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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 19 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Nicola Chilton

The city-state of Dubai is the most populous of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the south coast of the Arabian Gulf.

Yet it’s a total one-off; from audacious architecture and shiny mega-malls to busy Dubai Creek and its glittering gold souk, this cosmopolitan Arabian hub is a shrine to excess like no other. By day, it’s all about soaking up the sunshine on the city’s many long, golden beaches and splashing in the turquoise sea.

After dark, you’ll be losing yourself in the souks and haggling for carpets, feasting on Arabic food, and enjoying the balmy nightlife. Casual diners can snack on shawarma wraps and sip fresh mango juice, while luxe-loving jetsetters can savour degustation menus by internationally-renowned chefs, and drink cocktails at some of the world’s best hotels.

Dubai for families

By many standards Dubai is an exceptional place – when they do something here it’s usually either the biggest in the world, or a world first. Perhaps not surprising then that few, if any, cities can rival Dubai for a family holiday.

Hotels are exceptionally family-friendly, with plenty of bed and bedroom configurations, kids’ meals, space for play and facilities galore (including kids’ clubs). Then, there’s a prevalence of good weather, golden sand beaches and waterparks – a heady mix for any kid.

Even a trip to the shopping mall – usually an occasion of dread for the little nippers – can yield skiing, ice skating, giant aquariums, waterfalls, cinemas, oversized toy shops and more in Dubai’s mega shopping malls slash entertainment centres.

Last, but not least, there there are a ridiculous number of specialist family attractions and activities on offer. Here’s our round-up of some of the best.

Orientation

Dubai is split into different areas, all with their own attractions and personalities.

The old heart, with its souks and budget eateries, centres around Dubai Creek and the districts of Bur Dubai and Deira.

West of there, the Sheikh Zayed Road runs parallel with the sandy coast, a superhighway lined with mega-malls and skyscrapers. Downtown, home to Dubai Mall, is centred on the tallest of them all, the Burj Khalifa (828m).

Hotels and resorts line up along Dubai’s coast, which stretches for 30km between Dubai Creek, the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina.

Culture & Customs

Historically a fishing, pearl-diving and trading port, Dubai’s culture is rooted in Arabic traditions, Bedouin heritage, and Islamic customs, such as giving hospitality to strangers.

Emiratis comprise less than 10 per cent of Dubai’s population but their culture is strong, with many still practicing Muslims.

Bargaining is expected in souks but not malls; once the salesperson agrees to your offer, pay up.

There are no hard-and-fast rules about what to wear in Dubai, but this is a Muslim country so you should respect local Islamic customs by wearing trousers, knee-length skirts, and shirts with sleeves, and avoiding showing too much skin. Swimwear is fine at the city’s many resorts and even on the public beaches, but cover up before you wander off to one of the many seaside food trucks and cafés.

Note that the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday in Dubai, with Sunday a normal working day. Many workers only get Fridays off, and as a result, the parks, malls and attractions are often packed then.

The holy month of Ramadan can be an interesting time to visit Dubai, but be aware that some restaurants will only serve food after sunset and outdoor venues may be closed during daytime hours in deference to those fasting. The usual timetable turns on its head during Ramadan with people out on the street late at night – it’s not unusual to find yourself in a traffic jam at 2am.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Speedboat Tour: Marina, Atlantis, Palm & Burj Al Arab...

Dubai

Speedboat Tour: Marina, Atlantis, Palm & Burj Al Arab...
Departing from the famous Dubai Marina, choose from one of our exciting day or night sightseeing Tours with our English-speaking guide. Capture pictures and enjoy the ride around all Dubai's top spots. Drinking water and safety equipment provided.

Price: $32

Min age: 0

Rating 4.70 / 5 [710 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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90 Minutes Speedboat Tour: Dubai Marina, Atlantis and Burj Al Arab

Dubai

90 Minutes Speedboat Tour: Dubai Marina, Atlantis and Burj Al Arab
Whether you’re into sightseeing, action or water based activities you will surely enjoy this tour. This is the best sightseeing speed boat tour around Dubai's coastal landmarks. Our RIB boats are equipped with the most up-to-date GPS, VHF radio, life jackets and really FAST engines. Multiple timings throughout the day from 9:00am till 7:45pm with the flexibility of changing your tour time/day up to 3 hours in advance at no extra charge. During this tour you'll get to see Dubai Marina, Ain Dubai, JBR, The Palm, Atlantis hotel and Burj Al Arab from a different point of view. You might have gone sightseeing around these sights from the land but you'll be surprised how gorgeous they look from the sea. Our friendly, experienced and helpful crew will make sure you are safe and happy the whole time and will even help you pose for the best photos in front of your favourite landmarks. Free water is available on board.

