Was this page helpful?
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Dubai Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
United Arab Emirates – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type G
Type G:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
UAE Dirham (AED) £1 ≈ AED 4.89 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in urban areas, including cards and mobile wallets. Rural areas may rely more on cash.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary but not mandatory in the UAE. Restaurants often include service charges, but leaving 10-15% for good service is common. Small tips for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and delivery services are appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking of alcohol is illegal. Alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in most indoor public areas, though designated smoking zones are available. |
| Eid al-Fitr (Varies) |
A time for family gatherings; expect closures during festivities. |
|---|---|
| National Day (December) |
Celebrations include parades and fireworks across the country. |
| Eid al-Adha (Varies) |
Similar closures and family celebrations, with special events in cities. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 999 (Police), 998 (Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Careem, Uber, RTA Dubai |
| Other: | The UAE is famous for luxury shopping, modern architecture, and diverse cuisines. Dress modestly in public and adhere to local customs to avoid issues. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Dubai, United Arab Emirates
June to September: temperatures often above 40°C, outdoor activities only early morning or evening
Ramadan: eating and drinking in public restricted by day, many restaurants closed until sunset
Don't miss
- 🏙️ Ascend the Burj Khalifa and watch the city from above
- ⛷️ Shop and ski inside the Dubai Mall and Ski Dubai
- 🏜️ Take a desert safari and ride camels over golden dunes
- 🚤 Sail along Dubai Marina on a sunset dhow cruise
- 💦 Admire the dancing fountains at the Burj Khalifa Lake
- 🏖️ Relax on Jumeirah Beach with views of Burj Al Arab
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Dubai?
Dubai offers a vibrant blend of luxury, adventure and rich culture. You can explore futuristic skyscrapers, traditional souks and sun-soaked beaches. The city is also home to world-class dining and thrilling desert safaris. While it’s safe and welcoming, be mindful of local customs, especially regarding dress and public behavior.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Dubai Shopping Festival
-
Dubai Food Festival
-
Dubai World Cup (Horse Racing)
-
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
-
Dubai International Film Festival
-
Dubai Summer Surprises
-
National Day Celebrations
-
Dubai Jazz Festival
-
Dubai Design Week
-
Eid Celebrations
Knowledge before you go
- Avoid peak summer if possible; heat and humidity can feel extreme.
- Dress modestly in malls and public areas, keeping shoulders and knees covered, but regular swimwear is fine on hotel beaches.
- Use the metro and licensed taxis for long distances; Dubai is vast and not particularly walkable between major districts.
- Book a late-afternoon desert safari to catch sunset dunes, then enjoy barbecue dinners and starry skies away from city lights.
How to travel to Dubai
Fly into Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world's busiest. Alternatively, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) serves budget airlines. Dubai is also accessible by road from neighboring Emirates and by sea through Port Rashid.
Access summary
- From Dubai International (DXB): Red Line metro or taxi to Downtown, about 20–40 minutes.
- From Abu Dhabi: Intercity buses or taxis to Dubai, typically around 1.5–2 hours.
- From Sharjah: Taxis or intercity buses to Dubai, usually about 45–75 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Dubai
Dubai offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious beach resorts to budget-friendly hotels and serviced apartments. Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah are popular areas to stay with great access to attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Gevora Hotel -Tallest 4-Star Hotel in the World
Dubai International Airport Hotel
The Tower Plaza hotel Dubai
Knight Castle Hotel - formerly known as Carlton Palace Hotel
Asiana Hotel
Marco Polo Hotel
Grandeur Hotel
Sunday Hotel Al Barsha Dubai Mall of the Emirates Formerly Grand Excelsior Al Barsha
Asiana Grand Hotel
Dusit Thani Dubai Hotel
How to get around Dubai
Getting around Dubai is easy with the efficient metro system, taxis and ride-sharing apps. The metro connects major attractions and the public bus network is also reliable. Water taxis (abras) are a fun way to cross Dubai Creek.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Dubai are around 12% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to AED) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Dubai is very safe, with low crime rates. However, respect local laws and customs, especially regarding dress code, alcohol consumption and public behavior.
Health & Medical
Dubai has excellent medical facilities, including international hospitals and clinics. Pharmacies are well-stocked. Be mindful of the intense heat and stay hydrated.
Accessibility
The city is highly accessible, with well-equipped public transport and attractions. However, the hot climate might be challenging for some visitors, especially during summer.
Tap water
Tap water is safe to drink, but many locals and tourists prefer bottled water. In public areas, water dispensers might not be widely available, so carrying a bottle is recommended.
Packing recommendations for Dubai
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🧣
Shawl or headscarf
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Related articles & guides for Dubai
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Best festivals in Asia
Few regions match Asia for the sheer scale and variety of festivals: religious, agricultural and seasonal traditions span the continent across multiple major faiths, often…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in December in Asia
December counts among the best months of the year across much of Asia, even as it becomes one of the busiest. Southeast Asia holds onto its dry season through December, with…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for food allergies
Travelling with a food allergy adds a layer of planning most people never have to think about and the right destination can make that planning a lot easier. Some travellers…
Read more
Discover
Best couple vacation destinations in Asia
Asia is perfect for couples who want their holiday to feel like a shared adventure rather than just a change of scenery. Few continents offer so many ways to be amazed together.…
Read more
Discover
Top New Year's Eve celebrations and holiday spots
How you want to spend New Year's Eve says a lot about what kind of year you are hoping to start and the best destinations reflect that same range of moods. Some travellers want…
Read more
Discover
Top cruise destinations and major routes
Cruise travel has evolved considerably beyond its traditional demographic and now encompasses everything from large resort ships carrying thousands of passengers to small…
Read more
Discover
Best boating destinations in Asia
Asia's boating offer ranges from the liveaboard diving circuits of Southeast Asia and the river boating networks of the great continental waterways to the motor charter…
Read more
Discover
Best winter illumination destinations in Asia
East Asian cities turn entire districts into large-scale lighting installations each winter, drawing crowds specifically for the display rather than any single landmark. A northern…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations for first-time travelers in Asia
Asia has one of the best established beginner travel routes anywhere, largely because so many first time travelers have worn the path before you. Southeast Asia in particular…
Read more
Discover
Top architecture destinations and iconic landmarks
Architecture travel spans everything from ancient ceremonial complexes and medieval urban cores to the grands projets of the twentieth century and contemporary buildings that draw…
Read more
Discover
Top boating destinations and cruising waters
Boating travel encompasses an enormous range of experiences from river cruising and canal boating to motor yacht charter, liveaboard diving and the growing circuit of destinations…
Read more
Discover
Best outlet shopping destinations
Serious outlet shopping destinations go well beyond a single discount mall: they tend to combine a genuine concentration of brands, real price reductions rather than token…
Read more
Discover
Best cities to visit in Asia
Asia's world cities combine ancient urban histories with some of the most dramatic contemporary development anywhere, producing metropolitan environments where centuries of…
Read more
Discover
Best nightlife destinations in Asia
East Asia's biggest cities anchor the region's nightlife reputation with neighbourhoods built specifically around after-dark culture, running on a density of bars and clubs found…
Read more
