Dubai is unlike anywhere else in the world. Known for it’s bold architecture and audacious style, the United Arab Emirates’ largest city is a distinct fusion of its Bedouin heritage and an ultramodern style. Dubai doesn’t just live up to its reputation; it will completely exceed your expectations.

If you follow my travels, you may know that I visited Dubai in 2019 and I absolutely loved it! Fast forward to 2021, I had a trip planned to the Maldives and decided what better city to visit again, than Dubai! During my second visit, I was able to spend 4 glamourous nights in this multifaceted city! Keep reading as I will be sharing my ultimate Dubai travel guide!

Want to read about my first trip to Dubai? Check it out here!

---

What to Expect in Dubai

Language: While Arabic is the official language, English is the language of business and is spoken by most in Dubai.

Voltage: Dubai is 220V/ 50HZ,  and G is most standard outlet type. 

Currency: Dirham (Dhs). While most places accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to carry cash.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Dubai weather wise, is between November-March because the temperatures will be cooler. However, this is peak season so expect a ton of tourists and more expensive room rates. If you visit during the Summer, you can find some great hotel deals but the extreme heat might make it difficult to explore the city.

Climate: Summers are extremely hot in Dubai. Daytime temperatures are sometimes over 106 degrees while nights rarely fall below the 80’s. Winters are much more comfortable with temperatures between 60-75 degrees.

Dress Code: It can get very hot in Dubai, but you should be aware of keeping your clothes more on the conservative side. Be sure to pack light layers with a few long sleeve shirts and pants. The only places you must dress modestly are the mosques.

Tipping: Tipping in Dubai is not generally expected, but it is always greatly appreciated. It’s common to leave a 10-15% tip for waitstaff. At hotels, a 5-10 AED for the bellboys and 5-10 AED per night for the maids is common. For Taxi’s, a 5-10 AED or round up the fare.

Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is allowed and is readily served in licensed hotels, hotel bars and restaurants. You cannot, however, purchase alcohol from stores and supermarkets as you need a special license for that. It is highly illegal to drink or be drunk in public and the crime is punishable by up to 6 months in jail, plus fines.

Affection: Public displays of affection, like hand holding are okay in certain places, but anything more than that is not acceptable. Use discretion and air on the side of caution.

Weekends: In the United Arab Emirates, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. Friday is a holy day, which most people have off,  so some business hours may be different. Sunday is a regular weekday.

Hotel Rules: It is against the law to share a room with the opposite sex if you are not married, in some hotels. It shouldn’t be an issues, but make sure to check with your hotel ahead of time. They may ask for passports or marriage certificates as proof.

---

What to Wear

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an Islamic country and modesty is both appreciated and, in some places, required. The local culture is made up of expats, from all different parts of the world. Here are a few suggestions on what to wear in Dubai:

HEAD SCARFS Only required when entering a mosque.

SHOULDERS AND KNEES Men and women are asked to cover their shoulders and knees in public places. Shopping malls and mosques have more strict dress codes, so it’s best to dress modestly.

PACK A SHAWL Carrying a shawl in you bag is a good idea. Some of the places have a stricter dress code than other areas in the city. If your outfit is inappropriate, you may be asked to cover up.

SWIMWEAR Beach and pool wear including shorts and cover ups are acceptable at hotel pool areas, the beach, and waterparks.

SHIRTS Sheer tops where some or all of your under garments are visible is inappropriate . Plunging necklines with cleavage showing are also not recommended.

DRESSES Maxi dresses or Midi dresses I find to be perfect in Dubai. They cover your knees and are airy and flowy. If they’re sleeveless, you can always add a shawl or light jacket.

FASHION Dubai is a very fashionable and modern city. Traditional Dubai clothing is modest, classic and beautiful, and modern versions can also be high-fashion. You can look fashionable while still showing respect for the culture.

I did notice many tourists not abiding by the modesty rule at all. I always try and show respect to the culture of whatever country I’m visiting, and it’s also important for me to be a good representation of my own country.

---

How to get to Dubai

We traveled from the United States and choose Emirates Airline. We had never flown Emirates airline, but were SO excited to fly a luxury airline. At the time of our flight, Emirates did not offer direct flights from Miami to Dubai, however at this time, they do offer direct flights. Our flights at the time of our trip were as follows:

Departing Flights:

MIAMI/MIA -> NYC/JFK (nonstop) = 3 hours

NYC/JFK -> DUBAI/DXB (nonstop) =14 hours 

Return Flights:

DUBAI/DXB -> NYC/JFK (nonstop) = 14 hours

NYC/JFK -> MIAMI/MIA (nonstop) = 3 hours

---

How to Get Around Dubai

Taxis: Taxis are a popular and cheap option in Dubai. Just be careful to avoid any scams. Never get into a taxi that does not have a meter or the driver tries to use a phone app as a meter.

