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Prepare your adventure in Dubai: all our tips for a successful trip

VISIT DUBAI AND THE EMIRATES

jeanp

April 13, 2025

Welcome to Dubai! A modern, sparkling city that boasts superlatives while maintaining a strong connection to its traditions. Sun, sea, shopping, sports and cultural activities… But where to start? What are the priorities for visiting? And above all, how to take advantage of the best deals for an affordable vacation? To make things easier for you, here’s a summary of the must-see places to visit, adaptable according to your tastes, your budget, the age of the participants, and the time you have available. Welcome to a little paradise!

First tips : Do you need a visa to go to Dubai?

Visa requirements for visiting Dubai depend on your nationality . Nationals of many countries, including the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Australia, can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, which is usually valid for 30 days.
Other nationalities must apply for a visa in advance of their trip. Be sure to check specific requirements with the UAE embassy or online before you travel.

Dubai offers a range of tourist visa options to suit different travel plans, depending on your nationality and eligibility:

Single-entry tourist visa – Valid for 30 or 60 days
Multiple-entry tourist visa – Valid for 30 or 60 days
Long-term multiple-entry tourist visa – Valid for 5 years
Transit visas – Available for 48 or 96 hours
Visa on arrival – Granted for 30 or 90 days, based on your nationality
Visa on arrival for Indian citizens – Available if you hold a valid US visa or green card, or a UK/EU visit visa or residence permit
eVisa for GCC residents – Available to non-citizen residents of GCC countries
Visa-free entry for GCC citizens

To find out which options apply to you, check the visa requirements based on your nationality using the dropdown menu provided on the official platform.

Important: Overstaying your visa will incur a fine of AED 50 per day, starting 10 days after your visa expires. Be sure to review the specific requirements for your chosen visa type and prepare all necessary documents before applying.

Second Tips : When is the best time to travel to Dubai ? When is the best time to go to Dubai on the cheap?

The best months to visit Dubai are typically November and February. During this time, the weather is pleasantly warm, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and enjoying Dubai’s stunning beaches. November also marks the beginning of Dubai’s peak tourist season, with many cultural events and festivals, such as the Dubai Design Week and Dubai Rugby Sevens, attracting visitors from around the world. Dubai’s mega music festival UNTOLD premiered in February 2024 with over 280,000 attendees over four days and will also take place in 2025 with over 100 international artists.

Key Highlights

Ideal Weather: February and November offer comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for exploring attractions like the Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, and beautiful beaches without the oppressive heat typical of summer months.
Festivals and Events: Dubai Design Week and Music Festival UNTOLD run through these months, providing a festive vibe with entertainment, fireworks, and cultural events.
Crowd Levels: While November and February are popular, it’s less crowded than the peak tourist months of December and January, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.

Other Good Months to Consider

December and January: These months also feature best weather and various events but can be busier due to holiday travelers.
March: Still relatively mild, March is another excellent option before temperatures start to rise significantly.
September: There are still high temperatures but the weather is slowly getting less hot, and there are some great deals on hotels and attractions.

5 Reasons to visit Dubai during summer, despite the extreme heat

Fewer Crowds
September is considered the offseason for tourism in Dubai. This means you can enjoy popular attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Jumeirah Beach with significantly less people allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Better Deals
With the decline in tourist numbers, many hotels and attractions offer discounts and promotions. You can find the best deals on accommodation, flights, and entry tickets, making your trip more affordable.
Warm Sea Temperatures
The Arabian Gulf remains invitingly warm in September, with sea temperatures around 32°C (89°F). This is perfect for swimming and enjoying water sports, especially at Dubai’s stunning beaches.
Transitioning Weather
While September can still be hot, with average highs around 38°C (100°F), it marks the transition from the peak summer heat to more comfortable autumn temperatures. Evenings tend to cool down, making them ideal for outdoor dining and activities.
Indoor Activities
Dubai is known for its air-conditioned malls and attractions. September is a great time to explore indoor venues like iFly Dubai Indoor Skydiving, IMG Worlds of Adventure, or the numerous shopping malls without worrying about the heat.

