Dubai Travel Guide 2025

Dubai has become one of the most popular long-haul destinations for British travellers, and it is easy to see why: guaranteed winter sun around seven hours from the UK, superb hotels at every price point, and a city that genuinely has something for families, couples and solo travellers alike. Here is what to know before you go.

When to visit

Timing matters more in Dubai than almost anywhere else. From roughly November to March the weather is glorious — warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings, ideal for the beach and for exploring on foot. From June to September, by contrast, daytime temperatures regularly climb into the mid-forties Celsius with high humidity, and life moves indoors. Summer visits can be excellent value for exactly that reason, and the malls, hotels and attractions are all air-conditioned, but plan outdoor time for early morning or after dark. The shoulder months of April, May and October are a reasonable compromise.

Where to stay

Dubai is a city of distinct districts, and choosing the right one shapes your whole trip.

• Dubai Marina and JBR — high-rise beachfront living with a long promenade, restaurants and a lively evening scene. Great for first-timers who want beach and buzz together.
• Palm Jumeirah — the famous man-made island, home to large resort hotels with private beaches. Best for a proper resort holiday; you will taxi to most sights.
• Downtown Dubai — around the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountains. The most central choice for sightseeing, though not a beach location.
• Jumeirah Beach — a quieter, lower-rise stretch of coast between Downtown and the Marina, popular with families.
• Deira and Bur Dubai — the older heart of the city, near the Creek, souks and Dubai’s best budget and midrange hotels. Ideal if you want atmosphere and value over glitz.

What to see and do

The headline sights are well known: the observation decks of the Burj Khalifa, the vast Dubai Mall and its fountain shows, the Dubai Frame, and the beaches. But some of the most memorable experiences are older and simpler — crossing the Creek on an abra (a traditional wooden water taxi) for a nominal fare, wandering the gold and spice souks in Deira, and exploring the restored Al Fahidi historical district. A desert safari, whether a dune-bashing trip or a quieter conservation-reserve experience, is worth an evening of any itinerary. Families are exceptionally well served, with several major waterparks, aquariums and theme parks.

Getting around

The Dubai Metro is clean, cheap, air-conditioned and driverless, running past many of the main sights along Sheikh Zayed Road; a rechargeable Nol card covers metro, tram and buses. Taxis are metered, plentiful and inexpensive by UK standards, and ride-hailing apps operate widely. Distances are deceptive — the city stretches for miles along the coast — so check journey times before assuming two attractions are near each other. Walking between districts is rarely practical, especially in the warmer months.

Culture, dress and local laws

Dubai is the most liberal of the Emirates and tourists are made very welcome, but it remains a Muslim country and a little cultural awareness goes a long way. Swimwear is fine on beaches and at hotel pools; in malls and public areas, clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appropriate. Public displays of affection should be kept modest. Alcohol is served in licensed venues such as hotel bars and restaurants, but drinking in public places is illegal, as is being drunk and disorderly. During Ramadan, hours and etiquette change — many restaurants screen dining areas during the day, and it is courteous not to eat or drink openly in public in daylight hours. Note also that the UAE weekend runs Saturday and Sunday, and Friday afternoons carry particular religious significance.

Money and practicalities

The currency is the UAE dirham, and cards are accepted almost everywhere, though a little cash is useful for souks and abras. Haggling is expected in the souks but not in malls. Tap water is safe but most visitors drink bottled. UK citizens currently receive a visit visa on arrival for tourism — check the latest entry requirements on gov.uk before travelling, as rules can change. English is spoken almost universally in hotels, shops and restaurants.

Making your budget go further

Dubai has a reputation for extravagance, but it can be done affordably. Hotel rates fall sharply in the summer months and around Ramadan, and even in winter, staying in Deira or Bur Dubai and travelling by metro costs a fraction of a beachfront resort. Many hotels sell day passes to their pools and beaches, so you can stay centrally and still get your beach day. Eat where the city’s huge expatriate workforce eats — the Indian, Pakistani, Filipino and Lebanese restaurants in the older districts are excellent and very cheap. With a little planning, Dubai rewards every budget, not just the biggest ones.