Guide to Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a cosmopolitan metropolis on the Arabian Peninsula, and one of the top ten most popular tourist destinations in the world. Dubai is sometimes mistaken as a country, though it is actually one of seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is a global transport hub, and is symbolised by it’s innovative construction projects such as the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

Top reasons to visit Dubai

Visit the largest mall in the world - Dubai Mall

Enjoy year round sunshine on fantastic beaches, including the man-made Palm Jumeirah

Take a traditional water taxi (bra) along Dubai Creek, seeing the sights of Old Dubai

Marvel at the skyline, including the tallest building in the world Burj Khalifa, or the world’s only seven-star luxury hotel, the Burj Al Arab

Main areas of Dubai

Dubai is rather spread out, due to it’s rapid development and planning for the future - such as Expo 2020. Construction whilst progressing rapidly, tends to happen in districts along the main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road.

Dubai can be split into two main sections:

Old Dubai

Deira, Creek, Karma, Bastikya and Gharoud were the old, traditional areas up till rapid development started around the late 70s.

New Dubai

Downtown, Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Al Barsha, Tecom and Jumeirah Lakes Towers are all new developments with a range of more expensive and luxury hotels.

When to go to Dubai

Dubai is situated by the coast, and surrounded by desert, and is renowned for year-round sunshine and hot temperatures. September through to April is cooler, pleasant weather with temperatures generally between 20-25 Degrees C around March to May. July and August can bring temperatures over 50 Degrees C, and high humidity.

Winter (December to April) can bring rain, moreso in recent years, and occasionally evenings can be a little chilly - so don’t forget that jacket and sweater!

As a Muslim country, Dubai observes strict customs such as Ramadan, which falls for around one month in June/July which restricts public eating/drinking to respect fasting from sundown to sunset.

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Top Attractions in Dubai

• Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Mall
• Sky Dubai (Mall of the Emirates)
• Burj Al Arab
• Fountains at Dubai Mall
• Madinat Jumeirah/Souk Al Bahar
• SkyDive Dubai
• The Palm Jumeirah
• The Islands
• Waterparks - Wild Wadi, Aqua Venture
• Atlantis, The Palm resort
• Beaches - Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach, The Beach
• The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences
• Bastikya Cultural Quarter
• Dubai Creek
• Old Dubai - Deira, The Creek
• Yacht Charters
• Golf Jumeirah Golf Estates
• Desert safari/dune bashing
• Camel racing

Shopping in Dubai

Shopping is an experience in Dubai, from mega malls to souks, and best times to visit for bargains are Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February) and Dubai Summer Surprises in summer low season.

• Dubai Mall
• The Old Souk
• Gold Souk
• Mall of the Emirates
• Ibn Battuta Mall
• Dubai Marina Mall

Eating in Dubai

Dubai’s local delicacies include:-

• mezze - small starter plates of olives, meats, Arabian food such as tabouleh
• falafel - chickpeas
• shawarma - chicken slices

Every type of cuisine is available in Dubai, but particular note should go the ’brunches’ which are a Dubai institution - normally on a Friday or Saturday or most evenings. Here hotels and restaurants vie for customers by offering ‘all you can eat’ buffets for bargain prices.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Dubai

Alcohol is only available in licensed bars and restaurants, which are nearly always situated in the hotels in Dubai.

• Bars - Barasti Beach, Eden Beach Club
• Clubs - Pacha, 360, Crystal, Cavalli Club, Blue Marlin
• Museums - Bastikya Historial Quarter
• Theatre and Performance Arts - Courtyard Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah

Book a hotel today in Dubai, United Arab Emirates - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.