Price: $37

Min age: 3

Rating 4.63 / 5 [649 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai City Tour with Guide - Old and New Dubai sightseeing tour

Dubai

Dubai City Tour with Guide - Old and New Dubai sightseeing tour
Discover the major tourist attractions, latest sites and upcoming developments of Dubai in the company of a professional licensed English-speaking tour guide. Dubai is an ever changing city and new tourist sites are always being added to the program. This five and half hour guided tour includes museum entrance, a shared boat ride and transportation in a luxury car or SUV from hotels in Dubai or the sea port. Our tour is a complete tour of Dubai that covers both old and modern Dubai.

Price: $39

Min age: 0

Rating 4.65 / 5 [517 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai Guided Sightseeing Boat Tours

Dubai

Dubai Guided Sightseeing Boat Tours
Speed around Dubai’s coastline on a 99, 75 or 60 minutes cruise by RIB (rigid-inflatable boat), and see Dubai Marina, the man-made archipelago of Palm Jumeirah, and more. The boat is designed to maneuver with speed, as you enjoy close-up, unobstructed views of top Dubai attractions from the water. Pass prestigious hotels including Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab, as well as several royal palaces and a Dubai lagoon. Key Highlights (99 Minutes) - The Original Tour - Dubai Marina, Ain Dubai, JBR, Bluewater, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Royal Atlantis & Burj Al Arab. Key Highlights (75 Minutes) - Atlantis Tour - Dubai Marina, Ain Dubai, JBR, Bluewater, Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis. Key Highlights (60 Minutes) - Marina Cruise - Dubai Marina, JBR, Ain Dubai & Bluewater.

Price: $48

Min age: 5

Rating 4.85 / 5 [801 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Big Bus Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Dubai

Big Bus Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Experience a true fusion of traditional Arabian charm and futuristic dynamism. Enjoy breath taking views of Dubai’s dramatic skyline, perfect sandy beaches and the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. With Big Bus Dubai, you’ll taste it all. This dazzling city couples the classical with the modern, blending ancient Arabian culture with dynamic architecture and state-of-the-art conveniences. Discover and Explore Dubai and all the major attractions with a 24 - 48 hour Deluxe tour with departures from Dubai Mall at 10.00am - 5.00pm. There are up to 25 stops over our 2 routes with a frequency of every 20 minutes on the Red Route & 30 minutes on the Blue Route. Enjoy audio commentary in 12 languages. Mobile Vouchers accepted.

Price: $77

Min age: 5

Rating 4.39 / 5 [2403 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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30-Minute Jet Ski Tour of Dubai: Burj Al Arab

Dubai

30-Minute Jet Ski Tour of Dubai: Burj Al Arab
30-minute Jet Ski Tour of Dubai. Speed on your own jet ski from our Marina to Burj Al Arab, Dubai's Sheik Island, and Dubai Yacht. Enjoy a special jet ski experience and discover Dubai from the sea. Our certified guide will lead the tour, and you will follow him on your own jet ski. He will make sure you don't miss anything from Dubai sea view and that you have a safe ride.

Price: $82

Min age: 16

Rating 4.93 / 5 [1575 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Old and Modern Dubai City Tour with Dubai Frame Visit and Blue Mosque Visit

Dubai

Old and Modern Dubai City Tour with Dubai Frame Visit and Blue Mosque Visit
This tour is designed for the travelers who like to explore the Old and Modern Dubai City Tours together at a time. Dubai Frame is added as a essence. We do what we offer. Dubai Frame and Blue Mosque are clubbed with the city tour.

Price: $90

Min age: 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [73 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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30 Mins Jet Ski Tour Burj al Arab and Burj Khalifa, Dowtown Dubai

Dubai

30 Mins Jet Ski Tour Burj al Arab and Burj Khalifa, Dowtown Dubai
Popeye Jetski Introduces you to the pleasure of jetskiing with our latest model of overpowering jetski (Yamaha 1800cc 1 jet can take 2 people), during the ride our guides take a picture of you at the foot of the iconic most luxurious hotel in the world. Burj Al Arab (photo taken with iphone and share for free at the end of the session). All the facilities are available at the station (shower, changing cubicle, locker, coffee machine and water available.

Price: $98

Min age: 16

Rating 4.97 / 5 [2424 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Dubai Premium half day tour with customized itinerary

Dubai

Private Dubai Premium half day tour with customized itinerary
If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai, head out to discover the city’s main sights and cosmopolitan culture on a private sightseeing tour! This comprehensive Dubai city tour showcases a collection of top Dubai attractions, from beautiful Jumeirah Mosque to famous landmarks like the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. From a private vehicle, see picturesque Dubai neighborhoods, and then explore Dubai's old quarter, Al Bastakiy, and Dubai Museum by foot. Cross Dubai Creek by 'abra' (water taxi) to Deira, visit the famous spice souk and enjoy free time to shop in Dubai Gold Souk. Plus, learn fascinating details about the city from a private guide!

