About Dubai

Perhaps nowhere in the world does the old-world mix with the new in such a fascinating way as in Dubai. After all, in how many cities in the world can you watch camel races, swim at a beautiful beach, and shop for fine clothing all in the same day? Called "the shopping capital of the Middle East", Dubai does have a number of modern shopping malls, but the real fun is in the souk districts, where bargaining for unique one-of-a-kind items is a way of life. While shopping is the number one attraction in Dubai, the culture and history cannot be ignored. Monuments and museums and even villages dating back thousands of years are scattered throughout the city. And though you can't kiss or dance in public in Dubai, the dance clubs are still renowned for allowing you to let loose.

Dubai is the most popular destination for Indian travellers outside of India, so chances are you will be making the trip soon! As one of the leading lights in the world economy and the playground of the rich; it's not hard to see why Dubai continues to grow in its tourism appeal. Due to its speedy growth in recent years, the city feels extremely contemporary, and wherever you are you can't help but feel flanked by luxury.

It's never easy to know where to start when you plan a trip anywhere, so use this guide to give you a grasp of the basics of spending your time in Dubai. Whatever the purpose of your trip; be it relaxation or adventure, we have the building blocks for your ideal Dubai getaway contained in this guide!

Official Site: www.visitdubai.com

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Best Season:November to March
Popular Location: Jumeirah, Bur Dubai, Dubai Marina
When to Visit

Dubai is generally hot throughout the year. However. November to March sees the temperatures drop a bit, making it pleasant for a visit. The winter months are considered to be the best season to visit Dubai. Summer months in Dubai are really, really hot and humid, making it almost impossible to explore the outdoors.

Travel Info

Language: Arabic

Currency: [AED] UAE Dirham

Timezone: GMT +4

Airports: Dubai International [DXB], Dubai World Central [DWC]

Annual Number of Visitors: 14.87 million (2016)

VISA: https://www.dnrd.ae/en/visa-information-and-tips

Travel Tips

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that is a melting pot of diverse cultures and religious faiths. All attires and cultural preferences are generally acceptable. Holding hands is acceptable; but kissing and hugging in public areas is not permitted. Alcohol is served in licensed establishments such as hotels, bars and specialised shops to those over 21 years of age. Use or possession of illegal drugs is also strictly prohibited.

Best Known For

At Sea, Fine Dining, Shopping, Beaches, City, Party/Nightlife, Bars, Surfing, Scuba/Snorkeling, Museums, Sunbathing, Kite/Wind Surfing, Spa, Dolphin Encounters, Island, All Water Activities, Family Friendly, Dance Clubs, Theme Park, Golf, Boating, Romantic, Landmarks/Sights, All Arts, Desert, Cycling, Heritage

To Do

Top of the World

If you love seeing cities from the highest point, in Dubai you’ll see the city from the highest building on Earth. Take a ride in one of the fastest elevators in the world to reach At The Top, the observation deck of Burj Khalifa, from where you can get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Dubai Fountain

Have you ever seen water dance? Just like the Bellagio in Vegas, Dubai has it’s own fountain show located at the base of the Burj Khalifa. Only this one is naturally bigger and better. Each colourful, illuminated jet sways in time to music, producing what has become the most popular show in Dubai.

Desert Safari

For a quintessentially Arabian experience, book yourself a desert safari in a 4×4 that braves crescents of sand dunes. Complete your experience with a traditional fireside feast and performances as the sunset brings in a sky of a thousand stars.

Shopping

With massive citywide shopping celebrations like Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), you could snag the deal of a lifetime during your visit to this global shopping destination.

Dolphin encounters

Not only does Atlantis, The Palm, provide breathtaking views of Dubai’s impressive Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf, but a visit to this world-class resort will even result in new friends. Animal lovers can rejoice at Dolphin Bay, where guests are invited to experience a one-on-one private encounter with the ocean’s friendliest mammal.

Reasons to Visit

Nightlife

Dubai’s strength is its nightlife. There are plenty of lively bars and clubs offering the opportunity to party the night away. These bars and clubs are all situated within hotels.

