A Complete Dubai Travel Guide

Dubai is a popular travel destination. Your trip will be beautiful, thanks to the ultra-modern skyscrapers, stunning deserts, awesome beaches and historic cities. Dubai is a location brimming with adventures and travel guide opportunities. You can’t help but be mesmerised by the fantastical world of lights and colours that surrounds you as you drive through Downtown Dubai at night. You’ll be left speechless and in awe by the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure. Fountain of King Fahd The Dubai Fountain, the biggest dancing fountain in the world, will enchant you. At the enormous aquarium in the Dubai Mall, you can swim with sharks, and at the Mall of the Emirates, you can lose yourself in a fantasy world. Every area of Dubai exhibits an odd fusion of tradition and modernity. Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest structure in Dubai and the centre of a bustling city, is a prime example of this. The expansive Miracle Garden and Dubai Creek Park serve as a testament to the city’s residents will overcome all obstacles and produce colourful flowers right in the middle of the desert. If you have a great travel guide with you, Tripfinder has put together the ultimate Dubai travel guide for you to use as you venture further into the United Arab Emirates. Visit the comprehensive Dubai travel guide.

Best Time to Visit Dubai

Dubai is most enjoyable to visit in the winter. In comparison to other months, the city experiences quite cool weather from November to April. The average daytime temperature is 24 0C, and the overnight low is 14 0C. In January and February, the renowned Dubai Shopping Festival takes place. The Dubai Global Village is a sizable fair held in the winter that exhibits artwork, handicrafts, and food from all over the world. The Dubai Miracle Garden opens its doors during these months as well, showcasing a variety of vibrant flowers.

How to reach Dubai

By Flight

The world’s busiest airport is Dubai International Airport. This airport has good connections to many cities around the world because it serves as a hub connecting Western nations with the East. London, New York, Sydney, Moscow, Islamabad,  Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin, Bangkok, Paris, Djibouti, Cairo, Toronto, Beijing, Hong Kong, Alexandria, Prague, Amsterdam, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, and many other cities all have direct flights from Dubai. Emirates, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Air France, Air Blue, EgyptAir, IndiGo, Air India Express, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, and others are some of the major airlines that fly out of Dubai. Flights from Dubai to Abu Dhabi’s capital city are frequent.

By Bus

By bus, it is easy to travel to Dubai from the other UAE states or emirates. Many A/C Volvo buses are operated by Dubai’s Road Transport Authority (RTA) to all of the emirates, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), Fujairah, Ajman, and Um Al Quwain. Numerous buses are also operated to Dubai by the RAK Transport Authority and the Sharjah Transport Authority. There are public buses that travel to Dubai from Abu Dhabi’s capital city as well. The city is connected to places like Muscat, Riyadh, Makkah, Madina, and Dammam via a few international bus routes. Along with private buses, these routes are heavily travelled by government-run buses run by Oman National Transport (ONT) and Saudi Arabia Public Transport Company (SAPTCO).

Residents of Dubai 

The locals of the United Arab Emirates are known as Emiratis. They are renowned for offering friendly hospitality. They adhere to strict orthodoxy and tradition. The men wear a khandura, a long shirt dress. It is typically white in colour and worn with a ghutra and an agal head scarf. The burkas and headscarves worn by the women are black. The national religion of the Emiratis is Islam. In consideration of the non-Muslim expatriates, the government of Dubai has permitted the construction of churches, gurudwaras, and temples since the influx of immigrants.

History of Dubai

In the Book of Geography by Abu Abdullah Al Bakri, Dubai is first mentioned. The Venetian pearl trader Gaspero Balbi visited the region in 1580 during the height of its thriving pearl trade. The Baniya Tribe lived in Dubai, which was established as a fishing community and governed by the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi. The pearl industry declined after the Great Depression of the 1930s, and the emirate’s ruler at the time switched the economy to the trading sector. The emirate of Dubai’s finances were strengthened by the discovery of oil reserves off its coast. The city is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world today and serves as the centre of many international trading communities.

Culture of Dubai 

The traditions of Islam are deeply ingrained in Dubai’s culture. The Muslims in the city abstain from the wild parties that are frequently held at many of the upscale bars and clubs around the city, despite the fact that it is known as the Middle East’s entertainment capital. Eid, which is observed after Ramadan, a month during which people fast all day and atone for their sins, is the main holiday observed in Dubai. The National Day, which takes place in December and honours the founding of the UAE, is the other significant holiday observed in the city.

