Dubai travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

November to March has the most comfortable weather, with daytime temperatures around 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. This is also the busiest and most costly period. From June to September it is very hot and humid, often above 40 degrees, and most activities move indoors.

During Ramadan, restaurants and cafés have adjusted hours, and visitors are asked to be discreet about eating and drinking in public during the day. Dates change each year. The Dubai Shopping Festival runs in winter.

How many days you need

Three days cover Downtown Dubai with the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, the old districts of Bur Dubai and Deira with the creek and souks, a beach day, and a desert safari.

A fourth day can add Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Frame or a trip to Abu Dhabi.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Dubai International (DXB): the Metro Red Line has stations at Terminals 1 and 3, and runs to the centre, with a trip to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall station taking about 30 minutes from Terminal 3. Terminal 2 has no Metro station, so use a taxi or bus from there. Taxis from the official rank are metered. Ride-hailing apps also work.

Al Maktoum International (DWC) is far to the south of the city. A drive to central Dubai takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Only a few airlines use it.

Getting around

Dubai has a Metro, a tram in the Marina area, buses, water taxis and many taxis. You need a Nol card or a Nol ticket to ride the Metro, tram and buses, and you must tap in and out. Paying with a bank card at the gates is planned but is not available yet. Cards can be bought and topped up at stations. The Metro is clean and efficient, but many sights are not near a station.

Taxis and ride apps are common and easy. Distances are long, and walking between districts is rarely practical, especially in summer. Rental cars are used by many visitors. Tolls are charged on some roads.

Where to stay

Downtown Dubai suits first-time visitors who want to be near the Burj Khalifa and the mall. Dubai Marina and JBR suit beach lovers with restaurants and a walkable promenade. Palm Jumeirah has resort hotels, but is far from the old city. Bur Dubai and Deira are older districts with traditional markets, lower hotel prices and Metro access. City Walk and Jumeirah have a calmer, residential style.

What to book in advance

The Burj Khalifa observation decks and some theme parks use timed tickets and sell out on weekends and holidays. The Museum of the Future is closed for a redesign and plans to reopen in early 2027. Book a sunset slot early. Desert safaris and dhow cruises are also best booked a day or more ahead. The Jumeirah Mosque can be visited on guided tours at set times each day, closed on Fridays, with modest dress and head covering for women.

Seasonal attractions such as Global Village run in the cooler months, usually from autumn to spring. Check the official dates.

Common mistakes to avoid

Planning to walk between sights. Distances are larger than they look on a map.

Visiting in July or August and planning outdoor activities at midday.

Dressing too lightly in malls and public buildings. Cover shoulders and knees, and follow signs.

Flying a drone without a permit. Drones are tightly regulated.

Drinking alcohol in public. It is only allowed in licensed venues, such as hotels and restaurants.

Money, tipping and practical notes

The UAE uses the dirham. Cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere. Hotels add the Tourism Dirham fee per room per night. Tipping is appreciated when service is not already included in the bill, and a small tip for drivers and hotel staff is common.

The plug type is G, at 230 volts. Tap water is safe, but most people drink bottled water. Public displays of affection and offensive language can cause problems. Visa rules depend on your nationality, so check the official UAE government site.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Dubai