're there.
Best Flights to Dubai This Year
Best Flights to Dubai This Year
Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest hubs, sits just 5 km from the city center. Here’s how to jet in:
Malaysian Airlines: Fly with Malaysian Airlines for a seamless, affordable experience. Their Dubai-bound flights offer top-tier service and competitive pricing. Book your flights now!
Expedia: Are a great option for searching for the perfect flights from practically any location on earth. Search for your flights now!
See our Flights page for more options.
Popular Airlines and Routes
From the United States: Round-trip flights from New York or L.A. range from $600–$1,200 (14–16 hours) with Emirates, Delta, or United—many direct.
From Europe: London flights hover between £400–£800 (7–9 hours) via Emirates, British Airways, or budget-friendly Flydubai.
From Asia: Singapore, Delhi, or Bangkok connect for $200–$500 (4–6 hours) with Emirates, IndiGo, or AirAsia—frequent and fast.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne to Dubai runs $800–$1,400 (14–16 hours) with Qantas or Emirates—direct options galore.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Winter (Nov–Mar) is peak season—cool weather draws crowds, so prices climb. Book 3–4 months early for deals, and aim for mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) to save $100–$200. Summer (Jun–Aug) slashes fares but brings 40°C+ heat—grab bargains if you can handle it!Dubai Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: DXB’s metro (Red Line) zips you to the city for $2–$5 USD (AED 8–20, Nol card needed). Taxis cost $20–$40 USD to downtown—pre-book via Expedia (#affiliate-link) to skip haggling. Luxury? Arrange a chauffeured Rolls-Royce ($100+ USD).
Visa Requirements: U.S, UK, and EU citizens get a free 30-day visa on arrival. Others can apply online for an e-visa ($50–$100 USD) via uaevisa-online.org—process it early!
Searching for Flights is easy
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Don't leave your travel arrangements to chance. Put them in hands you can trust with Expedia.
Top Places to Stay in Dubai
Top Places to Stay in Dubai
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Dubai offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to Beach-side apartments, here are our top recommendations:
Sometimes the easiest way to book a hotel or resort is to see all the options available on a handy map. Choose your dates, choose your preferred location and see a myriad of options. Book your place in Dubai now!
Use Agoda to help ensure you're getting the best deals available. Perhaps you'll even find a hidden gem of a property that might not be available elsewhere. Book Now!
See our Accomodation page for more options.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Dubai
Dubai’s accommodations range from wallet-friendly to wallet-busting.
Budget picks include Rove Downtown ($60–$100/night) near Burj Khalifa or ibis Al Rigga ($50–$80/night) in Deira.
Mid-range options like Vida Downtown ($120–$200/night) offer chic vibes.
Luxury shines at Burj Al Arab ($1,500–$3,000/night) with its sail-shaped silhouette or Atlantis, The Palm ($300–$600/night) for aquatic extravagance.
Find your ideal place to stay with Expedia.
With everything from Luxury Resorts & 5-star Hotels to local Boutique Backpackers.
All conveniently displayed on a easy to use map. Helping you quickly find exactly where you want to stay.
Enter where your going
Add your check-in and check-out dates
Hit search to find the perfect place to stay.
Best Local Food in Dubai
Best Local Food in Dubai
Dubai’s cuisine fuses Emirati traditions with global flavors, thanks to its expat-heavy population (90% of residents!).
Al Harees: Slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge—rich and hearty. Try Al Bait Al Qadeem ($10 USD).
Shawarma: Spiced meat in pita with garlic sauce—street food royalty. Al Mallah in Satwa ($2 USD).
Luqaimat: Sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup. Grab at Logma ($5 USD).
Traditional Emirati Dishes to Try
Traditional Emirati Dishes to Try
Machboos: Spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish. Made with basmati rice, meat, dried lime, and a fragrant blend of spices—aromatic bliss. Head to Al Fanar ($15 USD).
Camel Milk Chocolate: Creamy, local twist. Subtly salty, sweet, prized for its unique flavor, high mineral content, and easier digestibility.
Buy at Mirzam ($8 USD/bar).
Chebab: Emirati pancakes with date syrup. They're like heaven at Seven Sands ($7 USD).
Falafel: Crispy chickpea balls with a wonderful blend of herbs and spices—Middle Eastern staple. Head to Zaroob ($5 USD).
Best Restaurants in Dubai
Best Restaurants in Dubai
Pierchic (Madinat Jumeirah): Seafood over water ($70 USD mains).
Al Hadheerah (Bab Al Shams): Desert dining with live shows ($80 USD buffet).
Ravi (Satwa): Budget Pakistani curries ($10 USD plates).
Nobu (Atlantis): Japanese fusion with flair ($50+ USD mains).
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Comptoir 102 (Jumeirah): Plant-based bowls ($20 USD).
Folia (Four Seasons): Vegan Middle Eastern ($25 USD).
Staying Connected in Dubai
Staying Connected in Dubai
Best eSIM Providers for Dubai
Stay online with an eSIM—Dubai’s Du and Etisalat networks offer blazing 5G. Airalo’s “UAE” plan (5GB for $18, 10 days) covers short trips; Ubigi’s packs (500MB for $2, up to 10GB for $30) flex for longer stays. Free Wi-Fi’s spotty—don’t rely on it!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to Dubai, the UAE and the Middle East, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in Dubai
Best Attractions in Dubai
Must-Do in Dubai: Unmissable Experiences
Dubai’s a playground of excess and wonder—here’s this years hit list, packed with specifics for max value.
Ascend the Burj Khalifa
Why: The world’s tallest building (829.8m) offers jaw-dropping views.
Details: Tickets to the 124th/148th floors start at $45/$150 USD (book online). Sunset slots (5–7 PM) are gold.