Currency

The unit of exchange in Dubai and the neighbouring Emirates is the United Arab Emirates dirham or AED. Seven different AED notes are available. There are 10, 20, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 AED, respectively. There are 1, 25, and 50 fils coins available. In Dubai, however, paper money is the preferred form of payment, and coins are rarely used.

Map of Dubai 

Dubai has a scorching desert climate. The summer months of May through September are extremely hot, with daytime highs of around 45 °C. The city’s highest recorded temperature is 52 °C. Going outside at this time is very uncomfortable. Nighttime temperatures drop to 30 °C, making them noticeably cooler. The weather begins to cool off a bit by the end of September, with sporadic rainfall. By the end of October, winter sets in and lasts through the end of March. Around 24 °C is the temperature during the day. The temperature drops to around 14 °C in the evenings, and there are brisk winds. Additionally, it can get colder, causing people to wear light jackets when they go out in the evenings.

Top things to do in Dubai

Skydiving in Palm Jumeirah

You’ve probably seen videos of skydivers in Dubai enjoying this exhilarating sport over Palm Jumeirah. No surprise! For those with a spirit of adventure, it is among the most daring things to do in Dubai. Taking part in this activity during your tour of Dubai will be an unforgettable experience. Each second of your descent to the earth from a height of 13,000 feet will be an experience unlike any other. The adrenaline rush is so intense that it reaches the level of the sky with you due to the breathtaking view.

Ziplining in Aventura Park

The largest ziplining experience in Dubai can be found at Aventura Park, along with other entertaining programmes and activities. It covers 35,000 square metres and provides fun and entertainment for people of all ages, including ziplining and discovering various types of flora and fauna. Visit Aventura Park to strengthen the relationship and have a good time.

Stargazing at the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre

One of the top tourist attractions in Dubai is the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre, which offers a variety of space-related interactive experiences. It provides games that arouse youthful excitement as well as a planetarium show and an Astro Cinema. There is also a ton of entertainment that explains science and other topics related to space. Because it’s on the outskirts of Dubai, the fun is doubled when you go stargazing at night.

Kite Beach

Kayaking, beach volleyball, beach tennis, soap football, and kite surfing are among the adventure sports available at Kite Beach in Dubai. There are showers, restrooms, and changing areas available. On Fridays and Saturdays, it gets busy. It is located on the opposite side of the Al Manara Road Junction.

Dubai Marina

The 50 million-square-foot Dubai Marina is the largest man-made marina in the world. Some of Dubai’s top restaurants, joggers, opulent residential towers and villas, a walkway, a 3.5 km canal, leisure and entertainment facilities, and the Masjid Al Rahim mosque can all be found there. It provides access to the sea on both ends, as well as housing, dining, and entertainment options, as well as a mosque.

The Desert Safari

In Dubai, a desert safari is a well-liked activity that includes a drive to the sand dunes. Pick-up, dune buggying, belly dancing, drinks, sunset photography, hukka or shisha, traditional costumes, souvenir shopping, and a buffet dinner are all included. This can be done at a time by a minimum of one and a maximum of six people.

Dubai Creek

The Dubai Creeks run through the centre of the city, bridging the desert and the sea trading port. An Abra boat can be used to explore the creek and take in the scenery after sunset. The Dubai Museum, which is the oldest structure in Dubai, as well as various spice, gold, and textile souks, can also be visited by tourists.

Dubai Fountains

The Dubai Fountain, the tallest performing fountain in the world, provides a singular experience of water, music, and light. It is located in the man-made Burj Khalifa Lake and is one of the top things to do in Dubai at night.

Aquaventure, Atlantis Paradise Islands Water Park

One of the top tourist destinations in Dubai is Aquaventure Atlantis Paradise Island Water Park, which caters to visitors of all ages while providing entertainment and an adrenaline rush. In addition to high-speed rides, Atlantean-themed towers, 20 swimming areas, a mile-long river ride, a kid’s water play fort, Shark Safari, Cownose Ray feeding, and other attractions, it is spread out over 141 acres of waterscape.

Know history at the Dubai Museum

One of the most distinctive activities in Dubai is visiting the Dubai Museum, which is situated at Al Fahidi Fort. Through artefacts, galleries, mosques, souks, and other structures, it offers a glimpse into the past. The still fascinating art of earlier Dubai is also available for viewing by tourists.

Bird watching at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

A wetland reserve in Dubai called Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is well-known for its birdwatching opportunities. It has a calm atmosphere and is a haven for migratory birds. Visitors can take advantage of lectures, workshops, and educational programmes. The Pink Flamingo is the centrepiece of the reserve. There are a variety of additional activities to enjoy, including lectures, workshops, and educational programmes.

