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Dubai Economy and Tourism

 From a modest fishing village to a global metropolis, Dubai is a city built on ambition. Here, futuristic towers rise from the desert, luxury and tradition coexist, and innovation never stops. Explore lively souks, glide over dunes, or dine with views of the world’s tallest building; every corner reveals a new story in this ever-evolving city.

Al Fahidi Souk DET/Dubai Tourism

Dubai's Neighbourhoods

Wondering where to find the best restaurants, family-friendly activities, or hottest art galleries? Here's a handy guide to Dubai’s hottest neighbourhoods, packed with plenty to suit all travellers. Add these easy-to-explore districts to your Dubai holiday itinerary and experience the city like a local.

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Old Dubai

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Downtown Dubai & Sheikh Zayed Road

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Business Bay & Dubai Canal

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Jumeirah & Jumeirah Beach

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Dubai Historical District

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Palm Jumeirah

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Al Quoz

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Dubai Design District

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Dubai Marina

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Jumeirah Lakes Towers

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Bluewaters Island

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City Walk

Dubai Landscape from Al seef Dubai Economy and Tourism

Do & See

Dubai is a city that must be seen to be believed. Record-breaking architecture stands alongside traditional quarters, while man-made islands jut out of the coastline. Check out the top places to tick off your sightseeing list when you’re in town.

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Hammams

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Burj Khalifa

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The View Palm Jumeirah

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Sky Views Observatory

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Ain Dubai

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Madame Tussauds Dubai

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Dubai Marina Walk

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The Dubai Fountain

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Dubai Frame

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Bur Dubai Abra Dock

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The Lost Chambers Aquarium

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Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

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Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

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Dubai Creek

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Arts & Culture

With Dubai Opera, the arts district Al Quoz and the discovery of relics from the Iron Age, Dubai is fast evolving into a cultural hotspot. The city’s highlights range from the ancient past to stark modernity, and there is no better time to see its evolution than now.

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Museum of the Future

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Jumeirah Mosque

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Etihad Museum

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La Perle

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Infinity des Lumières

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Dubai Opera

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TODA - Theatre of Digital Art

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Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

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The Majlis Gallery

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Beaches & Pools

Dubai is one of the few places where you can enjoy a beach holiday without leaving the city. Here, high-energy urban life meets the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf. Vibrant seaside spots like Kite Beach, La Mer, and The Beach at JBR let you take in the waves after a stroll or jog along the shore, while luxury resorts offer incredible pool experiences. From beachside cafés to watersports and relaxing sunbathing, Dubai delivers the perfect mix of city and sea.

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JBR Beach

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Kite Beach

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La Mer

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Sunset Beach (Umm Suqeim Beach)

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Palm West Beach

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AURA Skypool

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Adventure

With year-round sun and a dramatic combination of both the desert and beach, Dubai is the perfect setting to be swept away by high-adrenaline activities. Rocket across the Arabian Gulf in a speedboat or roar along the circuit in a race car, skydive over Palm Jumeirah, ski around the World Islands, paddleboard along the coast or swim with dolphins and sharks, explore the depths of the open waters, or go diving in the deepest pool in the world. You can even leave the city and try dune driving in the desert or soar above the sand in a hot air balloon. Fasten your seatbelt, harness, or helmet — it’s going to be an exciting ride.

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Buggy Safaris

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Extreme Fun

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Flyboarding

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Jet-Ski

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Sandboarding

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Deep Dive Dubai

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Camping

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Dubai Safari Park

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Hot Air Balloon

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Hatta Wadi Hub

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Ski Dubai

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Desert Safari

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The Desert

Safaris, sunsets, and stargazing.

When it comes to Dubai's majestic desert, visitors have many options to discover its beautiful landscape. Beyond the popular off-roading or desert safaris, there’s much to do amid the dunes. Whether you're taking in some history with a traditional Bedouin meal, cycling through Al Qudra, or watching for wildlife, don't miss the opportunity to experience the desert. Visit a resort or conservation reserve, or simply watch the sunset before some stargazing.

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Desert Safaris

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Desert Hotels

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Desert Activities

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Al Marmoom

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Desert Dining

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Desert Conservation

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Parks & Entertainment

With big ambitions and the expertise to make even the wildest dreams a reality, Dubai is becoming the most exciting adventure playground in the world. Whether it's family fun or hair-raising thrills you're after, there are laughs in store for all.

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IMG Worlds of Adventure

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Wild Wadi Waterpark Jumeirah

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The Green Planet

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Global Village

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Dubai Miracle Garden

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Dubai Parks and Resorts

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Aquaventure World

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Sports

Dubai’s world-class tennis courts, golf courses, and sports clubs are here to help you achieve your personal best. Whether you're looking to tee off at an iconic golf course or challenge friends to a game of football, there's plenty to pursue. Plus, the fun carries on throughout the year with cool indoor facilities hosting all the action during the summer months.

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Golf

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Horse & Camel Racing

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Running

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Cycling

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Motorsports & Offroading

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Tennis & Squash

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Cricket

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Football

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Watersports

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Hiking around Hatta

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Dining

There’s nothing the people of Dubai love more than to dress up and dine out. You can choose from a glittering array of celebrity restaurants and a huge variety of Middle Eastern food, plenty of them family-friendly and almost all in Instagram-worthy locations.

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Emirati Cuisine

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Brunch

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Fine Dining

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Celebrity Chefs

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Beachside Dining

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Outdoor Dining

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Vegan & Healthy Eating

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Street Food

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Experiential Dining

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Business Restaurants

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The Noodle House

Cafés

In Dubai, locals savour Arabic coffee, lightly spiced with cardamom and served with fine grounds in the cup, while strong, aromatic teas are a staple of hospitality. Alongside these traditions, a thriving café culture has emerged, with hip, homegrown spots serving expertly brewed espresso, lattes, fresh juices, and all-day breakfasts.

