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 From a humble village to a cosmopolitan city and a travel hub.

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.

currency

1 Dirham (AED) = 100 fils

The currency in Dubai is the dirham (AED or Arab Emirate Dirham). One dirham is divided into 100 fils.

phone

999 (Police-Ambulance)
997 (Fire)

newspaper

The National – www.thenationalnews.com/uae
The Gulf Today – www.gulftoday.ae
The Gulf News – gulfnews.com
Khaleej Times – www.khaleejtimes.com

hours

Thanks to split-shift staffing systems, several shops are open 24 hours a day while most others stay open until 9pm or 10pm. On Fridays many shops close from 11:30am–12:30pm for Muslim holy day prayers. Times are revised during Ramadan (in 2022 it is expected to be 2 April – 2 May).

population

Around 3 million

info

Department of Economy & Tourism
One Central, Building 2, 4th floor, PO Box 594
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 600 55 55 59
Website: visitdubai.com
Email: info@visitdubai.com

website

www.visitdubai.com

Dubai Landscape from Al seef DET

Top Attractions

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. Here are 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 Palm Fountain

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The View at The Palm

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Ain Dubai

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Madame Tussauds Dubai

Sky Views Dubai

Sky Views Dubai

Dubai Harbour

Dubai Harbour

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Museum of the Future

Deep Dive Dubai

Deep Dive Dubai

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

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Palm Jumeirah

Dubai Tourism

Dubai Opera

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The Dubai Mall

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Dubai Historical District

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts

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Madinat Jumeirah

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The Dubai Fountain

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Bluewaters Island

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Ski Dubai

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City Walk

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Etihad Museum

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Jumeirah Mosque

Atlantis

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

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Burj Al Arab

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Dubai Water Canal

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

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Dubai Creek

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Dubai Frame

Al Fahidi Souk DET

Dubai's Neighbourhoods

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

Family Pool Dubai Economic and Tourism

Beaches & Pools

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.

Dubai Economic and Tourism

JBR Beach

Dubai Economic and Tourism

Kite Beach

Dubai Economy and Tourism

Beach Clubs

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Beachside Dining

Dubai Economic and Tourism

Watersports

Dubai Economic and Tourism

Family Beach Clubs

Dubai Economic and Tourism

Beachside Cafes

Dubai Economic and Tourism

La Mer

Dubai Economic and Tourism

Palm West Beach

AURA Skypool

AURA Skypool

X-line X Dubai

Adventure

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.

Ian Harpe

Buggy Safaris

Ski Dive

Extreme fun

Dubai Economy and Tourism

Flyboarding

Dubai Economy and Tourism

Jet-Ski

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Quad Biking

Dubai Economy and Tourism

Sandboarding

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Camping

Dubai Safari

Dubai Safari

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Hot Air Balloon

Ian Harper

Hatta Wadi Hub

Dubai Desert Safari Dubai Economy and Tourism

The Desert

Safaris, sunsets and star-gazing

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

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Desert Hotels

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Desert Activities

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Al Marmoom

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Desert Dining

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Desert Conservation

The Dubai Mall - Shopping Dubai Economy and Tourism

Shopping

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

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Souks

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Beachside Shopping

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Luxury Shopping

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Boutiques

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Markets

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Homegrown Labels

Tea Time at Arabian Tea House Dubai Economy and Tourism

Dining

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

STK

Brunch

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Cafes & Bakeries

Dubai Economy and Tourism

Fine Dining

Atlantis Resorts

Celebrity Chefs

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Kid-Friendly Restaurants

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Beachside Dining

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Outdoor Dining

XVA Café

Vegan & Healthy Eating

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Street Food

Al Maha Resort

Experiential Dining

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Business Restaurants

BOCA

Private Dining

Dragon coaster at Legoland Legoland - Dubai Parks and Resorts

Parks & Entertainment

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

Legoland - Dubai Parks and Resorts

Legoland Dubai

Dubai Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Bollywood Parks - Dubai Parks and Resorts

Bollywood Parks Dubai

Motiongate Dubai - Dubai Parks and Resorts

Motiongate Dubai

Dubai Economy and Tourism

The Green Planet

Global Village

Global Village

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Dubai Miracle Garden

Legoland Water Park - Dubai Parks and Resorts

Legoland Water Park

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Laguna Waterpark

Atlantis The Palm

Aquaventure Waterpark

Al Shindagha Museum Dubai Economy and Tourism

Arts & Culture

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

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Art Galleries

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Historical Neighbourhood

La Perle

La Perle

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Mosques

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Infinity des Lumières

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Theatre of Digital Art

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Dubai Opera

Cycling at Meydan Dubai Economy and Tourism

Sports

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.

Dubai Golf

Golf

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Horse & Camel Racing

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Running

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Cycling

Dubai Autodrome

Motorsports & Offroading

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Tennis & Squash

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Cricket

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Football

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Watersports

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Hiking

Women in Spa Dubai Economy and Tourism

Spas & Relaxation

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

ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE - DUBAI

Hammams

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Arabian Beauty

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Yoga

Hatta Nature Dubai Economy and Tourism

Nature

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

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Ecotourism

Jumeirah Group

Animal Experiences

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Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

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Desert Wildlife

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Horse Riding

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Birds

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Marine Life

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Hatta

Firework at Dubai Festival City Dubai Economy and Tourism

What's On

Dubai has it all. From world-class performances and revered art exhibitions to award-winning fairs and concerts by global superstars, we've got just the ticket. Here are just a few of the many events currently taking place in the city:

Dubai Rugby 7s

Rugby 7s

Dubai Economy and Tourism

Dubai Shopping Festival

Emirates LitFest

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

Andrew Watkins

Dubai World Cup

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Dubai Fitness Challenge

Jumeirah Group

New Year's Eve

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship

Maksym Poriechkin

Dubai International Boat Show

Slync-io

Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic

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Dubai Food Festival

Dubai Economy and Tourism

Art Dubai

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Sikka Art and Design Festival

World Art Dubai

World Art Dubai

Dubai International Marine Club

Al Gaffal Long Distance Race

Dubai Economy and Tourism

Ramadan

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Eid in Dubai

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Dubai Summer Surprises

boats, palms and tall buildings Dubai Tourism

Sample Itineraries

Experience the magic of Dubai with our handy itineraries. Whether you're in the city for 8 hours or the weekend, we've packed in all the highlights but with plenty of time to let you discover some hidden gems along the way.

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One Day in Dubai

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Three Days in Dubai

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Five Days in Dubai

Night Club Dubai Economy and Tourism

Nightlife

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 speakeasys that combine the best in food, music and entertainment.

Dubai Economy and Tourism

Shopping

Emaar - Burj Khalifa

Lounges

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Live Music

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Cinema

Billionaire Dubai

Dynamic Nightspots

Family with Atlantis Dubai Economy and Tourism

Tourist Information

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 = AED3.67

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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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Travel practicalities

When you visit a new country, it can be helpful to know some basic details to keep your stay safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free. That's why we've put together some useful information about Dubai to help you on your stay. Please click the link below to find out more.

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Website: www.visitdubai.com/en/plan-your-trip/practical-information

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