Dubai

Tour Guide

The best time to visit Dubai is during winter months (November-March) when temperatures are pleasant at 18-28°C, perfect for outdoor activities, beach days, and desert safaris. This is peak season with higher prices but ideal weather. Summer (April-September) is extremely hot and humid (34-48°C) but offers great deals on hotels and flights - perfect for indoor attractions like malls, Ski Dubai, and museums. October and April are excellent shoulder months with balanced weather and prices. Avoid July-August unless you plan to stay mostly indoors, as the humidity makes it feel unbearably hot. Winter evenings can be breezy, so pack light layers.Read also Best time to visit in Dubai

Dubai is easily accessible from major Indian cities with direct flights taking 3-4.5 hours. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main hub with excellent connectivity, while Al Maktoum International (DWC) serves as a secondary airport. From DXB, you can take the Metro (Red Line) directly to the city center, taxis, or ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber. The Metro connects T1 and T3 terminals to Downtown, Marina, and other key areas. Airport buses and hotel shuttles are also available. Pre-book airport transfers or get a Nol Card at the airport for seamless public transport access throughout your stay.

Yes, most Indian passport holders need a pre-arranged tourist visa to visit Dubai. You can obtain visas through airlines, hotels, tour operators, or VFS Global. Some Indian citizens with valid US, UK, or EU visas/residence permits may be eligible for visa-on-arrival, but policies change frequently. Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days and can be single or multiple entry. Processing takes 3-5 working days and costs vary by type and provider. Always check the latest requirements on the UAE embassy website or with your travel agent before booking flights, as visa policies are subject to change without notice.

Dubai has excellent public transportation. The Dubai Metro (Red and Green lines) is driverless, air-conditioned, and connects major attractions, malls, and DXB Airport. The Dubai Tram links Marina and JBR areas. RTA buses cover the entire city with air-conditioned comfort. Get a Silver Nol Card for seamless travel across Metro, Tram, and buses. Taxis are metered and reliable, while Careem and Uber offer ride-hailing services. Traditional abras cross Dubai Creek for AED 1, and water taxis serve coastal areas. The Metro has dedicated Women & Children cabins. Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM) for more comfortable travel.

Downtown Dubai offers proximity to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall with luxury hotels like Armani and Address. Dubai Marina provides waterfront living with easy Metro access. Jumeirah Beach offers beachfront resorts like Madinat Jumeirah. Palm Jumeirah features iconic properties like Atlantis and Waldorf Astoria. Business Bay has modern hotels with skyline views. For budget travelers, areas near Metro stations like Al Rigga or Bur Dubai offer value. Options range from ultra-luxury (Burj Al Arab, Atlantis) to mid-range (Rove Hotels, Taj Dubai) to budget hotels and apartments. Book early during peak season (November-March) as prices increase significantly.

Top attractions include Burj Khalifa's observation decks for panoramic views and the Dubai Fountain shows below. Dubai Mall houses the Dubai Aquarium and endless shopping. Explore Old Dubai's Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and cross Dubai Creek by traditional abra to visit Gold and Spice Souks. The Museum of the Future showcases innovative technology. Palm Jumeirah offers The View at The Palm for aerial perspectives. Dubai Frame provides unique views of old and new Dubai. Desert safari experiences include dune bashing and Bedouin camps. Dubai Marina and JBR offer waterfront dining and entertainment. Seasonal attractions include Global Village (October-April) and Dubai Miracle Garden (November-April).Read also Top places to visit in Dubai

Dubai's culinary scene blends Emirati, Middle Eastern, and international flavors. Try traditional Emirati dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat), harees, and luqaimat (sweet dumplings). Middle Eastern staples include shawarma, hummus, falafel, and kunafa. The large South Asian community ensures excellent biryani, kebabs, and Indian regional cuisines. Don't miss karak chai, Arabic coffee with dates, and saffron ice cream. Visit traditional restaurants like Al Ustad Special Kebab and Ravi Restaurant, or upscale venues like Tresind Studio and Rang Mahal. Street food at Global Village offers international variety. Dubai's dining scene caters to all dietary preferences, including extensive vegetarian and halal options.