Dubai
Dubai
From a humble village to a cosmopolitan city Dubai has transformed from a humble fishing village to one of the most cosmopolitan and innovative cities in the world today. Tracing its origins back to 3,000 BC, Dubai's inhabitants made their livelihood from fishing, pearl diving, boat building and sea trading, before the discovery of oil in the late 1960s. In 1971, Dubai joined its neighbours to form the United Arab Emirates, safeguarding the area's prosperity.Hitta resa
Head off-road with Dune Buggy Dubai to discover the thrills of the desert. You can find activities to suit whatever level of adventure you crave. The Morning Dune Buggy Safari features an early bird hour-long ride in your own open buggy. If you're looking for more, try the Evening Desert Safari. Here, you'll go dune bashing in a brand new Land Rover. After the drive, you'll sit down for live entertainment consisting of a traditional dance show. Food, beverages and henna painting enhance the experience with sand boarding and camel riding available to keep the excitement going until late at night.
Thrill-seekers can get their kicks at sea in JBR Beach, where Dubai’s latest toys are getting hearts racing. Flyboarding, also known as water jet-packing, sees adventure lovers fitted into a small board and strapped to a specially-made backpack that sucks up seawater, before spitting it back out, propelling the rider into the air. If you have never tried it before, no worries. Even beginners will be able to manoeuvre themselves around the marina – just be prepared to make a splash crash-landing the first few attempts.
Have fun on the water and at the same time take in some of Dubai’s famous landmarks with a jet-ski session. Nemo Watersports and Dubai Jetski offer tours that present the best of Dubai from the water. Each tour is accompanied by a qualified instructor and you can go as fast or slow as you like. With its pristine coastline and azure blue waters, it's the perfect place to master new moves.
Direct your taxi driver to Dubai's most famous sand dune, Big Red, where you can hop on a quad bike and navigate the sandy landscape yourself. Available to hire by the half hour, the quad bikes are speedy and a helmet must be worn while riding. Follow the natural trail of the dunes, kicking sand in the face of your fellow riders as you hurtle and bounce over Dubai’s most iconic patch of sand. Big Red is easy to spot along the Dubai-Hatta (E44) highway. Ask your driver to wait, or hire one for the day.
This is one for true adrenaline-seekers. Strap this snowboard-like contraption to your feet and glide down the dunes, just like you would at the slopes of Ski Dubai. While it's possible to rent a sandboard at Big Red, there are a number of tour companies that offer the full experience including Dream Explorer Dubai, Desert Rangers and Lama Dubai. It may look tricky but you'll soon learn all the tips and tricks to make it down the dunes smoothly.
Take in the rugged landscape of Hatta, nestled in the rocky Hajar Mountains. Explore the centuries-old attractions or simply take in views of the striking scenes from your own camping tent. Hatta has been enjoying a renaissance of late thanks to an array of new hotspots including a dedicated adventure centre, luxe lodges and a trailer-park themed resort. For more overnight thrills, try glamping in the serene sands of the Arabian desert. Leading operators including Platinum Heritage and Arabian Adventures offer their own unique take on glamping in Dubai, complete with astronomy sessions, private majlis areas and after-dark wildlife spotting.
Featuring the largest and most diverse number of wildlife species in the UAE, Al Warqa’s Dubai Safari is home to 2,500 animals. Adventurers can encounter monkeys, lions, giraffes, crocodiles and a whole lot more as they explore the park's four themed sections: the Arabian, Asian, African and Safari Village. While its solar-powered driving vehicles and world’s first drive-through crocodile exhibit are impressive feats, the park has big plans in store as it aims to provide a safe haven for 5,000 animals by 2020.
Step away from the city and float 1,200 metres above the desert dunes with a hot air balloon tour. The adventure usually starts at sunrise, followed by an hour-long flight that's worth the early wake-up. Following whichever way the desert breeze blows, you'll get breathtaking views of the rolling red sands, rising sun, grazing gazelles, and majestic Hajar Mountains. With a variety of packages to choose from, you can make it a romantic rendezvous, corporate celebration or an unforgettable family experience.
Head off-road with Dune Buggy Dubai to discover the thrills of the desert. You can find activities to suit whatever level of adventure you crave. The Morning Dune Buggy Safari features an early bird hour-long ride in your own open buggy. If you're looking for more, try the Evening Desert Safari. Here, you'll go dune bashing in a brand new Land Rover. After the drive, you'll sit down for live entertainment consisting of a traditional dance show. Food, beverages and henna painting enhance the experience with sand boarding and camel riding available to keep the excitement going until late at night.
