Introducing Dubai
A modern, energetic oasis in the Middle East
Dubai Waterfront
Dubai Waterfront
Fantastic Dubai! The sparkling, glitzy brash, raucous, free-wheeling home of the ultra-rich and thousands of wannabees. Money talks here, but it's gotta be serious money. There's the world's tallest skyscraper, the gold souk and more mega-yachts than Monaco. As the crossroads between Asia, Africa and Europe, the mix of cultures is intoxicating! And of course, there's oil.
First some facts. Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. It is known for its luxurious lifestyle, modern architecture, and diverse culture.
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is one of the seven Emirates that makes up the UAE. The city is known for its high-rise buildings, such as the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world, and other iconic structures like the Burj Al Arab hotel, Palm Jumeirah Island, and the Dubai Mall.
Dubai is also home to Emirates Airlines, one of the world's premier airlines, and the largest operator of the magnificent Airbus A380. Check out our video review of our Business Class flight on an Airbus A380 from New York to Dubai.
Dubai is also home to a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Dubai Museum, the Dubai Opera House, and the Dubai Miracle Garden, which is the largest flower garden in the world. Additionally, Dubai is known for its shopping malls, including the Dubai Mall, which is one of the largest malls in the world, and the Mall of the Emirates.
Tourism is a major industry in Dubai, and the city has a reputation for being a luxury travel destination. Visitors to Dubai can enjoy a range of activities, such as desert safaris, theme parks, and water sports. The city also hosts many international events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Dubai World Cup horse race, and the Dubai International Film Festival.
Dubai Expo
Dubai has a diverse population, with many expatriates from around the world living and working in the city. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood. The UAE has a strong economy underpinned by substantial oil and gas wealth, while Dubai itself has developed into a major global center for trade, aviation, tourism, finance, real estate and other services.
Overall, Dubai is a modern and dynamic city with a unique blend of traditional Arabic culture and modern, luxurious amenities.
Dubai is one of our favorite cities. It's modern, it works, it's easy to get to and from and makes an ideal short stopover if you're flying Emirates to another destination. We recommend staying a day or two if you can.
The history of Dubai dates back several centuries, with archaeological evidence indicating that the area was inhabited since at least 3,000 BCE. Dubai was a small fishing village and trading hub for centuries, with its location along the coast of the Persian Gulf making it an important center for trade.
In the 19th century, Dubai became one of the sheikhdoms known as the Trucial States. The name came from a series of maritime truces negotiated with Britain, culminating in the Perpetual Maritime Truce of 1853, which was intended to end hostilities at sea. Later, under the Exclusive Agreement of 1892, the Trucial rulers agreed not to enter into agreements with other foreign powers without British consent, and Britain assumed responsibility for their external relations and protection. During this period, Dubai's economy grew through pearl diving, trade and its increasingly important role as a regional commercial hub.
In 1966, oil was discovered in Dubai, leading to a major economic boom. The discovery of oil allowed Dubai to develop rapidly, and the city's population grew rapidly as people from around the world came to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the growing economy.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Dubai began to diversify its economy, focusing on areas such as tourism, finance, and real estate development. The city underwent a period of rapid modernization during this time, with the construction of many high-rise buildings and the development of new infrastructure.
Today, Dubai is a thriving city with a modern and diverse economy, and it continues to be a center for trade, tourism, and investment. Despite its rapid development, Dubai has retained many aspects of its traditional culture and heritage, and the city is home to a number of museums and cultural centers dedicated to preserving the city's history and heritage.
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a major global business and cultural hub. It is known for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, and lively nightlife. The city is home to many iconic landmarks, including the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. It's surprising to many though that Dubai is not the capital of the UAE - that is Abu Dhabi
Dubai is also known for its man-made attractions, such as the Palm Jumeirah, a palm-shaped artificial island, and the Dubai Miracle Garden, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest flower garden in the world.
In recent years, Dubai has also become a major tourist destination, with many visitors coming to enjoy the city's warm weather, beaches, and desert landscapes. The city hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai World Cup horse race.
