Dubai is a city popular for its luxurious lifestyle. Also, the city is known for its adventure activities and modern architecture. Located in the United Arab Emirates, the city has transformed from being a desert to one of the most-visited iconic cities in the world. You might be drawn by the desert landscape, pristine beaches or soaring skyscrapers in the city. In all these cases, in this Dubai guide, I should share that this city promises a unique combination of futuristic innovation and Arabian culture.
Planning a trip to the city needs careful consideration of different things. In this Dubai Guide, you can learn about the best time to visit Dubai, how to reach the city, places to visit and many other things. This post aims to ensure that you get an unforgettable, enjoyable and smooth experience from your Dubai trip to plan your trip effectively. When planning a trip to Dubai, my post on Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Dubai With Friends might help you.
Time Zone in Dubai
In this Dubai guide, I should help you know the time zone followed in Dubai. You know that India follows Indian Standard Time. In the same way, Dubai follows UAE Standard Time or United Arab Emirates Standard Time. It is given by GMT plus 4 hours. When IST is GMT plus 5.50 hours, Dubai is GMT plus 4 hours. It means that time in Dubai is one and a half hours behind Indian time. When it is 9 pm in India, it will be 7.30 pm when the date is the same in both countries.
Best Time To Visit Dubai
In this Dubai Guide, I feel that it is important for you to know the best time to visit Dubai. When you have this knowledge, you can plan your trip when the climate is ideal in Dubai. Read on to learn more:
Winter – The Ideal Time
You might wonder whether winter is the ideal time to explore Dubai. The winter season in this city falls between November and March. Dubai has a desert-like climate. The summers in this city are extremely hot and the winters are mild.
The most favourable time to visit Dubai is during the winter season. The temperature during this season ranges from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. So, the climate during this season will be ideal for beach outings, desert safaris and sightseeing.
Important Events During the Winter
Apart from sharing the best time to visit Dubai, I feel that I should share about the important events during this season in this Dubai guide. Here are the key events conducted during the winter season in Dubai:
- Dubai International Film Festival: This is a popular event to attend if you are a cinema enthusiast.
- Dubai Food Festival: If you are a foodie, this festival will delight you for sure. It is typically held in February. It showcases the diverse culinary scene of the city.
- Dubai Shopping Festival: Dubai Shopping Festival is a delight for shoppers. This event is conducted in January every year. You can get exciting promotions, massive discounts and entertainment events across Dubai.
Summer – Ideal for Budget Travellers
In this Dubai guide, I feel that it is important for me to share that summer months in Dubai are extremely hot. The Dubai weather in this season often soar more than 1040F. Nevertheless, if you can manage the heat, you can enjoy your Dubai trip within your budget. The reason is that flights, attractions and hotels often give steep discounts during the summer season. However, most indoor attractions are air-conditioned and you can spend time in indoor amusement parks, museums and popular shopping malls in Dubai.
Important Events During the Summer
Dubai Summer Surprises
During the summer season, you can expect entertainment and shopping extravaganza. Yes, you can expect a lot of activities for kids, live performances and mega sales.
Indoor Entertainment
During summer, you can engage in a lot of indoor entertainment like indoor theme parks, Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates and the Dubai Mall. In these places, you can get a respite from the scorching heat.
How to Reach Dubai?
Airways is the best mode to reach Dubai from India. In this Dubai guide, I should share that Dubai International Airport or DXB is the busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates. This airport gets flights from different parts of the world. From India, some airlines like Flydubai, Emirates, IndiGo, Spicejet and Air India regularly fly flights to Dubai.
Direct Flights to Dubai from India
You can find Delhi to Dubai flight, Ahmedabad to Dubai flight, Kochi to Dubai flight, Bangalore to Dubai flight and Mumbai to Dubai flight. Some major airlines run flights to Dubai from these cities in India. Here is the list of cities and airlines that run direct flights to Dubai from India:
- From Mumbai, Flydubai, Vistara, SpiceJet, Indigo, Air India and Emirates run direct flights to Dubai.
