United Arab Emirates

Dubai

Dubai is unlike anywhere else on the planet. With its bold architecture and audacious style, the United Arab Emirates’ largest city is a distinct fusion of its Bedouin heritage and an ultramodern style all its own. Dubai doesn’t just live up to its reputation; it will completely exceed your expectations. Explore the glitz and glam, and then uncover the ancient traditions of this multifaceted city. Here's my ultimate Dubai travel guide!

What to Expect in Dubai

Language: While Arabic is the UAE’s official language, English is the language of business and is spoken by almost everyone in Dubai.

Currency: Dirham (Dhs). The exchange rate as of the time this article was written is Dhs 3.67 to USD 1.

Credit Cards and Banks: Cash is still king here. While most places accept credit cards, it’s best to always carry small change.

Climate: Summers are extremely hot in Dubai. Daytime temperatures are sometimes over 106 degrees while nights rarely fall below eighty-eight degrees. Winters are much more comfortable with temps between sixty and seventy-five degrees.

Good to Know: The minimum drinking age is twenty-one and there are areas where photography is prohibited, so watch out for signs.

Dress Code: It can get very hot in Dubai, but you should be aware of keeping your clothes more on the conservative side. Be sure to pack light layers with a few long-sleeves and full length bottoms.

Getting Around in Dubai

From the Airport: Book a Marhaba Bronze “meet and greet” service to fast-track through the airport with zero hassle.

Public Transport: It’s forbidden to eat or drink in the metro (and that includes chewing gum). Cabins are reserved for different categories, like women only and gold class, so watch the signs. Sleeping is not allowed in stations.

Taxis: Book a cab by calling 04-2080808. Cabs have a minimum meter charge of Dhs 12. There’s also a Salik charge if you need to go through a toll road.

Boats: A lot of attractions in Dubai are on or near the water so there are water ferries and taxis that run at 10 A.M., 12 P.M. and 5:30 P.M. You can also take a ride on a traditional “Abra” boat down Dubai Creek or through Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

Bike: There are city paths throughout the city that make it easy to bike! You can rent a BYKY bike at a curbside station and return it when you’re done.

Travel Tip

I typically fly Dubai - Los Angeles and it's a whopping 15 hour and 20-minute flight! Even though it's a long journey, it's one of my top business class flying experiences. If you can, splurge for the upgrade—you won't regret it!

Read More: Emirates Business Class Flight from Dubai to Los Angeles

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

What to Do

Rove Downtown

For top-notch service at a budget rate, look no further than this centrally located, modern and chic hotel.

Location: Downtown
Accommodation: Budget
Price: $

My Experience

XVA Art Hotel

There is art at every turn in this boutique hotel. Each guest room is unique and embodies modern Arabian flare.

Location: Al Fahidi Neighborhood
Accommodation: Budget
Price: $

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

Meaning “getaway to the sun” in Arabic, this five-star luxury desert resort is set amid the sand dunes outside of Dubai. It’s a true oasis!

Location: Endurance City
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$

My Experience

Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach

Jumeirah Beach has 237 beautiful rooms, all of which are filled with a variety of sophisticated facilities and restaurants to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay.

Location: Jumeirah 2
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$

St. Regis Dubai

The St. Regis Dubai is a spectacular and stunning hotel. You’ll find beautiful facilities, top-notch service and luxury to no end.

Location: Dubai
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$

Rixos Palm

Standing proud on the impressive Palm island is Rixos. This Turkish five-star hotel chain has an unparalleled view.

Location: East Crescent
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$

My Experience

Raffles Dubai

If you’re coming to Dubai for a quick visit or for business, it’s about 5 minutes from the airport and super convenient! Incredible hospitality, great breakfast, and overall just a lovely property.

Location: Airport
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$

Madinat Jumeirah

There are four different hotels on the property that are all at different levels of luxury: from contemporary to opulent to big summer houses and even a boutique property, there’s something for everyone. You can ride the abras around the resort, get beach and pool access, and there are tons of fantastic restaurants.

Location: Next to the Palm Jumeirah
Accommodation: Luxury
Price: $$$

Al Safadi

A local fixture, Al Safadi has some of the best Lebanese food I’ve ever had. Located near the Dusit Thani Hotel, it’s an easy detour.

Brunch

My absolute favorite bunch is from the Jumeirah Al Qasr Resort.

