Dubai

 

💡Dubai: Good to Know

 

🛂 Visa: US, UK, Canada, Australia, EU, and many other nationalities can enter visa-free or get a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 or 90 days, depending on your passport. 

 

✈️ Closest Airport: Dubai International Airport (DXB) 

 

💬 Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels.

 

🏷️ Price Level: Moderate to very high — affordable street food and taxis, but luxury shopping, hotels, and fine dining can be expensive.

 

🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / UAE: US$4.08

 

💰 Currency: UAE Dirham (AED) | 1 USD = 3.67 AED 

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☀️ Best Times to Visit: November to March — pleasant weather 

 

🚘 Transportation: Metro, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber. The Dubai Metro is clean, safe, and air-conditioned.

 

🔌 Adapter: Dubai uses Type G plugs (same as the UK). Visitors from the U.S. and most of Europe will need plug adapters.

 

🛜 WiFi: Widely available and fast in hotels, malls, restaurants, the metro system and public areas.

 

🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Cash is useful for small purchases, markets, or taxis that don’t accept cards.

 

💸 Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. 10% is standard in restaurants if service isn’t already included. Round up for taxis and small services.

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🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Port Rashid Bur Dubai Dubai, UAE (docked)

 

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✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around

 

🎟️ Getting around Dubai is convenient and affordable thanks to its modern public transport system. The Dubai Metro is clean, air-conditioned, and connects major areas like Downtown, Dubai Marina, and the airport. You can also use buses, trams, and water taxis for scenic routes along the coast and Dubai Creek. To ride, purchase a Nol Card at metro stations or convenience stores. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber are widely available and reliable. While some areas are walkable, especially newer developments, distances can be long and the heat intense—so plan accordingly.

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✈️ The main airport serving Dubai is Dubai International Airport (DXB), located just a short drive from the city center. It’s one of the busiest and best-connected airports in the world. To get into the city, you can take the Dubai Metro (Red Line) directly from Terminals 1 and 3. The metro runs frequently and connects to major areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Deira, with fares starting from 3 AED (under 1 USD) depending on the distance traveled. Taxis are also available 24/7 at all terminals, with typical fares to central Dubai ranging from 40–80 AED (approx. 11–22 USD), depending on traffic and distance. Ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber are also widely used for airport transfers.

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🚇 The Port of Dubai (Port Rashid, Mina Rashid Cruise Terminal) is well-connected and located close to the city center. Within 15–20 minutes by car or taxi, you can reach major attractions like the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and the historic Al Fahidi District. While there’s no metro station directly at the port, the nearest is Al Ghubaiba Metro Station, about 3 km (2 miles) away. You can get there by taxi, shuttle, or ride-hailing app in under 10 minutes. From Al Ghubaiba, hop on the Dubai Metro (Green Line) or connect to the Red Line to reach other key parts of the city like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, or Mall of the Emirates. Trains are frequent, affordable (fares from 3 AED), and air-conditioned — making public transport a practical option for exploring Dubai during your port stop.

 

🚌 Two companies offer hop-on on hop-off services connecting the most important sights around Dubai (more info here and here). 

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⭐️ Top Sights in Dubai​

"The Dubai Aquarium Tank is the largest suspended aquarium in the world."

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📸 Burj Khalifa: Standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet), the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and Dubai’s most iconic landmark. Ride the high-speed elevator to the observation decks on levels 124/125 or go all the way to Level 148 for a luxury experience and stunning 360° views of the city, desert, and sea. For the most breathtaking photos, time your visit around sunset—but book in advance, as these slots fill up quickly.

 

📸 Dubai Mall: More than just a shopping destination, Dubai Mall is a full-scale entertainment complex and one of the largest malls in the world. Inside, you’ll find over 1,200 stores, a massive aquarium and underwater zoo, an Olympic-sized ice rink, a VR park, and direct access to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, with countless dining options and attractions for all ages.

 

📸 Dubai Fountain Show: Set on the artificial lake at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. The water dances to music ranging from Arabic classics to pop hits, shooting up to 140 meters (459 feet). Shows run every 30 minutes in the evening from around 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and the best part? It’s completely free to watch.

 

📸 The Dubai Frame: This striking 150-meter-high golden structure is more than just a photo op — it offers a unique look at Dubai’s past and future. From the top, you’ll see Old Dubai to the north and the sleek skyline of New Dubai to the south. Inside, interactive exhibits explore the city’s rapid transformation. The glass-floored sky bridge is a thrill for those not afraid of heights!