Tip: Pair with a Dubai Fountain show below—free and mesmerizing.
Desert Dune Safari
Why: Thrash across red dunes, then unwind with Bedouin vibes.
Details: Tours (from $50 USD) include 4x4 rides, sandboarding, and BBQ dinner. Book via local operators like Arabian Adventures.
Tip: Camel rides and falcon pics are Instagram catnip.
Shop Dubai Mall
Why: 1,200+ stores, an aquarium, and ice rink under one roof.
Details: Free entry; budget $100–$500 USD for splurges. Open 10 AM–midnight.
Tip: Catch the aquarium’s shark feeding (free, 1 PM daily).
Cruise Dubai Creek
Why: Old Dubai’s soul—wooden abras and spice souks.
Details: Abras cost $0.27 USD (AED 1) one-way; dinner cruises from $40 USD.
Tip: Haggle at Deira’s Gold Souk for bling.
Hit Palm Jumeirah
Why: Man-made island with beaches and luxe vibes.
Details: Free to visit; Aquaventure Waterpark tickets ($80 USD) add thrills.
Tip: Sunset at The Pointe’s restaurants is a must-snap.
Explore Old Dubai: Al Fahidi
Why: Wind towers and history amid the glitz.
Details: Free to wander; Dubai Museum entry $1 USD (AED 3). Open 8:30 AM–8:30 PM.
Tip: Sip karak tea at a local cafe ($1 USD).
Ski Dubai
Why: Indoor skiing in the desert—wildly unique.
Details: Mall of the Emirates; $65 USD for 2 hours, gear included.
Tip: Penguin meet-and-greet ($40 USD extra) is a quirky win.
Check out our Dubai collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
Air Doctor: Need immediate access to a qualified doctor you can not only trust, but also understand? Choose from over 20,000 doctors worldwide. Book a consultation.
See our Travel Doctor page for more options.
Protecting Your Trip to Dubai
Protecting Your Trip to Dubai
From desert heatwaves to unexpected medical costs (hospitals charge $500+ USD without coverage), insurance is key. A policy covering cancellations, health, and lost luggage costs 5–8% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 adventure. Take a look at the options below.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for Dubai
Practical Tips for Dubai
Best Time to Visit: Nov–Mar (20–30°C); summer (Jun–Aug) hits 40°C+.
Getting Around: Metro ($2–$5 USD/day, Nol card); taxis $10–$20 USD/trip.
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED); $1 USD = 3.67 AED. Cards everywhere.
Dress: Modest in public (cover shoulders, knees); beachwear OK at pools.
Dubai Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Dubai Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Al Seef’s Creek Walk: Skip Burj Khalifa’s glitz for this Deira waterfront, blending restored mud houses with modern cafés. Stroll past dhows, sip karak tea (AED 5/$1.36 USD)—free, best at sunset. 1–2 hours; metro to BurJuman.
Day Trip to Hatta: A 90-minute drive (rentals AED 100/$27 USD/day) unveils this mountain enclave—kayak Hatta Dam’s turquoise waters (AED 60/$16 USD) or hike wadis. Less crowded than desert safaris—pack lunch for a full day. Book rentals via Expedia (#affiliate-link).
Sindbad Coffee Shop in Satwa: Forget mall chains—this gritty haunt serves shawarma (AED 10/$2.72 USD) and mint tea (AED 5/$1.36 USD) to cabbies and expats. Open till 1 AM—pair with a walk past Satwa’s street art. Near Sheikh Zayed Road.
Why It’s Worth It: Al Seef’s heritage, Hatta’s rugged calm, and Satwa’s dive-bar vibe reveal Dubai’s roots beyond the skyscraper sheen.
Dubai Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Dubai Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: Men shake hands; women nod or smile—say “As-salamu Alaikum” (Peace be upon you) for respect. Emiratis are hospitable but private—avoid over-familiarity.
Dress: Modest is key—cover shoulders and knees in public (malls, souks). Beachwear’s fine at resorts; men avoid tank tops outside beaches.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Accept coffee or dates if offered—it’s Bedouin hospitality. Photograph respectfully—ask permission for people, especially women.
Don’t: Tip excessively—5–10% (AED 5–10/$1.40–$2.70 USD) in restaurants is enough; cabs round up. Don’t eat or drink publicly during Ramadan’s daylight—fines apply.
Respect: Avoid public affection—hand-holding’s okay, kissing isn’t. Stay calm in crowds; Dubai’s orderly vibe shuns chaos.
Festival Highlights
Eid al-Fitr (post-Ramadan, lunar-based): Feasts and fireworks—join public celebrations at Burj Al Arab for shared joy.
Dubai Shopping Festival (January): Bargains and concerts—haggle politely in souks (20–30% off) to connect with traders.
Blend In: Use “Shukran” (thank you)—it softens interactions. Respect prayer times—shops pause briefly; wait patiently to show courtesy.
Let the Good Times Roll in Dubai
Let the Good Times Roll in Dubai
Dubai is a thrilling destination for travelers chasing luxury, adventure, and a taste of the extraordinary. Whether you’re scaling skyscrapers, savoring spiced feasts, or exploring desert dunes, Dubai delivers something unforgettable for every wanderer. By booking the best flights, choosing stellar accommodations, enjoying mouthwatering local cuisine, and diving into both iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, you’ll create memories to cherish in this desert metropolis.
Planning your Dubai escape is effortless with the right know-how. Whether you’re securing flights, picking the perfect hotel, or staying connected with an eSIM, this guide has you sorted. Don’t forget travel insurance for peace of mind on your journey. Get ready to immerse yourself in the splendor and excitement of Dubai this season!
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