Dubbed the "Vegas of the Middle East", Dubai has a try-hard reputation for being larger than life, boasting ostentatious shopping malls, luxury desert resorts, mirage-like golf courses, water parks with kilometres of water slides - and even the world's largest indoor ski slope. But beyond its glitzy image, this tiny emirate is a fascinating holiday destination.
While many travellers catch flights to Dubai only as a stopover en-route to Europe, it is worth staying a few days to explore this unique desert city.
Dubai's mega-malls dwarf any in the region and are a shopping mecca during the annual January shopping festival. The Mall of the Emirates (home to the indoor ski slope) was recently surpassed as Middle East's largest mall by the even more grandiose Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the world.
Dubai's souks offer a more traditional shopping experience; Deira's Gold Souk has an extensive selection of Indian and Arabian gold while the spice souk is one of the more colourful in the city.
Relax under a palm tree along kilometres of white sandy beaches, go dune bashing in the desert or get a glimpse of the other side of Dubai by visiting the Batstkiya quarter or traditional villages further out of town.
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Given its desert location, it is no surprise that Dubai is scorching hot and sunny. In summer, there's an average 11 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures above 37 degrees, reaching the mid to high-40s on the hottest days. In the evening, temperatures drop to the 20s, however the humidity level becomes uncomfortable. The weather is marginally milder between December and March, when daytime temperatures range from the high 20s to high 30s and evenings cool down to the teens. Dubai gets limited rainfall, mostly from January to March.
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Peak Season:
The peak season for travel to Dubai is from December to March. However, many tourists also pass through in June to August, arriving from flights to Dubai en route to Europe.
Off Season:
Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. During Ramadan, locals and visitors are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke in public places from sunrise to sunset. Hotel restaurants are exempted, but restaurants and cafes in shopping malls are closed during that time. Ramadan takes place between mid-October and mid-November. Hotel rates are significantly lower during this period.
For those who love it sizzling hot, visit Dubai in summer.
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Dubai Transport taxis are available 24 hours a day. Buses leave regularly from the airport for the city centre; the bus stations are located opposite both terminals.
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Dubai's older quarters are best seen on foot, allowing you to explore the souks, museums and unique architecture.
A new driverless automated metro network is due to begin operating in 2009.
Taxis are the best way to get around. Metered taxis are beige and the drivers are uniformed, but metered taxis are not allowed to service the airport.
Buses cover most of the city and nearby beaches. Routes are printed in Arabic and English. There are discounted tickets for unlimited travel on either or both sides of the Dubai Creek.
Abras (water taxis) are a convenient way to cross the Creek and are also a great way to see the waterfront. Fares are paid once the abra sets off.
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- You can spend endless hours in Dubai's colourful, bustling souks. At the Bur Dubai souk, you'll find textile, clothing and antique stores housed in arabesque arcades and wind-towers. Even if you aren't in the market for gold, it is worth venturing through the timber latticed arcades and arches of the Deira Gold Souk, a treasure-trove of exquisite, ornate Indian and Arabian jewellery and one of the biggest gold markets in the world. Nearby is the wonderful historic Deira Spice Souk, where you and pick up some exotic incense and spices.
- Dubai's latest over-the-top hotel, the Atlantis-themed water paradise, Atlantis The Palm, has a showpiece three-story aquarium (some suites have underwater views of the aquarium).
- Designed like a traditional Arabian marketplace, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is well worth a visit. You can take a ride along its waterways, admire the stunning hotels, explore the countless shops and stop at a cafe for mint tea.
- It's a short drive to the desert, where you can go on desert safaris or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try dune bashing. Just strap yourself into the jeep, take a deep breath and head over the sand dunes.
- If you're shopped out, get out of the malls and spend a peaceful afternoon in XVA, a restored old courtyard residence that’s been converted into a contemporary art gallery, cafe and boutique hotel.
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The main airport for travellers taking flights to Dubai is:
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
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