Dubai has transformed from a humble fishing village to one of the most cosmopolitan and innovative cities in the world today. Tracing its origins back to 3,000 BC, Dubai's inhabitants made their livelihood from fishing, pearl diving, boat building and sea trading, before the discovery of oil in the late 1960s. In 1971, Dubai joined its neighbours to form the United Arab Emirates, safeguarding the area's prosperity.
Dubai Economy and Tourism
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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Burj Khalifa
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The View at The Palm
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Sky Views Dubai
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Dubai Harbour
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Museum of the Future
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Deep Dive Dubai
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Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
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Dubai Mall
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Madame Tussauds Dubai
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai Historical District
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Palm Jumeirah
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Dubai Parks & Resorts
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Madinat Jumeirah
Dubai Economy and Tourism
The Dubai Fountain
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Bluewaters Island
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Ski Dubai
Dubai Economy and Tourism
City Walk
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Etihad Museum
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Jumeirah Mosque
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The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Burj Al Arab
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai Water Canal
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Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai Creek
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai Frame
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Wondering where to find the best restaurants, family-friendly activities or hottest art galleries? Here's a handy guide to the 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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Downtown Dubai & Sheikh Zayed Road
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Old Dubai
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Business Bay & Dubai Canal
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Dubai Design District
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Palm Jumeirah
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Al Quoz
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Dubai Marina
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Jumeirah Lakes Towers
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Dubai is one of the few places to enjoy a beach vacation within a thriving city. Experience a holiday Dubai-style, combining high-energy city action with the beauty of the Arabian Gulf. With a vibrant atmosphere and beachside shopping scene, luxury resorts and watersports, Dubai offers the best of the city and the sea. Kite Beach, La Mer and The Beach next to JBR are popular seaside spots where you can take in the waves after a leisurely stroll or jog along the water. Alternatively, Dubai's hotels offer amazing pool experiences, including infinity pools, jacuzzis, water play areas for kids, and much more.
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JBR Beach
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Kite Beach
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Beach Clubs
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Beachside Dining
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Watersports
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Family Beach Clubs
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Beachside Cafes
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La Mer
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Palm West Beach
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AURA Skypool
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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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Quad Biking
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Sandboarding
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Camping
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Dubai Safari
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Hot Air Balloon
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Hatta Wadi Hub
Dubai Economy and Tourism
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.
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Desert Safaris
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Desert Hotels
Dubai Tourism
Desert Activities
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Al Marmoom
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Desert Dining
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Desert Conservation
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Between Dubai’s grandiose malls including The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates to traditional souks such as the Gold Souk and Perfume Souk, you’re practically guaranteed to find a souvenir to treasure from your holiday to Dubai. Plus, with massive citywide shopping celebrations like Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), you could snag the deal of a lifetime during your visit to this global shopping destination.
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Malls
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Souks
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Beachside Shopping
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Luxury Shopping
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Boutiques
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Markets
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Homegrown Labels
Dubai Economy and Tourism
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.
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Emirati Cuisine
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Brunch
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Cafes & Bakeries
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Fine Dining
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Celebrity Chefs
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Beachside Dining
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Outdoor Dining
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Vegan & Healthy Eating
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Street Food
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Experiential Dining
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Business Restaurants
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Private Dining
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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.
Dubai Economy and Tourism
IMG Worlds of Adventure
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Legoland Dubai
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Wild Wadi Waterpark
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Motiongate Dubai
Dubai Economy and Tourism
The Green Planet
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Global Village
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Dubai Miracle Garden
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Legoland Water Park
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Aquaventure Waterpark
Dubai Economy and Tourism
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.
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Museums
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Art Galleries
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Historical Neighbourhood
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La Perle
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Mosques
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Infinity des Lumières
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Theatre of Digital Art
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai Opera
Dubai Economy and Tourism
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
Dubai Economy and Tourism
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
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Watersports
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Hiking around Hatta
Dubai Economy and Tourism
There are literally hundreds of spas in all shapes and sizes, from five-star options like the Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray to internationally-acclaimed centres and neighbourhood wellness spots. Common to all are great service and value.
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Spas
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Beauty Salons
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Hammams
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Arabian Beauty
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Yoga
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Take a break from the stunning Dubai skyline and explore the natural wonders that make the city come alive. There are enormous green spaces with picturesque lakes and lawns right in the heart of the emirate. Discover on your own, or take advantage of tour guides who specialise in the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Parks
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Ecotourism
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Animal Experiences
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Desert Wildlife
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Horse Riding
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Birds
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Marine Life
Dubai Economy and Tourism
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
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai Shopping Festival
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Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
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Dubai World Cup
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai Fitness Challenge
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New Year's Eve
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Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship
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Dubai International Boat Show
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Dubai Desert Classic
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai Food Festival
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Art Dubai
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Sikka Art & Design Festival
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World Art Dubai
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Al Gaffal Long Distance Race
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Ramadan
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Eid in Dubai
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai Summer Surprises
Dubai Economy and Tourism
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.
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Shopping
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Lounges
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Live Music
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Cinema
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Dynamic Nightspots
Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai International (DXB) is located four kilometres (2.5 miles) 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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Website: www.dubaiairports.ae
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Currency
The currency in Dubai is the Dirham (AED or Arab Emirate Dirham). One dirham is divided into 100 fils and has been pegged to the US dollar since the end of 1997.
US$1 = AED3.6725
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Getting Around
Upon arriving at Dubai International Airport, you're connected to every major neighbourhood in the city via the Dubai Metro. Most of the city's main attractions, including The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina can be reached directly via the metro or tram. Simply purchase a prepaid Nol card from any metro station, to use on the metro, tram and buses. The city's ubiquitous yellow and red topped taxis are available streetside. For those with data services, a cab from Uber, or the local ride-hailing equivalent Careem, is just a tap away.
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Website: www.visitdubai.com/en/plan-your-trip/getting-to-and-around-dubai
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Climate
Dubai enjoys a warm climate year-round. The winter months from October through to April are the coolest, with temperatures ranging from around 20 degrees centigrade to the mid-30s. During the months of May through September, the weather heats up significantly, with average temperatures ranging from high-30s to mid-40s. Luckily, Dubai offers plenty of attractions for all seasons.
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