Uber: I used Uber in Dubai and found it to be great. Every vehicle was spacious and considered a luxury vehicle. Uber is always the best option, in my opinion, because it’s easy and you don’t have to deal with money. You just get in and get out and that’s it! You also don’t have to worry about being scammed.

Public Transportation: The metro is also an option if you’re on a budget. Click here for an interactive map and here for more information on the metro system including tickets.

Boats: A lot of attractions in Dubai are on or near the water so there are water ferries and taxis that run at 10 A.M., 12 P.M. and 5:30 P.M. You can also take a ride on a traditional “Abra” boat down Dubai Creek or through Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

---

Where to Stay

Dubai is a big and bustling city, however if you do your research and have a look at its layout, deciding where to stay will become much easier. I would choose a hotel that is close or central to the majority of attractions and things you plan to do/see during your visit. During my first visit to Dubai, I stayed at the Dubai Renaissance Hotel. Its the perfect hotel if you want to be downtown. During our second visit, we stayed at Five Palm Jumeriah Beach. This is the perfect hotel if you want beach access and views of the Dubai skyline.

Dubai Renaissance Hotel

Whether you are in Dubai for business, pleasure or both, the Dubai Renaissance Hotel is complete with an outdoor pool and Six Senses Spa. The breakfast buffet, is LEGIT! If you’re looking for a great downtown location, this is it! You are close enough to walk to the Dubai Mall. Rooms are very spacious and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Downtown Dubai skyline and the iconic Dubai Water Canal. The hotel features several restaurants, including Mami Umami, Bleu Blanc, BASTA and an amazing speakeasy called Poppy!

Five Palm Jumeriah Beach

Five Palm is set along a beach on the Palm Jumeirah man-made archipelago, this swanky hotel offering balconies for all rooms. If you upgrade to a suite you will enjoy your own private pool and hot tub. My favorite part of the hotel is the vibe. There are 3 chic restaurants, 2 cafes, a nightclub and 3 bars. Other amenities consist of a luxe spa, a gym and 3 outdoor pools, plus a private beach area. If you’re looking for a beautiful and lively hotel, this is it!

---

What to Do

GO TO THE TOP OF BURJ KHALIFA

Get an unforgettable view from the top of the world! You can’t visit Dubai without going to the planet’s tallest skyscraper.

DUBAI MARINA

Visiting the Dubai Marina you will find yourself, surrounded by skyscrapers reflected upon the water, with white yachts dotting the promenade and a wide array of places to eat at. We had a nice time strolling around the marina area and enjoyed the view.

VISIT LA MER

La Mer is one of the newest hot spots in Dubai. Whether you want to spend a day at the beach, stroll the beachfront, chill at one of the restaurants, or just check out the street art – La Mer is a beautiful place and should be on every Dubai itinerary – whether you visit as a family, friends, as a couple or by yourself.

THE VIEW AT THE PALM

Check out this stunning new observation deck. 240 metres above the Palm Jumeirah, located on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, you can enjoy 360 degree views of Dubai. Click here to book your visit.

SKYDIVING

There is no better view than Palm Jumeriah when you are falling out of an airplane from 12,500 feet above the ground.

DUBAI MALL

Malls in Dubai are on a whole different level, and typically when you visit a city for the first time you’re not really set on going to the mall, but Dubai Mall not your typical mall. It’s hard to comprehend just how massive it is with over 1,300 and over 200 restaurants. There is also a world-class aquarium & underwater zoo, VR park, and ice skating rink. You’ll be spending at least a few hours in there, and you’ll find that every floor offers a different array of stores. After all, it’s one of the largest malls in the world.

TAKE A YACHT OUT AT SUNSET

Take a yacht out to watch the sunset over the city while you’re out on the water. Put on some music and soak in all the vibes! We booked a tour with Elite Pearl Yachts, which I highly recommend if you want to spend a few hours out at sea. They were very professional and allow you to bring food or drinks on board. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, they will decorate the boat for you and provide a cake.

