About Dubai
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. It is on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. As of 2025, its population stands at 4 million, 92% of whom are expatriates. The wider urban area includes Sharjah and has a population of 5 million people as of 2023, while the Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman metropolitan area has a population of 6 million people.
Cheap flights to Dubai
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,138 from Vancouver, travelling 7 Nov – 23 Nov. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- YYZ Toronto to Dubai2 Mar – 8 Apr · DXB from$1,143
- NYC New York to Dubai20 Dec – 6 Jan · DXB from$1,517
- YVR Vancouver to Dubai7 Nov – 23 Nov · DXB from$1,138
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: KLM, Emirates, EgyptAir.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to DubaiPlaces to visit in Dubai
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Burj Khalifa
Landmark · 5 mi from centreThe tallest building in the world, with observation decks offering views over the city and desert. Book a sunset slot in advance, as these sell out quickly.
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Dubai Mall
Entertainment · 5 mi from centreA huge shopping mall with an aquarium, ice rink and hundreds of stores at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. Wear comfortable shoes, as distances inside the mall are long.
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Dubai Fountain
Landmark · 6 mi from centreA choreographed fountain show set to music on the lake beside the Burj Khalifa. Watch from the waterfront promenade, where shows run every half hour in the evening.
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Palm Jumeirah
Landmark · 15 mi from centreA palm-shaped artificial island lined with luxury hotels and beach clubs. Ride the monorail along the trunk for elevated views, or visit the viewing deck for the full shape.
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Burj Al Arab
Landmark · 12 mi from centreA sail-shaped luxury hotel standing on its own island off Jumeirah Beach. Non-guests need a restaurant or tour booking to enter, but the nearby public beach offers great photo spots.
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Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
NeighborhoodA restored old quarter of sand-colored houses with wind towers, galleries and small museums. Explore it on foot, then cross Dubai Creek by abra to the souks.
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Dubai Creek
LandmarkA historic saltwater inlet dividing the old city, busy with traditional wooden boats. Ride a traditional abra across the creek for a cheap and memorable trip.
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Gold Souk
MarketA traditional market in Deira lined with shops selling gold jewelry. Bargaining is expected, and prices are based on the daily gold rate plus a crafting charge.
Things to do in Dubai by type
299 tours, tickets and experiences across 16 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 81 experiences 3D Blacklight Minigolf - Ticket -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 70 experiences 3D World Selfie Museum - Ticket -
City tours 32 experiences Abu Dhabi Full-Day Tour with Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Qasr Al Watan and Etihad Towers Observation Deck -
Cruise & Water Tours 31 experiences Abra Marine Cruise -
Art & culture 23 experiences 3D World - Selfie Museum Dubai - Ticket -
Amusement Parks 20 experiences Abu Dhabi Tour + Ferrari World Admission -
Gastronomy & nightlife 18 experiences Al Hadeerah Restaurant Bab Al Shams -
Day Trips & Excursions 17 experiences Abrahamic House, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Teamlab Phenomena - Full-Day Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 9 experiences Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo - Ticket -
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours 7 experiences Combo: Atlantis Helicopter Tour & Evening Desert Safari -
Travel Services 7 experiences Marhaba Bronze: Meet and Greet at Terminal 1 and 3 -
Bundle 6 experiences Combo: Atlantis Helicopter Tour & Evening Desert Safari -
Specialist tours 4 experiences 3 Days / 2 Nights: Cultural Wonders, Desert Thrills and Modern Marvels -
Shows, sports and special events 3 experiences Burj Khalifa and Musical Fountains - Half-Day Tour -
Transport & Rentals 3 experiences Dubai Exotic Limo - Private Transport -
Tour & activities 2 experiences Reef Oasis Diving Club with BBQ Lunch
- 3-6 hours 49
- 1-3 hours 43
- Over 6 hours 35
- Up to 1 hour 30
- Flexible 17
- Couples 9
- Youth 9
- Families 9
- Senior 8
- Families with kids 2
- Private 30
- Small group 22
- Wheelchair accessible 9
Top experiences in Dubai
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 299 available.
Desert Safari, Dune Bashing and BBQ Dinner
From $35 per adult
Self Drive 4X4 Desert and Off Road Adventure
From $432 per adult
Red Dunes Desert Safari and Camel Ride with BBQ at Al Khayma Camp
From $68 per adult
Historic Dubai City Tour with Abra Ride
From $28 per adult
Dubai Marina Royal Dinner Cruise - with Transfers
From $60 per adult
Arabian Desert Dunes Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner
From $53 per adult
At the Top Burj Khalifa - Silver Ticket
From $49 per adult
At the Top Burj Khalifa SKY: Levels 124, 125 and 148 - Ticket
From $104 per adult
Abu Dhabi Full-Day Tour with audioguide
From $77 per adult
Dubai City with Burj Khalifa - Half-Day Tour
From $106 per adult
Discover Abu Dhabi - Full-Day Guided Tour
From $46 per adult
Discover Abu Dhabi Mosque, Louvre Museum and Qasr Al Watan Palace
From $126 per adult
Where to stay in Dubai
Popular hotels in Dubai, out of 925 properties you can book.
