Information About Dubai

Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is a city where ultramodern skyscrapers rise from the desert beside the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf.
In just a few decades it has grown from a small trading port into a major global hub for business, tourism, and aviation. Visitors come for luxury hotels, vast malls, pristine beaches, desert adventures, and a surprisingly rich cultural scene rooted in Arabian and Islamic traditions.
With year-round sunshine and a reputation for safety and efficiency, this city is often many travellers’ first encounter with the Middle East.

Visiting Dubai

Most visitors arrive through Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest airports, with easy onward connections to the city by taxi or metro. The best time to visit is typically from November to March, when daytime temperatures are warm but not extreme and many outdoor events and festivals take place.
There is accommodation for every budget available: from simple guesthouses and mid-range hotels to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. It’s also a very family-friendly destination, with theme parks, waterparks, and child-oriented attractions throughout the city.

Shopping

For many visitors, shopping is a key part of the experience. The city’s malls are destinations in themselves, featuring everything from international fashion houses and fine dining to aquariums and indoor theme parks. Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are the best known, but there are countless others that cater to every taste and budget. Equally memorable are the traditional markets, or souks, especially around the Creek area in Deira and Bur Dubai. Here, in the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk, you can haggle for jewelry, saffron, perfumes, and colorful fabrics in a setting that feels a world away from the polished malls.

Top 10 Visitor attractions and Things to do in Dubai

1. Burj Khalifa & Downtown Dubai – Ride the high-speed elevator to observation decks for panoramic views, then explore Dubai Mall and the nightly Dubai Fountain shows.
2. Dubai Marina & JBR – Stroll the waterfront promenades, take a boat or yacht tour, and relax on Jumeirah Beach Residence’s public beach.
3. Dubai Frame – Walk across the sky bridge of this giant “frame” for contrasting views of old and new Dubai.
4. Palm Jumeirah – Visit this iconic palm-shaped island for luxury resorts, beach clubs, and the Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis.
5. Dubai Creek & Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood – Wander narrow lanes, visit museums and cultural centers, and cross the creek by abra to experience old Dubai.
6. Souks of Deira and Bur Dubai – Explore the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk to bargain for jewelry, spices, fabrics, and souvenirs.
7. Desert Safari – Join an afternoon or evening tour with dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and a Bedouin-style camp dinner under the stars.
8. Museum of the Future – Discover a striking building and immersive exhibits imagining future technology, sustainability, and space travel.
9. Global Village (seasonal) – From late autumn to spring, enjoy a multicultural fairground of food, shopping, and live performances from around the world.
10. La Mer and Kite Beach – Spend a day by the sea with cafés, food trucks, water sports, and views of the city skyline.

The surrounding desert remains one of Dubai’s greatest natural attractions. Within an hour’s drive of the skyscrapers, rolling dunes stretch toward the horizon, shifting color with the changing light. Many visitors join organized desert safaris, which can include dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles, camel rides, sandboarding, falconry displays, and evenings at Bedouin-style camps under the stars. 

Population

The population is around three to four million people, the majority of whom are expatriates from all over the world, particularly South Asia, the wider Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Currency

The currency is the UAE dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US dollar, and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, with ATMs easy to find.

Driving

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and roads are generally of high quality, but traffic can be heavy at peak times; visitors can rent cars with a valid licence and, in many cases, an international driving permit.
Check Advice for driving here.

Tickets and Tours

Scenes of Dubai

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Recommended Hotels & Accommodation in Dubai

Zoom in ansd scroll to see lots of Hotels and other accommodation throughout the city

Things you should Know

Dubai is relatively liberal by regional standards, but it is still a Muslim society with laws and customs that should be respected: public displays of affection should be modest, alcohol is only allowed in licensed venues or with a permit, drugs are strictly illegal with severe penalties, and visitors should dress modestly in traditional areas and religious sites.

Airports and Airlines

This is one of the world’s major aviation hubs, primarily thanks to Emirates, the Dubai-based flag carrier known for its extensive global network and high service standards. Emirates Airlines connects to cities across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, often with convenient onward connections. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main hub, while Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is used by some carriers and cargo operations, especially for low-cost and seasonal flights. Numerous international airlines also serve these airports directly, making it easy to include the city as either a stopover or a main destination on long-haul itineraries.

Sport

Golf

Golf is one of the most popular sports here. There are many fine golf clubs here, some associated with hotels’
Here are some of the best:
Montgomerie Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Hills Golf Club by Jumeirah, The Els Club, Emirates Golf Club

Water Sports

Diving, sailing, flyboarding, swimming.

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