Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
You may take advantage of all the outdoor attractions and activities that Dubai trip has to offer during this period, Explore Now Free Travel Guide Travelophia
Table Of Content
1. Introduction
Dubai is a continually changing city with always something new to see and do. This bustling and cosmopolitan city has something for everyone, from luxury shopping and world-class restaurants to exciting theme parks, breathtaking beaches and uae desert safari. When planning a vacation to Dubai, consider the ideal times and places to visit to guarantee you have the most fun and memorable experience possible.
2. Best Time to Visit Emirate of Dubai
The milder months of November through April are some of the best for travelling to Dubai. The weather is comfortable and bright with typical temperatures in the mid-to-low-seventies Fahrenheit.
You may take advantage of all the outdoor attractions and activities that Dubai has to offer during this period, including relaxing on the stunning beaches, discovering the desert, and visiting the city’s various theme parks, various countries.
There are also numerous events and festivals that take place during the milder months, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, which takes place in January and February and involves discounts and special deals at malls and shops around the city. The Dubai Food Festival, held in March, is an excellent opportunity to sample the city’s unique and exquisite food, while the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, is held at the Meydan Racecourse in March.
3. Must-See Attractions in Dubai
In Dubai, there are an infinite number of sites to visit. The following are some must-see attractions:
The Dubai Fountain: This beautiful water and light show is located outside the Dubai Mall and is a renowned tourist attraction.
The Burj Khalifa: The world’s tallest building, standing at over 2,700 feet tall. Visitors can take a tour of the observation deck on the 124th floor for breathtaking views of the city, or visit the Burj Khalifa At the Top Sky Lounge on the 148th floor for a luxurious experience.
The Dubai Mall: The world’s largest shopping mall, home to over 1,200 stores, an indoor theme park, an ice rink, and a giant aquarium.
The Palm Jumeirah: A man-made island in the shape of a palm tree, with luxury hotels, villas, and apartments. The island is home to the famous Atlantis, The Palm resort, which features a water park, aquarium, and dolphin encounters.
The Dubai Creek: A historic area of the city that is home to the Dubai Museum, the Deira Gold Souk (a traditional outdoor market selling gold and jewelry), and the Abra (a traditional boat used for crossing the creek).
4. Cultural Experiences in Dubai
For those interested in culture and history, the Dubai Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding are great places to visit. The Dubai Museum, located in the Al Fahidi Fort, showcases the city’s rich history and culture through interactive exhibits and displays. The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding
offers guided tours and cultural workshops to help visitors learn about Emirate customs and traditions.
Other cultural experiences to consider in Dubai include visiting the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and the Bastakiya Quarter, a historic neighbourhood with traditional wind tower houses and narrow winding streets. The Dubai Heritage Village, located near Dubai Creek, is also worth a visit for a glimpse into the city’s past, with exhibits on traditional Emirati crafts and trades.
Visit the Dubai Museum: Located in the Al Fahidi Fort, the museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Dubai, with exhibits showcasing traditional Arabic artifacts and interactive displays.
Take a heritage tour: Visit traditional Arabic neighborhoods and learn about the customs and traditions of the local people.
Visit the Jumeirah Mosque: One of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Dubai, it is open to non-Muslims for tours and offers a glimpse into Islamic culture and architecture.
Explore the souks: Dubai’s traditional markets, such as the Deira Gold Souk and the Spice Souk, offer a unique shopping experience and a chance to learn about Middle Eastern culture.
Attend a traditional dance performance: Experience the beauty of Arabic dance and music at a performance or show.
Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: A non-profit organization that promotes cross-cultural understanding, offering tours, workshops, and discussions on local culture and customs.
Visit a traditional Arabic house: Learn about traditional architecture and lifestyle by visiting a restored traditional house or heritage village.
Visit the Dubai Heritage Village: A replica of an old Dubai village, it offers a glimpse into the traditional ways of life, including traditional crafts and activities.
Take a dhow cruise: Enjoy a traditional boat ride along Dubai Creek and learn about the history and culture of the area.
