Posted on Monday, 8 March 2021

The glittering skyscrapers of Dubai were little more than a dream three decades ago. But today this former pearl diving town is a vast metropolis filled with all manner of shopping and entertainment opportunities. And while it has become a millionaires' playground (you'll see supercars everywhere), Dubai is still relatively affordable. So why not visit Dubai and explore this shiny new city of plush apartments, gleaming yachts and world-beating shopping malls - with our useful Dubai travel guide?

Best time to visit Dubai

Due to the very hot and dry desert climate of Dubai, temperatures rarely drop below 25°C throughout the year. The best time to visit Dubai is from October through to April, due to the cooler temperatures compared to during the summer months. 

From the last week of April to early October, the weather can be unbearably hot in Dubai. Humidity is quite high in the summer, and temperatures can reach up to 40°C during this time, which can make you feel tired if you aren't used to the heat.

Because of the extreme heats experienced in summer, you will find that it is not possible to do some of the main tourist attractions if you visit during this time. For example, Dinner in the Sky Dubai is not available during the summer months so if this is something that you want to experience, then the best time to go to Dubai is during the cooler months.

Entry into Dubai

Getting through immigration at Dubai Airport can take an hour or more, but if you use the electronic SmartGates you can get into the city much quicker. You just need to pre-register before you arrive.

Cash and credit cards

Unless you already have dirhams with you, you'll need to use an ATM to get a supply. While many goods and services can be paid for by credit card, some smaller shops and restaurants only accept cash - so it's a good idea to have some dirhams on you throughout your Dubai trip.

ATM tip: When the machine asks if you want to pay in your own currency or dirhams, choose dirhams - it will cost you considerably less.

Hotel pickup services in Dubai

The majority of hotels offer a free airport pickup service.

Getting around Dubai

When you visit Dubai there are a number of transport solutions for getting around.

You can travel by taxis, Uber, or another ride hailing service called Careem. The cost of these services is comparable (about 2 dirhams/30p per km.)Note that taxis with pink roofs are women travelling alone.

Dubai metro

If you're on a budget, the metro system will be a better choice for you during your Dubai trip. You'll need to buy a "Nol'' card - similar to London's Oyster card. You can choose Silver Nol, which grants access to the last two standard coaches, or Gold Nol, which allows you into the front carriage, offering exciting views of the track and the city.

Note that the second carriage is only for women and children.

Trams and monorail

There is also a tram system operating in the marina, which connects to the Palm Monorail. The Palm Monorail connects the Jumeirah coastline and the Atlantis Hotel, taking you across the Palm Jumeirah Island.

Big Bus Dubai

The Big Bus Dubai is a semi-open-top bus service that travels between the city's main attractions and is a pleasant and inexpensive way to get a feel for the city.

Things to do in Dubai

With so much to do, planning your Dubai trip to ensure you see the best of the exciting attractions, activities, shopping and nightlife of Dubai might seem a hard task. Luckily, we're here to help.

Let's take a look at the best things to do and the best places to visit in Dubai during your stay.

Mall of the Emirates

The Mall of the Emirates offers a vast array of shopping and entertainment options.

The mall includes two huge food courts offering a wide array of international cuisine, and a ginormous Carrefour supermarket.

Ski Dubai

The Mall of Dubai also boasts its own indoor ski facility, where you can ski and snowboard until your heart's content. It features an 85m high mountain, its own ski lift, plus separate sled and toboggan runs and an ice cave.

Nearby is also a penguin enclosure with real penguin displays at certain times.

Helicopter flights

If it's within your budget, try a helicopter flight when you visit Dubai - it's a great way to see Dubai's eye-popping skyline - including the Burj Khalifa. Aim to book a flight when visibility is good; sand in the air can make for some hazy views.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is the place to go celebrity spotting, and to have a go on the Dubai Eye - the planet's largest ferris wheel.

Sky Dive Dubai restaurant

Ever fancied eating gourmet food 50m above the ground? Then don't miss the Sky Dive Dubai restaurant - best enjoyed at night for splendid views.

