Overview
Dubai is No. 12 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The largest city of the United Arab Emirates grew from a pearling and trading port on Dubai Creek into a global hub for aviation, business and tourism.
Visitors come for the skyline, led by the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, for beaches and luxury hotels, and for desert trips. The historic heart around the creek, with its wind-tower houses, abra water taxis and souks, shows the older side of the city.
Best time to go
November to March is the most comfortable time to visit, with warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. This is also the peak season, with events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival.
From June to September temperatures are often above 40 °C with high humidity, so outdoor sightseeing is best kept to early morning and evening. During Ramadan, whose dates move each year, some venues change their hours and visitors should be respectful in public during daylight hours.
Top sights
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1
Burj Khalifa
At 828 metres, the tower completed in 2010 is the world's tallest building. Observation decks are on levels 124, 125 and 148; book timed tickets, and sunset slots in particular, well ahead.
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2
Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain
One of the world's largest shopping centres sits at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. The Dubai Fountain performs on the lake outside several times each evening.
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3
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Restored coral-stone and gypsum houses with traditional wind towers (barjeel), with small museums, galleries and cafés in the lanes.
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4
Dubai Creek, abras and the souks
Cross the creek on a traditional abra water taxi to Deira's Gold Souk and Spice Souk.
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5
Jumeirah Mosque
One of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors, through guided tours run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.
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6
Museum of the Future
Opened in 2022, the torus-shaped building covered in Arabic calligraphy hosts immersive exhibitions about the future.
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7
The desert
Licensed operators run desert trips with dune drives and evening camps. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve protects part of the landscape.
Getting there
Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world's busiest airports for international passengers, is close to the city. The Dubai Metro Red Line stops at Terminals 1 and 3. Some flights use Al Maktoum International (DWC) at Dubai South.
Getting around
The driverless Dubai Metro has two lines (Red and Green), and the Dubai Tram serves Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. Pay with a Nol card; each train has a Gold Class carriage and a section for women and children.
Taxis are plentiful and metered, and ride-hailing apps are widely used. Distances are large and summer heat is intense, so walking between areas is rarely practical.
Practical tips
- Currency
- UAE dirham (AED). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- Language
- Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken.
- Local customs
- Dress modestly in malls, government buildings and religious sites; cover shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection, drunkenness and swearing or rude gestures can lead to fines or arrest. Check the rules on medicines before you travel.
- Safety
- Dubai has a low crime rate. For the police, dial 999; for an ambulance, 998; for the fire service, 997.
- Visa & entry
- Citizens of many countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and EU countries, get a free visit visa on arrival; others need to arrange a visa in advance. Check the UAE government portal (u.ae) or your airline before you travel.
- Power
- 230 V, 50 Hz; plug type G.
Official information: Visit Dubai (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
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