Dubai

Arabia

Dubai is a unique and fascinating cocktail of 'east-meets-west' and 'old-meets-new'.

Overview

Dubai is a unique and fascinating cocktail of 'east-meets-west' and 'old-meets-new'. All year round glorious sunshine, warm inviting Arabian Gulf waters and a majestic desert tell only one side of the story. Beyond the hotels and resorts, there are endless opportunities to experience the diversity of Dubai. From 4-wheel drives or camel riding in the desert to moonlit cruises along the Creek and skiing and tobogganing in the Snowdome - there are activities to suit every taste. For the less energetic, the fascinating Dubai Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon, while the malls and souqs offer hours of retail therapy.

Highlights

Look beyond the skyscrapers, think beyond the beaches, and discover a surprisingly diverse mix of cultures and heritage.

Desert dreams

A Desert Safari is a must-do - try dune-bashing and visit a Bedouin camp to sample traditional food while watching belly dancers. This is an enjoyable evening for all the family and a great way to see the rolling desert dunes, only a short drive from the city

Malls for all

Shopping is a way of life in Dubai, where the city’s malls are also recreational destinations and dining precincts. Visit one of Dubai’s major shopping malls and discover everything from ski slopes to aquariums, or meander around the outdoor shopping areas such as City Walk. There’s also plenty of traditional shopping at the Gold, Spice and Textile souqs, set in the vibrant heart of old Dubai.

Friday the Dubai way

Friday Brunch is a Dubai gastronomic tradition. Locals work from Sunday to Thursday, so Friday is the start of the weekend. Friday Brunch isn’t just about the food though, as it can include everything from magicians to petting zoos – leaving parents plenty of time to enjoy their meals. Typically held in Dubai's hotels (and often extravagantly themed), these sumptuous feasts are a great way to try different flavours and to enjoy refreshing drinks all under one roof (or outdoors)

When to visit

Daytime temperatures from May to September rarely fall below 40°C, while between October and April the temperature averages around 30°C with little humidity. Although rainfall is minimal, this normally happens during the cooler months between January and March.