Winter in Dubai is a delightful time to visit, offering a perfect blend of pleasant weather and exciting activities. From November to March, temperatures hover around a comfortable 25°C, with highs reaching 30°C and lows dipping to 14°C. This makes it an ideal season for outdoor adventures, whether you’re lounging on the beach, exploring the desert, or enjoying the city’s theme parks.

During these months, Dubai hosts some of its most popular events, including the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Food Festival. These festivals are a haven for shopping and food enthusiasts, offering a chance to savor global cuisines. Sports fans can also look forward to the Dubai World Cup, a premier horse racing event that draws visitors from around the globe.

Winter is also a fantastic time to uncover Dubai’s hidden gems. Wander through the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, or take a stroll along the Dubai Creek to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage.

You need to look at Dubai events and exhibitions calendar first. You have to book at least two months in advance to get rooms in good hotel at good rates. As usual the rates are as per demand and availability. However there are very few events and exhibitions during peak summer ( june to September).

Ramadhan time is also good to snatch deals, but there would be restrictions on eating or drinking in public during day time. Also the working hours during Ramadan is reduced to six hours a day. Not many Dance bars and discos are open during Ramadan.

It all depends on the purpose of your visit and your personal activities.

Third tips : How many days should you spend in Dubai ? What are the must-see activities and must-see places?

The length of your stay in Dubai depends on your interests in the city center and surrounding areas. A short stay of 3 to 4 days allows you to explore the main attractions . An average stay of 5 to 7 days allows for more in-depth exploration, including historic districts or artificial islands.

If you’re looking for a complete immersion experience, consider an extended stay of 8 to 10 days or more. This will give you the opportunity to experience the local culture and explore other cities in the UAE, such as Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Hatta, Al Ain, and more.

Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the time needed to explore Dubai. Below is a sample itinerary to help you organise your trip and plan the right number of days to explore:

Day 1: Sightseeing in Dubai – how much time should you plan for? Start by visiting the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building, where you can admire the city panorama from the observation deck. Then visit the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centres in the world, and end the day watching the fountain show at the Burj Khalifa.
Day 2: Start the day with a visit to Dubai Marina, then head to Dubai’s artificial islands, Palm Jumeirah. In the afternoon, go on a safari in the Dubai desert for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the desert.
Day 3: On this day, you should visit Dubai Creek, the historic part of the city, and the Museum of the Future. In the evening, plan some time to relax on JBR beach and take a stroll along the promenade.

If you want to see more attractions, you can add an extra day for a trip to Abu Dhabi, including the Emirates Palace and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

If you have a week to explore Dubai, you can enjoy a much wider range of activities and explore the city at a more relaxed pace. Here is a sample itinerary:

Day 1-2: As with a shorter stay, start with the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and fountain show. Two days is enough time to see these Dubai icons.
Day 3: Take a trip to Palm Jumeirah and visit Atlantis The Palm and Aquaventure Waterpark.
Day 4: Spend time at Dubai Marina and JBR Beach. In the evening, go on a relaxing yacht cruise.
Day 5: Visit Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi Historical District and the Dubai Museum.
Day 6-7: Organise a trip to the desert and plan time for additional shopping at Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. At the weekend, you can also take a day trip to Abu Dhabi.

A week in Dubai allows you to get to know the city better, relax in luxury hotels and restaurants, and have more flexibility in planning your activities. If you have trouble choosing activities in Dubai, take a look at our website – activities in Dubai are waiting for you, and we will help you find the ones that will make your trip full of unforgettable experiences.

Where to eat in Old Dubai?

– Arabian Tea House: beautiful decor, regional specialties (Arabic breakfast, salads, sandwiches and BBQ meat skewers)
– XVA Cafe (7am-9pm): inside the gallery of the same name, pretty, calm and relaxing patio (salads and vegetarian dishes)
– In the heart of the Al Bastakiya district in old Dubai, Al Khayma Heritage is a restaurant that offers good cuisine with local flavors, the welcome and service are warm. The opportunity to share a lunch in the small interior courtyard.

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