Things To Do
in Dubai
Dubai, a bustling metropolis in the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for its futuristic skyline, dominated by the towering Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. It boasts a unique blend of modern luxury and rich cultural heritage, offering visitors extravagant shopping experiences, artificial islands, and expansive desert landscapes.
Dubai seamlessly combines innovation with tradition, serving as a global hub for business, tourism, and luxury living.
- "Marhaban" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Afwan" - You're welcome
- "Inshallah" - God willing
- "Ahlan wa sahlan" - Welcome
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Don't forget to catch the breathtaking views from the observation deck.
Head to The Dubai Mall for lunch and shopping, enjoying the aquarium and ice rink. Stroll through the Dubai Fountain area for enchanting water shows.
Visit the historic Al Fahidi Neighborhood to experience traditional Emirati culture. End your day with a river cruise on Dubai Creek, soaking in the city lights.
Relax at Jumeirah Beach with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm waters.
Grab lunch at a beachside café, followed by some water sports like paddleboarding or jet-skiing. Spend time at Kite Beach, where the atmosphere is lively and fun.
Discover Dubai Marina by taking a leisurely walk along the promenade. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife with a cocktail at a rooftop bar.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Luxurious lifestyle and high standard of living
- Tax-free income and business-friendly environment
- World-class infrastructure and modern amenities
- Diverse and multicultural community
- Pleasant winter climate with year-round sunshine
- Abundant entertainment, shopping, and dining options
- Strong economic growth and job opportunities in various sectors
- High cost of living, especially housing and schooling
- Extreme heat during summer months
- Cultural restrictions and lack of personal freedoms
- Traffic congestion and public transport limitations
- Dependence on expatriate workforce
- Limited political freedoms and restrictions on free speech
- Potential for social tensions among diverse populations
Best Activities in Dubai
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Bedouin camp activities in the Dubai desert.
Relax and soak up the sun at Dubai's beautiful beaches, such as Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach.
Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Dubai's iconic landmarks while freefalling from thousands of feet above the ground.
Embark on a traditional wooden dhow boat for a scenic cruise along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina, accompanied by dinner and entertainment.
Tours
Uncover the best of Dubai with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Dubai
Visit one of these nice places.
The tallest building in the world with spectacular views of the city.
Offers stunning waterfront views and a beautiful skyline.
An iconic man-made island with impressive views of the city and the coastline.
Provides panoramic views of old and new Dubai.
Historic district with scenic views of traditional architecture along the Dubai Creek.
Food in Dubai
Dubai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender slices of marinated meat wrapped in a warm flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and tomatoes can be found at RAK Shawarma or Al Mallah restaurant.
Must-Try!
A fragrant rice dish with slow-cooked meat, often accompanied by dried limes and aromatic spices. Try this at Seven Sands or Local Bites Cafe for an authentic taste.
Small, sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup, commonly enjoyed as a dessert or snack. Visit the Global Village or Qwaider Al Nabulsi to savor these delicacies.
A hearty dish made with wheat and slow-cooked meat, often enjoyed during Ramadan. Head to Ayam Elezz for an exquisite serving of Harees.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Dubai better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the aromatic Spice Souk in Deira to discover an array of exotic spices, herbs, and dried fruits, offering a sensory journey through traditional flavors.
Wander through AlSeef's bustling alleys to find various food stalls serving a rich tapestry of Emirati, Middle Eastern, and international street food.
Experience a vibrant open-air market at Zabeel Park, featuring organic produce, artisanal products, and diverse food stalls offering gourmet street food.
Visit Al Marhabani in Deira to sample the popular local snack, Sambousek, crispy pastries filled with meat, cheese, or spinach.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Dubai, it's important to dress modestly, especially in public areas and when visiting religious sites. Both men and women should avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing.
During the holy month of Ramadan, it's important to show respect by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Non-Muslims should also refrain from playing loud music or engaging in public displays of affection during this time.
