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United Arab Emirates · Cities

Dubai

A city of record-breaking towers and beaches, with an old trading quarter on the creek and the dunes less than an hour away.

Photo: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

When to go

November to March is warm and sunny, the best time for the beach, the desert and walking outdoors, and the busiest. From May to September it is extremely hot, often above 40 °C, and days are spent indoors. During Ramadan some daytime services change; it is a quieter, interesting time to visit.

The year at a glance
  1. Jan: Best
  2. Feb: Best
  3. Mar: Best
  4. Apr: Good
  5. May: Wet or very hot
  6. Jun: Wet or very hot
  7. Jul: Wet or very hot
  8. Aug: Wet or very hot
  9. Sep: Wet or very hot
  10. Oct: Good
  11. Nov: Best
  12. Dec: Best

Where to stay

  • Downtown

    Around the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, with the fountain shows on the doorstep.

    Good for: First visits, Shopping

  • Dubai Marina and JBR

    Towers by the sea, a waterfront walk and the beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence.

    Good for: Beaches, Families

  • Deira and Bur Dubai

    The old city on either side of the creek: souks, heritage houses and lower prices.

    Good for: Budgets, Culture

Things to do

  1. The Burj Khalifa

    The view from the observation decks, best booked ahead for sunset. The fountain show below runs every evening.

  2. The creek and the old souks

    Cross the creek by abra, the old wooden ferry, to the gold and spice souks, and walk the Al Fahidi historic district.

  3. A desert safari

    An afternoon in the dunes, often with dinner at a camp. Choose an operator with good safety reviews, especially for dune driving.

  4. The beaches

    Free public beaches line Jumeirah, with clear water and the skyline behind. Swimwear is fine on the beach but not in malls or the streets.

Food

Everything is halal by default, apart from clearly marked pork in some supermarkets and restaurants. Try shawarma, Emirati dishes like machboos, and the many South Asian restaurants in Bur Dubai and Karama.

Getting around

The Metro
Clean, cheap and air-conditioned, linking the airport, Downtown and the Marina. Buy a Nol card; women-only carriages are marked.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Metered taxis are plentiful and reliable; Careem and Uber also work.
Abras
Traditional boats across the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira, for a small fare.

Good to know

  • Dress modestly in malls, souks and public places: shoulders and knees covered.
  • Public displays of affection, and drinking alcohol outside licensed places, are against the law.

Guides are a starting point. Check opening times, prices and bookings yourself before you travel. Checked 13 Aug 2026.

Turn this guide into your plan

Your companion already knows Dubai. Tell it your dates, your pace and what you love, and see your days right away.

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