Cost Free & Paid
| Cultural Experiences | Cost Per Person |
| Visit the Dubai Museum | Entry fee is around AED 3 ($0.8) per person. |
| Take a heritage tour | Prices vary, but typically start at around AED 50 ($13) per person |
| Visit the Jumeirah Mosque | Entry is free, but it is appreciated to make a donation. |
| Explore the souks | Shopping in the souks is free, but bargaining for prices is expected. |
| Attend a traditional dance performance | Prices vary depending on the performance and venue, but typically start at around AED 100 ($27) per person. |
| Take a desert safari | Prices start at around AED 150 ($40) per person. |
| Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: | Tours and workshops have a fee, but the center is open to visitors free of charge. |
| Visit a traditional Arabic house | Prices vary depending on the location, but typically start at around AED 20 ($5) per person. |
| Visit the Dubai Heritage Village | Entry is free |
| Take a dhow cruise | Prices start at around AED 75 ($20) per person. |
Note: The cost may vary depending on the duration of the activity and the location.
5. Adventure Activities in Dubai:
For adventure seekers, there are plenty of exciting activities to try in Dubai. One of the most popular is a desert safari, which takes you deep into the desert for a day of dune bashing, camel riding, and sand boarding. Many tours also include a barbecue dinner and a traditional dance performance.
Other adventure activities to consider include skydiving over Palm Jumeirah, taking a hot air balloon ride over the desert, and trying your hand at sand boarding or sand skiing. If you’re a fan of water sports, there are also many options to choose from, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking.
Skydiving: A heart-racing experience of jumping out of a plane and freefalling at high speeds, with stunning views of Dubai’s skyline.
Hot air balloon ride: A serene and picturesque way of exploring the desert, from the sky, in a hot air balloon.
Desert safari: A thrilling adventure through the desert dunes in a 4×4 vehicle, with options for camel riding, sand boarding, and traditional Arabic activities.
Sand-boarding: An exciting activity that allows you to glide down the dunes on a sandboard, similar to snowboarding.
Parasailing: A thrilling experience of soaring above the waters behind a speedboat while attached to a parachute, with a bird’s-eye view of the coastline.
Dune bashing: An off-roading adventure through the desert dunes in a 4×4 vehicle, that will give you an adrenaline rush.
Camel riding: A traditional mode of transportation and a unique way to explore the desert landscape.
Quad biking: A thrilling way to drive through the desert on a quad bike, with a chance to see the desert wildlife.
Kayaking: A peaceful way to paddle along the Dubai waterways and explore the mangroves and sea life.
Zip-lining: An exciting way to zip through the desert on a high-speed zip line and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Cost:
| Adventure Activity’s | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Skydiving | Starting at around AED 1,500 ($408) per person |
| Hot air balloon ride | Starting at around AED 600 ($162) per person |
| Desert safari | Starting at around AED 150 ($40) per person. |
| Sand boarding | Starting at around AED 100 ($27) per person. |
| Parasailing | Starting at around AED 300 ($81) per person. |
| Dune bashing | Starting at around AED 100 ($27) per person. |
| Camel riding | Starting at around AED 50 ($13) per person. |
| Quad biking | Starting at around AED 200 ($54) per person. |
| Kayaking | Starting at around AED 100 ($27) per person. |
| Zip-lining | Starting at around AED 150 ($40) per person. |
Note: The cost may vary depending on the duration of the activity and the location.
6. Relaxing on Dubai’s Beaches
In Dubai, there are many beautiful beaches, each with its own character and atmosphere. Jumeirah Beach is a popular spot for swimming, tanning, and water sports, whilst La Mer Beach is more secluded and has a more laid-back vibe. Kite Beach, which is close to the Burj Al Arab, is a great place to practice beach volleyball and kite surfing.
If you prefer a more upscale beach experience, head to the exclusive hotels’ and resorts’ private beaches. A large number of these beaches offer amenities including cabanas, food delivery, and water activity rentals.
7. Dining and Nightlife with Cost in Dubai
Dubai is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, with many international and local dining options to choose from. From high-end Michelin-starred restaurants to casual street food stalls, there is something to suit every taste and budget.
