Dubai travel guide

Dubai is a shimmering oasis in the desert, a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Visit Dubai and you’ll find what you’re looking for – bigger and better than anywhere else. Dubai’s amazing skyline says it all, with some of the most architecturally breathtaking structures on the planet, from the gleaming tip of skyscraper Burj Khalifa, to the meticulously planned Palm Jumeirah in the sea. For the traveller, Dubai is a wonderland of exquisite hotels, a fantasy world of unsurpassed shopping and attractions, and never-ending carousel of fabulous restaurants and bars. If you’re planning to visit, explore our Dubai travel guide. We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have all sorts of suggestions for things to do, when to travel, where to stay, getting around and more. We even have a handy guide to Dubai International Airport at your fingertips.

Where to stay

Wonder how the ‘other half’ live? You could rub shoulders with them by booking a room at the Burj Al Arab hotel. The self-proclaimed 7-star property is the epitome of all-suite luxury. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to unbridled opulence, you will be more than comfortable at chain hotels in Dubai such as the Hyatt, Hilton, InterContinental, Sofitel, Raffles – and the list goes on. Don't despair if your Dubai accommodation budget is lean – such properties do exist, but note the high season across all places to stay is September to May so it's worth booking in advance if you anticipate...

Things to do

Dubai prides itself on the vast array of things to do, see and experience in the city – and beyond. There is the cultural side, where you can seek out historic Dubai and wander through the ancient souks, or delve into the traditions and origins of Emirati culture and explore some of the world-class galleries, libraries or museums. Then, there’s everything else, from wild theme park rides and adventure sports to decadent day spas, boutique shopping and exquisite dining. Dubai’s attractions will keep you very, very entertained.

Where to eat

Just about any cuisine you fancy is on offer in Dubai and 1001 Arabian nights couldn’t see you through trying all of Dubai’s restaurants. As the sun goes down, when the air becomes cooler, this is hardworking population loves to relax over a meal. Weekend brunch is huge, with many international hotels famous for their lavish buffets and multi-course feasts. Celebrity chefs are not immune to the charms of Dubai, with several big names flocking to this great international crossroads, attracted by spectacular restaurant spaces in the big hotels and a moneyed clientele who not only appreciate...

Shopping

The fact that Dubai is home to the world’s largest mall – and hosts scores of other, smaller but still gargantuan malls, as well as atmospheric souks and even a shopping festival – should leave you in no doubt that this city knows its retail. But these malls are much more than clusters of boutiques. They are cities within the city. In a place where it’s too hot to stroll outdoors for long, the shopping malls in Dubai are social hubs where locals meet for coffee, to eat and to have fun. You’ll find the movie theatres, bowling alleys, gyms, spas and restaurants of your shopping malls back...