Thrill-seekers can get their kicks at sea in JBR Beach, where Dubai’s latest toys are getting hearts racing. Flyboarding, also known as water jet-packing, sees adventure lovers fitted into a small board and strapped to a specially-made backpack that sucks up seawater, before spitting it back out, propelling the rider into the air. If you have never tried it before, no worries. Even beginners will be able to manoeuvre themselves around the marina – just be prepared to make a splash crash-landing the first few attempts.
Held annually, Dubai Food Festival celebrates the city's distinct food scene, celebrity chefs and world-class dining experiences. The festival features a fantastic line-up of events from late February to early March. The exciting schedule typically includes Dubai Restaurant Week, where foodies can taste must-try restaurants for less; an array of beachside food stalls at Beach Canteen; Taste of Dubai, where food, culture and music mix for an epic weekend event; and much more.
While modern flavours and techniques influence Emirati food, the cuisine still retains much of its traditional character. A medley of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and nutmeg take centre stage alongside dried fruits and fresh herbs like coriander, mint and thyme. Try traditional harees, mandi and karak tea at restaurants like Logma at The Dubai Mall, JBR's Seven Sands and Al Hadheerah, tucked away among the dunes of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
Join in on one of Dubai's favourite pastimes – the famous Friday brunch. There's a brunch to suit any mood, whether you're seeking a romantic vibe, a fun meal with friends or simply fantastic cuisine, Dubai has you covered. Tried-and-true options include Saffron, Bubbalicious and Zuma. If you're looking for something more offbeat, try an evening brunch at the Mercury Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach or Vida's poolside Urban Picnic.
Whether it’s coffee you're after or a bakery bite there’s no shortage of cafés in Dubai. Park House and Surf Café offer laidback vibes near the beach, while Tom & Serg in Dubai's art district is one of a kind. For a caffeine fix in Dubai's finance district, visit The Sum of Us or try the lavender honey latte at The Brass while shopping in City Walk. If you're passing by Galleria Mall, satisfy your sweet tooth at Home Bakery.
With celebrity chefs, rooftop terraces, spectacular cuisine – foodies can taste delicious concepts in Dubai's amazing fine-dining establishments. Try Peruvian cuisine at Coya, French bistro favourites at Couqley or La Serre, Italian classics at Cipriani or superb seafood at Pierchic. If you're looking for fine-dining with Arabian flair, options offering both gourmet cuisine and a world-class atmosphere include Al Nafoorah, Amaseena and Ewaan.
Some of the world's most esteemed chefs set up restaurants in Dubai, adding to the city's ever-increasing portfolio of high-end dining. Sink your teeth into Italy's finest fare at Social by Heinz Beck, Gary Rhodes' British classics at Rhodes W1 or French cuisine at world-famous La Petite Maison. For more highly-acclaimed cuisine, enjoy a taste of Peru at Lima Dubai or Provençal cuisine at Bleu Blanc by David Myers.
It can be a challenge to get your children to eat what’s on their plates. Fortunately, Dubai is filled with restaurants serving kid-friendly meals, with menus featuring international specialties served with a side of entertainment. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something to enjoy in the city. Try a weekend brunch at The Westin Mina Seyahi, a yummy breakfast by the beach at Pots, Pans and Boards, or unleash their artistic side over lunch at Café Céramique.
Imagine this: the sound of crashing waves, the scent of the beach and a delectable feast on your table. We have the best selection of beachside dining, from fresh seafood at Fish Beach Taverna or international cuisine at Jetty Lounge, to a quick, quirky bite at Al Ijaza Cafeteria and unbeatable sliders at homegrown Salt. For a guaranteed good time with live music or a DJ, visit the favourite local party spot, Barasti. Alternatively, for a fine-dining experience on the water, try Jumeirah Beach Hotel's Villa Beach.
Held annually, Dubai Food Festival celebrates the city's distinct food scene, celebrity chefs and world-class dining experiences. The festival features a fantastic line-up of events from late February to early March. The exciting schedule typically includes Dubai Restaurant Week, where foodies can taste must-try restaurants for less; an array of beachside food stalls at Beach Canteen; Taste of Dubai, where food, culture and music mix for an epic weekend event; and much more.
While modern flavours and techniques influence Emirati food, the cuisine still retains much of its traditional character. A medley of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and nutmeg take centre stage alongside dried fruits and fresh herbs like coriander, mint and thyme. Try traditional harees, mandi and karak tea at restaurants like Logma at The Dubai Mall, JBR's Seven Sands and Al Hadheerah, tucked away among the dunes of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
From chic outdoor shopping precincts to super-sized city malls, there’s no better place to indulge in retail therapy than Dubai. And it’s not just the shopping that attracts; there’s also ice rinks, ski slopes, fabulous cinemas, spas and restaurants districts to keep you entertained. Take in the attractions of The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Walk and The Beach at JBR as a starting point.