Other Brunch Options: You can also grab some great grub at China Grill, Yalumba, and Traiteur.

Shabestan

For some great Persian food, the Shabestan in Radisson Deira is one of Dubai’s top hidden gems.

Pierchic

Like all things in Dubai, it’s a little bit pricey—but its got to be the best place for cocktails at sunset. So, for a night with that special someone, there’s nowhere like Pierchic. Oh, and it offers an over-the-water dining experience, specializing in seafood cuisine.

Zuma

Feeling glam? Get to Zuma for a wonderful night out! Japanese family style dining with large dishes meant to share.

Other Upscale Restaurants: I adore Coya (Peruvian) and Le Petite Maison (French Mediterranean).

Al Mahara at Burj Al Arab

This is one of the coolest dining experiences to have in Dubai! Feel like you’re eating underwater as you sit at tables surrounded by a giant aquarium. Plus the seafood is delicious.

Shimmers at Madinat Jumeirah

This is one of the best-kept secrets in Dubai. Normally the beaches are only accessible by hotel guests, but if you are grabbing a drink at Shimmers, let security know and you can just walk up to grab a table right on the beach!

Go to the Top of Burj Khalifa

Get an unforgettable view from the top of the world! You can’t visit Dubai without going to the planet’s tallest skyscraper.

Explore Old Deira

Dubai is so much more than it appears. Take a tour with Wander with Nada to peel back the layers of this dynamic city.

Skydiving

There is no better view than the one that you get when you are falling out of an airplane from 12,500 feet above the ground.

Desert Safari

See another side of Dubai on a desert safari. Leave the bright city lights behind and see what Dubai used to look like not so long ago.

Note: While the temps are cooler during the evening and morning tours, winter is the best time for a safari.

Zip Line Over the Fountains

Get some selfies in front of Dubai’s beautiful fountains then fly by for a view from above. Generally this is closed for the summer but check the calendar before you go.

Scuba in the Dubai Mall Aquarium

The Dubai Mall is so much more than just a shopping center! Dive underwater and get up close and personal with the locals.

Watch the Dubai Fountains

Plan to visit these striking fountains at least twice to get the daytime and nighttime view.

Snowboard at Ski Dubai

Why not try some indoor winter sports to get a break from the heat? It’s another fun way to enjoy the mall.

Visit Palm Jumeirah

The ultimate in opulence, the Palm Jumeirah is the best faux island you will ever visit.

Go Clubbing

Clubs are open from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. with prime time around 1:00 a.m. Be sure to dress to impress. Some bouncers can be selective and only the chicest heels and dresses will get you in.

Explore Madinat Jumeirah

Part of a 5-star resort, you can walk around, explore the souks, and there are gorgeous canals with boats floating about to ooh and awe over (it feels very much like Venice in the Middle East). While it is a resort, the area around it is made to walk around and soak in the Arabian-inspired architecture. I recommend going late in the afternoon or just before sunset and then grabbing a drink at Shimmers.

Visit the Dubai Creek Harbour Bridge

Depending on when you’re reading this—Dubai Creek Harbour is a brand-new development that is set to be bigger than the current Downtown Dubai. I went while it was still being developed, so things will definitely expand. Set right on the Creek and next to a wildlife sanctuary, this area is gorgeous and it’s also the place I found these stunning golden arches. At the moment, there’s nothing on the internet about it—it’s still a lot of dirt and only the waterfront is developed (our Uber driver actually hadn’t heard of it yet, either).

To get there, I put in the Pizza Hut Dubai Creek Harbour and you’ll be in the heart of the waterfront area. I look forward to visiting this place in the future when it’s more developed!

Relax at Drift Beach Dubai

Depending on where you’re staying, you might want to find a place with an epic pool or beach club. I loved the One&Only Pool at Drift Beach Dubai—it’s part of the One&Only Royal Mirage. It’s a gorgeous pool right next to the beach and you can choose between a lounger by the pool or beach. You’ll definitely want to book a lounger or a bed in advance, and it really is a fantastic deal for what you get. For 100 AED (about $28 USD), you can rent a lounger chair and it also includes a cocktail and fresh fruit. There’s also a beach restaurant and pool-side service.

If you’re looking to splurge a little more, for 500 AED (about $140 USD), you can rent a huge bed for one day, and get your choice of wine, fruit, or sparkling water. It’s a pretty good deal for such a luxurious property, plus it’s open after sunset.