Dubai: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Dubai: A Practical Travel Guide

Dubai grew from a pearl-diving and trading settlement on a saltwater creek into one of the most recognisable skylines on earth in only a few decades. That speed is part of the appeal. In a single day you can ride an abra across the creek past spice-scented souks, stand on an observation deck of the world's tallest building, and watch the sun set over desert dunes an hour's drive away. It is also an easy stopover city, thanks to its huge airport hub, and a natural holiday choice for travellers from India, the Gulf and Europe.

When to Go

The climate decides almost everything here.

November to March is the peak season. Days are warm and sunny, evenings are pleasant enough for outdoor dining, and beaches, parks and desert trips are all comfortable. It is also when events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and many concerts take place, so hotel rates rise accordingly.

April, May and October are shoulder months. It is hot in the middle of the day, but mornings and evenings are manageable, and prices often soften.

June to September is extremely hot and humid. Outdoor sightseeing becomes difficult in daytime, but this is when the best hotel deals appear, and much of Dubai's life happens indoors anyway, in malls, aquariums, indoor theme parks and air-conditioned metro stations.

Ramadan dates move each year. Visiting during the holy month can be rewarding, with iftar gatherings in the evenings, but eating and drinking in public during daylight should be done discreetly, and some venues change their hours.

What to See and Do

• Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. Book an observation-deck slot around sunset for both day and night views, then watch the Dubai Fountain show on the lake below.
• Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi and the souks. The historic heart of the city. Wander the wind-tower lanes of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, cross the creek by abra, and browse the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira.
• Desert safari. A trip into the dunes typically combines dune driving, a camel ride and an evening camp dinner. Choose an operator that respects protected areas, or look for quieter conservation-reserve tours.
• Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach. Public beaches with views of the Burj Al Arab; the Jumeirah Mosque nearby offers guided visits that explain Emirati culture.
• Dubai Marina and JBR. A waterfront promenade lined with cafés, ideal for an evening walk or a dhow cruise.
• Museum of the Future. A striking building near the Emirates Towers with exhibitions about technology and the planet.
• Palm Jumeirah. The palm-shaped island can be seen from The View at The Palm or from the monorail.
• Hatta. Further afield, a mountain area near the Omani border for kayaking, hiking and cooler air in winter.

Eating in Dubai

The city's population is overwhelmingly international, and the food shows it. Try Emirati dishes such as machboos (spiced rice with meat), luqaimat (sweet dumplings with date syrup) and camel-milk treats. Lebanese and Levantine food is everywhere, from shawarma stands to mezze restaurants. Karama, Bur Dubai and Deira are excellent for affordable South Indian, Pakistani and Kerala-style cooking, and vegetarian restaurants are easy to find. At the other end of the scale, Downtown and the Marina are home to celebrity-chef dining rooms and lavish Friday brunches.

Arriving and Moving Around

Dubai International (DXB) is one of the world's busiest airports and the home of Emirates; flydubai also operates many regional routes. Some flights use Al Maktoum International (DWC) further south. The Dubai Metro Red Line links DXB with Deira, Downtown, the Marina and beyond, and is clean, cheap and air-conditioned. Buy a Nol card for metro, trams, buses and water buses. Taxis are metered and widely available, ride-hailing apps work well, and abras across the creek are a classic, inexpensive experience. Distances are large, so walking between districts is rarely practical.

Choosing a Base

• Downtown Dubai: For first-timers who want the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and fountains on the doorstep.
• Dubai Marina and JBR: Beach, nightlife and waterfront dining. Good for longer stays.
• Deira and Bur Dubai: Older neighbourhoods near the creek and souks. Often the best value, with great cheap food and metro access.
• Palm Jumeirah: Resort hotels with private beaches, ideal for a splurge.
• Al Barsha: Mid-range hotels close to Mall of the Emirates and the metro.

Saving Money

• Travel in the shoulder or summer months for noticeably lower hotel rates.
• Use the metro and a Nol card instead of taxis for long trips.
• Many of the best experiences are free or cheap: the fountain show, public beaches, the creek and the souks.
• Lunch specials in Karama and Deira are far cheaper than resort dining.
• Compare desert-safari and attraction packages; combined tickets can work out better.
• Alcohol is expensive and only served in licensed venues, so budget accordingly.

Good to Know

• Visa: Rules vary by passport. Some nationalities get a visa on arrival, while others, including many Indian passport holders, need an e-visa arranged in advance, though some may qualify for visa on arrival with certain existing visas. Check the official UAE government (ICP/GDRFA) or your airline's guidance.
• Currency: UAE dirham (AED). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
• Language: Arabic is official, but English is widely spoken, and Hindi and Urdu are commonly understood.
• Safety and etiquette: Dubai has low crime rates. Dress modestly in malls, souks and religious sites, avoid public displays of affection, and respect local laws, which are strict on drugs and public behaviour.
• Weekend: The official weekend is Saturday and Sunday, with Friday a short working day for many.

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