Lavish gold jewellery, hand-woven fabrics, oud fragrances and bargain knick-knacks – you'll find it all in our bustling souks, or Arabian markets. While the emirate lives up to its reputation as a thriving modern city, the souks have been a crucial part of daily life and trade for centuries. For an immersive cultural experience, visit the gold, spice, perfume and textile souks in Dubai's historical neighbourhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai and, for a modern take, visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Souk Al Bahar.
If you're looking for stylish boutiques, al fresco dining or simply a leisurely promenade along the waterfront, head to The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Along this buzzing boulevard, there's plenty of opportunity to satisfy your retail cravings with an array of fashion, home and handicraft shops and boutiques. For more laidback fun, head to La Mer in Jumeirah 1. This vibrant precinct reflects a seafresh theme, with plenty of bustling beachside attractions including a free-jumping inflatable playground for little ones and fun-fuelled watersports at Sea Breeze.
There’s no place like Dubai for shopping. From The Dubai Mall's Level Shoes store to the glorious Fashion Dome at the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai offers a glamorous and indulgent retail experience. Excellent locations are matched with superb in-store service, immersive brand activations and beautiful store designs to create an unforgettable experience. For a more exclusive touch, the city's best malls also offer personal shopping and styling services, chauffeurs so you can save your energy for shopping, and even at-home delivery of all your purchases. Ready, set, shop.
Go off the beaten track to one of Dubai’s emerging boutique shopping districts such as d3 (Dubai Design District), which showcases an array of quirky and contemporary products, or Al Quoz, which features cutting-edge galleries and contemporary Arabian interiors. There’s also excellent boutique shopping at City Walk, BoxPark, JBR, La Mer and Jumeirah. Check out S*uce, Urbanist, Comptoir 102, and keep an eye out for pop-up markets with local designers. There are also plenty of homegrown fashion labels including All Things Mochi, L’Afshar, Taller Marmo and Bil Arabi to choose from.
From organic produce and local design markets like Police Academy Park's Ripe Market to seasonal events like the Ramadan Night Markets, Market OTB and Beach Canteen, Dubai loves a good market. Don't miss the chance to take home treasures from Dubai's oldest markets like the gold, spice, perfume and textile souks, or a sample the best of modern Arabia at a seasonal pop-up.
Whether it’s about having fun with your family and friends or getting your hands on the hottest fashion trends, Dubai has a festival for every shopper. The city's immersive shopping experiences offer chic and affordable items, while giving shoppers the chance to celebrate their newly aquired buys with plenty of rewards. Check out the annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) for exciting activities, fantastic events and great offers.
Take a walk in edgier precincts including Dubai Design District (d3) and Alserkal Avenue for a look at Dubai's homegrown favourites. The city boasts its own boutique chocolatiers, Mirzam, that crafts indulgent sweet treats from their factory at Alserkal. Meanwhile The Lighthouse at d3 has a curated selection of travel accessories and lifestyle products. There are also plenty of homegrown fashion labels including All Things Mochi, L’Afshar, Taller Marmo and Bil Arabi to choose from.
From chic outdoor shopping precincts to super-sized city malls, there’s no better place to indulge in retail therapy than Dubai. And it’s not just the shopping that attracts; there’s also ice rinks, ski slopes, fabulous cinemas, spas and restaurants districts to keep you entertained. Take in the attractions of The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Walk and The Beach at JBR as a starting point.
Lavish gold jewellery, hand-woven fabrics, oud fragrances and bargain knick-knacks – you'll find it all in our bustling souks, or Arabian markets. While the emirate lives up to its reputation as a thriving modern city, the souks have been a crucial part of daily life and trade for centuries. For an immersive cultural experience, visit the gold, spice, perfume and textile souks in Dubai's historical neighbourhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai and, for a modern take, visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Souk Al Bahar.
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International (DXB) is located four kilometres (2.5 miles) southeast of Dubai. Transportation from the airport is possible by taxi, bus or metro. The Terminal 1 departures concourse (Sheikh Rashid Terminal) is linked to Terminal 1 via a tunnel with travelators. Terminal 2 is used exclusively for business and charter flights. Transfers between the terminals takes about 10 minutes using the airport shuttle service. Taxis are provided by the government-run Dubai Transport airport taxi, where each cab is meter-run. Bus stations are located opposite both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Buses run frequently and serve the most popular places in Dubai (www,dubai-buses.com/index.aspx).Tickets must be bought prior to the journey. You can also take the metro to and from the airport. The metro runs at ten-minute intervals and stops at various stations located across the city.
