Dubai is a city of superlatives on the edge of the Arabian desert. Ride to the top of the Burj Khalifa, cross the creek by abra water taxi to the gold and spice souks, relax on Jumeirah's beaches and head into the dunes for an evening desert safari.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- November, December, January, February and March
- Flight from New York
- about 13h 45m nonstop
- Local time
- —
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
- Languages
- Arabic and English
Flight time is an estimate based on distance; actual schedules vary by airline and route.
Highlights
- Burj Khalifa observation decks
- Old Dubai's creek and souks
- Desert safari at sunset
History
For centuries Dubai was a small settlement of fishermen, pearl divers and traders on a natural creek. In 1833 members of the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Al Maktoum family, settled here, and the family still rules today. Dubai became a busy port in the early twentieth century, attracting merchants from Persia and India, but the collapse of the pearl trade in the 1930s hit it hard. Oil was discovered in 1966, and in 1971 Dubai joined Abu Dhabi and other emirates to form the United Arab Emirates. Its rulers used oil wealth to build a hub for trade, aviation and tourism, and the city grew from a few thousand people into a global metropolis. The Burj Khalifa opened in 2010.
Culture
Dubai is one of the most international cities in the world; most residents were born abroad, and English is widely spoken alongside Arabic. Emirati hospitality starts with gahwa, cardamom coffee served with dates. Food ranges from Emirati dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat) to street shawarma and food from every corner of the world. During Ramadan, life slows by day and comes alive after sunset with iftar meals. Dress modestly in public places away from the beach, and avoid public displays of affection.
Landmarks
© imran shahabuddin · CC BY 2.0 Burj Khalifa
At about 828 metres, this has been the world's tallest building since it opened in 2010. Observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors look out over the city, the desert and the Gulf. The Dubai Fountain dances at its foot every evening.
© Phil6007 · CC BY-SA 4.0 Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
This restored old quarter by the creek has sand-coloured houses topped by wind towers, an early form of air conditioning. Nearby, take an abra across the creek to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira.
© EditQ · CC0 Museum of the Future
Opened in 2022, this torus-shaped building covered in Arabic calligraphy presents immersive exhibitions about space, ecology and technology. It is one of the most photographed buildings in the city.