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Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)

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Common Grounds - Kite Beach

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Choix Patisserie and Restaurant

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Bars & Nightlife

Get ready for a night to remember in Dubai. The city boasts rooftop lounges with skyscraper views, iconic venues for a glamorous evening with friends, and chic speakeasies that combine the best in food, music, and entertainment.

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Shopping

When it comes to shopping, Dubai is in a league of its own. From sprawling malls packed with global brands to bustling souks steeped in tradition, the city makes retail therapy an adventure. Whether you’re hunting for designer fashion, one-of-a-kind jewellery, or the perfect keepsake, you’re bound to leave with something special.

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Malls

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Souks

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Beachside Shopping

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Boutiques

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Meena Bazar Burdubai

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Mirzam Chocolate Makers Factory & Store

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What's On

Dubai has it all: from world-class performances and revered art exhibitions to award-winning fairs and concerts by global superstars.

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Rugby 7s

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Dubai Shopping Festival

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Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

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Dubai World Cup

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Dubai Fitness Challenge

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Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship

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Dubai International Boat Show

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Dubai Desert Classic

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Art Dubai

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Sikka Art & Design Festival

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World Art Dubai

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Al Gaffal Long Distance Race

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Eid in Dubai

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Dubai Summer Surprises

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Tourist Information

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), also known as Dubai World Central, is located 37 kilometres southwest of Dubai city in the Jebel Ali district. As the centrepiece of the large-scale Dubai South development, this airport is poised for significant expansion. It will become the world's largest aviation hub, with plans to handle up to 260 million passengers annually and replace Dubai International Airport (DXB) entirely by 2035.

The most practical way to reach the airport is by road via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). For public transport, take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Ibn Battuta station and transfer to the F55 bus service, which completes the journey to the terminals.

Address: Emirates Road, Dubai South, Dubai

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Phone: +971 4 224 5555

Website: www.dubaiairports.ae

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Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai International (DXB) is located 4 kilometres southeast of Dubai. One of the world's busiest travel hubs, Dubai's primary airport boasts three sprawling terminals and two huge runways that operate around the clock, serving both passenger and cargo planes. Transportation from the airport is possible by taxi, bus, or metro.

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Climate

Dubai is warm most of the year. The cooler months, from October to April, see temperatures from around 20°C up to the mid-30s, making it ideal for outdoor activities. From May to September, it heats up, often reaching the high 30s to mid-40s, so indoor attractions, beaches with shaded areas, or early-morning and evening outings work best during this period. Luckily, Dubai offers plenty of attractions for all seasons.

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Dress code and customs

Dubai is cosmopolitan and generally tolerant of different styles, but it truly helps to follow a few guidelines when visiting the city.

In older parts of Dubai and at religious sites, dressing more conservatively is appreciated. In mosques, women should cover their shoulders, arms, and legs, and wear a headscarf. Swimwear is fine at beaches, pools, and water parks, but not appropriate in business districts, malls, or on the streets.

Public displays of affection are limited. Holding hands is usually fine, but kissing and hugging in public are frowned upon.

Alcohol is available in licensed hotels, bars, and shops for those over 21, but public drunkenness, disorderly behaviour, or drunk driving is illegal. The use or possession of drugs is strictly prohibited.

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Ramadan

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims, and in Dubai, it’s a time of reflection, family, and tradition. During the day, you’ll notice that the city is a little quieter. But when the sun sets, Dubai transforms: vibrant Iftar meals fill the streets, food markets buzz, and the night comes alive once again.

While in Dubai during Ramadan, it’s polite to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Many restaurants and cafés are closed or operate with screened-off areas, so planning ahead is a good idea.

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Public Transport

Dubai’s public transport system is modern, extensive, and convenient for tourists. Operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), it includes the Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines), buses, trams, water taxis, and taxis. The metro is especially useful for reaching major attractions like Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Marina, while buses and trams cover areas not served by rail.

In order to use public transport, travellers should get a Nol card, a rechargeable smart card accepted on all RTA transport modes, including metro, buses, trams, water taxis, and even parking. Fares are zone-based, and using a Nol card gives discounted rates compared to single-ride tickets. It can be topped up at metro stations, retail outlets, or online, making it easy to keep moving around the city.

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Taxi

Taxis in Dubai are both plentiful and metered, making them a convenient option for getting around the city. The standard taxis are cream-coloured vehicles with a coloured roof. These taxis can be hailed directly from the street, booked via the official Dubai Taxi Corporation app, or through popular ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Careem, and Hala.

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Pharmacy

In Dubai, popular pharmacy chains include Aster Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy, Boots, and BinSina, all reliable for prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and travel essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and basic first-aid items. Many branches are open late or even 24/7, especially near malls, hospitals, and metro stations. Staff usually speak English and can advise on common health issues, but note that some prescription drugs may require a doctor’s note.

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Post

Dubai’s main postal provider is Emirates Post, which operates many branches across the city. The Dubai Central Post Office on Zabeel Road in Al Karama is the most convenient for travellers. It is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and it handles local and international mail, courier services, money transfers, and other government-related services.

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Telephone

Country code: +971
Dubai area code: 4

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Electricity

Dubai operates on a standard voltage of 220–240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. The most common plug types are Type  G (three rectangular pins), Type  D (three large round pins in a triangular pattern), and Type  C (two round pins). Type  G is the official standard, widely used in Dubai and the broader UAE.

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