Dubai
United Arab Emirates
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Mall
- Dubai Creek
- Palm Jumeirah
- Burj Al Arab
About Dubai
Dubai, on the Persian Gulf, is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. A small port that lived on pearling and trade around Dubai Creek, it turned rapidly into a hub of finance and tourism from the late 20th century.
The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, the artificial Palm Jumeirah and the old souks along the creek show the city's two faces side by side.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Dust and sand storms (March–August) — Dust and sand storms are more frequent from March–August; visibility can drop quickly and flights may be affected.
How many days do you need?
Three days suit most visitors: one for the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall in Downtown, one for Dubai Creek, crossing by abra to the spice and gold souks and the old houses of Al Fahidi, and one for the Jumeirah coast, views of the Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah. Add a day for a desert trip.
Where to stay
- Downtown Dubai — Walking distance to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, close to the metro.
- Deira and Bur Dubai — On the creek, near the old souks and more traditional.
- Dubai Marina and JBR — Beach, waterfront promenade and restaurants, linked to the tram and metro.
From the airport to the city
Dubai International Airport (DXB) lies within the city, a few miles from Deira. The metro Red Line stops at Terminals 1 and 3; from Terminal 2, take a bus or taxi. Some flights use Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), much farther south.
Getting around
The driverless metro (Red and Green lines), Dubai Tram, buses and the abra boats on the creek are run by the RTA and paid with a Nol card. Eating and drinking are banned on the metro; every train has a section for women and children and a Gold Class carriage.
Good to know
- June to September is extremely hot and humid; November to March is the most comfortable period.
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is advisable in malls and religious sites; during Ramadan, be respectful in public during the day.
- The weekend is Saturday and Sunday. The currency is the UAE dirham.
Useful links
- Visit Dubai visitdubai.com
- RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) rta.ae
- Dubai Airports dubaiairports.ae
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: December–March. The warmest month is August (average high 104 °F); the wettest is January (0.8 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 73.9 | 0.82 | Ideal |
| February | 76.1 | 0.55 | Ideal |
| March | 81.3 | 0.69 | Ideal |
| April | 88.0 | 0.46 | Good |
| May | 95.4 | 0.21 | Very hot |
| June | 100.4 | 0.16 | Very hot |
| July | 102.9 | 0.09 | Very hot |
| August | 103.8 | 0.35 | Very hot |
| September | 100.2 | 0.11 | Very hot |
| October | 94.5 | 0.07 | Very hot |
| November | 86.0 | 0.36 | Good |
| December | 78.1 | 0.52 | Ideal |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
More in this region
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Laylat al-Mi'raj *January 5
- First day of Ramadan *February 8
- End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) *March 9 (3 days)
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) *May 16 (3 days)
- Islamic New Year *June 6
- Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) *August 14
- National DayDecember 2
- Laylat al-Mi'raj *December 25
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyUnited Arab Emirates Dirham (د.إ)
- Dialling code+971
- Plugs & voltageType C, D, G · 230 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 999 · Ambulance 998 · Fire 997
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.