Dubai
Top Accommodation
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The Ritz-Carlton Dubai
Dubai
Distinctive in Dubai for its intimate appeal.
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Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A'Salam
Dubai
The gateway property to the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex.
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Madinat Jumeirah, Dar Al Masyaf
Dubai
Arabic summerhouse-style rooms and suites.
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Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Dubai
A desert resort offering an insight into Arabian heritage.
Top Restaurants
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Residence & Spa, One&Only Royal Mirage
Dubai
The smallest and most intimate of the three One&Only Royal Mirage Resort hotels.
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Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A'Salam
Dubai
The gateway property to the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex.
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The Palace, One&Only Royal Mirage
Dubai
Sumptuous service and exceptional facilities.
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Madinat Jumeirah, Al Qasr
Dubai
The ratio of two staff to one guest ensures incredible service.
Top Attractions
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Deira Gold Souq
Deira 
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Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Jumeirah
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B21 Gallery
Sheikh Zayed Road Area
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Grand Mosque
Bur Dubai
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A Perfect Day
By John A Vlahides
Though it's most famous for being one of the world's fastest-growing cities, I find Dubai to be most enchanting along the Creek, the area where the city began. To get a sense of then and now, start at the Creek, then work your way out to New Dubai. Begin the day on the Bur Dubai side of the water, where you can roam the labyrinth of pedestrian alleys beneath historic windtowers. Poke your head into XVA Gallery to refuel on mint-lemonade in the open-air courtyard of an historic home that's been converted into a boutique hotel. A visit to the Dubai Museum is a must, as is a quick stroll through the Bur Dubai Souq, before boarding an abra (water taxi) to cross the Creek. Follow your nose to the Spice Souq, then ooh and ahh at the glittering displays of the Gold Souq. The shopping in the surrounding streets could keep you busy for a whole day, but no visit to Dubai would be complete without checking out one of its famous malls. I most like Mall of the Emirates because it's home to Ski Dubai, the world's largest indoor ski slope. After shooshing down the slopes, take a short taxi ride to the Souq Madinat Jumeirah, where you can shop for souvenirs before scoping out seats on the balcony of Bahri Bar, a romantic spot to sip cocktails in view of the iconic Burj al-Arab. For dinner, it's off to one of the stellar restaurants at the Royal Mirage beach resort, say, Nina for Indian-fusion cooking, followed by sheesha (tobacco smoked through a waterpipe) in the hotel's atmospheric courtyard. If the weather is fine, it's time for Sho Cho, where the DJ keeps the tunes in time with the breaking waves.
Between November and April Dubai is quite cool, at least compared to the rest of the year, which swelters under the scorching, unforgiving sun.
Average weather
Main Currency
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Symbol: Dh
| average room cost | average meal cost | |
|---|---|---|
| High: | 1200+ | |
| Mid: | 700-1200 | 50-100 |
| Low: | 400-700 | up to 50 |
Transport
Getting around
Public transport consists of local buses, the metro and water buses. Taxis are widely available.
Getting there and away
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the busiest airport in the Middle East, with three terminals and a famed duty-free selection.
Health & Legal Requirements
Dangers and annoyances
On the whole, Dubai is a very safe city, but you should exercise the same sort of caution with your personal safety as you would anywhere. Due to Dubai's location at the heart of the Gulf, the US Department of State and British Foreign Office both warn travellers of a general threat from terrorism.
One very real danger in Dubai is bad driving. We also don't recommend that you swim, water-ski or jet-ski in the Creek. The tides in the Gulf are not strong enough to flush the Creek out on a regular basis, so it is not a clean waterway, despite what the tourist authorities might tell you. Also, be careful when swimming in the open sea. Despite the small surf, currents can be very strong and drownings are not uncommon.
fast facts
| Full name | Dubai |
|---|---|
| Currency | UAE Dirham, AED (Dh) |
| Population | 2262000 |
| Languages |
Urdu (other) Hindi (other) English (other) Persian (other) Arabic (official) |
| Time zone(s) | GMT/UTC: +4 |
| Voltage | 220V |
| Hertz | 50Hz |
| Plugs |
European plug with two circular metal pins British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade |
latest offers
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Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A'Salam
Complimentary Half BoardBook 5 nights, 90 days or more prior to arrival & receive a 15% discount & a complimentary upgrade to half board. more
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Atlantis, The Palm
Kids Go Free In DubaiBook 3 nights & up to 2 children under 12 years of age, travelling with two adults will receive a ... more
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Madinat Jumeirah, Al Qasr
Complimentary Half BoardReceive a 25% discount on accommodation rates plus a complimentary upgrade to half board, more
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