What you need to know about Dubai
Photo by Dubai T
Get ready
Get there
Travelers’ pro tips for experiencing Dubai
AlanF
Dubai’s most popular restaurants are usually booked up quite far in advance. If you are only visiting for a short period, it’s advisable to book them as soon as you arrive in Dubai.
uaomo
There is no eating in public during the Ramadan months until evening time. So if you must eat, do it in your hotel room!
James F
Be polite to service staff in restaurants and take interest in the people who serve you. They are tuned in and can also offer great advice about a myriad of subjects in Dubai.
In the words of those who’ve been there before …
sellsMiltonKeynes
Dubai is an amazing experience. You will never be bored. It has everything, desert dune buggy trips, ballooning, parachuting, cruises, art and culture, even skiing.
Andrea_Detto
Dubai is simply a City of Wonders that is in continuous expansion and development.
Chakraberty
This city will never fail to entertain… and entertain all kinds of visitors — the thrill seeker, the shopaholic, the foodie, the beach lover, and the nature lover!
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
Dubai is served by two international airports: Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
Do I need a visa?
Visit Dubai’s Department of Tourism website to determine visa eligibility and criteria.
When is the best time to visit?
Winter (November to March): Dubai has a hot desert climate with two distinct seasons. The winter months have the most pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities. The average daytime high is around 27°C with lows of around 17°C.
Careem BIKE offers pedal-assist bike hire through its bike-share app.
Train
The Dubai Metro, run by the RTA, operates 2 lines — red and green — which run from about 5:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays, the service operates later — the red operates from about 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. and the green line operates from about 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Bus
Dubai’s public bus service, run by the RTA, operates local buses on more than 120 routes.
Taxis
Dubai Taxi Corporation operates government-licensed taxis 24 hours a day and can be hailed in the street, picked up at taxi stand or booked by phone. They are recognizable by their red roof.
Tram
The Dubai Tram makes 11 stops with trams running from about 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday.
Boat
Abras are motorised traditional wooden boats linking Bur Dubai and Deira across the Dubai Creek via two routes.
Ferry
The Dubai Ferry operates 5 major routes on a limited schedule.
Ridesharing
Uber and Careem are available in Dubai on your smartphone.