Towers Rotana
From $116 per night
Damac Maison Distinction (EX Damac Royale )
From $265 per night
SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences
From $197 per night
Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai
From $76 per night
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Barsha Heights
From $117 per night
Avani Deira Dubai Hotel
From $84 per night
Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai
From $422 per night
Movenpick Dubai Creek
From $109 per night
SUHA Creek, Waterfront Al Jaddaf
From $85 per night
Donatello Hotel Dubai
From $97 per night
The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection ex Manzil
From $190 per night
Residence Inn By Marriott Sheikh Zayed Road
From $140 per night
Best time to visit Dubai
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Dubai is December to March, when average daytime highs are around 76–83°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Dubai weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 98° 81° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 100° 79° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 98° 78° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 93° 81° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 94° 82° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 95° 79° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates dirham (AED)1 US dollar ≈ د.إ3.67
- Language
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +971
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/DubaiUTC+4
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
Getting to Dubai
These are the airports closest to central Dubai. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- DXB Dubai International Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
- NHD Al Minhad Air Base17 mi (28 km) from the city centre
- DWC Dubai World Central – DWC28 mi (45 km) from the city centre
Getting around Dubai
Dubai's public transport system is one of the best in the Middle East, especially after the launch of the metro, but most visitors end up taking taxis quite often. Using the public transport is a viable option during the winter months, as long as you avoid the rush hour on the red metro line. In the summer, due to the intense heat, taking a taxi is more practical, even if it's just to get to the nearest metro station.
Fares
A 1-day pass is only available for the red ticket and costs 22 AED. It allows unlimited rides with all modes of transport on all zones until midnight.
By metro
The Red Line is 52 km (32 mi) long and opened in September 2009. It's the second metro in the Arab world after Cairo. While the line does not serve the old city centre, it's handy for zipping along Dubai's long coastline and includes stops at the airport, Burj Khalifa and the Mall of the Emirates. The track 2020 expo - an extension of the Red Line - was completed in 2020.
By monorail
A 5 km (3.1 mi) monorail system shuttles passengers across the Palm Jumeirah to the Atlantis hotel. It connects with the Dubai Tram. This is not a part of the rest of Transport, and therefore, you will need to buy a separate ticket (15 dirham one-way and 25 dirham return).
Dubai travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Dubai is December to March, when average daytime highs are around 76–83°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Dubai?
August is usually the warmest month in Dubai, with average highs of 106°F (41°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 62°F (17°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 46 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Dubai?
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Dubai. Other nearby airports include Al Minhad Air Base (NHD, 17 mi) and Dubai World Central – DWC (DWC, 28 mi).
How much are flights to Dubai?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Dubai in the last 30 days was $1,138 from Vancouver, travelling 7 Nov – 23 Nov. November is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $1,138.
What currency is used in Dubai?
Dubai uses the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ د.إ3.67.
What time zone is Dubai in?
Dubai uses the Asia/Dubai time zone (currently UTC+4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Dubai?
Dubai's public transport system is one of the best in the Middle East, especially after the launch of the metro, but most visitors end up taking taxis quite often. Using the public transport is a viable option during the winter months, as long as you avoid the rush hour on the red metro line.
What are the best places to visit in Dubai?
Top sights in Dubai include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and Palm Jumeirah. The tallest building in the world, with observation decks offering views over the city and desert. Book a sunset slot in advance, as these sell out quickly.
What are the top things to do in Dubai?
Popular experiences you can book in Dubai include Desert Safari, Dune Bashing and BBQ Dinner, Self Drive 4X4 Desert and Off Road Adventure and Red Dunes Desert Safari and Camel Ride with BBQ at Al Khayma Camp. Destina Holidays offers 299 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Dubai?
The most popular types of experiences in Dubai are outdoor activities & adventure (81), tickets & attraction passes (70), city tours (32) and cruise & water tours (31). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Dubai?
Popular areas for hotels in Dubai include Dubai, Deira and Bur Dubai. Well-reviewed options include Towers Rotana and Damac Maison Distinction (EX Damac Royale ).
How many hotels can I book in Dubai?
Destina Holidays currently lists 925 properties in and around Dubai, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
