First Time Guide to Dubai with Top Tips
Known for its luxurious hotels, huge malls, and beach clubs, Dubai makes for a glamorous city break on the UAE coast. It’s a firm favourite with the rich and famous, but it’s also the perfect destination for the whole family.
There’s something here for everyone to enjoy, including incredible theme parks and water parks boasting record-breaking rides, skyscrapers to ascend, and beaches for chilling out on. Did you know you can even go skiing?!
If it’s your first time in this luxury playground, this guide will give you all the information you need to make your trip truly unforgettable.
We’ve got some top tips for where to stay, how to get around, and all the must-sees to do in Dubai, plus some insights into navigating the cultural differences between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the UK. Read on to discover everything you need to know for your first time in Dubai.
How long should I spend in Dubai?
Dubai is one of those places where you can spend a short amount of time on a city break or stay for a couple of weeks on a holiday.
We recommend spending at least four days in Dubai, which should give you a decent amount of time to see some of the best tourist attractions. If you want to spend a bit more time relaxing at the hotels, beaches, or beach clubs, then we’d suggest extending your stay.
Stopover in Dubai
It’s also worth thinking about adding Dubai as a stopover destination if you’re travelling further afield to Australia or New Zealand. If your flight stops in the city, you can easily extend your stay for a couple of nights, which should give you enough time to get a taste of Dubai.
How to get to Dubai from the UK
Dubai International Airport (DXB) serves the city. You can get a direct flight to Dubai from most major airports in the UK, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester, and Newcastle, and flights take around seven hours.
You can fly to Dubai with several airlines, including Royal Brunei Airlines, British Airways, and Dubai-based airline Emirates.
How to get in to Dubai from the airport
Once you land in Dubai, it’s time to make your way to your accommodation. Dubai Airport is around 9 miles (15 kilometres) from the city centre and this can take about 20-30 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. Jumeirah Beach and the Palm Islands are further away, taking up to an hour and a half to reach by car.
- Book an airport transfer: A shared transfer will be cheaper than a private transfer
- Hire a car: If you’re driving in Dubai for the first time, be aware that although driving here is relatively easy, the motorists there can be a little fast and frantic
- Take a taxi: Both cash and card are accepted
- Uber: You can arrange pickup with the fare agreed upon and paid in advance
- Bus: A low-cost option running every 30 minutes
- Dubai Metro: Take the MRed line from Terminal 1 or 3
Where to stay in Dubai
There are several areas to choose from to base yourself in Dubai, and it’s a good idea to stay somewhere close to the activities you’ll be doing. Cost is also a consideration here, with some areas much pricier than others.
There is also a range of accommodation types here, with everything from self-catering apartments to five-star luxury hotel resorts available.
Dubai Marina
The marina is a great place to base yourself for your first time in Dubai. The marina has a 4-mile (7-kilometre) long promenade, which is perfect for strolls along the water’s edge and picking out which yacht you’d buy if you won the lottery.
There are plenty of restaurants here to try and some buzzing nightlife options. The adventurous will love jet-skiing, parasailing, or skydiving.
Best for: Party animals
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is a huge artificial island in the shape of a palm tree, and it’s home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Dubai. You’ll also find the Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis, the world’s highest 360 infinity pool, and some of the best views in Dubai from Palm Tower. Dubai doesn’t do things by halves!
Best for: Luxurious stays
Downtown
Downtown is home to some of the best attractions in Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, the Dubai Mall, and the spectacular Dubai Fountain, where there’s a show every 30 minutes from 6pm until 11pm each day.
There are lots of hotels here, including some more budget-friendly options.
Best for: A stay in the heart of the action
Jumeirah
Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most desirable districts, with gorgeous villas and small commercial areas along the seafront. There are some amazing hotels here, too, including the recognisable Burj Al Arab. There are also some excellent restaurants here.
Best for: Foodies and beach lovers
Weather in Dubai
Dubai’s location in the desert means that the weather is usually hot, sunny, and dry. Average temperatures in the winter are around 20°C (68°F) while in summer they rise to about 36°C (97°F).
It doesn’t rain much in Dubai. There’s usually just a couple of days of rain during winter.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
It’s a good bet that you’ll get great weather when you visit Dubai so it’s a fantastic year-round destination. Travelling during winter in the UK means you can escape the colder weather and get some winter sun. December to March is a great time to travel.
What should I wear in Dubai?
The UAE is a Muslim country and has certain customs and traditions which should be followed when you visit. There is no official dress code as such, but modesty is appreciated, and you should dress conservatively when out in public.
You should wear comfortable, thin fabrics to keep cool. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, as well as covering their heads when entering mosques. Both men and women should avoid clothing that is tight-fitting.
Wearing swimsuits is allowed on the beach, but you should get changed before leaving. Topless sunbathing is illegal, and children should not be nude.
Restaurants and nightclubs are usually more lenient, but women should still dress modestly. Most will have their dress codes on their website if you want to check beforehand.
