Dubai Tourism
Dubai has grown to be one of the most recognizable destinations worldwide with its lavish architecture, incredible skylines, and giant shopping malls. It is a city that embodies the epitome of modernity and luxury, an oasis of opulence amidst the desert landscape. Among the most progressive destinations in the Middle East, Dubai is also the home to Burj Khalifa, the tallest human-made building globally. While Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, Dubai is the most popular & populous city.
Dubai is an excellent choice for a short getaway with the best shopping, fine dining, and sporting events. The first thing that captures your attention in Dubai is the iconic skyline dominated by towering skyscrapers. The architecture in Dubai is nothing short of awe-inspiring, while its commitment to pushing the boundaries of entertainment and leisure is remarkable. The Dubai Mall, a colossal shopping and entertainment complex, is a microcosm of the city’s extravagance. The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree, houses luxurious hotels, high-end shopping malls, and Michelin-starred restaurants. The desert surrounding Dubai offers a contrasting but equally captivating experience. The desert safari is where you can partake in thrilling dune bashing, witness a mesmerizing sunset, and indulge in a traditional Bedouin-style feast.
The city’s cultural diversity is evident from the moment you step foot in its vibrant neighborhoods. The main areas in Dubai are Old Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah. Old Dubai is the city’s historic heart and includes Dubai Creek, Deira, Bur Dubai, and Al Fahidi Districts. Deira (home to the souqs) is on the northern side of Dubai Creek, while Bur Dubai lies on the southern side. Abras (traditional wooden ferries) are available for crossing the creek. The souks, with their myriad of spices, textiles, and handicrafts, immerse you in a sensory journey that’s steeped in the rich heritage of the Middle East. Downtown Dubai is the most iconic area, home to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Fountain, while Dubai Marina and JBR are the best areas to go for a waterfront stroll and sizzling nightlife.
Overall, Dubai is a city that seamlessly weaves together modernity and tradition, offering an unforgettable glimpse into a world of luxury, innovation, and cultural diversity. It’s a city that leaves a lasting impression, leaving you yearning to return and explore more of its grandeur.
Dubai travel & tours packages
Must Know Before You Travel to Dubai
- Local Transport:
Use local taxis or Careem for travelling anywhere within the city. They usually cost less than Uber.
Dubai Metro is also available for getting through the city. Get a Nol Card for convenient use of public transportation (metro, buses, trams) within the city.
Bicycles and motorized scooters are available and can be booked through multiple apps like Careem, Trek Bikes, Nextbike, etc. - Attraction Tickets and Tours:
Dubai Pass covers more than 40 attractions and activities. They can be chosen based on the attractions you want to visit.
Book tickets for Museum of the Future a month in advance as the slots are usually full if booked at the last minute.
Book tickets/packages for Burj Khalifa and Desert Safari at least 1-2 days in advance - Itinerary Planning:
Visit Global Village and Miracle Garden on the same day to save on the extra taxi cost. They are located quite close to each other.
To visit Bur Dubai and Deira, travel to Bur Dubai by taxi and then take an abra ride to Deira.
The entry to Dubai Fountain and At the Top Burj Khalifa is through the Dubai Mall. All three attractions can be visited together on the same day. - Local SIM Card: You receive a prepaid SIM from the local operator DU on arrival at the Dubai Airport. It is activated and can be used by plug and play. You get 1 GB of free data for 24 hours, post which you will have to top up.
- Currency & FInances: When paying anywhere with a credit card, pay in your local currency rather than AED to avoid the extra conversion cost.
Best time to visit Dubai
April-May is the beginning of the summer months in Dubai, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. Major attractions are still accessible, but outdoor activities may be more enjoyable in the earlier part of the season before the heat intensifies. It is a good time to visit Dubai if you’re looking for fewer crowds and good deals on accommodations.
June, July, and August are the hottest months in Dubai, with temperatures soaring above 40°C and sometimes even touching 50°C. Humidity can be high, especially in July and August. Avoid visiting during this time unless you are specifically interested in indoor activities. You can find great deals on accommodation and flights except for Ramadan month (which depends on the lunar calendar).
More about Best Time to Travel to Dubai
The temperature is lovely this month with the highest temperature at 21 degrees Celsius and lowest at 17 degrees Celsius. The evenings are a bit cold, and you might need a jacket or a long-sleeved shirt. The sun shines only about 8 hours a day, but still, it is advisable to carry your sunglasses.
Events & Festivals in December
1. National Day: The 2nd of December signifies independence of the Emirates from Great Britain. All leading monuments of the city are open to the public with special programs through the day.
2. Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF): This is one of the top international events which bring together top actors, industry experts, writers, directors to promote the regional movies.
3. Dubai Rugby Sevens: This tournament takes place at the Sevens stadium. With 16 international teams competing over three days and various other events and shows planned, it keeps visitors across all age groups entertained.
This month brings in much relief from the heat with an average temperature around 25 degrees with 21 degrees as the lowest temperature. While the crowds start coming in, it is recommended that you book for your accommodation at least a month in advance. It is a great time to be outdoors exploring what the city has to offer.
Events & Festivals in November
Dubai Design Week is the most anticipated event this month by the design community. It is aimed at celebrating the creative personas of the community through exhibitions, events, and installations across the city.
While October is still hot, the temperature further drops to 30 to 25 degrees. It makes going for a swim in the sea or enjoying an al-fresco dinner more comfortable.
Events & Festivals in October
Being a desert, Dubai kicks off the Camel Racing season in October. It is usually held from 7 am to 9 am on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month. People from Saudi, Qatar and local owners participate in this festival.
