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United Arab Emirates
Dubai Travel Guide
Dubai is the UAE’s largest city and one of the world’s busiest air hubs, which makes it both a destination and a stopover. Most visitors split their time between the skyscraper districts around Sheikh Zayed Road, the beaches of Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, and the older neighbourhoods along Dubai Creek.
- Best time: November to March
- Airport: DXB / DWC
- UAE dirham
Overview
About Dubai
Dubai is the UAE’s largest city and one of the world’s busiest air hubs, which makes it both a destination and a stopover. Most visitors split their time between the skyscraper districts around Sheikh Zayed Road, the beaches of Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, and the older neighbourhoods along Dubai Creek.
Distances are large and summer heat is intense, so where you stay shapes the trip: pick a base on the Dubai Metro Red Line if you want to move around without a car, or a beach resort if the trip is about the sea.
- Best time to visit
- November to March
- Currency
- UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar
- Time zone
- Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4), no daylight saving
- Language
- Arabic is the official language; English is widely used in hotels, shops and transport
In-depth guides
Dubai guides
- Where to Stay in DubaiDowntown, the Marina, the Palm or Deira — the right base for your trip.
- Dubai Itinerary: 3, 5 and 7 DaysDay-by-day plans for 3, 5 and 7 days, grouped by area.
- Dubai Desert Safari GuideEvening, morning and overnight safaris, and how to choose one.
- Best Things to Do in DubaiTop attractions plus free, family and evening ideas.
Hotels in Dubai
Best areas in Dubai
Each area links to places to stay on our Dubai hotels page.
- Downtown DubaiHome to Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain. Walkable around the boulevard and on the Metro Red Line, with neighbouring Business Bay offering more hotel choice.
- Dubai Marina & JBRHigh-rise waterfront district next to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and its public beach. The Marina Walk, Dubai Tram and two Metro stations make it an easy base.
- Palm JumeirahThe palm-shaped island is lined with beach resorts, including Atlantis at its tip. Great for a resort holiday; less convenient for sightseeing without taxis.
- Deira & Bur DubaiThe historic heart on both banks of Dubai Creek: the Gold and Spice Souks, abra boat crossings and Al Fahidi. Generally the best-value hotels, close to DXB.
- Al BarshaA practical, central residential district around Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai, on the Metro Red Line between Downtown and the Marina.
Not sure which area suits you? Read our full guide to where to stay in Dubai.
Getting there
Flights to Dubai
Almost all passenger flights use Dubai International (DXB), close to Deira and Downtown. Al Maktoum International (DWC) in Dubai South handles a smaller number of flights and is much further from the centre.
- DXB
- Dubai International Airport
- DWC
- Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central)
Popular routes
Things to do
Top attractions and tours in Dubai
Popular tours and tickets from our activity partner.
See the best things to do in Dubai for free, family and evening ideas.
Popular attractions
- Burj Khalifa
- The Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain
- Museum of the Future
- Desert safari in the Dubai desert
- Dubai Creek & the souks
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Frame
Cruises & Boat
5 hours
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing
MuseumsFree cancel
1 hour
Day TripsFree cancel
1 hour
Cruises & BoatFree cancel
40 minutes
OutdoorFree cancel
5 hours
OutdoorFree cancel
4 hours
OutdoorFree cancel
6 hours
When to go
Best time to visit Dubai
November to March is the most comfortable period, with warm days and cooler evenings — also the busiest and most expensive season. June to September is very hot and humid; hotel rates are usually at their lowest, and most sightseeing moves indoors.
Transport
Getting around Dubai
The Dubai Metro Red Line links Dubai International (Terminals 1 and 3) with Deira, Downtown, Al Barsha and Dubai Marina; the Dubai Tram serves the Marina and JBR. Taxis and ride-hailing cover the rest.
Travel tips
Dubai travel tips
- Book a hotel within walking distance of a Dubai Metro station if you plan to see both the old souks in Deira and the malls and towers of Downtown — the Red Line avoids the worst of the Sheikh Zayed Road traffic.
- Buy a Nol card at any Metro station; the same card works on the Metro, Dubai Tram and public buses.
- The Metro has a Gold Class carriage and a carriage reserved for women and children — check the floor markings before boarding.
- Plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning or after sunset between May and September, and keep midday for museums, malls and the aquarium.
Dubai essentials
Dubai travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March has the most comfortable weather and is peak season. June to September is extremely hot but usually brings the lowest hotel rates.
Which airport should I fly into for Dubai?
Dubai International (DXB) handles most flights and is close to the city, with its own Metro stations. Some flights use Al Maktoum International (DWC), which is much further south.
Do I need a car in Dubai?
Not necessarily. Staying near the Metro Red Line lets you reach the airport, Downtown, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina by train; taxis are widely available for everything else.
Plan your trip
Plan your Dubai trip
- Hotels in DubaiExplore hotels in Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina & JBR and more.
- Dubai tours & activitiesExplore Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain and other experiences.
- United Arab Emirates travel guideUAE travel guide: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah — where to stay, the best time to visit, getting around and things to do in each emirate.
Nearby and related destinations
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesAbu Dhabi travel guide: where to stay from the Corniche to Yas and Saadiyat Islands, the best time to visit, airport tips and things to do.
- Doha, QatarDoha travel guide: Souq Waqif, West Bay and The Pearl, the best time to visit, Hamad International Airport and things to do.
Facts last reviewed 27 September 2026. Hotel, flight and activity availability is provided live by our booking partners, and bookings are completed with them.