Dubai Museum

Get a feel for Dubai's rich history at the Dubai Museum, housed in the 1787 Al Fahidi Fort. It's a reminder of how much Dubai has changed in the last few decades; in 1990 the city was little more than a sand-blown fishing town.

Dhow tour - Nighttime dinner cruises

Hop on one of the many dhows (large Arabic-style boats) and cruise the Dubai Creek while enjoying tasty Arabic food. You won't need to book ahead since there are many boats to choose from.

4x4 safaris

Book a 4x4 safari and explore the desert with scores of other 4x4s. Lawrence of Arabia it is not - but it is good clean touristy fun!

Musandam tour to Cassab - “The Norway of Arabia”

With your UAE tourist visa you can take the bus into Oman, then book a Musandam (boat) tour of Khasab. This is a wild, rugged section of coastline - and the Middle East's answer to the Norwegian Fjords. A Musandam tour also allows you to take a dive in the Arabian Sea. This is a great option if you have a spare two days.

Dubai Frame

If you're trying to have the biggest of everything, you might as well try having the biggest frame too! This structure features a fascinating museum in its base, and a scary glass floor at the top, 150m above ground.

Burj Khalifa

One site you really don't want to miss when you visit Dubai, the 830m Burj Khalifa has been the world's tallest structure since 2009. You can buy tickets for one of two viewing platforms: At The Top (level 125), or At The Top Sky (level 148). Pre-booking is essential. Aim to go just before sunset and you'll get to enjoy both day and nighttime views of the city.

Dubai Mall

Shopping is one of the main pastimes in Dubai, and the best place to do it is the vast Dubai Mall. Aside from a vast array of shops, there's an ice rink, huge aquarium and a ginormous fountain just outside. Arguably one of the world's most intense shopping experiences.

How much does a trip to Dubai cost?

The costs of flights from London to Dubai vary depending on the class you choose. Bargain flights might cost from £300, while a First Class ticket with Emirates might cost from £6,000!

As a rough guide, you'll need around 5,000 dirhams (£1,000) per person to enjoy Dubai fully for a week.

  

Where is the best place to stay in Dubai?

Like any popular destination Dubai offers a vast range of accommodation to suit any budget. From hostels, to budget and mid-range hotels, through to luxury hotels, you'll find places to suit your needs across the city.

And if you're feeling really lavish (and have a fair bit of disposable income!), you might even opt for the ultimate in luxury stays at one of Dubai's opulent resorts, such as the Bvlgari, Atlantis The Palm or The Burj Al Arab, commonly referred to as the world's only 7 star hotel.

Choosing the best place to stay on your visit can depend on what you are looking to do during your trip.

Here we look at some of the main areas of Dubai and why opting to stay in these districts may suit you. 

For nightlife: Dowtown

If you're looking for the action in Dubai, you can't get much more in the middle of it all than this.

A lively area, Downtown is packed with plenty of hotels and restaurants. It is also where you will find is home to the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa and one of the world's largest shopping centres, Dubai Mall.

  

For budget: Deira

Situated on the Eastern bank of Dubai Creek and just 15 minutes drive from the airport in this old part of Dubai you will find the majority of the city's souqs, making it one of the busiest areas in Dubai.

For tourism: Dubai Marina

With both Jumeirah Beach and The Palm just a short drive away, Dubai Marina is one of the top places to stay while in Dubai.

This district is built alongside a man-made canal and consists of high-rise buildings, including the second tallest building in Dubai, Princess Tower.

For family stays: Jumeirah Beach

For a stylish beach holiday, Jumeirah Beach ticks all, the boxes.

Jumeirah beach offers plenty of activities, including the giant Wild Wadi Waterpark, clean beaches, great shopping and restaurant options, and some of the best hotels in Dubai for tourists, including Burj Al Arab.

For luxury: Palm Jumeirah Beach

A huge man made palm shaped island, attached to Dubai's mainland; Palm Jumeirah provides the ultimate luxury stay.

There are no budget options here, and being so far away from everything else, there's not much to do besides the beach and your hotel

Get a Quote