In terms of nightlife, Dubai has something for everyone, from trendy rooftop bars and nightclubs to traditional Emirate lounges and pubs. The city is also home to many live music and entertainment venues, including the Dubai Opera and the Dubai World Trade Center.
Fine dining: Dubai offers a wide range of high-end restaurants serving international and local cuisine, with prices ranging from AED 200-800 ($54-$217) per person, depending on the restaurant and menu.
Casual dining: There are many casual dining options available in Dubai, with prices ranging from AED 50-200 ($13-$54) per person, depending on the restaurant and menu.
Street food: Dubai has a variety of street food options available, with prices ranging from AED 10-50 ($3-$13) per person, depending on the type of food.
Bars and nightclubs: Dubai has a vibrant nightlife scene, with prices for drinks ranging from AED 50-200 ($13-$54) per drink, depending on the venue and drink.
Shisha lounges: Shisha, also known as hookah, is a popular activity in Dubai, with prices for a shisha session typically ranging from AED 50-100 ($13-$27) per person, depending on the venue.
Beach clubs: Dubai has many beach clubs that offer a range of dining and entertainment options, with prices for entry and activities varying, but typically starting at around AED 100 ($27) per person.
Rooftop bars: Dubai has many rooftop bars that offer stunning views of the city, with prices for drinks ranging from AED 50-200 ($13-$54) per drink, depending on the venue and drink.
It’s important to note that the prices may vary depending on the location and venue, it’s good idea to check the prices and review before visiting any place.
8. Dubai’s lodging options include
Dubai offers a variety of lodging choices, including high-end hotels and resorts, serviced apartments, and inexpensive lodging choices including hostels and guesthouses.
The Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina are just two of the city’s many luxurious hotels and resorts. Private beaches, swimming pools, workout facilities, and spas are just a few of the main amenities that these resorts frequently provide.
Serviced apartments are a good option for those looking for a more home-like experience, with the added convenience of hotel-style services such as housekeeping and concierge. These can be found in areas such as the Dubai Marina and the Downtown Dubai district.
Budget-friendly options such as hostels and guesthouses can be found in areas such as the Deira and Bur Dubai districts, as well as in the Al Barsha and Jumeirah Beach Residence areas.
Luxury hotels: Dubai offers a wide range of luxury hotels that provide top-notch amenities and services, such as five-star resorts, spa hotels, and boutique hotels.
Mid-range hotels: Dubai also has many mid-range hotels that offer comfortable accommodation and standard amenities, such as four-star hotels, business hotels and budget hotels.
Budget hotels: Dubai has a variety of budget-friendly hotels and hostels for those traveling on a budget.
Serviced apartments: Dubai provides serviced apartments for short and long-term stays, fully furnished and equipped with kitchen, living area and services such as housekeeping and maintenance.
Vacation rentals: Dubai offers a variety of vacation rentals such as villas, apartments, and holiday homes that can be rented for short or long periods of time.
Camping and Glamping: Dubai offers unique options for staying in the desert, such as camping and glamping (luxurious camping) in a traditional Bedouin-style tent or a modern safari tent.
Cost:
| Lodging Options | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Luxury hotels | Prices ranging from AED 400-2000 ($108-$544) per night, depending on the hotel and room type. |
| Mid-range hotels | Prices ranging from AED 200-400 ($54-$108) per night, depending on the hotel and room type |
| Budget hotels | Prices ranging from AED 100-200 ($27-$54) per night, depending on the hotel and room type. |
| Serviced apartments | Prices ranging from AED 200-800 ($54-$217) per night, depending on the location and amenities. |
| Vacation rentals | Prices ranging from AED 500-2000 ($135-$544) per night, depending on the location and amenities |
| Camping and Glam-ping | Prices ranging from AED 150-300 ($40-$81) per night, depending on the location and amenities. |
It’s important to note that the prices may vary depending on the location, amenities, and season, it’s good idea to check the prices and review before booking any place.
9. Free Tips for Planning Your Trip to Dubai:
Plan your trip during the cooler months of November to April for the best weather and the most outdoor activities.
- Make sure to include some of the city’s must-see attractions in your itinerary, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the Palm Jumeirah.