Retail Therapy

If retail therapy is what you desire, Dubai really is the place for you. It boasts the largest shopping mall on the planet, the Dubai Mall, as well as the world’s first ‘shopping resort’, the Emirates Mall. Between Dubai’s grandiose malls and traditional souks such as the Gold Souk and Perfume Souk, you’re practically guaranteed to find a souvenir to treasure from your holiday to Dubai.

Adventure Sports

With year-round sun and a dramatic combination of both the desert and beach, Dubai is the perfect setting to be swept away by high-adrenaline activities. Rocket across the Arabian Gulf in a speedboat or skydive over Palm Jumeirah – fasten your seatbelt, harness or helmet – it’s going to be an exciting ride.

Skyline

As the Emirati city has become a global hub for commerce, its skyline has swelled exponentially, with new, envelope-pushing buildings constantly being added. Dubai’s architectural achievements symbolise the emirate’s arrival as a great commercial centre and a modern city. Dubai has the greatest number of buildings standing at over 300 m — 18 in all, with 10 in construction — and that makes its skyline taller than Manhattan’s or Hong Kong’s or Chicago’s.

Theme Parks

Dubai is becoming the most exciting adventure playground in the world with big ambitions and the expertise to make even the wildest dreams a reality. Whether it’s family fun or hair-raising thrills you’re after, there are laughs in store for all.
Luxury If you want luxury experiences, Dubai is the city that can make it happen. From supercar tours to VIP desert adventures and Arabian Gulf yacht outings, Dubai offers plenty to keep discerning travellers happy.

Luxury

If you want luxury experiences, Dubai is the city that can make it happen. From supercar tours to VIP desert adventures and Arabian Gulf yacht outings, Dubai offers plenty to keep discerning travellers happy.

Hatta

Hatta village is located in the heart of Hatta mountainous area within the emirate of Dubai, about 100 Km away from Dubai City, overlooking two mountains which were traditionally called “Hajaran” in olden days. The history of the village dates back to about 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. The village is a historical monument which is a magnet for tourists from all over the world. The visitor to Hatta Village will have a unique opportunity to experience and discover the model of traditional mountainous rural life in the emirate of Dubai, as the village contains original prototypes, models, documents, maquettes/sculptures, illustrations and graphic/audio materials for various aspects of traditional life in that region; which are dispersed across 17 houses, 2 castles and a fortress.
Hatta
Al Ain

Al Ain is known as the Garden City for its palm groves and natural springs. Bronze Age remains include tombs on the towering Jebel Hafeet, a mountain to the south, and in Al Hili Archaeological Park, to the north. The central Al Ain National Museum displays artifacts from these sites. Also in the city center, the sprawling stronghold Qasr Al Muwaiji and the 19th-century Al Jahili Fort house museums showcasing the nation’s past. The nearby Al Ain Palace Museum, former residence of UAE founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, celebrates the ruling family. Traditional handicrafts, incense and spices are sold in Souq Al Qattara and Souq Al Zafarana. Another popular attraction is the camel and livestock market on the outskirts of the city. Al Ain Zoo is home to numerous species, including white lions, giraffes and Arabian oryx.
Al Ain

Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure is all about adventure in the water for all ages. The fun seems to never end at this exciting water park in the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, is an amazing mountain-themed wintery setting where you can enjoy real snow, all year round.

The Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest man-made island and is comprised of a two kilometre long trunk, a crown made up of 17 fronds and a surrounding crescent.

Dolphin Bay

Palm-fringed lagoon with supervised opportunities to get close to dolphins, touch & swim with them. Connect to the dolphin through deep water hugs, kisses and dancing.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Discover the mysteries that await in the lost city of Atlantis and meet the incredible marine animals that now call the Atlantean ruins home.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Miracle garden is one of a kind in the region and in the world for such a unique display of multi-hued flowers and extravagant outdoor recreational destination.

The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest and most-visited retail and entertainment destination. The Dubai Mall offers an unparalleled retail mix combined with world-class dining, entertainment and leisure attractions.