Price: $104

Min age: 0

Rating 4.57 / 5 [240 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Jet Ski Tour of Dubai: Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, Atlantis, Palm & Burj Khalifa

Dubai

Jet Ski Tour of Dubai: Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, Atlantis, Palm & Burj Khalifa
60 minute Jet Ski Tour of Dubai. Speed on your own jet ski from our Marina to Burj Al Arab, Dubai's Sheik Island, and Dubai Yacht, Dubai Marina & JBR. Stop on a beach near the Palm Jumeirah for a photo break and back to our base. Our certified guide will lead the tour, and you will follow him on your own jet ski. He will make sure you don't miss anything from Dubai sea view and that you have a safe ride.

Price: $149

Min age: 16

Rating 4.94 / 5 [2625 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubai City Tour By Night With Burj Khalifa Ticket

Dubai

Dubai City Tour By Night With Burj Khalifa Ticket
This fantastic night Semi-Private tour will give you the opportunity to enjoy spectacular sightseeing of Dubai with several photo stops near the biggest city monuments such as Burj Al Arab and Atlantis. You will be amazed by the different colors of lights making the Marina skyscrapers a magical wonder. Ride the fastest elevators in the world at 10meter/second and enjoy the breach-taking panoramic views at the top of Burj Khalifa .

Price: $165

Min age: 1

Rating 4.96 / 5 [95 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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When to go

Dubai is busiest (and most expensive) in high season in winter, when it’s warm enough to lie by the pool by day, but the cool evenings require an extra layer. Winter is lively, with locals out on the streets; the rest of the year they’re hibernating in the air-conditioned cool.

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are splendid if you like the heat, but only the hardiest travellers visit during the scorching summer, when temperatures regularly hit the mid 40s Celsius, with surprisingly high humidity.

Getting there and away

While Dubai’s sleek Metro now links Dubai International Airport to many parts of the city, the most convenient way to get to your hotel is by taxi, Uber or the local equivalent, Careem.

You’ll find a long line of metered cabs outside arrivals, 24 hours a day. Many hotels offer free shuttles as part of packages so check when you book.

Getting around

The gleaming Dubai Metro is impressive and will swiftly move you between malls while the abras (water taxis) will zip you across the Creek. Unless you’re staying at a hotel with a shuttle service, you’ll otherwise have to rely on taxis, Uber or Careem, but at least they’re plentiful and affordable.

For day trips, hire a car. The roads are superb and well signposted – it’s the drivers you need to worry about, so keep your wits about you.

Where to stay

There’s a wide range of quality accommodation all over the city, so where you stay in Dubai depends on your interests.

If you’re here to work on your tan, base yourself at a beach resort on the Jumeirah coast, Dubai Marina or The Palm. If shopping is a higher priority, opt for a hotel around Downtown Dubai, or near a Metro stop.

For travellers more interested in heritage and culture, check into a charming boutique hotel in Al Fahidi, beside Dubai Creek. Budget travellers will find bargains in Deira and Bur Dubai.

Where to eat or drink

Excellent cafés and restaurants can be found all over Dubai. For cheap eats such as curries and kebabs, head to Bur Dubai or Deira. Downtown, DIFC and the Marina are home to the fanciest options.

If you want an alcoholic drink, head to a hotel, club or free zone, such as DIFC or Media City, which are the only places where alcohol can legally be served.

There are plenty of rooftop and beach bars for sundowners with sea views along the coastal strip, beach clubs where you can soak up the sun (and cocktails) all day, and night clubs in some of the city’s hotels where you can dance until the small hours.

Friday brunch is something of an institution in Dubai, with most hotels laying on weekly all-you-can-eat feasts of Bacchanalian proportions, with unlimited alcohol thrown in too.

Where to shop

The most atmospheric places to shop for souvenirs are the traditional souks (bazaars) in Deira and Bur Dubai on either side of Dubai Creek, although the vendors can be annoyingly persistent at times.

Shopping malls are dotted all over the city, including the monumental Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates found off Sheikh Zayed Road.

For many visitors, the big malls are destinations in themselves, mini-cities within the city, home to entertainment zones and hundreds of restaurants.

What to buy

Must-buy souvenirs include carpets, Arabian attars (perfumes), brass coffee pots, Aladdin-style slippers, Bedouin jewellery, antique khanjar daggers, Gulf-style incense burners, dates, and fluffy toy camels for kids.

Health & Safety

The United Arab Emirates is consistently ranked as being among the safest destinations in the world. You can drink the water, leave doors unlocked and stroll the city late at night. Roads are in very good condition but the driving can be erratic by most Western standards.

The desert sun can be scorching, so wear long loose clothing, a hat, and slather on plenty of sunblock. Consider bringing a shawl or jacket as the air-conditioning can be icy in malls, restaurants and bars, and winter evenings can be cool, especially out in the desert.

Unsurprisingly, summers are very hot, but the winter months are a delight. If you do visit in summer, you can avoid the worst of the heat and sightsee after 5pm when it’s cooler, and when the locals head out. Spend your mornings by the hotel pool, lunch at a restaurant, and afternoons at an air-conditioned mall or museum.