If you’re heading out into the desert during the winter months, be sure to pack an additional layer, as the temperature usually drops a few degrees here at night.
Drinking in Dubai
Drinking in Dubai is not illegal, but it is restricted. You must drink in an establishment that has a valid alcohol license, such as hotels, clubs, and restaurants, or else at home. The drinking age is 21, and you will need to carry ID with you to prove this. Dubai residents need a license to buy alcohol, but tourists don’t.
It is an offense to drink in a public place or to be publicly drunk in Dubai, so you should be aware of your limits when drinking.
What is the currency in Dubai?
The dirham (AED) is the official Dubai currency. It is also the currency for the six other emirates in the UAE. Credit card is the primary method of payment here and is widely accepted.
You may wish to have a small amount of cash for tips or small shops.
How to get around in Dubai
Dubai is easy to get around, and there are many options, including public transport, driving your own car, or taking a taxi.
Public transport in Dubai
There’s an excellent public transport system in Dubai. You’ll need to get a ‘nol’ card, a contactless form of payment that needs to be topped up, rather like an Oyster card in London. You can buy the nol card at metro and bus stations as well as at some supermarkets and top it up there or online. You can use your nol card to pay for journeys on:
- Metro
- Tram
- Bus
- Water transport
The only public transport system that doesn’t use nol cards is the Palm Monorail, which stops at many of the attractions in Palm Jumeirah.
Taxis or Uber
You can get a taxi from almost anywhere in the city or book one via phone. Uber also operates in Dubai.
Driving
If you’ve got an international driving license, then you can hire a car in Dubai. Short-term rentals are also available if you only want a car for one day of your holiday. Be sure to familiarise yourself with local traffic laws before you set off.
Things to do in Dubai
There’s no end of things to do in Dubai. From exploring one of its action-packed water parks to discovering the more traditional souks or heading to the top of the Burj Khalifa for the most fabulous views, there’s plenty to see.
Top tip: The Go City: Dubai All-Inclusive Pass is one of the most cost-effective ways to explore Dubai. You can choose how many days you want the pass for, and it includes access to over 50 of the top activities in Dubai, including the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and LEGOLAND® Dubai.
Summary: things to do in Dubai
- Atlantis Aquaventure World Waterpark
- Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
- Inside Burj al Arab tour
- IMG Worlds of Adventure
- Wild Wadi Waterpark™️
- Desert safari and sunset barbecue
- Sightseeing helicopter flight
Atlantis Aquaventure World Waterpark
Make a splash at one of the biggest waterparks in the world, Aquaventure World at Atlantis. Not only are there record-breaking slides, family water coasters, and white-water rapids, but there’s also the first cliff-jumping adventure in the region. Add to this a stunning waterfront and private beach, and you’ve got an unforgettable family day out.
Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world at over 2,625 feet (800 metres) high. Ride the high-speed elevator to the top, where you’ll find the observation decks. From here, you’ll get stunning panoramic views over the city’s skyline with the vast desert stretching out beyond.
Inside Burj al Arab tour
The Burj al Arab is one of the most iconic hotels in Dubai and one of the most recognisable and photographed buildings in the world. Even if you’re not staying there, you can now take a look around it with a guided tour.
After a buggy ride to the island, you’ll see the various rooms, including the Royal Suite and the Experience Suite. You’ll then be able to enjoy a meal or a drink at the lounge and terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf. If you time it right, you’ll get to see a stunning sunset.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Step out of the sun and into the air conditioning with a visit to the world’s largest indoor theme park, IMG Worlds of Adventure. Adrenaline seekers will love the thrill rides and rollercoasters, and there are also live shows to see, as well as plenty of places to grab some food.
Wild Wadi Waterpark™️
There’s something for every member of the family at Wild Wadi Waterpark™️. Small visitors will love paddling in the shallows, while big kids will love the incredible rides, including the Jumeirah Sceirah, the tallest freefall waterslide outside of the USA. Test your nerve as the floor below you disappears!
Desert safari and sunset barbecue
A desert safari is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Dubai. Get comfortable in a 4x4 as you tackle gigantic sand dunes at high speeds and chase the sunset before it disappears. Afterwards, enjoy a barbecue dinner and entertainment at a Bedouin camp. If you’ve not had enough exhilaration for one day, you can try camel riding or sand surfing here.
If you just want to relax, then try one of the traditional aromatic shisha pipes or get a henna tattoo while you enjoy the Tanoura and belly dancing performances. Dinner is delicious shawarma and falafel accompanied by side dishes, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Sightseeing helicopter flight
Take to the skies and see Dubai’s stunning skyline from above with a sightseeing helicopter flight. You’ll fly over iconic landmarks, including Palm Island, the Burj Khalifa, and the Burj al Arab, on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Now that you’ve got all the info you need for when you go to Dubai for the first time, take a look at our Dubai attraction tickets and start planning what you’re going to do when you get there.