Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Destination guide

Dubai

United Arab Emirates · Middle East

Search all hotels in Dubai 2026-08-282026-08-31 · 2 · 1

About Dubai

Dubai combines skyline resorts, marina hotels, desert lodges and traditional creek-side stays in a single city. Choose Downtown for Burj Khalifa views, JBR/Marina for the beach, or Deira and Bur Dubai for heritage and value.

At a glance

  • Modern city built for hotel and beach holidays, with easy day-trips to the desert.
  • November–March is peak; June–August is very hot but deeply discounted.
  • Alcohol is served in licensed hotel venues; modest dress in public spaces.
  • Metro + taxi combo is cheap and fast; ridesharing is widely used.
  • Currency AED; Type G 230V (UK-style) plugs; tap water is desalinated — hotels serve bottled by default.

Featured stays in Dubai — live rates

Prices are live from our licensed booking partner and may change.

Search all hotels in Dubai
Asma Hotel
Asma Hotel

Asma Hotel

Dubai, AE

9.45,143 reviews

US$31

per night

Atana Hotel
Atana Hotel

Atana Hotel

Dubai, ae

8.420,000 reviews

US$46

per night

Rove Dubai Marina
Rove Dubai Marina

Rove Dubai Marina

Dubai, AE

9.29,194 reviews

US$49

per night

When to visit

November–March is peak season with 20–28°C days and cool evenings. April and October are still comfortable; June–August is very hot but delivers the deepest hotel discounts.

Getting around

The Metro Red Line links the airport, Downtown and Marina; taxis and rideshare are inexpensive. Most hotels offer complimentary beach or mall shuttles.

Where to stay

  • Downtown Dubai

    Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and skyline-view hotels.

  • Dubai Marina & JBR

    Beach-front resorts and a walkable promenade.

  • Palm Jumeirah

    Iconic beach resorts on the palm-shaped island.

  • Deira / Bur Dubai

    Traditional souks and creek-side heritage stays.

Your Marhaba Trip Plan

Dubai at a glance

Recommended trip
3–5 days
Best time to visit
November–March is peak season with 20–28°C days and cool evenings.
Getting around
The Metro Red Line links the airport, Downtown and Marina; taxis and rideshare are inexpensive.
Recommended areas
Downtown Dubai · Dubai Marina & JBR · Palm Jumeirah

Top experiences

  • Burj KhalifaBook At the Top for sunset; the 148th-floor lounge has shorter queues.
  • Dubai Mall & FountainsEvening fountain shows every 30 minutes on the lakefront.
  • Desert safariHalf-day 4x4 dune trips with sunset and dinner in a Bedouin camp.
  • Old Dubai (Al Fahidi)Restored wind-tower district with the coffee museum and creek abras.

Do I need a visa for Dubai?

Policy
Varies by nationality
Typical stay
30 days

Many nationalities receive a free visa-on-arrival (30 or 90 days depending on passport). Others require a pre-arranged e-visa sponsored by a hotel, airline or tour operator.

Official government source

How do I get to Dubai?

Airports

  • DXB · Dubai International · 8 km

    Metro Red Line reaches Downtown/Marina; taxis metered from the rank.

  • DWC · Al Maktoum International · 45 km

    Mainly low-cost and cargo; taxi/shuttle to the city.

e-Gate biometric lanes are open to residents and a growing list of nationalities.

How do I get around Dubai?

  • MetroRed and Green lines link the airport, Downtown, Marina and the exhibition district.
  • Taxi & rideshareMetered RTA taxis and Careem/Uber are inexpensive and air-conditioned.
  • Tram & monorailMarina tram + Palm monorail connect the beach strip and Atlantis.
  • Abra water taxiTraditional wooden boats cross Dubai Creek between Deira and Bur Dubai.

Passes & tickets

Nol card taps on Metro, tram, bus and water bus — buy at any station.

Avoid the Metro at Friday-evening prayer times and during major shopping-festival weekends.

What should I eat and know about food culture in Dubai?

Signature dishes

  • Shawarma & manakishEveryday Levantine street food, best from Deira and Karama counters.
  • Machboos / kabsaSpiced Gulf rice with lamb, chicken or fish — try Emirati specialty rooms.
  • LuqaimatGolden dough balls in date syrup, popular at Ramadan iftar buffets.

Etiquette

  • Public dress should cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks and government buildings.
  • Public displays of affection are discouraged; respect prayer times at mosques.
  • Photographing people (especially women and children) without permission is inappropriate.

Alcohol is legally served in licensed hotel restaurants and bars to guests aged 21+. Tap water is desalinated and technically potable; bottled is the local norm.

Is Dubai safe for travelers?

Overall risk: LowEmergency: 999 (police) / 998 (ambulance)
  • Violent crime is very rare; standard precautions apply in nightlife districts.
  • Zero tolerance for drugs and drink-driving; even prescription medicines may need documentation.
  • Summer heat is a real hazard — hydrate, seek shade and avoid mid-day desert activities.
Official travel advice

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Dubai?

Many nationalities receive visa-on-arrival for 30 or 90 days depending on passport. Check the UAE government portal before booking.

Is alcohol served in Dubai?

Yes — licensed hotel bars and restaurants serve alcohol to guests aged 21+. Public drunkenness and drinking outside licensed venues is illegal.

What should I wear in Dubai?

Beach and pool wear at resorts is fine; modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is expected in malls, souks and government buildings.

How many days do I need in Dubai?

Four nights covers Downtown, a beach day and a desert safari. Add two more for Abu Dhabi and a slow resort day.

Is Dubai good for families?

Excellent — Atlantis Aquaventure, KidZania, IMG Worlds and Wild Wadi make it one of the easiest family beach cities in the region.

What's the best area for a luxury stay?

Palm Jumeirah for beach-resort suites, Downtown for skyline views next to the Burj Khalifa, and Burj Al Arab for the signature all-butler experience.

How much does an airport transfer cost?

The Metro Red Line from DXB into the city is around AED 8. Metered RTA taxis from DXB to Downtown run roughly AED 60–90 (about US$16–24).

When is the cheapest time to visit?

June–August is very hot but delivers the deepest hotel discounts, often 40–60% below peak. November–March is peak season.

More ways to extend or combine your Dubai trip.

Gulf stopover

Two long-haul hubs in one trip — great for stopover fares.

Search all hotels in Dubai

Search all hotels in Dubai