Dubai — Where Desert Meets Skyline
Everything you need to plan your trip, from flights to activities, in one place.
Best time to visit
November – March
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
Language
Arabic (English widely spoken)
Flight time
~7 hrs from London, ~14 hrs from New York
Visa
Visa-on-arrival for many nationalities
How to Get There
Dubai International (DXB) is one of the world's busiest hubs, so flight competition keeps fares reasonable — especially outside peak winter season.
- •Tuesday and Wednesday departures tend to be cheaper than weekend flights.
- •Book 6–8 weeks out for the best fares, earlier for winter (Nov–Mar) travel.
- •Watch for stopover deals via Istanbul or Doha — sometimes cheaper than direct.
Getting Around
Car Rental
Renting a car in Dubai is easy and roads are excellent — worth it if you want to explore beyond the city (desert safaris, Abu Dhabi day trips).
An international driving permit is recommended, and check age minimums — many providers require drivers to be 21–25 or older.
Airport Transfers
If you'd rather skip renting, pre-booked transfers avoid taxi queues and surge pricing at the airport.
The Dubai Metro also runs directly from DXB Terminal 1 & 3 — a cheap option for solo travelers with light luggage.
Where to Stay
Downtown Dubai
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Fountain show — best for first-timers who want everything walkable.
Dubai Marina
Beach access, nightlife, and a younger crowd along the waterfront promenade.
Deira / Old Dubai
Budget-friendly, with authentic souks and a slower, more traditional pace.
Palm Jumeirah
Luxury resorts and private beaches — the splurge option for a special trip.
Things to Do
From record-breaking towers to desert adventures, Dubai mixes ultra-modern with traditional.
Downtown Dubai
Burj Khalifa "At the Top" ticket
from $39
Dubai Desert
Desert safari with dune bashing & BBQ dinner
from $55
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina dhow cruise dinner
from $48
Downtown Dubai
Museum of the Future
from $33
Deira
Old Dubai walking tour & souk visit
from $24
Stay Connected
Skip the airport SIM kiosk lines — grab an eSIM before you land.
UAE & Middle East
5GB / 30 days
$5.50
Some VoIP calling features (like WhatsApp or FaceTime voice/video calls) may be restricted on local networks, though messaging and data browsing work fine. Some travelers use a VPN service such as NordVPN or Saily around this — the legal position on VPN use in the UAE is nuanced, so check current guidance before relying on one.
Budget Breakdown
| Style | Daily budget (excl. flights) |
|---|---|
| Budget | $60–90 / day |
| Mid-range | $150–250 / day |
| Luxury | $400+ / day |
Know Before You Go
- •Dress modestly in public spaces and religious sites.
- •Alcohol is only served in licensed venues (hotels and bars).
- •Friday marks the start of the weekend in the UAE.
- •Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
Related Reads
- Best eSIMs for the Middle East (coming soon)
- Desert safari packing list (coming soon)
- Abu Dhabi day trip guide (coming soon)
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