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Dubai

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Footsteps in desert sand heading towards skyscrapers of the Dubai city skyline at dawn.

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Overview

Dubai is a stirring alchemy of profound traditions and ambitious futuristic vision wrapped into starkly evocative desert splendor.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Jumeira beach, Hotel Mina A'Salam Madinat Jumeirah with View of Burj Al Arab hotel

    Burj Al Arab

    Dubai

    The Burj Al Arab's graceful silhouette – meant to evoke the sail of a dhow (a traditional wooden cargo vessel) – is to Dubai what the Eiffel Tower is to…

  • Dubai

    Burj Khalifa

    Downtown Dubai

    The Burj Khalifa is a stunning feat of architecture and engineering, with two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors and a restaurant-bar on the…

  • Souk Madinat Jumeirah

    Madinat Jumeirah

    Dubai

    One of Dubai’s most attractive developments, Madinat Jumeirah is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Arab village, complete with a souq (market…

  • 11/30/2014. Kite beach in Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A stretch of the beach designated for the kite surfers. The iconic Burj Al Arab is seen on the background.; Shutterstock ID 664989337; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Authentic Dubai Article

    Kite Beach

    Dubai

    This long, pristine stretch of white sand, a little way north of Jumeirah Public Beach, is a major draw for sporty types, with a range of activities on…

  • IMG Worlds of Adventure

    IMG Worlds of Adventure

    Dubai

    Housed in an air-conditioned hangar the size of 28 football fields, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park. The US$1 billion…

  • Dubai Museum

    Dubai Museum

    Bur Dubai

    The city's main historical museum charts Dubai's turbo-evolution from fishing and pearling village to global centre of commerce, finance and tourism. It…

  • Etihad Museum

    Etihad Museum

    Dubai

    Opened in 2017, this striking modern museum engagingly chronicles the birth of the UAE in 1971, spurred by the discovery of oil in the 1950s and the…

  • Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

    Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

    Bur Dubai

    Anyone keen on delving deeper into Emirati culture and history should take advantage of the activities, Emirati meals and tours offered through this…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Dubai is home to the world's tallest building, colossal malls and vast empty deserts. Don't go without these top tips.

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Best Time to Visit

With its desert location, it's no surprise that Dubai has only two settings on its thermostat: warm and hot. Here's when to plan your trip to Dubai.

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Things to Know

From understanding local laws to what to wear and how long to stay, here's everything you need to know for a hassle-free trip to Dubai.

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Transportation

Getting around Dubai requires some form of transport, whether that's taking a taxi, using rideshare apps, hopping on public transport or driving yourself.

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Free Things to Do

Dubai might be known as the City of Gold, but that doesn't mean it has to cost the earth to visit. Here are the best things to do in Dubai for free.

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Best Neighborhoods

Dubai is a sprawling city, so it pays to plan your visit wisely. Instead of packing in too many sights, get to know the city's neighborhoods one at a time.

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Day Trips

You’ll find everything from mosques and museums to mountain bike trails and ziplines within day-trip distance of Dubai. Here are the best spots to visit.

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Traveling with Kids

While Dubai might have a reputation as being a playground for the rich, this family-friendly city should be known as a playground for the little ones, too.

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5 Shops

As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, the richness of Dubai’s diversity truly shines through in its contemporary shopping scene.

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