Dubai makes an instant impression and it's one which will last with you - a bustling hub of activity, breath-taking architecture and sensational views.
Dubai surrounds itself in superlatives: if it’s not the tallest, largest, longest or the fastest then Dubai doesn’t want to know. There are world-class shopping malls, opulent hotels, and gourmet restaurants, all on a truly grandiose scale. There's the beaches, picture perfect white sand and warm water, as well as a lavish nightlife featuring a host of extortionate nightclubs crammed with celebrity clientele.
Nestling in the Persian Gulf, Dubai is renowned for its extravagance and the sheer scale of its many attractions. And this reputation, alongside gorgeous all-year round sunshine, has turned it into one of the world’s most desirable vacation destinations. One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is the largest in terms of population and the second largest in terms of physical size behind only Abu Dhabi. Sitting on the Persian Gulf coast it has seen accelerated development since the 1970s, turning it into one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.
Dubai is famous around the world being extremely extravagant and over-the-top. When you arrive and see it for yourself you’ll realise there just aren’t the words to do it justice. It is grandiose on a colossal scale, and features the world’s tallest building – the stunning Burj Khalifa – and the world’s largest shopping mall – the Dubai Mall.
On that note, Dubai is a real shopper’s paradise with malls, markets, boutiques and souks offering everything from designer clothes and brand-name electronics to cheap jewelry and unique trinkets.
The original Emirati population is now a minority in the country thanks to the many expats either flocking towards the minimal taxation or being herded here as construction workers. In fact, Dubai is a vibrant, modern place with over 100 nationalities in residence, and with the millions of tourists added to the mix, it is a wonderful cultural crossroads of visitors, expats and locals. This has created a culture that is not so much a melting pot but a collection of tapas bowls – communities divided up and holding on to their own customs and values.
Most new visitors are hit by the scale of the place. The Dubai Mall’s famous Dubai Fountain works on a grand scale. To give you an idea of its grandeur, it shoots water jets 150 metres in the air, and was created by the designers of the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas.
Given the sumptuous size of the Dubai Mall, it’s no surprise the emirate is a shopper’s paradise. The number of malls, markets, boutiques and souks, offering everything from designer clothes and brand-name electronics to cheap jewellery and unique trinkets, are testament to this.
Weather wise, Dubai is warm all year round, with November to March being the coolest, when the average maximum temperature is 25°C. May to September is the hottest season, when temperatures often exceed 40°C – air-conditioning mandatory!
The area surrounding Dubai Creek is perhaps the most historic part of the emirate, with souks selling spices and textiles, and the architecture dominated by mosques and authentic regional buildings in the Deira and Bur Dubai districts. Why not take a water taxi, also known as an abra, and enjoy a leisurely look around these beautiful sights?
And, of course, you can’t forget the desert. No trip to Dubai would be complete without a visit to the most unique environment on earth. You can try sand skiing or dune bashing, and eat a traditional Emirati meal, while on a desert safari. And if you like the sound of an active vacation, there is no end to the water and land-based sports you can enjoy: waterskiing, scuba diving, golf and waterparks to name just a few.
Perhaps the most famous of Dubai’s attractions is the man-made island, The Palm Jumeirah, which is now giving the traditional vacation spot of Jumeirah Beach a run for its money as the place to stay.
The UAE is a Muslim country and mosques are dotted throughout the landscape of Dubai – five times a day the melodious prayer call or adhan will be heard.
While Dubai is most famous for its shopping, visitors should take advantage of their trip to the UAE to also learn about the local culture. The Dubai Museum is in a traditional fort, and its exhibits of weapons, national costumes, and the pearl diving industry, on which Dubai was originally founded, are supremely interesting.
The Heritage and Diving Village features displays of Dubai's maritime past –though you are never too far from a shop or restaurant. Truly, there is something for everyone in Dubai.
There are a wide variety of things to see and do whilst staying in Dubai and the Emirates. Check out our travel guides for some of the highlights, top tips and travel inspiration from our Tropical Sky Experts, along with some essential information you may need for your vacation.
Delicious, hearty cuisine that fuses a multitude of cultures - including stuffed camel, Friday brunch, and plenty of one-pot wonders.
Still deciding on things to see and do in Dubai and the Emirates? Our customer's vacation stories will be sure to give you inspiration. Come and find out what our customers thought of this fantastic destination.
Having travelled to Egypt six times, David and Brenda couldn’t wait to discover the Middle East’s more modern lifestyle. Combining Dubai and Fujairah, this well-travelled couple tells us all about their fabulous twin-centre getaway.