 

📸 Dubai Marina: A stunning, modern waterfront district lined with luxury skyscrapers, yacht clubs, and stylish restaurants. Take a walk along the promenade, rent an e-scooter, or enjoy a dinner cruise aboard a traditional dhow boat. It’s especially beautiful in the evening, when the buildings light up and the area buzzes with life.

 

📸 Jumeirah Mosque: One of the most beautiful mosques in the UAE, the Jumeirah Mosque is also one of the few open to non-Muslim visitors. Guided tours are offered by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, offering insight into Islamic culture, traditions, and architecture in a welcoming and respectful setting. Modest dress is required, and scarves are provided for women.

 

📸 Souks of Old Dubai (Deira): Step back in time with a visit to Deira’s traditional markets, or souks. Wander the glittering corridors of the Gold Souk, inhale the scents of cinnamon and saffron at the Spice Souk, and discover exotic blends in the Perfume Souk. Bargaining is expected, so bring your best negotiation skills!

 

📸 Al Fahidi Historical District (Al Bastakiya): This preserved area near Dubai Creek showcases what life was like in Dubai before the oil boom. Wander through sand-colored wind-tower houses, explore art galleries, visit the Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort, and enjoy a quiet coffee at a heritage café. A stark contrast to the city's modern skyline, this district offers a peaceful and cultural retreat.

 

📸 Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis The Palm: An engineering marvel, the Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, home to luxury hotels, beach clubs, and upscale residences. At its tip sits Atlantis The Palm, a massive resort with Aquaventure Waterpark, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, fine dining, and a private beach. Take the monorail for elevated views of the palm or book a boat tour to see it from the water.

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🍽️😋 Regional Specialties

 

Dubai’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its population — a true melting pot of global flavors. With influences from Emirati, Indian, Persian, Lebanese, and Western cuisines, you can find everything from Michelin-starred dining to humble street snacks. Whether you're indulging in traditional Gulf dishes or savoring modern international fare, Dubai’s food scene is full of bold spices, rich textures, and unforgettable experiences.

 

🍽️ Shawarma & Falafel: These Middle Eastern staples are ubiquitous in Dubai, served from food trucks, mall kiosks, and corner cafés. Shawarma is thinly sliced meat (usually chicken or beef) wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and pickles, while falafel — deep-fried chickpea balls — are a tasty vegetarian option. Delicious, quick, and budget-friendly.

 

🍽️ Machboos (Majboos): A traditional Emirati dish, Machboos features spiced rice cooked with chicken, lamb, or seafood, along with saffron, dried lemon (loomi), and other regional spices. It's hearty, aromatic, and often served during family gatherings or holidays — a must-try for authentic local flavor.

 

🍽️ Luqaimat: A beloved Emirati dessert, these are crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside dumplings, often drizzled with date syrup or honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. You’ll find them at heritage restaurants, street food festivals, and during Ramadan celebrations.

 

🍽️ Grilled Hammour: Hammour (grouper) is a popular local white fish known for its mild, flaky texture. It’s often grilled or baked, and typically served with spiced rice, roasted vegetables, or tangy sauces. You’ll find it on many menus, especially in restaurants specializing in Gulf or seafood cuisine.

 

🍽️ Camel Burger: For the adventurous eater, camel meat offers a unique taste and is surprisingly lean and high in protein. It’s usually served as a burger, seasoned with regional spices. Look for it in heritage-style eateries or modern fusion restaurants that spotlight Emirati ingredients.

 

🍽️ Dates & Arabic Coffee (Gahwa): A symbol of hospitality and tradition, you’ll often be offered dates and gahwa (light Arabic coffee infused with cardamom) as a welcome gesture. It’s a ritual deeply embedded in Emirati culture and often served in heritage cafés, majlis-style lounges, and even high-end hotels.

 

🥤 Fresh Juices:  Dubai loves fresh juice! You’ll find vibrant stands in souks, malls, and cafés offering mango, pomegranate, lemon-mint, watermelon, and more. Refreshing and perfect for cooling off after a day in the desert heat.

 

🥤 Karak Chai: Originally introduced by South Asian communities, karak chai is now a beloved local staple. It’s a strong, sweet, spiced milk tea brewed with cardamom and black tea. Often served in paper cups from roadside stalls, it’s perfect for a quick break or a casual sip while exploring.

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📍🗺️  Maps, Apps & Links

 

🌐 Public Transport Map 

🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour I

🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour II

 

🚕 Uber

🚕 Careem