- For those hailing from Delhi, Flydubai, SpiceJet, Indigo, Air India and Emirates run direct flights to Dubai.
- From Chennai, you can book direct flights with FlyDubai, Indigo, Air India and Emirates.
- If you are travelling from Ahmedabad, you can book direct flights to Dubai with Flydubai, Spicejet, Indigo and Emirates
- From Bangalore, you can book direct flights to Dubai with Indigo and Emirates Airlines
- If you are travelling from Hyderabad, you can book direct flights to Dubai with Flydubai, Indigo, Air India and Emirates airlines
Similarly, you can book direct flights from Trivandrum, Kolkata and Kochi. You might be wondering about the cost of a flight to Dubai from major Indian cities. The cost will vary based on different factors. Examples include dining preferences, activities, accommodation choices and travel dates.
You can also find tour operators, who offer complete packages for a few days from India to Dubai. These packages often include the cost of flight, accommodation and local exploration. If you wish to choose one, do not forget to compare the cost quoted by different tour operators and their reputation before choosing one.
About Dubai Airports
Dubai has two airports. However, only one of them is used for cargo and budget travellers. The other airport is the main airport of Dubai called the Dubai International Airport or DXB. In addition to being the primary airport of the city, this airport is the busiest as well. It is located around 5 km away from downtown. This airport attracts flights from many international destinations including India offers world-class shopping opportunities, dining options and amenities.
The second airport in Dubai is the Al Maktoum International Airport. It is located in Jebel Ali. If you love shopping, you will truly enjoy the wide range of shopping options offered by the Dubai International Airport.
Dubai Duty-Free Shopping at DXB
In this Dubai guide, I should not miss out on sharing the opportunities to shop at Dubai International Airport. Before you fly back to your hometown or before you begin exploring Dubai, do not forget to explore the tax-free shopping spree at DXB. Dubai duty-free shopping opportunities exist in large numbers at DXB.
You can shop for a lot of items including Dubai chocolate, sparkling jewellery, smart watches and fragrances in almost all terminals. You can shop for boutique fashion at lower prices. You can shop for items from fashion favourites like H&M, Carolina Herrera, Chanel and Bulgari. You will find a lot of souvenirs to select from. You can get one of the most unforgettable gifts for someone special before you leave Dubai.
Shop Around
You can easily move around between various halls in the airport to explore even more restaurants and shops. Thankfully, to help make things easy for you, you can find the map of the airport at different places. Once you decide on a particular shop from the map, you can hop on a shuttle train. Now you can take a short ride to your favourite store in the airport.
What to Buy At Dubai Airport?
You can buy a lot of items from Dubai duty-free shops in Dubai Airport. Here are a few items you can buy from the airport:
- Gold and Jewellery
- Cosmetics and perfumes
- Arabic sweets and dates
- Electronic gadgets
- Fashion and accessories
- Local Souvenirs
- Dubai chocolate and confectionery
- Tobacco and liquor
- Olives
Buy From the Emirates Official Store
In this Dubai guide, one thing I should not miss out on sharing with you is a suggestion not to miss out on indulging in an exclusive shopping experience at the official store of the Emirates in Dubai Airport.
From this store, you can browse a wide collection of premium products. Yes, you can find a lot of items from Emirates-branded merchandise, travel accessories and stylish apparel. You might be looking to upgrade your shopping gear. Otherwise, you might be interested in collecting a memorable souvenir. In any case, this store will provide you with a collection of high-quality items. When you buy, do not forget to check out your destination country’s customs rules. This will help you ensure that you comply with your country’s regulations.
Things To Remember When You Shop at Dubai International Airport
In this Dubai Guide, I wish to share a few things you will have to remember when you shop at Dubai International Airport:
- It is easy to lose sight of your luggage in the busy Dubai Airport. If you have lost your luggage, you can file a complaint with the Lost & Found section of the Dubai Airport website at https://dubaiairports.ae/lost-and-found.
