All about Dubai: A Quintessential Travel Guide

To say that Dubai is a dream destination would be a huge understatement. From a humble fishing village, the city is now a modern metropolis filled with record-breaking buildings and historical attractions. But as far as the city has come, it always pays homage to its past, which is why it has kept its charm for a long time.

So, if you’re planning to visit Dubai soon, here’s everything you need to know about the most popular city in the Middle East:

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The Best Time to Visit Dubai

Dubai has two seasons: winter and summer. Winter season runs from December to March where temperatures can drop to 16 degrees Celsius during the night. Summer, on the other hand, runs from June to September. Dubai’s summers are known to be unforgiving since temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius.

The city also goes through two transition periods – from April to May and October to November – when the weather can be more unpredictable.

The Best Hotels in Dubai

Don’t know where to stay during your trip? Here are our recommendations for the best hotels in Dubai depending on what you’re looking for:

• Hotel on the Burj Khalifa: Armani Hotel

  • If you want to experience what it’s like being in the tallest building in the world, you should stay at Armani Hotel. The first hotel to be fully designed by Giorgio Armani, the Armani Hotel features rooms and suites offering panoramic views of Downtown Dubai.

• Hotel with views of the Burj Khalifa: The Address Dubai Mall

  • The Address Dubai Mall right across Burj Khalifa, so most of its balconies offer unobstructed views of the building, the Dubai Fountain and the rest of the city’s skyline.

• The best luxury hotel: Burj Al Arab

  • It’s considered Dubai’s most iconic hotel, and for good reason. The Burj Al Arab isn’t only unique because of its sail shape. All of its suites are also fitted with real gold and the most elaborate tapestry paying homage to Arabian culture.

• The best budget hotel: Rove La Mer Beach

  • If you want to stay somewhere that gives you access to the beach without blowing your budget, Rove La Mer Beach in Jumeirah has beautiful rooms, an infinity pool, and access to one of the best beaches in the city.

The Best Areas to Stay in Dubai

Dubai has something for everyone. Whether you want to be where the nightlife is or want to experience Riviera living, here are the best areas in Dubai to stay in:

• Downtown Dubai

  • Downtown Dubai is considered the heart of the city because it’s where most of the city’s attractions are including the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. The mixed-use development also has a string of hotels that fits every need and budget.

• Deira

  • Deira is considered the historical district of Dubai where you’ll find the city’s most popular souks: the Spice, Gold and Perfume Souks. This area also gives you a glimpse of Dubai’s past, especially the Dubai Creek where you can still ride on an “Abra” or traditional Arab boat that was used by fishermen before.

• Al Barsha

  • Al Barsha is a residential complex in Dubai where you can find some of the most exclusive villages in the city. This includes the Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate and Jumeirah.

• Jumeirah Beach

  • Jumeirah Beach is the top beachside community in Dubai where you can see the Burj Al Arab and the many hotels and resorts in the area. Here, you can enjoy the Jumeirah Beach Hotel or explore the Wild Wadi Water Park.

• Dubai Marina

  • Dubai Marina is known for offering French Riviera living and for having the “Tallest Block in the World” consisting of residential skyscrapers like the Princess Tower and 23 Marina.

The Top Attractions in Dubai

Dubai has no shortage of amazing attractions. So, if you’re planning your itinerary from any of the available Dubai tours, we rounded up the best ones that you should include on your list:

• Burj Khalifa.

  • It’s the tallest building in the world and home to the highest outdoor observation deck, restaurant and bar.

• Dubai Fountain Show.

  • This mesmerizing water show runs every day from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM where a fountain system shoots water up in the air to the tune of different Arabic and international tunes.

• Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark.

  • The massive waterpark features more than 100 slides and rides and its own white sand beach.

• Dubai Safari.

  • No trip to Dubai would be complete without experiencing the vast desert. In Dubai, you can book for a safari that includes riding through the dunes and enjoying a meal in one of the many camps in the desert.

• Dubai Creek.

  • This creek traverses through old and new Dubai, and it’s where you’ll see the city’s rich past and its massive growth over the years.

• Museum of the Future.

  • This uniquely designed building features exhibits that give us a glimpse of what life is like with modern technology taking over the world.

• Dubai Miracle Garden.

  • Undoubtedly the most beautiful attraction in Dubai, the Dubai Miracle Garden features thousands of floral and plant exhibits following different themes.

