Discover
Dubai
Quick facts
- Country: United Arab Emirates
- Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates — one of the real routes we help travelers book flights to.
Country
United Arab Emirates
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
History
Dubai began as a small fishing, pearling and trading settlement on the creek that still splits the city today, ruled by the Al Maktoum family since 1833. Its position on trade routes between Europe, Africa and Asia made it a regional trading port long before oil was discovered offshore in 1966. Dubai's own oil reserves turned out to be modest compared to its neighbors, so the government invested the revenue into diversifying the economy instead — expanding Jebel Ali Port and its free zone, growing Dubai International Airport, and building up tourism, aviation, real estate and finance. That strategy turned Dubai from a regional trading post into one of the world's most visited cities within a few decades.
Top Sites to Visit
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building at 828 metres, with observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors.
The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest shopping malls, home to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and the Dubai Fountain show on the lake outside.
Palm Jumeirah
A man-made, palm-shaped island home to hotels, residences and beach clubs.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Dubai's oldest residential area, with traditional wind-tower architecture, art galleries and the Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort.
Dubai Creek and the Gold & Spice Souks
The waterway that gave Dubai its start as a trading port, still crossed by traditional abra boats, with the Gold Souk and Spice Souk along its banks in Deira.
Burj Al Arab
One of the world's tallest hotels, built on its own artificial island off Jumeirah Beach.
Museum of the Future
A landmark torus-shaped building on Sheikh Zayed Road exploring future technology and innovation.
Activities
Ride the observation deck elevator up Burj Khalifa for sunset views
Take a desert safari with dune bashing, a camel ride and a Bedouin-style camp dinner
Cross Dubai Creek by traditional abra boat between Bur Dubai and Deira
Watch the Dubai Fountain show outside The Dubai Mall
Ski or snowboard indoors at Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates
Walk the wind-tower lanes of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Spend a day at Jumeirah Beach or Kite Beach
Conferences & Sporting Events
Dubai World Cup — next running Saturday 27 March 2027
The world's richest horse race, held annually at Meydan Racecourse, usually the last Saturday in March. The 2027 edition marks its 30th anniversary with a $30.5 million purse.
GITEX Global — next running 7–11 December 2026
One of the world's largest technology and startup exhibitions, running since 1981. The 2026 edition opens with the GITEX Scale Summit at Dubai World Trade Centre (7 Dec), then moves the main expo to Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai (8–11 Dec) — its first time there after decades solely at DWTC.
Travel Tips
The weekend in the UAE is Saturday–Sunday with a half-day Friday, changed by federal decree from 1 January 2022 — different from the traditional Friday–Saturday weekend still used elsewhere in the Gulf.
Dress modestly in public places and religious sites — shoulders and knees covered is a safe default.
Alcohol is only served in licensed venues (hotels, bars, some restaurants) — not sold or consumed in public.
The Dubai Metro is a cheap, efficient way to get around — pay with a rechargeable Nol card.
Taxis are metered, plentiful and generally reliable.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours is restricted, and some restaurants adjust their hours.
How you'll pay
Card via Stripe
Card or mobile money via DPO
Card or mobile money via Pesapal