Ski Dubai

The first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, Ski Dubai, provides a variety of sports, including snowboarding, skiing, and sledding. The most recent addition is the Snow Penguins, which visitors can interact with and play with. Swimming with the penguins, whizzing down the tube slides, jumping off a 10-foot raft, taking in the scenery from a chairlift, enjoying a hot cup of coffee at a café-bar, and unwinding with hot chocolate at -4 degrees are just a few of the highlights. Also provided are ski lessons.

Dubai Museum

The Al Fahidi Fort, which was formerly a defence post, is where the Dubai Museum is situated. A folklore wing, a display of regional boats, and bamboo houses are just a few of the wings devoted to the geography, history, and culture of Dubai. A mock souk, a room explaining the significance of oil discovery, Bedouin life in the desert, archaeological discoveries from nearby excavation sites, and a 10-minute video highlighting significant events in Dubai’s history from the 1930s to the 2000s are also included.

 Dubai hot air balloon flight

Amazing views of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve can be had from a hot air balloon, which flies 1200 metres above the sand dunes. Tourists are picked up from their hotel in the early morning and driven outside of the city to the launch field in Margham. After receiving a safety briefing, they board the balloon and spend 45 to 60 minutes observing the morning skies and the breathtaking desert vistas. After an hour, the balloon lands, and each passenger receives a unique flight certificate and a refreshing beverage. After that, they are delivered to the hotel.

Hindi Lane

Bur Dubai’s Hindi Lane is a vibrant alleyway where religious and other goods are sold, including scarves, bells, books, bracelets, baskets of fruit, bindis, sandalwood paste, sacred ash, and gold-plated holy statues and idols. Pashminas and silk saris are sold in the tissue souk there as well.

Wild Wadi Water Park

In Dubai, there is a 12-acre water park called Wild Wadi. 30 rides and attractions based on the Juha and Sinbad legends, five kid-friendly restaurants, a gift shop, and 40,000 plants are all included. Flood River, Wipeout, Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon, Tantrum Alley, Riptide, Wave Pool, Juha’s Journey Master Blasters, Burj Surj, and Jumeirah Sceirah are a few of the more well-known rides. For VIP treatment, FISHO, The Fish Spa, and Wadi Cabana are also options.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed, the first president of the United Arab Emirates, constructed the third-largest mosque in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Its 107-metre-high minarets and 80 marble domes on its roof are supported by 1,000 pillars. The prayer hall has three gold, brass, steel, and crystal chandeliers as well as intricate arabesque motifs and the largest loomed carpet in the entire world. There is also a 45- to 60-minute guided tour available.

Bastakiya Quarter

The wealthy textile and pearl traders from Bastak, Iran, founded Dubai’s Bastakiya Quarter in the 19th century, and it is now a significant historic district. The Majlis Gallery, Arabian Tea House, Ostra Gallery, and XVA Art Gallery are all located there. It is free to explore in the evening hours and is situated close to the Dubai Museum along the south bank of Dubai Creek.

Ibn Battuta Mall

The world’s largest themed mall, the Ibn Battuta Mall, was created in honour of the Arab explorer Ibn Battuta. Its six floors and 275 retail stores reflect the locations he visited. There are 400 outlets in total, including 60 brand-new stores, cafes, and restaurants. There is also a cinema complex, a multi-floor parking garage, and a retractable glass roof. Sunken ships, mosaics, wooden carvings, and ancient pyramids can all be found inside.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Numerous rare and significant Islamic artefacts, including ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, calligraphy, carvings, metalwork, woodwork, and jewellery, are housed in a sizable collection at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Another striking feature is the mosaic of the zodiac below the main dome. Visitors can explore the significance of the Hajj and Arab accomplishments in mathematics and astronomy on the ground floor. On the first floor, visitors can follow the evolution of Islamic art and artefacts over the course of 1400 years.

Indoor Trampoline Park

The indoor trampoline park in Dubai is a great place for family entertainment. It provides games like Dodgeball, Open Jump, Jump Box Beat, and Kids Court. More than 120 connected trampolines are available for the bounce experience.

City Tour by Bus (Express Tour)

A fantastic way to discover Dubai’s beauty is to take an open-top city tour. A night tour is a fantastic way to appreciate the beauty of the city at night because it blends modernity with a traditional vibe. One of the most admirable things to do in Dubai is to take a guided tour and see the city at night.