Dress code and customs
Dressing in public Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that is a melting pot of diverse cultures and religious faiths. All attires and cultural preferences are generally acceptable. Swimwear is permissible on beaches, pool and spa areas and for water-based entertainment, but is not considered appropriate in areas such as business districts and shopping malls. It is pertinent to note that in the more historical quarters of the city and places of religious worship, dressing conservatively is appreciated. In mosques, clothing that covers shoulders, arms and legs and head scarves for women, are required. Displays of affection Local tradition provides that handshakes should be initiated by women as a sign of respect, and that public displays of affection are kept to a minimum. Holding hands is acceptable; but kissing and hugging in public areas is not permitted. Drinking alcohol Alcohol is served in licensed establishments such as hotels, bars and specialised shops to those over 21 years of age. However, drunk and disorderly conduct, as well as drunk driving are not acceptable. Use or possession of illegal drugs is also strictly prohibited.
Embassies and Consulates
Nearly 100 foreign embassies are located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, and Dubai is home to almost 80 consulates. Consulates are found in major cities outside of a country’s capital and handle minor diplomatic matters like issuing visas. Embassies and consulates are usually open Sunday to Thursday (the UAE workweek) and are closed on Fridays and Saturdays, on all UAE public holidays and public holidays of the embassy's home country. Opening times vary depending on embassy and purpose of visit. So arrive early or book an appointment online, as most operate some sort of queuing system, especially for visa applications. For location and contact details of your embassy or consulate, please visit: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/travel-planning/travel-tools/embassies-and-consulates
Currency
1 Dirham (AED) = 100 fils The currency in Dubai is the Dirham (AED or Arab Emirate Dirham). One dirham is divided into 100 fils and has been pegged to the US dollar since the end of 1997 at an average rate of AED3.67. Need a currency converter? Please visit: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/travel-planning/travel-tools/currency
Buses
The bus service in Dubai is an easy, quick and inexpensive way to get around in the city, operated by the Dubai Municipality Transport Section. Fares are low, and a pre-purchased Nol Card is the most convenient payment option. There are special 24-hour passes available for visitors; these work on all forms of transport and allow visitors to easily reach most tourist sites.
Metro
There are two metro lines in Dubai, red line and green line. The Red Line runs every 3-4 minutes during peak time and 7 minutes during off-peak hours. Every metro station will have bus connections and taxis ready to be hailed. To travel on the Dubai Metro you need to buy a Nol Card or Nol Ticket. You can buy these at ticket vending machines or at the ticket office inside the station, or through RTA authorised sales agents across the city. Each time you travel, tap your Nol Card / Ticket at the card reader on the fare gates.
Taxi
Taxis are the most convenient way of getting around in Dubai. Beware of uninsured illegal taxis. The four government franchised official operators have strictly controlled fares. Cabs can be hailed at the roadside or booked via telephone by calling +971 4 208 0808. For those with data services, Uber and Careem are handy and easily available. Driver knowledge is sometimes lacking, so use a major landmark to hone in on the vicinity.
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International (DXB) is located four kilometres (2.5 miles) southeast of Dubai. Transportation from the airport is possible by taxi, bus or metro. The Terminal 1 departures concourse (Sheikh Rashid Terminal) is linked to Terminal 1 via a tunnel with travelators. Terminal 2 is used exclusively for business and charter flights. Transfers between the terminals takes about 10 minutes using the airport shuttle service. Taxis are provided by the government-run Dubai Transport airport taxi, where each cab is meter-run. Bus stations are located opposite both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Buses run frequently and serve the most popular places in Dubai (www,dubai-buses.com/index.aspx).Tickets must be bought prior to the journey. You can also take the metro to and from the airport. The metro runs at ten-minute intervals and stops at various stations located across the city.
Dress code and customs
Dressing in public Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that is a melting pot of diverse cultures and religious faiths. All attires and cultural preferences are generally acceptable. Swimwear is permissible on beaches, pool and spa areas and for water-based entertainment, but is not considered appropriate in areas such as business districts and shopping malls. It is pertinent to note that in the more historical quarters of the city and places of religious worship, dressing conservatively is appreciated. In mosques, clothing that covers shoulders, arms and legs and head scarves for women, are required. Displays of affection Local tradition provides that handshakes should be initiated by women as a sign of respect, and that public displays of affection are kept to a minimum. Holding hands is acceptable; but kissing and hugging in public areas is not permitted. Drinking alcohol Alcohol is served in licensed establishments such as hotels, bars and specialised shops to those over 21 years of age. However, drunk and disorderly conduct, as well as drunk driving are not acceptable. Use or possession of illegal drugs is also strictly prohibited.
