Dubai Destination Guide

Download the Know Before You Go Dubai guide for more information when travelling to and around Dubai.

Dubai is the ever changing, ever developing Middle East city that tourists are simply flocking to. It's also one of our Top 10 Honeymoon destinations. A sprawling metropolis of vast skyscrapers and continual construction work throughout the whole city is changing the facade forever. The Palm Jumeirah now boasts luxury hotels and a vast array of beachfront houses and villas laid out along long armed islands surrounded by the waters of the Arabian Gulf. It really must be seen to be believed. This is a fast paced city graced by some staggering attractions and offers a perfect blend of shopping, relaxation and inimitable Middle Eastern culture. Marching into 2012, Dubai continues to grow beyond most other major resorts, visitors can use the fantastic Dubai Metro to see much of the sights which include Donwtown Dubai's Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Marina and the iconic Burj al Arab. Slow the pace by simply reclining on Jumeriah Beach - an ideal spot for families with organised games and shallow warm waters.
 

Dubai Attractions

From the hustle and bustle of the Gold and Spice Souks where many a bargain can be found to historic sites of archaeological interest at Al Ghusais and Al Sufooh, there is no shortage of inherent culture in this eclectic city. Wander down to the Jumeirah Mosque for a fine example of modern Islamic architecture, and don't miss a photo opportunity of the 39 storey Dubai World Trade Center or an informative afternoon at the Dubai Musuem. The Bastakia district with its narrow lanes and tall wind towers will give an insight into the older, simpler Dubai which is gradually being replaced by elegant modernity, in all its glory. New for Dubai in 2010 was the opening of the world's tallest building, the quite breathtaking Burj Khalifa. Guests can reach the summit of the building via a super speedy lift and take in the epic views over the city looking down on all the skyscrapers below. There's not just camels in the desert either, head to Dubai Zoo and see for yourself.

Dubai Excursions

This is a stimulating city where a vast array of Dubai excursions are on offer. The most popular ones include:

Dubai City Tour
A great way to explore the city, taking in the busy markets and shopping precincts, gold and spice souks and museums, along with the Bastakia district and the impressive Jumeirah Beach Tower. The tour allows for time to look around many of the city's attractions.

Wild Wadi
One of the world's most advanced water parks is a hugely appealing attraction for the whole family. Tumble down powerful roller coasters or amble along on a gentle water ride: Wild Wadi has it all. Situated between the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and featuring no less than 90 lifeguards to guarantee optimum safety.

Desert Safari
A high octane ride down the cascading sand dunes in a 4x4 jeep and a stop at the Al Shamsi Bedouin village signals the start of the desert safari, a hugely popular Dubai excursion. Enjoy freshly made Arabian sweets, learn about the local falcons, and sip an Arabic coffee before enjoying a delicious BBQ meal with grilled specialities whilst a belly dancer performs in front of you.

Dubai Shopping

You can make your Dubai shopping experience as traditional or as modern as you wish in this diverse city where anything is possible. Take a look at our full Dubai Shopping page with links to malls and souks! From the varied stalls of the local markets selling diverse foodstuffs and trinkets which you can freely barter for, to the more glamorous larger malls where a wider variety of international goods can be purchased, Dubai is a shopping Mecca. Dubai Mall in the Downtown area is perhaps the largest and best known mall featuring everything from small, independently run stores to larger, luxurious chain stores such as Gucci and Prada. Another large Mall well worth a visit is the Ibn Battuta Mall or the Mall of the Emirates. If you’re after a slower pace you will find many backstreets to explore where you can pick up some great value fabrics, china, scented candles and traditional Middle Eastern clothing, and dont miss the authentic gold and spice souks for a taste of the real Arabia. You'll get even better value if you visit during the Dubai Shopping Festival which is traditionally held between January and February of each year.

Dubai Restaurants

From Fire & Ice at Raffles to Verre by Gordon Ramsay at Dubai Hilton Creek, Dubai offers some astounding places to eat, many of which are hotel based and open to the general public. Reservations are standard so make sure you book up in advance to guarantee seats at the best restaurants. Locals love the fine dining Mexican rooftop restaurant Maya located within Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa. This chic venue is a great place to relax under the stars with a cocktail and some superb spicy home made Fajitas. Another popular choice is the EauZone at the One&Only Royal Mirage for a beautiful beachfront venue serving innovative Asian cuisine. There's a restaurant for every setting here, and exploring further into the city will yield a wide range of cuisines including specialist Indian, Persian and Lebanese restaurant. Read this Dubai Food Guide.

Dubai Bars & Nightlife

Like with the restaurants, many of the best evening locations in Dubai are based within the larger, more luxurious hotels. Locals and tourists alike are wooed by the intrinsic appeal of the Buddha Bar located at Grosvenor House Hotel, where you'll almost certainly require a reservation if you want to have a table. If you're in search of a club bar with live music, look no further than the trendy Kasbar within One&Only Royal Mirage. Other great evening venues include 360 at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, or why not meander down to Vu's within the Emirates Towers, where you can enjoy a cocktail on the 51st floor overlooking the city and the Arabian Gulf.

Dubai Family Attractions

Aquaventure
Aquaventure Dubai is the 42 acre water metropolis located within Atlantis The Palm Hotel Hotel. A host of thrilling waterslides and wave machines make this a children's paradise, and there's some amazing adult slides for the really brave! You can also train a dolphin for a day at Dolphin Bay, the resort's animal habitat, or explore tunnels and winding trails at The Lost Chambers.

Ski Dubai
Believe it or not, you can now ski in Dubai! Located on the Sheikh Zayed Road and part of the Mall of the Emirates, the amazing Ski Dubai venue features 5 slopes which range in difficulty from beginner to expert. And what's more, this is not artificial snow on the slopes, it is real. Also featuring a snow park, this is a great location for a family day out and a cool break from the heats of the city.

Dubai Mall

Featuring Kidzonia, Sega Republic, the Dubai Aquarium and the Dubai Fountain which is free to view.

Seawings
Take a trip to the skies aboard a Cessna 208 seaplane, and see Dubai in true style. This is a sightseeing excursion not to be missed, and gives the thrill of both land and water take off and landings. Experience stunning aerial views of Palm Jumeirah: the best way to fully appreciate the depth of architecture and level of detail. Luxury leather seats, air conditioning and fully trained pilots with global flying backgrounds ensure optimum comfort and safety.

Other Dubai Travel Information

Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
Language: National language is Arabic
Flight time: London Heathrow – Dubai: 7 hrs
Time Difference: +3 from Greenwich mean Time (GMT)
Voltage: 220. Most plug sockets are 3 pin, adapters are available for two pin in many hotels.