Dubai

Sights

• Burj Khalifa – The world's tallest building, with an observation deck.
• Dubai Fountain – Water shows set to music in the evening below the Burj Khalifa.
• Al Fahidi – The historic quarter with wind towers and small museums.
• Gold and Spice Souks – Cross the Creek by abra to the old markets.
• Jumeirah Beach – A wide city beach with views of the Burj Al Arab.
• Dubai Marina – A promenade among skyscrapers, lovely in the evening.

Food & nightlife

• Emirati cuisine – Machboos (spiced rice) and luqaimat (sweet dumplings).
• Shawarma – The quick classic on every corner.
• Friday brunch – Big hotel buffets are a weekend tradition.
• Coffee and dates – Arabic coffee with cardamom – a sign of hospitality.

Day trips

• Desert safari – Dunes, sunset and dinner at a desert camp.
• Abu Dhabi – The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
• Hatta – Mountains, a dam lake and kayaking in the Hajar range.

Good to know

When to go

November–March

Getting around

A driverless metro with the nol card (including a women and children section), plus taxis and abra water taxis.

Tipping

Around 10% is customary in restaurants.

Power

Plug type G, 230 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.

Currency

United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)

Plan your trip to Dubai together

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.

Plan with Pickeed

More in United Arab Emirates

• Abu Dhabi