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Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Visit Dubai
Dubai, a city that has emerged from the sands and transformed into a dazzling metropolis, offers an unforgettable experience for any traveler. Known for its futuristic skyline dominated by the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, Dubai is a blend of modern culture and history, adventure and world-class shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. Whether you're exploring the vast Dubai Mall, watching the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain, or dining in high-style at a rooftop restaurant, the city offers a spectacle at every turn.
For those interested in the cultural aspects, Dubai does not disappoint. The city's heritage can be explored in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, also known as Al Bastakiya, where the narrow lanes and traditional wind-towered buildings evoke the era before the Emirates were formed. Here, visitors can discover the Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, to get a glimpse of the traditional way of life in the Emirates. Moreover, a boat ride across the Dubai Creek on a traditional abra offers a picturesque view of the old and new Dubai, highlighting the city's unique blend of history and modernism.
Adventure seekers can venture beyond the city's skyscrapers to experience a different side of Dubai. The surrounding desert offers exhilarating activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel rides. For a more relaxed experience, luxury desert safaris often conclude with a traditional Bedouin camp dinner under the stars, accompanied by folk dances and falconry displays. Additionally, Dubai's position on the Persian Gulf coast makes it ideal for water sports, including jet skiing, flyboarding, and even deep-sea fishing.
Dubai also serves as a global shopping destination, hosting two major shopping festivals annually. The malls here are not just about retail; they are entertainment hubs themselves. The Mall of the Emirates features an indoor ski slope, while the Dubai Mall is home to an Olympic-sized ice rink and a massive aquarium that allows for underwater zoo explorations. With endless options to explore, Dubai offers a dynamic blend of attractions that cater to all ages and interests, making it a must-visit destination on any travel itinerary.
Dubai Monthly Weather Conditions
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DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
57°F
75°F
1
February
61°F
77°F
1
March
66°F
84°F
1
April
75°F
90°F
1
May
79°F
95°F
1
June
83°F
104°F
0
July
90°F
106°F
0
August
86°F
106°F
1
September
83°F
95°F
1
October
77°F
95°F
1
November
75°F
84°F
1
December
64°F
75°F
1
Need to Know Before You Go To Dubai
Nickname:
City of Gold
Primary Language:
Arabic
Time Zone:
Asia/Dubai
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type G
Annual Visitors:
15.93 million
Primary Export:
Gold
Busiest Travel Months:
January, February, March
Quietest Travel Months:
August, July, June
Find your Next Adventure in Dubai
Explore Dubai
Iconic Landmarks
Burj Khalifa
Standing at a staggering height of 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. It features observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors offering panoramic views of the city.
Dubai Mall
Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the world, with over 1,200 stores, an ice rink, a huge aquarium, and an indoor theme park.
Palm Jumeirah
A man-made archipelago in the shape of a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah is an engineering marvel. It hosts luxury hotels, residences, and attractions like Atlantis, The Palm.
Burj Al Arab
Often described as the world's only seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab is known for its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette and luxurious amenities. It stands on an artificial island and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge.
Dubai Fountain
Set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake, the Dubai Fountain features water jets that shoot water up to impressive heights, synchronized with music and lights. It is one of the largest choreographed fountains in the world.
Dubai Frame
Opened in January 2018, the Dubai Frame is designed to represent a giant picture frame, offering spectacular views of both old and new Dubai from a 150-meter-high glass bridge.
Cultural Experiences
Visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Al Bastakiya)
Explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, also known as Al Bastakiya, where you can wander through narrow lanes and discover traditional wind-towered buildings. This area offers a glimpse into the old way of life in Dubai, with its restored merchant houses, art galleries, cafés, and museums.
Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort
Housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest existing building in Dubai, the Dubai Museum offers insights into the city's heritage and culture. The museum showcases local history, traditional Bedouin lifestyle, and the evolution of Dubai from a small fishing village to a global metropolis.
Abra Ride on Dubai Creek
Take a traditional abra (water taxi) ride across Dubai Creek. This affordable and charming mode of transport offers a picturesque view of the city’s contrast between the old and the new. It’s a quintessential Dubai experience that also allows you to explore the bustling souks of Deira and Bur Dubai.
Visit the Souks of Deira
The souks (markets) of Deira are famous for their vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings. The Gold Souk is renowned worldwide for its extensive collection of gold jewelry, while the Spice Souk offers a variety of exotic spices, herbs, and fragrances. Walking through these souks is like stepping back in time and provides a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells.
Cultural Meals and Coffee at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)
Participate in cultural meals and coffee sessions at the SMCCU, where you can enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine and learn about the local customs and traditions from Emirati hosts. The center’s motto, "Open Doors, Open Minds," truly reflects its mission to foster understanding between cultures.
