Dubai Travel Guide

• Flight time from the UK: The average direct flight time from London is 7 hours 5 minutes with direct flights from regional airports also available
• Currency: Dirham (AED) 
• Language: Arabic but many people speak English 
• Time difference: Dubai is 4 hours ahead of the UK 
• Visas: Upon arrival in Dubai, British travellers will receive a free of charge tourist visa. This is valid for 30 days. You don’t need to do anything before you travel.

When should you be booking those flights to Dubai for? Although the city is a year-round destination it does, of course, have a high and low season. We have a full guide on the best time to visit Dubai but we’ve featured a quick round-up below. 

• Winter (November to February) = High Season 
• Summer (July and August) = Low Season 

November to February is considered the best time to visit, making it the ideal destination for some winter sun. Temperatures are a pleasant 25°C in November with highs of 30°C while in February you may witness highs of 24°C.

You’ll want to pack lightweight clothing for your holiday in Dubai, linen and cotton will be perfect.

Don’t forget your swimwear. This can, of course, be worn at the pool or beach but you’ll need to take something like a sarong or shorts and a t-shirt that can be used to cover up when you go for lunch.

Strappy tops, short skirts and dresses or shorts can be packed but you’ll only be able to wear these in your chosen resort. 

Women, especially, must dress modestly outside of their accommodation. So make sure you have a short or long-sleeved t-shirt and shorts or skirts that are least knee-length or a pair of lightweight trousers. Tops of arms and legs should be covered. If you want to visit a mosque while you are in Dubai, then you’ll need to be covered from your shoulders to your ankles and women will need to cover their hair, too. 

It’s also useful to have a shawl, as this can be wrapped around your waist or used to cover your shoulders and chest, if necessary. Plus, it’ll be useful when stepping into air-conditioned buildings which feel great at first but can get chilly over time.  

You’ll also be grateful for a lightweight jacket, jumper or cardigan to wear in the evenings if you are in Dubai during the winter months. 

If you are planning a desert safari, we recommend packing a comfortable pair of shoes. But also bear in mind that many restaurants in the city have a smart casual dress code, so it’s a good idea to take something a little dressier for the evening. 

You’ll definitely need a high factor sun cream, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months and be sure to apply it regularly. Sunglasses and a sun hat are also necessities.

While you can easily discover much of Dubai on foot, there is plenty of public transport to help you move quickly and easily around the city and between attractions. 

From the metro to traditional dhow boats that are an experience in themselves, you’ll find a variety of ways to get around Dubai Learn more about getting around the city in our dedicated guide.

Here are a few of the top attractions and things to do that you definitely won’t want to miss while you are in the city:

The Burj Khalifa: You simply can’t miss the Burj Khalifa while you are in Dubai and you definitely won’t be able to – at over 828 metres with 160 stories, it’s the tallest building in the world. Admire it from the outside first and then head up to the observation decks. These are on the 124th and 148th floors and offer spectacular views across the city.

The Dubai Mall: Dubai is known for its shopping malls where as well as enjoying some retail therapy you can also visit a number of attractions. It’s home to the largest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall which houses the largest suspended tank at the aquarium. Alternatively, head to the Mall of the Emirates, where you’ll forget your in the desert as you take to the ski slopes.

IMG World of Adventures: This indoor theme park caters to both youngsters and adults alike making it a great attraction for the whole family. It’s split into different adventure zones including Marvel, Lost Valley and Cartoon Network. Little ones will love coming face to face with Spiderman while adults can experience the thrill of The Velociraptor – a roller coaster which reaches speeds of more than 60mph in just over 2 seconds. 

The Souks: If you want a more traditional way to shop, then the best place to pick up a souvenir of your time in the city is at the souks which have been around for more than 100 years. They can be found alongside the Dubai Creek and the three main ones are the Perfume, Spice and Gold Souks. 

Desert Safari: Leave the bright lights and hustle and bustle of the city behind and head out into the desert. Admire the landscape during a 4X4 drive over the dunes or while riding a camel. You could be here for sunrise, sunset or even stay overnight, enjoying a BBQ meal and live shows 

Want to find out more about Dubai before you visit? Check out our guides and discover everything you need to know before you go: 

• When is the best time to visit Dubai? 
• Dubai local law, customs and culture 
• Getting around Dubai 
• Shopping in Dubai 
• Best food and drink in Dubai 
• Best Dubai attractions, activity and things to do

If you are ready to book your trip and see this luxurious city with your own eyes then you can check out our hotels and flights here.