- When you are at the Dubai Airport, you should be ready to spend a lot of money. The reason is that this airport houses some of the world’s costly retail shops. So, you should not feel astounded if you spend a lot on luxury items or souvenirs in this airport.
- When you are at the airport waiting for the arrival of your flight, you can find a lot of shops. Most importantly, you can find shops, where you can buy duty-free items. The airport also offers the option to get a shopping bag to carry the things you buy. You can find a lot of bags that are safe for the earth in the airport. You can buy a suitable size for your needs.
- You can find a lot of drink and food outlets in the airport. However, as I mentioned earlier, the cost is very high. For instance, a water bottle costs $7 and coffee costs $2. Even for a sandwich, you will have to pay $4.
Dubai Visa
As you are planning for a Dubai tour, you can consider getting a Dubai tourist visa, Here is a detailed Dubai Guide on getting a visa for Dubai:
A Tourist Visa
A tourist visa applies to those, who are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the United Arab Emirates. Tourist visa applications can be done through travel agents, hotels and airlines.
Multiple Entry 5-Year Tourist Visa
Multiple Entry tourist visas can be helpful if you have a friend or family member working in Dubai and you have plans to visit them frequently. This visa as the name suggests will be valid for 5 years. With this visa, you can enter the city multiple times on self-sponsorship. Above all, this visa lets you stay in Dubai for 90 days during each visit. Moreover, you can get an extension, if needed, for 90 more days. Citizens of all nations are eligible to apply for this visa.
Read my post on 8 Things to do in Dubai with friends.
To get this visa, you should have a:
- Proof of stay address, which can be a resident or hotel address in the UAE.
- A travel ticket to and from UAE
- A valid health insurance policy usable in the UAE
- A bank balance of $4000 or its equivalent in any foreign currency. You should have this bank balance in the 6 months before applying for the visa.
Document Needed
When you apply for the multiple-entry tourist visa, you will have to submit the following documents:
- Your tour programme
- Medical insurance certificate
- Copy of your passport
- A colour photograph
- Bank statement for the past 6 months with a balance of $4000 or its equivalent
- A ticket to onward journey
Now, you might wonder whether it is possible to get a Visa on Arrival to explore Dubai. Yes, a Visa on arrival is available for tourists visiting Dubai. I am sharing details of Visa on Arrival here in this Dubai Guide:
30-day Visa on Arrival
Citizens of some countries do not need advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE. They can obtain a visa on arrival. With this visa, you can stay for 30 days in UAE. Even, a 10-day grace period is permitted to extend your stay in Dubai. The countries eligible for visa on arrival will differ from time to time. So, you are recommended to check the official website of UAE Mission Abroad at https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/Missions/UAE-Missions-Abroad, to check with your country’s UAE Embassy. In India, the embassy is available in Mumbai, Kerala, Hyderabad and New Delhi.
90-Day Visa on Arrival
Similar to a 30-day visa on arrival, you can also apply for a 90-day visa on arrival. The same rule applies as above. The difference is that you can stay in UAE for 90 days against 30 days in the visa mentioned above.
Visa on Arrival for Indian Nationals
If you are from India and you hold a normal Indian passport or one of the following, you can obtain a visa on arrival:
- A residence visa issued by the European Union
- A Residence Visa issued by the United Kingdom
- A Green Card issued by the United States of America
- A Visit Visa issued by the United States of America.
If you have any of the documents above, you can apply for a visa on arrival to stay in Dubai for 14 days. However, in any case, your document should be valid for at least six months from your arrival in the UAE.
