Dubai

Dubai is the most visited city in the UAE and the country's de facto tourist capital, even though the official capital of the Emirates is Abu Dhabi. The city sits on the Persian Gulf coast, in its own emirate of the same name, and over half a century grew from a small pearling port and market town into one of the world's most recognisable metropolises: hundreds of skyscrapers, including the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, artificial islands, the region's biggest malls, and beaches of fine pale sand — all a couple of hours' flight from Europe.

According to Dubai's statistics authority, by the end of 2025 the city was home to more than 4.5 million people — and the vast majority are foreign residents: UAE nationals make up only about a tenth of the population. That's part of why Dubai feels so international — a dozen languages on the street and in restaurants, with old quarters of mosques, spice markets and gold souks sitting right next to the Downtown skyline.

Dubai's districts

Downtown Dubai — the centre of modern Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the singing fountain. The easiest base for sightseeing the "showcase" Dubai, though hotel prices here are among the city's highest.

Dubai Marina and JBR — a district around an artificial canal lined with waterfront towers; the Walk promenade and JBR beach are among the liveliest spots in the city after dark.

Jumeirah — a long stretch of city beaches with the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex; the quieter Umm Suqeim area is part of the same coastline.

Palm Jumeirah — a palm-shaped man-made island with resort hotels, Atlantis The Palm and the Aquaventure water park.

Deira — historic trading Dubai on the north bank of Dubai Creek: the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk, budget hotels and guesthouses.

Bur Dubai — the south bank of the creek facing Deira: the Al Fahidi, Al Seef and Shindagha historic quarters, with recreated Arabian architecture, museums and a waterfront promenade.

Al Barsha — home to Mall of the Emirates and the Ski Dubai indoor slope, with mid-range hotels and easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road.

Best time to visit

The best months to visit are October to April: daytime temperatures sit at a comfortable +25…+32°C, evenings are cooler, and it's pleasant to walk around and swim. Peak season and the highest hotel prices run from December to February, especially around Christmas and New Year.

From June to September Dubai turns punishingly hot and humid — daytime temperatures top +40°C, and being outdoors is only comfortable in the evening. On the plus side, hotel prices drop noticeably, and the malls and most attractions are air-conditioned anyway.

How to get there

Dubai is served by two airports: Dubai International (DXB), 5 km from Downtown, handling most airlines, and Al Maktoum International (DWC), further out towards Abu Dhabi and mostly used by low-cost carriers. Direct flights connect Dubai with most major cities in Europe, the CIS and Asia.

From DXB you can reach the centre by metro (Red Line), taxi or a pre-booked transfer; visa requirements depend on your nationality — check the official GDRFA Dubai website for the current rules before you travel.

Getting around the city

The Dubai Metro — two lines, Red and Green — links the airport, Downtown, Dubai Marina and the main shopping districts; the trains are driverless and run frequently. For everything else there are metered taxis (inexpensive by big-city standards) and the Careem and Uber apps. RTA buses cover areas the metro doesn't reach. For trips out of town — to the beaches of Fujairah or into the desert — a rental car or a booked transfer is the usual choice.