VISIT ATLANTIS

Get lost in an entire world at the Atlantis. This luxury resort offers amazing activities including the Aquaventure Waterpark, Dolphin Adventure, Ultimate Aquarium Dive and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. We decided to go to the Lost Chambers Aquarium and explored the hotel grounds after. Lost Chambers is smaller than the Dubai Aquarium, however I found it to be much less crowded. The aquarium had an array of different sea life and was a nice way to spend an hour.

DESERT SAFARI

Experience Dubai through an adventure in the middle of the golden dunes of Dubai, enjoying camel rides, henna paintings and shishas. The complete addition to your authentic Arabian experience. I highly recommend a desert safari during your visit to Dubai. If you’re looking for a more traditional experience in a vintage 1950’s Land Rover, check out the exact company I chose during my first visit here.

WATCH THE DUBAI FOUNTAINS

The Dubai fountain is one of the popular sights in Dubai. I would compare it to the Bellagio Fountain show in Las Vegas, but on steroids! I’d recommend to watch the fountain show in the evening when everything is illuminated. From 6 pm the fountains are dancing every 30 minutes to another song with a different choreography – very impressive and dramatic!

MADINAT JUMEIRAH

Madinat Jumeirah is known to many as the “Little Venice” of Dubai, and this was one of my favorite areas. It is an Arabian architectural masterpiece with a modern twist on a traditional Arabic market. We spent some of the afternoon here, exploring the shops, hotel grounds and venturing on a abra boat ride. This is the perfect place for a romantic meal, especially at night. There are over 50 restaurants and bars you can dine at during your visit.

GO TO A NIGHTCLUB/LOUNGE

Clubs are open from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. with prime time around 1:00 a.m. Be sure to dress to impress. One of our favorite places was The Penthouse at Five Palm. We went for sunset cocktails, left for dinner and came back after dinner. The views of the Dubai skyline are incredible. They have live resident & international DJ’s every night, this place is a haven to party, drink and dine.

HIT THE DUNES

If you’re looking to tour the desert with a little more adventure, I recommend a dune buggy experience with Explorer Tours. We loved being able to drive through the desert and over the sand dunes. Truly and unforgettable experience!

VISIT THE DUBAI CREEK HARBOUR BRIDGE

Dubai Creek Harbour is a brand-new development that is set to be bigger than the current Downtown Dubai. Set right on the Creek and next to a wildlife sanctuary, this area is gorgeous and it’s also the place I found these stunning golden arches. At the moment, there’s nothing on the internet about it—it’s still a lot of dirt and only the waterfront is developed.

RELAX AT THE FIVE PALM POOL/BEACH

Depending on where you’re staying, you might want to find a place with an epic pool or beach club. I loved the Five Palm Pool and Beach Club. Five Palm offers a gorgeous pool, loungers and beds at their main pool, as well as an infinity pool with a swim up bar on their private beach. Open daily from 9am ‘til sunset.

Sun Loungers Weekday (Sun-Wed) AED150 per person fully redeemable against food & drinks
Sun Loungers Weekend (Thurs-Sat) AED150 per person fully redeemable against food & drinks

VISIT BURJ AL ARAB

The Burj Al Arab is the only 7- star hotel in the world! Accessible only by private bridge or helicopter, it’s impossible to go inside unless you’re a guest, or have a reservation at one of their restaurants/bars.

VISIT BLUE WATERS ISLAND

Blue Waters Island is a vibrant lifestyle destination featuring distinctive residential, retail, hospitality, and entertainment options. Home to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, it is also a shopper’s paradise, housing unique retail and dining concepts.

DAY TRIP TO ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi is definitely making its mark on the tourist itinerary when visiting the UAE. Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Only 90 miles away from Dubai, Abu Dhabi is the perfect getaway and suitable for day trips from Dubai. If you are in Dubai for 4 days or more then you must head out on an Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai! Click here to find out how to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai.

---

Where to Eat and Drink

Dubai has established itself as a fabulous cosmopolitan city. Offering tourists a variety of authentic eating experiences and a true sense of the modern food scene in Dubai. The restaurant scene can seem overwhelming, but rest assured, I’ve got you covered. Below I have listed some of the best places to eat and/or drink when visiting Dubai.

• Ce La Vi
• Nammos Dubai
• KoKo Bay
• Zeta 77
• Lucky Fish
• Opso
• La Mezcaleria
• Mama Zonia
• Puerto 99
• The Flamingo Room
• Tulum
• Cinque
• Saya Cafe
• Deseo
• Paros
• Shimmers
• Drift Beach Club
• BASTA!

---

Shop My Dubai Look

---

If you enjoyed this post, please share on social media and/or comment below!