Burj Khalifa

No visit to Dubai is complete without a visit to the top of the world’s tallest building. After ascending 450 metres to the At the Top observation deck in a high-speed lift, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking, unobstructed 360-degree views of the city, desert and ocean.

Dubai Gold Souk

Dubai Gold Souk or Gold Souk, is a traditional market in Dubai. The souk is located in Dubai’s commercial business district in Deira, in the locality of Al Dhagaya. Dubai is one of the best destinations in the world for purchasing gold and fine jewellery.

Dubai Abra

Abra comes from the Arabic verb “abara” which means to cross. Take a ride on the Dubai Abra, the city’s most traditional mode of transport. For centuries, it has remained one of Dubai’s most frequented modes of transport, making it the symbol of the city ‘s history and heritage.

Dubai Museum

The visitors of Dubai Museum “Al Fahidi Fort” have an opportunity to get rich, full and integral knowledge of the very old history of Dubai that interacted with different people and civilizations across history.

Dubai Marina

As far as locations go, there’s no denying the pull of Dubai Marina. Skyscraper residential addresses are poised alongside the snaking canal and marina, where multimillion-dollar yachts patiently wait for their next outing.

Etihad Mall

Etihad Mall is the place where the elegance of ancient cultural architectures is skillfully blended with the conveniences of today’s modernization. Experience an atmosphere of exquisite shopping facilities and services where every customer feels at home.

Jumeirah Mosque

One of the most beautiful landmarks in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque, which is large enough to hold up to 1,200 worshippers, was built entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with towering twin minarets framing a large central dome.

The Dubai Fountain

Featuring the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, this popular son-et-lumière show jets up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 150 metres in the air at any one time. Each colourful, illuminated jet sways in time to music, producing what has become the most popular show in Dubai.

Textile Souk

In the Textile Souk, you can skim through an endless selection of raw silk, cotton, and embroidered fabrics. It’s best to visit early in the morning or in the evening – and remember to bargain. You’re bound to find the exact print and colour you’re looking for among the reels of cloth. Plus, you can hunt out sparkling sequins, buttons and lace.

Burj Al Arab

The distinctive sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah, is more than just a stunning hotel, it is a symbol of modern Dubai. Repeatedly voted the world’s most luxurious hotel, this magnificent destination offers you the finest service and experiences throughout.

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Located in Dubai and situated in front of the stunning Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for all the family. Wild Wadi is themed around the tale of Juha, a known character from the Arabian folklore.

Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque is located between the textile souk and the Dubai Museum close to a small stream in the Bur Dubai area. It now holds up to 1,200 worshippers. Non-Muslims are not permitted entry in mosque, except the minaret where photography is allowed.

Safa Park

Safa Park is Dubai’s most popular park. Although bordered by the busy Sheikh Zayed Road, Safa Park delivers a complete escape from the hustle of Dubai. This is where families head for picnics, using the permanent barbecues set up around the edge of the park.

The Walk At JBR

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 Residences (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.

Wafi Mall

With over 350 shops, more than 30 restaurants, and it’s very own leisure complex, Wafi is the perfect place to take in the splendour of Dubai. Influenced by many architectural styles, from Egyptian to Turkish, the mall is dominated by its modern interpretation of the Pharaohs, whose epic splendour is conveyed through exquisite stained glass, intricate mosaics, and sculptures.

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House

This house has a strategic location at the protruding part above Dubai Creek, which made it stand amidst Deira and Bur Dubai, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It was the residence of Al Maktoum ruling family till 1958. The house is currently used as a museum to exhibit Dubai’s history, as it displays a rare and varied collection of historic photographs of the sheikhs, authentic jewellery, coins, stamps and other items that date back to its historic era.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The 10 million-litre tank at the Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, containing more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks anywhere. The long Aquarium tunnel takes you 11 m under the surface and recreates this fascinating environment in near-perfect detail. Located on Level Two above the Aquarium tank, Underwater Zoo leads you through three ecological Zones – Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean.

