Dubai, UAE travel guide

The future city in the desert. Luxury, souks, and sand dunes under 45 minutes from downtown.

Best time to visit: November-March
Average daily budget: $120 to $300 USD
Ideal trip length: 3 to 5 days

Dubai is the city that built the impossible out of sand. The world's tallest building, man-made islands, a ski slope in a mall - and then a traditional souk where you haggle for saffron 15 minutes away. Joy Plus balances the spectacle with the authentic: a dawn desert safari, an abra ride on the Creek, and dinner in Al Fahidi's restored wind-tower houses.

Dubai itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Abra ride across Dubai Creek (1 dirham). The cheapest, most authentic experience in the city.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, fountains, the postcard Dubai.

Evening: Burj Khalifa at sunset (book Level 148). The observation deck at 555m. The city turns gold, then neon.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Dubai Fountain show at 6pm and 8pm. Stand at the bridge between Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar for the best angle.

Afternoon: Explore Al Fahidi & Bur Dubai, The original Dubai. Wind towers, abras on the Creek, the textile souk.

Evening: Desert safari with dune bashing and Bedouin dinner. Book a small-group operator. The sunset over the dunes is unforgettable.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Wander old Dubai: the Creek and souks. Cross the Creek by traditional abra for a dirham, then the spice and gold souks of Deira. The old town shows the city before the skyscrapers, far more atmospheric than another mall.

Afternoon: Explore Jumeirah, Beaches, the Burj Al Arab, the most beautiful mosque views.

Evening: Desert safari with dune dinner. Late-afternoon 4x4 dune bashing, then a desert camp for a buffet under the stars with camels and falconry. Book a smaller, conservation-minded operator and time it so the dunes glow at sunset.

Best neighbourhoods

Downtown Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, fountains, the postcard Dubai.
Al Fahidi & Bur Dubai: The original Dubai. Wind towers, abras on the Creek, the textile souk.
Jumeirah: Beaches, the Burj Al Arab, the most beautiful mosque views.
Dubai Marina: Skyscrapers, yacht clubs, the Walk, nightlife.
Deira: The spice souk, gold souk, and the real multi-cultural Dubai.

Must-do experiences

Burj Khalifa at sunset (book Level 148): The observation deck at 555m. The city turns gold, then neon.
Desert safari with dune bashing and Bedouin dinner: Book a small-group operator. The sunset over the dunes is unforgettable.
Abra ride across Dubai Creek (1 dirham): The cheapest, most authentic experience in the city.
Dubai Fountain show at 6pm and 8pm: Stand at the bridge between Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar for the best angle.
Desert safari with dune dinner: Late-afternoon 4x4 dune bashing, then a desert camp for a buffet under the stars with camels and falconry. Book a smaller, conservation-minded operator and time it so the dunes glow at sunset.
Wander old Dubai: the Creek and souks: Cross the Creek by traditional abra for a dirham, then the spice and gold souks of Deira. The old town shows the city before the skyscrapers, far more atmospheric than another mall.

Hidden gems

Alserkal Avenue - warehouses turned galleries in Al Quoz.
The Coffee Museum in Al Fahidi.
Hatta kayaking in the mountain dam (1.5 hours from downtown).
Ravi Restaurant in Satwa - Pakistani food, $5 feast, Anthony Bourdain-approved.

Daily budget

$120 to $300 USD per day.

What to eat

Shawarma at Al Mallah (Satwa)
Emirati machboos at Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)
Gold-flake cappuccino at a Downtown café (at least once)
Friday brunch at any hotel - it's a Dubai institution

Getting around

The metro is clean and covers the main strip (Red Line). Taxis and Uber are everywhere and affordable. Rent a car only if you're going to the desert or Hatta. The Creek abras are the most fun way to cross old Dubai.

Safety

Extremely safe. One of the lowest crime rates in the world. Solo travellers, including women, are very comfortable. Respect local dress codes in souks and religious sites (cover shoulders and knees).

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Dubai?

Three days for the highlights, five if you want to add a desert overnight, a day trip to Abu Dhabi, and slow down for the souks and beaches.

Is Dubai expensive?

It can be. Hotels $100-500/night, meals $15-100. But street food, the metro, and free attractions (beaches, souks, the fountain show) keep costs manageable. Brunch is the splurge.

Is Dubai safe for solo female travellers?

Very safe. Crime is virtually non-existent. Solo women travellers are common and comfortable. Dress modestly in older areas and religious sites; beachwear is fine at pools and beaches only.

What's the best time of year to visit Dubai?

November to March is the sweet spot - 22-28°C, blue skies, perfect for desert, beach and outdoor dining. April and October are shoulder season (warmer but bearable). Avoid June-August: 42-48°C, humid, only liveable in malls and pools.

Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?

Yes - in licensed hotel bars, restaurants and clubs (which is most upscale venues). You cannot drink in public, on the beach or in the street. As of 2023 tourists no longer need a personal alcohol licence to drink in licensed venues. Public drunkenness is taken seriously.

Is Dubai or Abu Dhabi better for tourists?

Dubai for energy, shopping, nightlife and variety. Abu Dhabi for the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island theme parks and a calmer pace. Most travellers base in Dubai and do Abu Dhabi as a long day trip (90 minutes by car each way).

What should I wear in Dubai?

It's liberal for the Gulf, but dress modestly in public, malls and souks, shoulders and knees covered. Beachwear is fine at pools and beaches only, and cover up when visiting mosques.

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

November to March, when temperatures are pleasant for the beach and outdoors. Summer (June-September) is brutally hot, often over 40°C, so you'll be stuck indoors, though hotel deals are cheapest then.

Is Dubai expensive?

It can be, but it scales to your budget. Alcohol, fine dining and luxury hotels are pricey, while the metro, shawarma joints, public beaches and old-town souks keep a trip surprisingly affordable.

Tours and activities in Dubai | Dubai in 3 days | Dubai in 5 days | Dubai in 7 days