Ifly Dubai

In addition to indoor skydiving, VR skydiving, Yalla bowling, and the Sky Trail Climbing Wall, Ifly Dubai is a distinctive attraction in Dubai. Through Yalla! Bowling and the Sky Trail Climbing Wall, you can experience the rush of skydiving from some of the most desirable locations on earth. A unique thrill can be had with friends or family at Ifly Dubai.

Dubai Frame

A 150-metre glass bridge called Dubai Frame provides a breathtaking view of the Gulf and its sands. It is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Dubai because it gives you the sensation of walking in the air and gives you a breathtaking view of both the new and the old Dubai.

Helicopter Tour

Dubai has significantly advanced to offer its guests surprises and record-breaking attractions. The best thing about Dubai is that you can take a smooth helicopter ride to enjoy the city’s heights and attractions.

Top Place to Visit Dubai

Global Village

According to Global Village Dubai, the largest tourism, leisure, and entertainment project in the world is located in the United Arab Emirates. It is the first family-friendly shopping, entertainment, and cultural destination in the area. The complex includes pavilions representing various nations as well as shows, events, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, a carnival, and more. From 25 October 2022 to 29 April 2023, it is open.

Burj Khalifa

The At the Top Burj Khalifa Tour is a show-stopper for anyone who wants to experience the view from the top of the tallest building in the world, providing a mesmerising view of the horizon. The At the Top tour and At the Top SKY tour, which was created especially for tourists, will take you to one of the highest observation decks in the entire world!

Dubai Frame 

The Dubai Frame, the largest frame structure in the world and a replica of the 2020 World Expo logo is situated in Zabeel Park. The galleries with audiovisual projections and representations of the city’s past, present, and future, as well as the glass bridge walkway, are the main attractions. One can see a panoramic view of both the old and new parts of Dubai through the frame, stretching from Deira’s Old Town to the Dubai Marina.

Miracle Garden

One of the world’s largest and most exquisite natural flower gardens is called Miracle Garden. The garden, which is situated in Dubailand and spans a sizable area of more than 72,000 square metres and contains over 45 million flowers and plants, is the largest natural flower garden in the world. For those seeking the beauty of nature in the city, the location is paradise. Only from mid-November to mid-May is the garden open.

Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future, which is situated in Dubai’s Financial District, uses technology and conventional art forms to bridge the gap between the present and the future. It is divided into three areas: the void, the building, and the green hill. The museum seeks to develop solutions to potential issues that cities may experience in the future by bringing researchers, ecologists, financiers, and environmentalists under its umbrella. This most recent architectural wonder, which spans seven floors, was added to Dubai in February 2022 and has since become a tourist favourite.

Dubai Mall,

One of the biggest shopping malls in the world, the Dubai Mall is also known as the location of the Dubai Shopping Festival and spans more than 500,000 square metres. Featuring over 1200 stores, a sizable walk-through aquarium, a top-notch ice rink, 14,000 parking spaces, and additional fun activities for customers.

Dubai Gold Souk 

The largest gold market in the world is in Dubai’s renowned gold souk. This gold souk, which is located in Deira, is the most well-known and popular tourist destination in Dubai due to the superior quality and designs of the gold there. The Gold Souk, which has more than 350 jewellers and retailers, receives at least 10 tonnes of gold each day for replenishment.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a planned man-made canal city that is located in the area commonly referred to as “New Dubai.” Through its exquisite waterfront construction along the shore of the Persian Gulf, it provides opulent lifestyles. Elegant hotels, upscale shopping, and other leisure options can be found here. Additionally, it houses the Dubai Marina Mall Complex, a popular spot for shopping and entertainment.

Palm Jumeirah

Dubai’s magnificent artificial archipelago, Palm Jumeirah, which juts into the Persian Gulf, is the pinnacle of beauty produced by land reclamation. When viewed from above, the archipelago looks like a palm tree with a circle on it. Some of Dubai’s top tourist attractions, including Atlantis, the Palm, Aquaventure Waterpark, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium, are currently housed in one of the first significant tourism projects in the UAE.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, housed on the first floor of the Dubai Mall, has over 33,000 marine animals living in its ten million-litre tank. The level above the tank is home to a distinctive underwater zoo that exhibits a wide variety of aquatic life that is found in the world’s oceans, rivers, and other bodies of water. The third section is the VR Zoo, which offers thrilling wildlife adventures through meticulously rendered virtual excursions.