Saga World Mall

Saga World, a standalone mall, probably the only one in the world that displays and presents nothing but all finer things of life that human hand can create. Presented as part of its business philosophy, selling only the very best, handpicked one-of-a-kind collections that are timeless, it is the only mall that compares to a museum.

Dubai Ice Rink

Dubai Ice Rink is one of the key leisure attractions at The Dubai Mall – this Olympic-size Ice Rink has become a social hotspot, appealing to the entire spectrum of the society, both to young and old alike. Over 2,000 pairs of skates have been imported from a leading manufacturer in Italy to fit children and adults of all ages and sizes.

Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates boasts of international shops selling lifestyle, fashion, sports, electronics and home furnishing products. The mall is also home to a breathtaking array of family-friendly offerings like Ski Dubai, the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, the 14-screen VOX Cinemas multiplex, and the Magic Planet family entertainment area.

Spice Souk

Thanks to the centuries-old trading past, which made Dubai a hub on the prized spice route, almost every kind of spice and herb imaginable is available at this atmospheric souk, a must-visit for any tourist. The covered market is made up of narrow alleys replete with wooden arches and hanging Arabesque lanterns.

BurJuman Centre

BurJuman Centre was one of Dubai’s very first major shopping malls that set new standards for the city’s retail scene. Centrally located in Bur Dubai at the heart of the city’s business and heritage districts, BurJuman has a well-established status as a true destination mall hosting a great variety of Dubai’s leading retailers supported by a state of art cinema and a Family Entertainment Centre, along with a great range of dining options.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is Dubai’s first mega themed entertainment destination promising visitors from around the world the excitement of four epic adventure zones in one location. Two of the four zones represent renowned global brands Cartoon Network and MARVEL, while IMG Boulevard and the Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure zones are original concepts created by the IMG Group. The destination features a unique array of adrenaline-pumping roller coasters.

Dubai Dolphinarium

Get up close and personal to graceful bottlenose dolphins and playful seals at the action-packed shows. These interactive extravaganzas showcase the amazing animals’ astounding skills. Visitors watch in wonder as the dolphins and seals dance, sing, juggle, play ball, jump through hoops and even paint.

Children's City

The first educational city in the UAE devoted to children between 2 and 15 years old where they can investigate, explore, play, discover, and learn about the world in which we live. The City is specially designed for children as it contains several exhibits and programs like the Earth Science Gallery, space exploration center and a planetarium.

Legoland Dubai

Legoland Dubai and Water Park are the ultimate year-round theme park destination in the Middle East for families with children. It provides hands-on experiences allowing families to take part in a full day Lego themed adventures through interactive rides, water slides, models and building experiences.

The Green Planet

The delicate layers of the forest have been recreated with the different plants and animals that inhabit each, providing a glimpse behind the veil of greenery. It was conceptualized to bring together nature and the science of nature. It’s a very beautiful place to visit for a family – you will feel like you are in an actual rain forest.

Aqua Fun

Aqua Fun is Middle East’s first & biggest inflatable park with the world’s longest & highest inflatable water slide. One of the distinct features of the float is that it is spells out ‘Dubai’ in it’s distinct calligraphy. The waterpark measures 2,700 m2 and it has 74 games. You can climb, jump and enjoy all things in it.

Etihad Museum

The 25,000 m2 landmark is befittingly located at the very place where the UAE was founded in 1971. Through a unique visitor journey, the various pavilions house experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives that explore the chronology of events that culminated in the unification of the Emirates in 1971.

Motiongate Dubai

Best-in-branded entertainment from 3 of the largest motion picture studios in Hollywood – DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate – a world of innovation and creative storytelling at Motiongate theme park.

Ibn Battuta Mall

At Ibn Battuta Mall, shopping, dining and entertainment comes together with history, culture and the story of a remarkable adventure. It is what makes it one of Dubai’s most exciting shopping and retail destinations.

