United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Dubai travel guide
The world's tallest building, beach resorts and desert safaris
The Dubai skyline and the Burj Khalifa. Photo: imran shahabuddin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dubai is a city of superlatives: the tallest building, the biggest mall and man-made islands you can see from space. It's also a beach destination with warm sea and guaranteed sunshine from October to April.
Old Dubai, around the creek, has spice and gold souks and abra boats. Most visitors stay four to seven nights, mixing pool time with sightseeing.
What Dubai is known for
- The Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, at 828m.
- Shopping
The Dubai Mall and the souks.
- The Palm
A palm-shaped island of resorts.
- Desert safaris
Dune bashing and dinner under the stars.
Top things to do in Dubai
1At the Top, Burj Khalifa
Observation decks on the 124th to 148th floors. Book a sunset slot.
Find tours and tickets
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4Old Dubai and the souks
Cross the creek on an abra to the gold and spice souks.
Find tours and tickets
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Where to stay in Dubai
Best time to visit Dubai
Best value: Apr, Oct. November to March: sunny, around 24 to 30°C. Summer passes 40°C.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 7h 15m from London to DXB, and flights from most UK airports.
The metro is clean and cheap. Taxis and ride apps are good value.
Good to know
- Cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks and mosques.
- Public drunkenness and public displays of affection can lead to arrest.
- Friday is part of the weekend, so brunches and beaches are busy.
Dubai FAQ
Is Dubai expensive?
It can be, but there are budget hotels and cheap metro and food.
When is it too hot?
June to September, often above 40°C.
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