Dubai is a vibrant and modern city that has become a global destination for business and leisure.
The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March when the weather is most pleasant. During these months, temperatures are mild and comfortable, ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit (around 24-28°C), with low humidity levels and minimal rainfall.
If you are interested in outdoor activities, such as sightseeing, hiking, or visiting the beach, then this time of year is ideal. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher prices.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and get better deals, you may consider visiting Dubai during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October. The weather is still relatively mild during these months, although temperatures can be higher, reaching up to the mid-90s Fahrenheit (around 35°C).
If you're going to ride camels, do not try it in the summer months
If you visit Dubai during the summer months (June to August), you can expect extremely hot and humid weather, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (around 38°C) and high levels of humidity. Many outdoor activities may be challenging or impossible during this time. However, indoor activities such as shopping or visiting indoor attractions can still be enjoyable.
Dubai is a diverse city with people from many different cultural backgrounds. The population of Dubai is predominantly made up of expatriates, with only around 15-20 percent of the population being Emirati citizens. The rest are made up of people from all over the world, including South Asians, Europeans, Africans, and Arabs. It is an over-used metaphor, but Dubai is a melting pot of different cultures, and it manages to take the best of many of them.
The people of Dubai are generally welcoming and friendly towards tourists and expats. They are known for their hospitality and generosity towards guests. The official language of Dubai is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and business settings.
Religion is an important part of life in Dubai, and Islam is the predominant religion. The city has a large number of mosques, and the call to prayer can be heard throughout the day. However, Dubai is also a modern and cosmopolitan city, and people from all religious backgrounds can live and work freely.
The people of Dubai are a diverse and cosmopolitan mix of cultures, religions, and nationalities, with a strong sense of hospitality and generosity towards visitors.
The cuisine of Dubai is a diverse mix of traditional Emirati dishes and international cuisine influenced by the city's cosmopolitan population.
Traditional Emirati cuisine features a lot of grilled meats, fish, and rice dishes, often flavored with saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom. Some popular Emirati dishes include Machboos, which is a spiced rice dish with meat or fish, and Luqaimat, which are small sweet dumplings drizzled with honey syrup.
Dubai's cosmopolitan population has also contributed to the city's vibrant food scene. You can find a wide range of international cuisine in Dubai, from Indian and Pakistani curries to Lebanese and Syrian mezze, to Italian and French fine dining.
Dubai is also known for its street food scene, with many food trucks and stalls serving up a variety of snacks and fast food. Some popular street food dishes in Dubai include shawarma, falafel, and manakish (a Middle Eastern pizza-like dish).
In addition, Dubai has a thriving cafe culture, with many coffee shops and cafes serving up specialty coffee and tea drinks, as well as light bites such as sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
Overall, the cuisine of Dubai is a diverse and exciting mix of traditional Emirati dishes and international cuisine, with something to suit every taste and budget.
It may be worth mentioning that alcohol is not illegal in Dubai. It may also be worth noting that public drunkenness is highly frowned upon, and you can expect to be locked up for public drunkenness.
Dubai has many incredible tourist sights to explore. Here are the top attractions:
We took a day trip around Dubai and used some of these tour operators. Check out our video below.
Check it out as we go Out & About in Dubai
Dubai has many reputable and reliable tour companies that offer a variety of tours and activities. Here are some of the best tour companies in Dubai:
Dubai now has its own Michelin Guide, reflecting how far the city's restaurant scene has developed. The guide covers everything from high-end tasting menus and celebrity-chef restaurants to more accessible Bib Gourmand choices and local favorites.
As of the current Michelin selection, Dubai has 2 three-star restaurants, 3 two-star restaurants, 14 one-star restaurants and 19 Bib Gourmand restaurants, along with dozens of other Michelin-selected restaurants. The range of cuisines is extremely broad and includes Indian, Japanese, Italian, French, Middle Eastern, Emirati, Chinese, Persian and Peruvian food, among many others.
