Dubai

Dubai is a futuristic skyscraper city on the Arabian Peninsula, blending old merchant heritage with modern luxury. It is one of the top tourist destinations, offering insights into Arab history in Deira and Bur Dubai, and a bustling business hub in Jumeirah. The city is a global transport hub with ambitious projects like Burj Khalifa and artificial islands.

Dubai has a hot desert climate with very hot summers (May to September) where temperatures can reach 54°C, and cooler winters (October to May) with daytime temperatures around 20-25°C. The best time to visit is from December to April, when precipitation is highest (though still low at 100 mm per year) and temperatures are more pleasant for outdoor activities.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the largest hub in the Middle East, served by Emirates and flydubai. Dubai World Central (DWC) and Sharjah International Airport offer alternatives. From Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, the E102 bus connects to Ibn Battuta Bus Station. See the United Arab Emirates page for visa and customs regulations.

Dubai's public transport is one of the best in the Middle East, with metro, tram, and buses integrated into Google Maps. The NOL Silver Card is best for multiple rides; the NOL Red Ticket suits up to 5 single trips. Taxis are practical, especially in summer. Tap out when alighting buses even with a day pass.

Take an abra ride on Dubai Creek at sunset, visit beaches, try water sports, watch camel racing on Thursday and Friday in winter, or experience horse racing at Meydan Racecourse. Desert safaris and dune bashing are popular, with barbecue dinner and belly dancing. Dubai also offers shopping festivals and food festivals.

Cheapest accommodations are in Deira near the souks. There is a youth hostel and several backpacker hostels. Luxury glamping resorts like Terra Solis start from 950 dirham per tent per night. For longer stays, Rove hotel offers summer rates from 4000 dirham per month. Most tourists stay in Jumeirah or Jebel Ali.

Shawarma and falafel are cheap and available everywhere. Traditional Emirati dishes like mandi (rice and meat) are affordable. Bur Dubai and Karama have budget Indian restaurants with dosa and samosa. Alcohol is only available in licensed hotel premises; no public drinking and zero-tolerance for drunk driving.

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world regarding street crime. Call 999 for police. The sound of cannon fire marks the end of fasting during Ramadan. Be aware of alcohol laws: no drinking in public, and drunk driving leads to jail or deportation.

Local prepaid SIM cards from e& (etisalat) or Du offer tourist packages. Free Wi-Fi is available in Dubai Mall and many coffee shops. Internet cafés are found in Bur Dubai and Satwa. Phone booths are common.

Dubai is a shopping destination with low tariffs. Best buys: textiles, electronics, and gold. Haggle in the souks; prices in malls are fixed. The Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February) and Dubai Summer Surprises offer sales and entertainment.

Haggling is expected in souks. During Ramadan, avoid eating and drinking in public during daylight hours. Alcohol is only in licensed venues; public intoxication is serious. Dress modestly in traditional areas.

Nearby destinations include Abu Dhabi (1.5 hours), Al Ain (lush gardens), Sharjah (museums), Umm al Quwain (relaxed), and the Omani exclave Musandam Peninsula for fjords and diving. Kish Island in Iran is a visa-free free trade zone.