Dubai Travel Guide

Dubai sits on the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf and has grown from a small fishing settlement into one of the world’s most recognisable cities in under 60 years. The skyline is extraordinary — the Burj Khalifa stands 828 metres above the desert, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab rises from an artificial island, and Palm Jumeirah stretches into the sea like a giant frond. Behind the spectacle is a city that genuinely works: public transport is clean and reliable, safety standards are high, and the food scene covers everything from AED 15 shawarma to multi-course tasting menus.

Getting to Dubai

From Dubai International Airport (DXB): The Airport Metro (Red Line) runs directly to central Dubai, with trains every 3–5 minutes. A single journey to Downtown Dubai costs approximately AED 8.50 using a Nol card and takes around 30 minutes. Taxis from the airport to Downtown run approximately AED 50–75; to Dubai Marina, expect AED 80–110. Registered airport taxis have fixed metered fares.

From Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): Further out, in the south of Dubai. Buses run to the Ibn Battuta Mall Metro station. Taxis to Downtown cost approximately AED 150–200.

Top Attractions

Burj Khalifa — At the Top (floors 124 and 125): Entry approximately AED 149 on the day, or from AED 109 booked online in advance. Hours: 08:00–23:00 daily (last entry 22:30). The 148th floor observation deck (SKY level) costs more — approximately AED 379. Booking ahead is strongly recommended; sunset slots sell out days in advance.

Dubai Frame: Located in Zabeel Park, the 150-metre picture-frame structure offers views of old and new Dubai simultaneously. Entry approximately AED 50 adults, AED 25 children. Hours: 09:00–21:00 daily (Friday and Saturday until 22:00).

Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi District: The historic heart of Dubai. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (old wind-tower district) is free to explore. Abra water-taxi crossings between Deira and Bur Dubai cost AED 1 per person. The Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort costs approximately AED 3.

Palm Jumeirah: The monorail from Gateway station to Atlantis costs approximately AED 25 one-way. The Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis entry is approximately AED 300–350 for a day pass.

Dubai Mall: Free entry. Ice rink, aquarium (approximately AED 130 for aquarium and underwater zoo), and the Dubai Fountain show outside — free at 18:00 and 22:00 daily.

Where to Stay

Budget (AED 250–450/night): Zabeel House by Jumeirah, Al Seef offers modern rooms with Creek views in a convenient location, from approximately AED 350/night. Rove Downtown is a popular design hotel close to the Dubai Mall and Metro, from approximately AED 290/night.

Mid-range (AED 500–900/night): Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre sits above the City Centre Deira mall with Metro access, from approximately AED 550/night. Address Dubai Marina offers harbour views and a rooftop pool, from approximately AED 700/night.

Luxury (AED 1,200+/night): Atlantis The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah island has its own waterpark and a 133-hectare aquascape, from approximately AED 1,800/night. Jumeirah Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah is a resort complex with private beach and water channels, from approximately AED 1,400/night. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach occupies a quiet stretch of beach, from approximately AED 1,600/night.

Where to Eat

Budget (AED 15–60/person): The food courts in Deira City Centre and Ibn Battuta Mall serve every cuisine from AED 20. Al Ustad Special Kabab in Deira has served Iranian kebabs since 1978 — a full meal around AED 50 per person. Ravi Restaurant in Satwa is a legendary Pakistani diner where biryani and karahi cost AED 20–35.

Mid-range (AED 80–200/person): Bu Qtair in Jumeirah serves fried fish and prawns in no-frills surroundings — expect to pay around AED 90–130 per person. Comptoir 102 in Jumeirah is a café-concept restaurant with organic dishes from AED 70. Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi serves traditional Emirati breakfasts and lunches in a courtyard, around AED 60–100.

Upscale (AED 250+/person): Nobu Dubai in the Atlantis is consistently rated among the city’s best — omakase menus from AED 600. Zuma Dubai in the DIFC serves Japanese robata in a dramatic setting, around AED 300–400 per person. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal brings the London restaurant’s concept to Dubai, from approximately AED 500 per person.

Getting Around Dubai

The Dubai Metro (Red and Green lines) is the backbone of public transport. A Nol card (AED 6 deposit) covers metro, buses, water buses, and trams. Single metro rides range from AED 2–8.50 depending on zones. The metro operates 05:30–midnight (Saturday–Thursday) and 10:00–01:00 on Fridays.

Taxis are metered, clean, and abundant. Flag-fall is AED 5 (AED 3.5 off-peak). Most journeys within central Dubai cost AED 20–70. The RTA Dubai Taxi app and Careem (the regional Uber equivalent) are reliable for pre-booking.

The Dubai Tram runs along Jumeirah Beach Residence and connects to the Metro at two points. The Palm Monorail connects the Palm to Atlantis.

Practical Tips

• Dress modestly in souks, mosques, and public spaces outside beach and pool areas
• The Dubai Metro has dedicated women-and-children carriages at the front
• Photography is generally permitted in public spaces; avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, and people without permission
• The working week is Monday–Friday; Friday is the weekend’s first day and some businesses open late on Thursdays
• Tap water is technically safe but most residents drink bottled or filtered water
• Summer outdoor sightseeing is genuinely unpleasant — if visiting June–September, plan indoor activities for midday

For desert experiences, we recommend reading our Dubai desert safari guide and overnight desert camp guide. For transport planning, see getting around Dubai.