It is customary to greet with a handshake, but it's important to note that some Muslim women may not feel comfortable shaking hands with men. Also, public displays of affection are frowned upon, and it's important to be mindful of local customs regarding personal space and physical contact.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Dubai with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Dubai
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Dubai is generally not mandatory but is often appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% may be included in the bill, so it's important to check before tipping additionally. Tipping taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides is also common.
Payment in Dubai is commonly done using credit or debit cards, and cash is also widely accepted. It's important to note that in some smaller establishments, cash may be the only accepted form of payment. Many major international credit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Dubai.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Dubai with pleasant weather, outdoor activities, and numerous events and festivals such as Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Jazz Festival.
Expect extremely hot weather with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, but opportunities for indoor activities, water parks, and discounted hotel rates.
Dubai at Night
Hiking in Dubai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 115 km from Dubai, Hatta offers stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities in a natural setting.
The highest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais features a range of hiking trails with panoramic views and is located about 150 km from Dubai.
A serene location for hiking and bird watching, Al Qudra Lakes is a man-made oasis that is perfect for a nature walk and is about 30 km from Dubai.
Located in the Hajar Mountains, Wadi Shawka offers beautiful rock formations, hiking trails, and local wildlife, approximately 120 km from Dubai.
This reserve features trails that allow visitors to explore the unique desert ecosystem while hiking, located just outside of the city.
While primarily a bird sanctuary, the surrounding nature trails provide a unique hiking experience within Dubai, just a short drive from the city center.
About 90 km from Dubai, Fujairah offers coastal hiking trails alongside beautiful beaches and stunning views of the Gulf of Oman.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Dubai through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Dubai by plane.
The main airport serving Dubai, it is one of the busiest international airports in the world.
Located about 30 minutes from Dubai, it serves as a hub for international flights and is the second largest airport in the UAE.
Approximately 30 km from Dubai, this airport offers various international flights and is an alternative for travelers.
Located in Dubai World Central, it is positioned to become a major airport for future air traffic and is currently operational for cargo and limited passenger flights.
Around 450 km from Dubai, this is the primary airport serving Muscat, Oman, and offers a significant number of international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Comprising primarily Indians and Pakistanis, this group represents a significant portion of Dubai's population, engaging in various sectors including construction, hospitality, and services.
Including Emiratis and other Arab nationals, this demographic is integral to the cultural identity of Dubai. Emiratis are involved in governance and management of the nation.
This group includes expatriates from Europe, North America, and Australia, many of whom work in finance, technology, and education.
Comprising nationals from countries such as the Philippines and Thailand, this group works primarily in service industries including hospitality and domestic work.
Including both expatriates and migrants from various African nations, this group contributes to a range of industries, including business and hospitality.
This includes a diverse array of individuals from different nations, contributing to a multicultural environment in Dubai, particularly in sectors like tourism and trade.
The Soul of Dubai
Discover the essence of Dubai through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is extremely popular in Dubai, with a strong following for both local clubs and international teams. The UAE Pro League and various international matches attract large audiences.
Cricket is hugely celebrated in Dubai, particularly among the expatriate community. The Dubai International Stadium hosts numerous international matches and T20 leagues.
Rugby has a growing following in Dubai, with various clubs and competitions. The Dubai Sevens tournament is particularly popular and attracts teams from around the world.
Horse racing is a prestigious sport in Dubai, especially the Dubai World Cup, which is one of the richest horse races globally, attracting international attention.
Tennis enjoys popularity in Dubai, with the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships being a notable event that features top international players.
Golf is a favored sport in Dubai, with several world-class courses. The Omega Dubai Desert Classic attracts many professional golfers each year.
Motorsports, particularly Formula 1-style events and drag racing, are popular in Dubai, highlighted by events like the Formula E race.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dubai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Dubai's culinary scene boasts a wealth of vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries, including Urth Caffe, Wild & The Moon, and 77 Veggie Boutique, offering innovative plant-based dishes.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can explore dedicated gluten-free menus at various restaurants, such as Zuma, Social House, and Baker & Spice, ensuring a diverse range of gluten-free delicacies.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Dubai with these cultural adventures.