Aquaventure Water Park

Aquaventure, one of Dubai’s largest water parks, is situated inside the Atlantis hotel complex. There are numerous pools, flumes, slides, and rides at this incredible water park. Some of the park’s main attractions include the heart-pounding Tower of Neptune and the equally thrilling Tower of Poseidon. Additionally, visitors can unwind at the cabanas, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many eateries, and purchase souvenirs from one of the many shops located throughout the park.

 Al Fahidi

The 18th-century Al Fahidi fort, the coffee museum, the House of Shiekh Saeed Al Maktoum, and the Pearl Diving Exhibits of Dubai Museum are all located in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood. This heritage site, which is regarded as a must-see location in Dubai, has preserved the culture of Old Dubai through forts, mud houses, images, and experiences. The souks in the heritage village also sell exquisite jewellery, pashminas, crafts, and other items.

IMG world of adventure

The first massive indoor theme park in the city, IMG features top-notch facilities and entertainment. This park with a cartoon theme is located next to Global Village on the renowned Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. Live performances, fun rides, movies, and delicious food options abound. Characters from popular franchises include Frozen, Disney, Cars, Marvel, DC Comics, and others.

Dubai Dolphinarium

The Dubai Dolphinarium is well-known throughout the world for its breathtaking and engaging performances. It is home to the majestic Black Sea bottlenose dolphins, Northern and Southern American fur seals, and exotic birds. The Dubai Dolphinarium is a popular tourist destination where visitors from all over the world throng in large numbers all throughout the year to enjoy thrilling marine mammal and bird shows. It is situated in Creek Park, a family entertainment and activity park in Dubai.

Mall of the Emirates

The “world’s first shopping resort” is called The Mall of the Emirates, and it is situated in West Dubai’s Al Barsha neighbourhood. Additionally, it has the title of “World’s Leading New Shopping Mall.” The Mall of the Emirates is home to a magnificent family entertainment complex that includes Snow Park, the first of its kind in the Middle East, and Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort.

The Walk at JBR 

The Walk at JBR, which is close to Dubai Marina and has many shops and eateries for its visitors, is a lovely avenue bordered on either side by swaying palms. The Walk is a street lined with plazas and arched doorways that is almost a mile long. The Walk is a must-see after dusk and offers a variety of events and festival venues.

Pier 7

The Mecca for food lovers and connoisseurs with discriminating tastes is Pier 7 at Dubai Marina Mall. It is the most sought-after destination for foodies because it is home to not one, not two, but seven different world-class restaurants under one roof. Pier 7 Dubai, which has the city skyline as its backdrop and seven floors of fine dining, is also known for its exceptional architecture.

Legoland

Legoland is a family theme park that allows you to play with Lego bricks and enjoy water slides. It is located amidst Dubai parks and resorts. Legoland is divided into two parks: a Lego Park and a Lego Water Park, both of which are best for children between the ages of 2 and 12. At Legoland, Dubai, nearly forty interactive rides, twenty water slides, and more than fifteen thousand Lego models can be found.

Dubai Spice souk

The Dubai Spice Souks, also known as the Old Souk, are well-known for their incredible quality and variety of herbs, spices, and flavours and are the only place you need to go for both a sensory and visual treat. There is a distinct mingling of aromas in the air. Visitors can also buy traditional UAE clothing, dried fruits, and distinctive Arabian rugs and lanterns at this store in Deira. Dubai’s Souvenir Mall is the ideal location to shop for gifts.

Ain Dubai

The tallest observation wheel in the world is in Ain Dubai, which was modelled after the well-known London Eye. The centre of the group of artificial islands known as the Bluewater Islands is where this 210-metre-long building is located. Awe-inspiring sights include the 360-degree views of the city, the coast, the beaches, the skyscrapers, and the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Al Arab!

Bollywood Parks

Broadway Parks The world’s “first theme park devoted to B-town” is in Dubai! Visitors can explore various recreations of well-known Bollywood film locations, such as Lagaan, enjoy a 4D movie experience at Krish, attend dance workshops at Cinema Circle, and more as a part of Dubai Parks and Resorts. With its stunning Indian decor, henna artists, vintage movie posters, star mannequins, and vibrant live performances, this location is a photographer’s dream.

Atlantis the Palm

The first resort to be constructed on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah Island is Atlantis, which features a private sandy beach and 5-star amenities. This resort incorporates a few distinctive Arabian elements while providing mesmerising views of the Arabian Gulf and being based on the myth of Atlantis. One of the world’s most well-known tourist destinations, Palm Atlantis offers distinctive amenities like an underwater aquarium and opportunities for swimming with dolphins.

Share:  

Enquire Now
close slider