dubai overview

Dubai is a city that has the biggest and greatest of just about everything. Since the discovery of oil in the 1960s, it has become one of the world’s richest and most advanced cosmopolitans. The fact that it is safe, easily navigable, and tourism-focused makes it appealing to western travelers. Visitors find Dubai’s Arabic heritage tastefully preserved in its museums, harbors, and souks, while its ultra-lux wrapping is something approaching futuristic science fiction. One thing is for sure – wherever you go after Dubai will feel a little smaller and less grandiose.

Dubai Fast Facts

Best time To Visit Dubai

November to March is the best time to visit Dubai. The Dubai Shopping Festival is held during January and February when the temperatures are mild. Starting in June it becomes uncomfortably hot, making it almost impossible to go outdoors. During Ramadan, tourists and prices are at annual lows, however, many businesses, restaurants, and attractions are closed or hold abbreviated hours.

Where to Stay in Dubai

Dubai Attractions

Dubai Mall – The heart of Dubai is among the skyscrapers downtown, which includes the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world (by area). It’s a great way to acclimate to Dubai and it offers great people-watching.

Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Dubai Mall’s most impressive feature is its three-story aquarium that contains 33,000+ animals, including 300 sharks and rays. The outside of the giant tank can also be seen (for free) from the mall. For a quick bite nearby, try Al-Hallab. It has views of both the Dubai Mall Waterfall and the Dubai Fountain show.

Burj Khalifa – The world’s tallest building offers observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors. The views are breathtaking. Space is limited and popular times cost more so it is best to pre-book online.

Souk Al Bahar – The Souk Al Bahar bridge connects to the traditional Souk Al Bahar, or “market of the sailor”. The Souk offers an eclectic mix of jewelry, fashion, and decor.

The Dubai Fountain – Nearby restaurants, Bice Mare and Sarafina Dubai, have terraces and offer favorable views of the light, water, and music extravaganza. The Souk Al Bahar Bridge also provides a good vantage point. Fountain shows start every thirty minutes each evening.

JBR Beach – Dubai’s most popular public stretch of sand. Nearby are al-fresco dining options, such as Smoky Beach. On weekends, Dubai’s ‘mega-brunch’ is a must. Jumeirah Beach Park offers Instagram-worthy views of Burj Al Arab.

Dubai Marina Walk – Marina Walk is a promenade surrounded by luxury towers and restaurants. Yachts return in the evening and dock at the Dubai Yacht Club. The illuminated and photo-worthy Mohammed Bin Ahmed Amula Mosque also sits along the water.

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding – A trip to Dubai would not be complete without a trip to Old Dubai. Begin with a traditional Emirati breakfast or lunch at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre while learning about UAE culture. Advance booking is required.

Al Fahidi – Wander through the historic Al Fahidi trading village where streets and alleys are filled with museums, hidden galleries, and Arabic-style shops and cafes, like the Arabian Tea House.

The Dubai Museum – Learn about Dubai’s meteoric rise from a simple trading port to one of the richest cities in the world. A wooden boat stands right outside the museum, making it easy to spot.

Textile Souk – An outdoor mall filled with local merchants eager to bargain for antiques, fabrics, and souvenirs. The nearby House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum is the residence of the former ruler of Dubai and has a large collection of artifacts of the royal family.

Bur Dubai Abra Dock – Enjoy a short water taxi ride across the Dubai Creek to the Diera Old Souk Abra Station. The Spice Souk is a five minute walk to the west, and Deira Perfume Souk is a ten-minute walk to the north.

Deira Gold Souk – The Gold Souk features hundreds of jewelry shops and is the reason Dubai is known as the “City of Gold”. Pay with cash and you are likely to get a better deal. Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant, a tranquil taste of Old Dubai with an outdoor terrace, and Al-Dawaar Revolving Restaurant, a multi-cuisine restaurant with 360-degree views, are dinner options nearby.

bottom line

You should leave Dubai with your appetite for Arabic heritage and Middle Eastern opulence satisfied. If you have extra time in Dubai, consider visiting Ski Dubai, taking a Desert Safari Tour, or visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in nearby Abu Dhabi. There are endless activities to enjoy here and new sights are being added at a whirlwind pace.