Dubai is a city that shouldn't exist - a glittering metropolis rising from the Arabian desert. In just 50 years, it transformed from a small trading port into a city of record-breaking skyscrapers, artificial islands, indoor ski slopes, and seven-star hotels. It's a place where ambition has no ceiling, luxury has no limit, and "impossible" isn't in the vocabulary.
Top Attractions
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building stands at an astonishing 828 meters with 163 floors. The observation decks at levels 124-125 (At the Top) and level 148 (At the Top SKY) offer staggering views across the city to the desert and sea. The Dubai Fountain at its base performs a choreographed water show every 30 minutes from 6pm.
Visitor Information
- At the Top (124-125): AED 169 (non-prime), AED 244 (prime hours)
- At the Top SKY (148): AED 553 includes refreshments
- Hours: 9am-11pm (Sun-Wed), 9am-12am (Thu-Sat)
- Tip: Book sunset slot 2 weeks ahead - the view is unbeatable
Palm Jumeirah
This man-made island shaped like a palm tree is one of Dubai's most ambitious projects. Home to Atlantis The Palm resort, luxury villas, and beach clubs, you can explore by monorail, car, or boat. The Palm added 78 kilometers of coastline to Dubai. Take the monorail from the mainland for panoramic views.
Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain
The world's largest mall by total area spans 1,200 shops, 200 restaurants, an Olympic ice rink, the Dubai Aquarium with its 33,000 marine animals, and an indoor theme park. Outside, the Dubai Fountain shoots water 150 meters high in performances set to music. You could spend days here without getting bored.
Burj Al Arab
The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, standing on its own artificial island, became the symbol of Dubai's ambition. While only hotel guests can enter freely, you can book afternoon tea (from AED 590) or dine at one of its restaurants to experience the opulent interior. The 180-meter atrium is one of the world's tallest.
Dubai Creek & Old Dubai
Before the skyscrapers, there was the Creek. Take a traditional abra (wooden boat) for just AED 1 across to explore the atmospheric souks. The Gold Souk displays 10 tons of gold jewelry, the Spice Souk fills the air with saffron and cardamom, and the Textile Souk offers fabrics from across Asia.
Dubai Desert Safari
Experience the Arabian Desert that surrounds Dubai on a desert safari. Evening tours include dune bashing in 4x4s, camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, and a BBQ dinner under the stars with belly dancing. Morning hot air balloon rides offer spectacular sunrise views over the dunes.
Dubai Food Guide
Dubai's food scene mirrors its population - wildly diverse. You'll find everything from authentic Emirati cuisine to Lebanese mezze, Indian curries, Japanese omakase, and celebrity chef restaurants. The city has over 13,000 restaurants ranging from AED 20 shawarmas to AED 2,000 tasting menus.
Must-Try Dishes
Al Machboos
The Emirati national dish - spiced rice with meat (lamb, chicken, or fish), dried limes, and aromatic spices. AED 50-80.
Try: Al Fanar Restaurant or Seven Sands
Shawarma
The Middle East's street food king - shaved meat wrapped in flatbread with pickles, tahini, and garlic sauce. AED 12-25.
Try: Al Mallah in Satwa or any street corner
Mezze
Lebanese-style small plates - hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, tabbouleh, fattoush. Order many and share. AED 100-150 for spread.
Try: Al Nafoorah or Zaroob
Luqaimat
Sweet Emirati dumplings drizzled with date syrup. Crispy outside, fluffy inside. Traditional dessert. AED 25-35.
Try: Logma or Arabian Tea House
Karak Chai
Sweet, milky tea spiced with cardamom and saffron. Dubai's unofficial drink found at every cafeteria. AED 3-5.
Try: Filli Cafe or any chai kiosk
Friday Brunch
Dubai's social institution - all-you-can-eat/drink brunches lasting 4+ hours. A cultural experience. AED 300-700.
Try: Saffron at Atlantis or Bubbalicious at Westin
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Metro: Modern, efficient, covers main areas. AED 4-8.50 (buy Nol card)
- Taxis: Metered, affordable. AED 12 base fare + AED 2/km
- Uber/Careem: Works well, often cheaper than taxis
- Walking: Limited due to heat - everything is AC and car-centric
Budget Guide (Per Day)
- Budget: AED 300-500 (hostels, street food, public transport)
- Mid-range: AED 700-1,500 (4-star hotels, restaurants, tours)
- Luxury: AED 3,000+ (5-star resorts, fine dining, experiences)
Best Time to Visit
- Nov-Mar: Perfect weather (20-30°C), peak season, book ahead
- Apr-May: Warming up, fewer crowds, good deals
- Jun-Sep: Extremely hot (40-45°C), but huge discounts (50%+ off)
- Ramadan: Respectful time to visit, limited daytime dining
Interactive Map
Explore Dubai's top attractions on the map. Click markers for details and directions.
Key Attractions on Map
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