Watch a Show at the Dubai Opera
Experience a performance at the Dubai Opera, located in the prestigious Downtown Dubai. The venue hosts a variety of performances including opera, ballet, classical concerts, musicals, and traditional Arabic performances. The architecture of the building itself, inspired by the shape of Arabian Dhow ships, is a sight to behold.
Outdoor Adventures
Desert Safari
A must-do when in Dubai, desert safaris typically involve dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, camel rides, sandboarding, and an evening of entertainment with belly dancing, fire shows, and a traditional barbecue dinner under the stars.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Experience a magical ride over the vast Dubai desert at sunrise. This adventure offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape, and you might spot some wildlife like gazelles and camels roaming freely. It often ends with a gourmet breakfast once you land.
Skydiving
For adrenaline junkies, skydiving over the iconic Palm Jumeirah or the desert is an unforgettable experience. The aerial view of Dubai’s islands, pristine waters, and skyscrapers is unparalleled.
Zip Lining
Try the XLine Dubai Marina, one of the steepest and longest urban zip lines in the world. It offers a thrilling ride at speeds up to 80 km/h, providing a bird's-eye view of the glamorous Dubai Marina and its surrounding skyscrapers.
Mountain Biking
Explore the Hajar Mountains on a mountain bike. The rugged terrain and scenic trails offer a challenging and refreshing adventure away from the city’s hustle. There are routes available for all skill levels, and guided tours are often recommended.
Scuba Diving
Although Dubai is not traditionally known for scuba diving, it offers some interesting dive sites, including artificially created reefs and even some wreck dives. The warm waters of the Arabian Gulf make it a pleasant experience, suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
Off the Beaten Path
Al Marmoom Camel Race Track
Experience the traditional sport of camel racing at Al Marmoom, where you can watch these surprisingly fast animals compete. It's a cultural experience that's very different from the glitzy modern side of Dubai. The races usually take place early in the morning during the cooler months.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Step back in time in this historic district, also known as Al Bastakiya. Wander through its narrow lanes lined with traditional wind-tower architecture, art galleries, and cafes. It's a quiet escape from the bustling city and offers insight into the Dubai of yesteryear.
Dubai Coffee Museum
For coffee enthusiasts, this museum in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of coffee, including its history in the Middle East. You can sample different brews and learn about various coffee cultures from around the world.
Love Lake
Located in the Al Qudra area, Love Lake is a man-made lake in the shape of two interlocking hearts. It's a serene spot perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk, especially popular among locals. The area around the lake is also great for bird-watching and is less frequented by tourists.
Hatta Heritage Village
About a 90-minute drive from Dubai, Hatta offers a scenic escape with its mountainous landscape and fresh air. The Heritage Village there has been preserved to showcase traditional mountain life, with ancient buildings, folklore, and local crafts.
Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum
Dive into the ancient history of the region at this intriguing museum located in the Shindagha district. It showcases artifacts from the Iron Age archaeological site of Saruq Al Hadid, offering insights into the area's early civilizations.
Dubai Fun Facts
Dubai, a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene, is full of fascinating facts. Here are the top 10 fun facts about Dubai:
- Home to the Tallest Building
Dubai boasts the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, standing at a staggering height of 828 meters (2,716.5 feet).
- Artificial Islands
The city is famous for its man-made islands, including the Palm Jumeirah, which is shaped like a palm tree, and The World Islands, a collection of islands shaped like a world map.
- Robot Camel Racing
Camel racing is a popular sport in Dubai, but instead of human jockeys, the camels are often ridden by small robots controlled by trainers.
- Gold ATMs
You can find Gold to Go ATMs in Dubai that dispense 24-carat gold bars and coins, making the city a true gold lover’s paradise.
- Police Supercars
The Dubai Police fleet includes a range of luxury supercars, including a Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Aventador, and Ferrari FF, making it one of the most stylish law enforcement fleets in the world.
- Air-Conditioned Bus Stops
To cope with the extreme heat, many of the bus stops in Dubai are air-conditioned.
- No Address System
Instead of a standard address system, Dubai uses a system of landmarks and descriptions to navigate the city.
- High Expat Population
Approximately 85% of Dubai’s population is made up of expatriates, making it a highly international city.
- Indoor Ski Resort
Dubai is home to Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, which includes an 85-meter-high indoor mountain with 5 slopes and a 400-meter-long run.
- Largest Flower Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden, featuring over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants.
Featured Picture Gallery
Palm Island Resembles a Stylized Palm Tree
Dubai Marina is an Affulent Residential Neighborhood
Burj Khalifa is the World's Tallest Tower
Experience the Beauty of Dubai
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