The Best Malls in Dubai

Are you ready to shop until you drop? Here are the best places to burn some cash in Dubai:

Dubai Mall.

It’s the largest mall in Dubai with more than 1,200 shops, restaurants, and other establishments that has everything you need for an amazing shopping experience.

• Dubai Festival City Mall.

  • Located on Dubai Creek, this mall has more than 250 shops including the massive IKEA.

• City Walk Dubai.

  • This mall offers a street shopping experience in a venue that’s filled with art and inspired by European architecture.

• Mall of the Emirates.

  • Another massive shopping complex in Dubai is the Mall of Emirates where you can find hundreds of local and international stores.

The Best Restaurants in Dubai

Dubai takes dining to a whole new level with these restaurants:

• Hakkasan.

  • The Michelin-starred restaurant features contemporary Chinese cuisine in a modern club-style space.

• Ossiano.

  • If you’re looking for elevated fine dining presented in a unique degustation menu, you should try Chef Gregoire Berger’s Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm.

• SAL.

  • If you’re going to treat yourself to a luxurious meal in Dubai, it must be SAL at the Burj Al Arab. This restaurant offers high-end Mediterranean cuisine in a luxurious setting.

• GAIA.

  • The award-winning restaurant GAIA is known for its elevated Greek cuisine using only the freshest seafood from around the world.

• Armani/Amal.

  • Located at the Burj Khalifa, Armani/Amal is known for its modern take on Indian cuisine.

• Café Beirut.

  • No other place in Dubai does Lebanese food right than Café Beirut. This is why the restaurant is an institution in the city and a favorite of many locals.

• Tresind.

  • It’s one of the most exclusive restaurants in Dubai with room for only 20 guests. But the wait for a table at Tresind is definitely worthwhile. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant has reinvented Indian cuisine with dishes that will surely change the way you see food.

• STAY.

  • Located on the One&Only Palm, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Yannick Alleno takes you on a journey through classic French cuisine using only the best ingredients that you can find around the world.

• Nobu.

  • Nobu is already known around the world and its Dubai restaurant on Atlantis The Palm is no different. The iconic restaurant by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa offers a modern take to traditional Japanese cuisine by reinventing dishes like sushi and black cod miso. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to dine on luxurious food while enjoying panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the entire Dubai city skyline.

Exploring Abu Dhabi

You can’t visit Dubai and not head to Abu Dhabi next. The country’s capital may not have as many skyscrapers as its modern neighbor, but it will surely wow you with its own set of attractions.

The city is home to the fastest rollercoaster in the world, the most beautiful mosque in the country, the most unique skyscrapers and a vast sand desert that will surely make your Arabian holiday one for the books.

What You Need to Know About Dubai’s E-Visa

Since not all countries are allowed to travel to Dubai without a visa, As an Indian, you might need to apply for one before you can enter the city.  But the good news is, you can apply for a Dubai visa in multiple ways as below: 

All Indian citizens need to apply for a visa in the following ways:  

(Ref: Visitdubai.com)

1. Airlines such as Emirates, FlyDubai, Etihad Airways, and Air Arabia
2. Hotel or travel partners with whom you have booked a trip.  They can apply for a Service Visa (14 days), Tourist Visa (30 days), or Visit Visa (up to 90 days).
3. Other organizations based in the UAE
4. UAE residents (friends or relatives) can apply on your behalf subject to guidelines.

In most cases, you can get your visa within three business days. But you can also request for a 24-hour turnaround if you need the visa for an urgent trip.

Dubai Visa-on-arrival

(Ref: visitdubai.com)

Indian nationals with the following documentation can obtain a Dubai Visa-on-arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days (Fee-AED120). This visa is also extendable for an additional 14 days if required (Fee-AED250)

1. Valid visit visa issued by the USA
2. Valid Green card issued by the USA
3. Valid Residence visa issued by the UK
4. Valid Residence visa issued by the EU

Conclusion

Dubai is definitely one of the best cities in the Middle East to visit if you want to enjoy an unforgettable holiday. Whether you’re traveling alone, with a loved one, or the entire family, there’s definitely something for you in this city.

So, what are you waiting for? Book any of the Dubai Holiday Tour Packages now and you’ll never regret it.

Shad Siddiqui

A seasoned Tourism & Travel business professional with +20 years of significant experience, Shad has traveled extensively around the globe Especially Far East, China, the Middle East, Africa, the United States, and Europe. He is currently working with La Vacanza Travel, New Delhi