Dubai travel guide
Plan a trip to Dubai: what to eat, where to stay, the best day trips and ready-made day-by-day plans.
What to eat in Dubai
See allThinly sliced meat on a rotating spit, served in pita with salad and sauces; found on almost every street.
Deep‑fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup, a popular sweet at Emirati cafés and festivals.
Slow‑cooked lamb or chicken with fragrant rice, typical for family gatherings and weekend meals.
Crispy chickpea balls in pita with tahini, sold in markets and cheap eateries across the city.
Where to stay in Dubai
See allHome to the Burj Khalifa and malls; offers high‑rise hotels with easy metro access.
Old commercial hub with cheap guesthouses near the souks and metro stations.
Walkable beachfront promenade with mid‑range hotels and direct beach access.
Residential area close to Mall of the Emirates and metro; many serviced apartments.
Day trips from Dubai
See allA tranquil reservoir in Hatta offering simple walking paths and mountain views.
A quiet stretch of sand in Ajman, good for a relaxed seaside walk.
A shaded wadi in Shawka with a small dam, popular for picnics and short hikes.
A public beach in Khor Fakkan with clear water and easy access from the highway.
Best time to visit
Best time to go: December – February
Midday highs, based on last year's weather. Green months have comfortable temperatures and few rainy days.
Turn this into a day-by-day plan with Triptime AI, or start from a ready-made one.
Ready-made plans for Dubai
Questions about Dubai
Is food in Dubai generally halal?
Yes, all restaurants serve halal food, and you will see the halal symbol on menus.
Do I need to tip in restaurants?
A 10 % tip is customary if service charge is not already added; cash is preferred.
Which area is best for a short stay near the airport?
Al Garhoud and nearby Al Barsha offer easy access to the airport via metro and taxi.
Can I use public transport to reach the desert camps?
Public transport does not reach desert camps; a taxi or tour operator is required.