- Consider booking a desert safari or other adventure activity, such as skydiving or a hot air balloon ride.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to experience some of the city’s cultural offerings, such as the Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, and the Jumeirah Mosque.
- Plan to spend at least one day relaxing on one of Dubai’s beautiful beaches.
- Take advantage of the city’s diverse dining and nightlife options, from high-end restaurants to casual street food stalls and lively bars and clubs.
Research your accommodation options carefully and choose one that meets your needs and budget.
10. Finalize
With so many sights, events, and experiences to pick from, Dubai is a city that offers something for everyone. You may have a holiday in Dubai that is truly unforgettable if you schedule your trip for the cooler months and make sure to visit some of the city’s must-see sites. This city has plenty to offer everyone, whether they are seeking luxury and relaxation or excitement and adventure.
Trip Guidelines
Here are some guidelines to follow when planning a trip to Dubai:
Research the best time to visit: As mentioned above, the best time to visit Dubai is during the cooler months from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and sunny. However, if you do decide to visit during the hotter months of May to October, be prepared for high temperatures and plan accordingly.
Make a list of must-see attractions: Dubai has many iconic landmarks and attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the Palm Jumeirah. Make a list of the places you want to visit and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Consider cultural experiences: Dubai has a rich culture and history, and there are many ways to experience it, such as visiting the Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, and the Jumeirah Mosque.
Plan for adventure activities: If you’re looking for thrills and excitement, consider booking a desert safari or trying a water sport such as jet skiing or parasailing.
Relax on the beach: Dubai has many beautiful beaches to choose from, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. Plan to spend at least one day relaxing on the beach and take advantage of the city’s beach side dining and entertainment options.
Research dining and nightlife options: Dubai is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, with many international and local dining options to choose from. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
Choose the right accommodation: There are many accommodation options in Dubai, ranging from luxury hotels and resorts to serviced apartments and budget-friendly options such as hostels and guesthouses. Research your options and choose one that meets your needs and budget.
Consider transportation options: Dubai has a well-developed public transportation system, including the metro and bus network. Taxis are also widely available and relatively affordable. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and plan to visit attractions outside of the city, you may want to consider renting a car. It’s important to note that traffic in Dubai can be congested, so it’s worth factoring in extra time for travel when planning your itinerary.
Respect local customs and laws: Dubai is a Muslim city and it’s important to respect local customs and laws, such as dressing modestly and not consuming alcohol in public. It’s also worth noting that the laws in Dubai are stricter than in some other countries, so it’s important to behave responsibly and follow local regulations.
Purchase travel insurance: As with any trip, it’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case of any unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or trip cancellations.
By following these guidelines and doing your research, you can have a smooth and enjoyable trip to Dubai.
Frequently Asked Question :
Where is Dubai?
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. It is the second largest emirate by territorial size after the capital, Abu Dhabi and the most populous city of the UAE.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months, from November to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Avoid the summer months, when temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius.
What are some popular adventure activities in Dubai?
Some popular adventure activities in Dubai include skydiving, hot air balloon rides, desert safaris, sand boarding, parasailing, dune bashing, camel riding, quad biking, kayaking, and ziplining.
What are some cultural experiences in Dubai?
Some popular cultural experiences in Dubai include visiting the Dubai Museum, taking a heritage tour, visiting the Jumeirah Mosque, exploring the souks, attending a traditional dance performance, taking a desert safari, and visiting traditional Arabic houses or heritage villages.
What are some dining and nightlife options in Dubai?
Dubai offers a wide range of dining and nightlife options, including fine dining, casual dining, street food, bars and nightclubs, shisha lounges, beach clubs, and rooftop bars.
What are the lodging options in Dubai?
Dubai offers a wide range of lodging options, including luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, budget hotels, serviced apartments, vacation rentals and camping and glamping in the desert.
What is the currency used in Dubai?
The currency used in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).
What is the best way to get around Dubai?
The best way to get around Dubai depends on your personal preference, budget, and the distance you need to travel. Public transportation options include the metro, buses, and taxis. Additionally, you can also rent a car, or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem.