Jumeirah Beach Park

Jumeirah park spans across 12 hectares of parkland with children’s play areas, picnic tables, barbecue area, volleyball play area, showers, food kiosks, jetty area fronting on to the beach with lifeguards on duty. It is a marvelous painting of landscaping and environmental coordination. It has supple sand and grassland, the beach-park hybrid has clean toilets and dressing rooms, a swimming pool, and ample parking. Jumeirah beach park is ideal for a family picnic on the weekends.

iFLY Dubai

Make your dream of flight come true. iFLY Dubai is the world’s first double vertical wind tunnel. The wind tunnel is an amazing 10 m. tall with acrylic glass wall. The state of the art patented technology ensures high degree of safety and accommodates all types of flyers from beginners to seasoned professionals. The qualified instructors will ensure you experience flight in a controlled environment, providing you just the right amount of air flow for the utmost flight enjoyment.

Bollywood Parks Dubai

Be greeted by a vibrant display of cafés and live entertainment at the Bollywood theme park Dubai. Stroll the streets of Mumbai with its famous food, shopping and party spirit. To add some thrill, join the mafia boss Don on a chase through the streets of Dubai. Be part of never-ending adventures as played out in Dabangg, Lagaan and Sholay. Experience visual splendour at the Rajmahal Theatre – the home of the region’s first Broadway-style Bollywood musical.

Dubai Creek

The seawater Dubai Creek, flowing between Deira and Bur Dubai, in the historic center of Dubai, is the reason for Dubai’s very existence. When trade with the outside world began over a century ago, this protected inlet was the obvious choice to develop a commercial seaport. The creek is often busy with abra — small wooden water taxis. The waterway can also be enjoyed via a sunset dinner cruise aboard a traditional Arabian wooden sailboat known as a dhow.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

The traditional style of life that was prevalent in Dubai from the mid 19th century till the 1970s is reflected at Al-Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where buildings with high air towers (Barajeel), built with traditional building materials such as stone, gypsum, teak, sandal wood, fronds and palm wood are aligned side by side, separated by alleys, pathways and public squares, which give the district a natural and beautiful diversity. The buildings of the district are currently used in incubating a number of varied cultural and artistic activities (both public and private) ranging from art exhibits, specialised museums, cultural and artistic societies.

Dubai Frame

With sweeping panoramic views, visitors to the Dubai Frame can gaze out upon every aspect of the city from a height of 150m. From Deira’s old town and the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf to the vast dunes of the Arabian desert and the high rises of Dubai Marina, the entirety of Dubai will be spread out and visible from the Frame’s 360-degree vantage point. The Dubai Frame is a mammoth achievement of engineering and features a state-of-the-art clear glass bridge as the crowning cross-frame of the structure. The experience is enhanced by an immersive gallery on the mezzanine level, which leads guests through projections, and AV presentations.

Zabeel Park

Aside from lakeside views, boat rides, sports courts, barbecue areas and picnic tables, Zabeel Park delivers entertaining and educational exhibits across its extensive grounds. Get your hands on high-tech interactive displays at the Technology Zone and Barcode Garden. Explore a world of green energy at the Alternative Energy Zone, or race through the Space Maze with the kids. Check out the view of the city from the Dubai Frame or even catch an IMAX film at the Mega Bowl. Jump on one of the Park Tour Trains to see it all.

XLine

XLine, the world’s longest urban zipline set in Dubai Marina, is also one of the steepest and fastest ziplines around the globe, measuring one kilometre, with an incline of 16 degrees and an average speed of 80 km/h. Hold on tight as you zip across and enjoy views of the glitzy Dubai Marina neighbourhood, complete with bobbing five-star yachts and sleek high-rises. There are two concurrently running ziplines in Dubai Marina that see you soar 170 m in the air, weaving through skyscrapers and across water, before landing on the terrace of Dubai Marina Mall.

Tours in Dubai

You will find it difficult to know where to start in the city that has everything
Water Jetpack Adventure Sport in Dubai

    Fly with a Water Jetpack

    5 Days

    Add an element of excitement to your Dubai visit with this half-hour Water Jetpack experience. Learn how to walk over the water from a professional instructor and feel the thrills of flying high above the sea.

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