Flights to Dubai

Dubai travel tips

The jewel of Dubai

Dazzling Dubai in the United Arab Emirates rises like a jewel in the desert. This is the place to indulge in high-end shopping excursions, stunning contemporary architecture and a night life scene second to none.

Dubai's main attractions and tips

Dubai enjoys a subtropical climate making it a year round travel destination. With summer temperatures reaching up to 45° C, most travellers from cooler climates prefer to arrive between October and April when temperatures are more moderate, within the 25°- 35° C range. The 2nd of December is National Day, a major holiday. Islamic holidays are celebrated in Dubai, and the dates will vary from year to year. The most important of these is Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fasting ritual that is held during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is best to book early for trips during the peak season of September till May.

What you need to know before you travel

Travellers with Indian passports will need a visa to enter the UAE, with Indian passports no longer accepted since November 24th, 2015. The type of visa required depends on the length and reason for the visit. It is a good idea to check that any routine vaccinations and booster shots are up to date before travelling. Travellers should consult the Islamic calendar before travelling. Friday is a rest day and many shops and businesses will be closed. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in public during daylight hours. There are restrictions on the consumption of alcohol at any time that travellers should be aware of. In terms of general costs, Dubai is much more expensive than India; you can expect to pay in the area of 30 AED for a very basic meal.

Arriving in Dubai and finding accommodation

On arrival at the airport, there are various options for travel to the city. The red line Metro stops at Terminals 1 and 3 every 10 minutes. The green line Metro stops at the Airport Free Zone which is near Terminal 2. Both the lines run from Saturday until Thursday from 6am to 11pm and Fridays from 1pm till midnight. Bus lines 4, 11, 15, 33 and 44 stop at all of the Terminals between the hours of 6am and 10pm. While Dubai is an expensive city, budget accommodation is available in hostels starting at about 100 AED for dorm room accommodations. Single hotel rooms cost around AED 800.

Most frequent connection from Dubai
Airport
Alternative routes to United Arab Emirates