Some of the better-known Michelin-listed restaurants in Dubai include Trèsind Studio, FZN by Björn Frantzén, Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Hōseki and Al Muntaha. There are also many excellent Michelin-selected restaurants that do not carry a star, so the guide is useful even if you are not looking for an elaborate fine-dining experience.
Prices vary enormously. At the upper end, Dubai can be one of the more expensive cities in the world for fine dining, particularly in luxury hotels and destination restaurants. However, the Michelin Guide also includes more moderately priced restaurants and Bib Gourmand selections that offer considerably better value.
If dining is an important part of your visit, it is worth checking the Michelin Guide Dubai before your trip, as restaurant ratings and selections change over time.
Dubai is an excellent place to explore both traditional Emirati food and the much broader cuisines of the Middle East. These restaurants range from heritage-style Emirati cooking to contemporary interpretations of dishes from the UAE, Levant and wider region.
Dubai has a large and constantly changing nightlife scene, ranging from hotel bars and rooftop lounges to beach clubs, cocktail bars and large nightclubs. Many venues are attached to hotels or resorts, partly because alcohol is generally served in licensed premises rather than ordinary standalone restaurants.
The city's nightlife is spread across several areas. Dubai Marina and JBR have a large concentration of bars, beach clubs and waterfront venues, while Downtown Dubai and Business Bay are better known for rooftop bars, lounges and skyline views. The DIFC area has some of the city's more sophisticated cocktail bars and restaurant-lounges, while Palm Jumeirah is home to several major beach clubs and late-night venues.
Some current venues worth considering include:
If your priority is a rooftop view rather than a nightclub, places such as CÉ LA VI, SUSHISAMBA, ATTIKO and ZETA Seventy Seven are among the better-known options for drinks with skyline or sunset views.
Dubai nightlife changes unusually quickly, with new venues opening and others being rebranded or closing every year. Before making a special trip to any particular bar or club, check its current website or social media page for opening hours, dress code, reservations and any minimum-spend requirements. Current recommendations are also available from What's On Dubai.
Alcohol is legal in licensed venues, but public drunkenness and disruptive behavior can lead to serious problems. Dress codes also vary considerably: a beach bar may be very casual, while some hotel lounges and clubs expect smart evening attire.
Dubai is known for its luxurious hotels and resorts, and there are many options to choose from. Dubai offers excellent value for money and is one of the best places to get 5-star hotels at a reasonable price. Here are 10 of the best hotels in Dubai, in no particular order:
High Tea at the Park Hyatt
The Element at Al Jaddaf is a favorite of ours as a cost-effective mid-range hotel in Dubai. It is clean and functional, and very popular with long-term residents and expats.
Dubai is known for its luxurious hotels and resorts, and there are many options to choose from. Reasonably priced mid-range options are plentiful. I personally like to stay in the Al Rigga area (I think it means cemetery, but don't let that deter you). Here is a list of more budget-friendly business hotels:
Dubai is a major transportation hub in the Middle East, and several airlines from around the world offer flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Some of the major airlines that fly to Dubai include:
Dubai has a modern and efficient public transportation system that includes:
Dubai's public transportation system is efficient, affordable, and convenient, making it easy for visitors to explore the city.
There are several ways to travel to adjacent emirates from Dubai:
For tourist visa information, the UAE visa requirements are documented by the UAE Ministry of the Economy
Visa information for US citizens as documented by the U.S. State Department
In case of an emergency in Dubai you can contact the following services:
Dubai is a popular travel destination known for its luxurious shopping, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and world-class attractions. The city has something to offer every type of traveler, from families and couples to solo adventurers and business travelers. The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months from November to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, visitors should be prepared for high temperatures during the summer months, which can be scorching. Dubai has a modern and efficient transportation system, with taxis, buses, and the Dubai Metro all available for getting around. Visitors should be aware of the local customs and laws, which are based on Islamic traditions and values, and dress appropriately in public places. Overall, Dubai offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience with a blend of modern and traditional Arabian culture, making it a must-see destination for any traveler.
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