Visa-Free Entry to the UAE
You might wonder whether visa-free entry is possible into the UAE. Only the citizens of GCC Nations are permitted to enter into the UAW without a visa or permit. They will have to produce their GCC national ID or passport when entering the UAE. Here is the list of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Nations:
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
Cost of Dubai Visa
You will naturally be concerned about the Dubai Visa Cost. Knowing how much will not cost will help you plan your finances accordingly. Read on to know the Dubai visa cost from this Dubai Guide:
The cost of a Dubai visa varies based on the kind of visa you apply for and also the length of your stay. As you are looking for a tourist visa, here are the details:
- A 30-day single-entry tourist visa will cost you 250 AED
- If you opt for a 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa, it will cost you 690 AED
- A 90-day single-entry visa will cost you AED 600
- A 90-day multiple-entry tourist visa will cost 1740 AED
In the same way, the cost varies for job seeker visas, visa-on-arrival and work visas. Thankfully, many tourist agencies take care of the visa and travel costs as a package. But, make sure to get a complete breakdown of the cost when you get help from a travel agency.
Places to Visit in Dubai
In this Dubai guide, I feel that I should not miss out on sharing about the important places to visit in Dubai. Here is a short glimpse at a few places that you should not miss out on visiting when you are in Dubai:
Dubai Mall
How about visiting one of the world’s largest malls? Yes, Dubai Mall holds its special place among the places to visit in the city. Apart from showrooms of some greatest brands, the mall also houses an ice-skating ring, an indoor aquarium and theatre screens. One of the key attractions in this mall is the Dubai Fountain. Dubai Mall holds the pride of hosting one of the world’s largest Choreographed Fountain shows.
Atlantis Dubai
Yes, you might have heard that Atlantis Dubai is a resort. However, it is an attraction as well. Not only for its guests, Atlantis Dubai offers a lot for other tourists as well. It houses a world-class water park. The resort is the home to celebrity chef restaurants. You can get the best aquarium experiences in this resort. If you love architectural wonders, you will love this resort for sure. Yes, it features ambient lighting and intricate sculptures in its lobby. You can get the best panoramic views of Dubai Skyline and the Arabian Gulf from this resort.
Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame holds the pride of being the latest cultural landmark for the UAE. It is nothing but an iconic structure that gives impressive views of the New and Old Dubai cities. This attraction serves as a metaphorical bridge that connects the rich past of the Emirates with its present. It celebrates the story of the city from its early establishment to its huge plans for future development.
Miracle Garden Dubai
Miracle Garden is a flower garden standing in the Dubailand District of Dubai. To mark the Valentine’s Day of 2013, this garden was launched. It holds the pride of being the largest flower garden in the world. Yes, the garden located on dry land features more than 50 million flowers. It has more than 230 million plant species.
Desert Safari Dubai
The landscape of Dubai mostly encompasses sandy deserts. However, the sand is fine, white and clean. You can find corals and crushed shells in the sand. Desert safari in Dubai in the nearby sandy desert is an electrifying and thrilling experience. In this Dubai guide, I should say that you should not miss out on this experience in Dubai. You can choose one of the many adventure trips organized in the city. The safari organizer will pick you up at a designated spot to take you on a desert safari. You can choose morning, evening or even overnight desert safari.
Dubai Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is synonymous with Dubai these days. It is the world’s tallest building. It is a must-visit. When you are here, go to the 148th or 124th floor. From these floors, you can get an excellent panoramic view of the entire city. You have the option to dine at the high-rise fine dining restaurant and bar at Burj Khalifa called the Atmosphere. You can choose the Lounge for skyline views and drinks. In the same way, Maison De Curry is a dine-in restaurant with the best views.
Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai is a historic district in Dubai. You can find traditional houses, historical mosques and temples in Bur Dubai. Even, the region has the Fahidi Fort and Al Shindagha Museum.
Aya Universe Dubai
You can get an out-of-the-world experience at Aya Universe Dubai. It is an experiential and immersive entertainment park. When you are here, you can wander through a huge 40,000 square feet of interactive experiences. You can dream, drift and play in this universe when you command observatories full of stars and room gardens.