Dubai Weather in September
The days start to get shorter during this season and the temperature drops slightly. The average temperature is still about 30 to 35 degrees. During evenings the temperature further drops to 27 degrees making the evening stroll a little more pleasant.
Events & Festivals in September
There is a 5-day music festival that happens during the mid-September which has concerts from favourite pop, rock, urban, Latin, and Arabian artists. There is also Dubai International Dance Festival which occurs during the same time attracting renowned dance companies across the world.
Dubai Weather in June, July and August
It is the peak of the summer season with the sun shining harshly for over 12 hours. The temperature rises to a whopping 40 to 42 degrees with a lot of heatwaves. It is highly recommended to stay indoors during the day time. There are a lot of hotels which gives you killer deals on stay and food. Also, Dubai moves everything indoors this season which gives you plenty of opportunities to explore and relax.
Events & Festivals in June-July-August
1. Ramadan: The holy month of Ramadan falls between one of these months based on the local lunar calendar. Eating, smoking, singing, dancing, and even chewing gum are strictly prohibited. Live music and night clubs are shut down during this season. But, there is a traditional night market which happens during Ramadan.
2. Dubai Summer Surprises: This exciting festival kick-off which are spread over ten weeks with different themes such as food, arts, nature, adventure, etc. The hotels also offer shopaholic packages to attract more guests.
Weather
This is the start of the summer season with temperatures sizzling at 37 degrees. There are no clouds, and the sun shines through 11 hours. Staying hydrated with lots of water and taking regular dips at sea can help you stay cool in the weather.
Dubai Weather in February
February and March is the perfect time to go sunbathing in Dubai. The weather is great and is anywhere between 28 degree Celsius to 16 degree Celsius making the coolest annual temperature to be recorded. It is still the peak season with so many events lined up and great weather for more time outdoors. You can expect some mild rainfall for 3 to 4 days during this season bringing in about 34 mm rainfall.
Events and Festivals
1. Valentine’s Day: It is celebrated with extra oomph and fare over here. From helicopter tours to hot air balloon rides everything spells luxury.
2. Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championship: This tournament takes place and sees top players around the world including Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Lindsay Davenport.
3. Dubai Jazz Festival: This eclectic festival covers all types of jazz including contemporary, fusion, modern, and rock.
4. Dubai International Boat Show: It has live events, family entertainment, match racing, sailing and fishing trips, and more.
5. Art Dubai: This festival which features galleries around the world.
6. Dubai World Cup: This is the world’s richest horse race and happens in late March. It comprises of 11 competitive races. It is a glamorous social event with 10 million US dollar as the prize.
November to March is considered as the peak season of Dubai. Although, it is officially winter; there are lots of clear blue skies, bright sunshine, and mildly colder evenings with a gentle breeze. The weather makes it pleasant to explore all the outdoor activities like desert safari, going on picnics, lounging on the beach, or dining al-fresco. There is a short burst of rainfall expected, but nothing major to tamper your day.
The months April, May, September, October make up the shoulder season of Dubai. These are the transitional months between summer and the other seasons. Although the temperature is hot, it is not unbearable like the peak summer heat. The sea temperature is anywhere around 28 degree Celsius making it perfect for swimming without battling the crowd. The accommodations rates are slightly lesser than peak season, and you can get a great discount on your other recreational activities.
The low season in Dubai is between June and August. It is summertime where the temperature hit their 40’s and sometimes even 50 degrees Celsius. It is extremely hot and humid. Ensure that you hit the air-conditioned places like malls or simply relax in your hotel rooms. It is not advisable to visit the beach during the day time if you want to avoid a sun-stroke.
Somewhere during these months, the holy month of Ramadan takes place based on their lunar calendar. Even if you aren’t fasting, there is a strict ban on smoking, drinking, and eating in public during the daylight hours. Even during the evening, things are really quiet and calm. But the hotels and spas offer heavy discounts to attract tourists.
Dubai Weather in January
January is a pleasant time to visit Dubai with the winter sun peeking in and the cool evenings. The humidity is low and the maximum temperature is about 24 degrees Celsius with the lowest temperature being around 15 degree Celsius. You can cover more places, do more things, and generally enjoy being outdoors. Hence, this season is a peak tourist season. The UV levels will still be high, and it is ideal to pack some good sunblock creams.
Events and Festivals in January
1. New Year: Dubai is one of the happening destinations to celebrate New Year?s Eve. From epic parties with VIP performances, scrumptious food platter, to amazing fireworks, the atmosphere is simply electric.
2. Dubai Shopping Festival: To begin your year on a high note, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) takes place during the entire month of January. There are some crazy sales and discounts that happen across entire stores attracting around 2 million people across Emirates and other countries. It is truly every shopper’s delight to shop for such great brands with a great bargaining deal.
3. Dubai Marathon: This takes place during the last week of January and attracts world-class runners due to the unique landscape and great prizes.
4. Dubai Desert Classic: This golflf tournament has seen some of the world’s greatest golfers taking part in this event.
Dubai Weather in April
The summer is not there yet, but the temperature starts to rise this month. The average temperature is around 32 degree Celsius. Rainfall is very unlikely, and it is better to pack your UV Filter sunglasses, sunblock, and loose-fitting cotton clothes.
Events & Festivals in April
Dubai Food Festival is an annual event for all the food lovers. You get a chance to meet your favourite celebrity chef, check out fabulous cooking demos, and also get great discounts at most sought after restaurants.
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