Dubai Travel Guide

When to visit Dubai: Summer is extremely hot and humid; most travelers prefer November–March, but if visiting in summer stick to air-conditioned malls and indoor attractions

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

Avg Temp

33–41°C

Rainfall

Negligible, near 0mm/month

Best Time

Summer is extremely hot and humid; most travelers prefer November–March, but if visiting in summer stick to air-conditioned malls and indoor attractions

Packing Tips (3)

Lightweight breathable clothing plus a light layer for heavily air-conditioned interiors
Strong sunscreen and a hat for brief outdoor exposure
Modest clothing for mosques, souks and government buildings

What does Dubai cost?

Typical prices

Show in

Budget mealAED 35.00
Mid-range mealAED 120.00
CappuccinoAED 18.00
Domestic beerAED 40.00
Taxi (per km)AED 2.40
Public transport ticketAED 5.00
Museum entryAED 68.00
Mid-range hotel (night)AED 450.00

Local currency: AED

Food & Drink

Al Ustad Special Kabab
Iranian · $
A no-frills Deira institution since 1978 serving Iranian-style kebabs and saffron rice to queues of regulars.
Pierchic
Seafood · $$$$
An overwater seafood restaurant at Madinat Jumeirah reached by a long wooden pier, with views of Burj Al Arab.
Ravi Restaurant
Pakistani · $
A legendary budget Pakistani eatery in Al Satwa famous with taxi drivers and celebrities alike for its karahi and naan.
At.mosphere
European · $$$$
The world's highest restaurant, on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, serving modern European cuisine with skyline views.
Al Mallah
Lebanese · $
A popular Jumeirah street-corner cafe known for shawarma and fresh juices, busy late into the night.
Zuma Dubai
Japanese · $$$$
An upscale contemporary izakaya in DIFC known for its robata grill and buzzing bar scene.
White Dubai
Nightclub
A large open-air rooftop superclub at Meydan known for international DJs and an extravagant crowd.
40 Kong
Rooftop bar
A rooftop bar and restaurant in Downtown with Asian-inspired small plates and Burj Khalifa views.
Barasti Beach
Beach bar
A long-running beachfront bar on Jumeirah Beach Residence, popular for sundowners with sand underfoot.

Culture & History

Museum of the Future
Science & innovation
A striking torus-shaped building in Downtown exploring speculative future technology, space travel and ecology through immersive exhibits.
Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)
History
Housed in Dubai's oldest surviving building, an 18th-century fort, tracing the city's transformation from pearling village to metropolis.
Etihad Museum
History
A museum dedicated to the formation of the UAE in 1971, built on the site where the founding treaty was signed.
Alserkal Avenue
Contemporary art
An industrial-turned-arts district in Al Quoz with contemporary galleries, independent art spaces and studios.
Reel Cinemas Dubai Mall
A large multiplex inside Dubai Mall including VIP and 4DX screens, one of the busiest cinemas in the city.
Roxy Cinemas City Walk
A boutique cinema chain in the City Walk retail district known for premium seating and a curated film program.
Dubai Summer Surprises
July–August
A season-long retail and family entertainment festival with mall promotions, raffles and indoor entertainment during the hottest months.

Nature & Outdoors

Jumeirah Beach
Public beach · In city
A long public beach with soft white sand and views of the Burj Al Arab, popular with joggers at sunrise before the heat sets in.
Kite Beach
Public beach · 3 km from Downtown
A lively beach known for kitesurfing, food trucks, and a paved running track along the shore.
Hatta Mountains
115 km
A cooler mountain enclave near the Oman border with hiking trails, the Hatta Dam kayak lake, and the Hajar Mountains as backdrop.

Active & Fun

Fitness First Platinum DIFC
A premium fitness club in the financial district with extensive equipment and group classes.
GymNation
A chain of large 24/7 gyms across Dubai known for affordable membership and modern equipment.
Aquaventure Waterpark
Water park · 20 km
A large water park at Atlantis The Palm with the Leap of Faith slide and a private beach.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Indoor theme park
One of the world's largest indoor theme parks, with Marvel and Cartoon Network zones, a fully air-conditioned escape from summer heat.
Dubai Parks and Resorts (Motiongate)
Theme park
A multi-park complex including Hollywood-studio-themed rides, with indoor and shaded attractions for summer visits.