Dubai Aquarium
As mentioned earlier, Atlantis hosts an aquarium. Also, when you are at Dubai Mall, you can reach one of the world’s largest aquariums. Not only an aquarium but also it houses an underwater zoo. As mentioned earlier, Dubai is a desert region. In this region, this aquarium gives life to many underwater creatures with a more than 10 million litre water tank. It provides shelter to more than 33000 underwater creatures. You can also partake in many water-based activities like diving with sharks, glass bottom rides and cage snorkelling.
Legoland Dubai
Legoland is a theme park constructed to entertain children between the age group of 2 and 12 years along with their parents. Apart from a water park, this theme also has a restaurant to satiate your tastebuds when enjoying great rides.
Sky Diving Dubai
Do you wish to get an adrenalin-pumping experience in Dubai? If so, you can engage in skydiving in the city. Yes, Dubai has two places popular for Skydiving. You can find the best instructors in both these spots to help you get the most unforgettable experience. Even if this is your first time in sky diving, you will be safely guided through the trip.
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is an upscale waterfront district in the city. You should visit this city for vibrant nightlife, luxury yacht rides and skyscrapers. When you are here, walk along the Marina Promenade. Otherwise, you can take cruise rides to get stunning views of the skyline of Dubai.
Gold Souk Dubai
You might have heard that Gold Rates in Dubai are a bit cheaper than in other countries. If you would like to take home some gold jewellery, you can buy them at Gold Souk. This is nothing but a traditional market in Dubai. You can find nearly 400 retailers selling gold in this region. Most of them have been gold traders for many generations now.
Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park is the home to more than 78 species of mammals and 3000 animals. This includes 17 primates and 10 different carnivores. You can find 50 different kinds of reptiles in this park as well. The park is spread over more than 119 hectares of land. The safari ride in this park that takes you close to wild animals but on a safe closed vehicle is a great hit. You can participate in different types of safari rides like:
- African Village Dubai – Wildlife Safari
- Arabian Desert Safari
- Asian Village Safari
- Explorer Village – Dubai Explorers’ Favourite
Through these safari rides, you can get close to a few of your favourite animals. Also, you will learn about the wildlife protection, conservation and extensive research programs at Dubai Safari Park.
Dubai Trip
Now, you know the places to visit in Dubai. You know about the popular tourist places in Dubai. With these details, you can plan your Dubai trip. However, having a Dubai itinerary will help you plan things better. You should plan your Dubai itinerary based on the type of your trip. Yes, if you plan your visit as a couple, you can visit a few places. In case you are planning a trip as a family, you can choose different attractions to visit. In the same way, if you are a sole traveller you can plan a different itinerary.
Also, you can plan your Dubai itinerary based on your interests. For instance, you might like adventure activities. Otherwise, arts and culture might be your interest. If you love exploring the desert, you can choose different places. If you are particular about shopping, food drink and experiences, you can frame a different itinerary. Thankfully, trip organizers can help you plan your Dubai itinerary after gathering details about the nature of your visit, things you wish to explore and most importantly, the number of days available and your budget. Choose the best things to do in Dubai and make your trip the most memorable.
Dubai Tips
Cost of Living in Dubai
Indeed, you are here to this Dubai Guide to explore the city as a tourist. However, having a general idea of the cost of living in Dubai, can somewhat help you plan your finances:
- Let us consider that you are planning to live in Dubai with your family which comprises four members. The estimated monthly cost in this case will be more than 3 lakhs in Indian rupees. In other words, it will be around 14000 AED without rent.
- In case you are planning to visit as a single person, the estimated monthly cost will be around INR 91000 without rent. In AED, it will be around 4000 AED.
Dubai Famous Places
As I mentioned above in this Dubai guide, some are highly popular places in Dubai, while some are lesser known. The most popular places include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Mall, Adventure Water Park, Dubai Frame and Mall of Emirates. There are places for every interest in Dubai. My suggestion from this Dubai Guide is to choose an ideal time to get the best experience from Dubai Exploration.