Burj Khalifa
The view from the tallest building in the world, floors 124 and 148.
Skyscrapers by day dunes by dusk
A local's guide to Dubai from the top of the Burj to the gold souk and every rooftop pool in between
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The in-demand attractions in Dubai
The experiences you should not miss, with tickets booked ahead to save time and money.
Desert safari
Golden dunes, a camel ride and a Bedouin camp under the stars.
The perfect 3-day route
A day-by-day plan with everything worth booking ahead.
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Where to stay?
Compare prices on hotels and rentals across the city.
Dubai real estate investment
Why investors choose Dubai
A property market open to foreign investors, with near-zero taxation and high yields. We have gathered everything you need to know before you start, and you are welcome to leave your details and connect with leading brokers who know the market inside out.
0%
tax on rent and capital gains
8-12%
gross rental yield a year
- 0% tax on rent and capital gains
- Gross rental yields of 8 to 12 percent
- Full ownership for foreign buyers too
- Dirham pegged to the dollar, a stable currency
The Dubai map
Every destination, neighborhood and attraction from our guides, on one map.
More than 100 of the best places in Dubai, in one guide with photos and tips.
Latest
All guides
Shopping & markets Updated 4 August 2026
Dubai Summer Surprises: Sales, Shows and Beating the August Heat
Dubai Summer Surprises turns Dubai's hottest months into the cheapest time to shop. Here is when DSS runs, where the real bargains are, and how to beat 45C heat.
Food & dining Updated 29 July 2026
Dubai Food Guide: What to Eat and Where
What to eat in Dubai: Emirati dishes most visitors never find, the shawarma and karak habit, the old-city food streets, how brunch works, and where the value actually is.
Practical & planning Updated 29 July 2026
Dubai Visa and Entry Rules, Passport by Passport
How entering Dubai works: who gets a visa on arrival, who applies in advance, passport validity, what customs actually restricts, and the rules that surprise first-time visitors.
Family & kids Updated 28 July 2026
Aquaventure or Wild Wadi, Which Water Park
Aquaventure or Wild Wadi? I compare Dubai's two big water parks on rides, small kids, beach access, queues and cabana costs to find which is worth a full day.
Beaches & resorts Updated 28 July 2026
The Best Beaches in Dubai, Public and Private
My honest guide to the best beaches in Dubai, public and private: free beaches with facilities, day-pass hotel beaches, water temperature by season, and calm spots for kids.
Ready-made itineraries Updated 28 July 2026
Three Days in Dubai, a Complete Itinerary
My tried and tested three days in Dubai itinerary, mixing the Burj Khalifa and Downtown with the old creek souks, a desert evening and a beach morning, travel times included.
Must reads
The core guides to start from.
Practical & planning Updated 7 July 2026
Best Time to Visit Dubai: Season by Season Guide
When to visit Dubai: the cool winter high season, the scorching summer, the shoulder months, and how heat, crowds, prices, Ramadan and big events should shape your dates.
Real estate & investment Updated 11 June 2026
Dubai Property Guide: Buying and Investing as a Foreigner
A clear, factual guide to buying property in Dubai as a foreigner: freehold areas, the purchase process, fees, rental yields, the Golden Visa, and the risks to weigh before you invest.
Neighborhoods & areas Updated 2 April 2026
Where to Stay in Dubai: Best Areas by Neighborhood
A clear breakdown of where to stay in Dubai, Downtown, Marina, JBR, Palm Jumeirah and Old Dubai, matched to your budget, your trip style and how much you want on your doorstep.
Desert & safari Updated 5 March 2026
Dubai Desert Safari Guide: Types, Tips and What to Book
Everything you need to choose the right Dubai desert safari: morning versus evening, dune bashing, camel rides, camp dinners and premium options, plus what to wear and what to book ahead.
Attractions & tickets Updated 9 February 2026
Top 15 Things to Do in Dubai (and How to Book Them)
The 15 attractions worth your time in Dubai, from the Burj Khalifa and the desert to Old Dubai and the waterparks, with honest tips on what to book ahead and what to skip.
Practical & planning Updated 14 January 2026
First Time in Dubai: The Only Guide You Need
Planning your first trip to Dubai? Here is when to go, which area to stay in, how the visa works for your passport, how to get around, what to book ahead, and the local etiquette that saves you trouble.
By topic
Common questions
Do I need a visa for Dubai?
Many nationalities get visa-free entry or a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 to 90 days in the United Arab Emirates, and you just need a passport valid for at least six months. Check the current rules for your own passport before you fly.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March are the most pleasant months, with comfortable weather for the beach, the desert and time outdoors. Summer (June to September) is very hot, often above 40C, and suits air-conditioned activities and lower hotel rates.
How much does Dubai cost and how do I pay?
The currency is the dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at about 3.67 to one. Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Dubai is a luxury destination but a flexible one: there is street food and malls alongside five-star hotels. Budget ahead for attractions, which are the priciest part.
Can foreign buyers invest in Dubai real estate?
Yes. A foreign investor can take full freehold ownership in designated areas, with 0% tax on rent and capital gains and gross rental yields of roughly 8 to 12 percent. We cover it in detail in our real estate guide.
Is Dubai good for a family trip?
Very. Dubai is safe and clean, with water parks, an aquarium, beaches and air-conditioned malls. Distances are large, so it helps to plan each day by area and lean on taxis or the Careem app to save travel time.
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