Dubai

Travel Guide

Dubai
Photo provided by Image courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Photo provided by Image courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Photo provided by Image courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Photo provided by Image courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

In less than 25 years, Dubai has skyrocketed. It has developed from an unknown fishing village into one of the most dynamic and exciting cities on earth. The city has grown at a dizzying pace: 40 years ago, there were no high-rises. Today, there are gigantic man-made islands in the shape of palm trees that are visible from space you'll even find the first seven-star hotel and the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. Discover this great Arab metropolis, where one lives according to the motto "if you can dream it, we can build it."

Dubai is one of the seven United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is controlled by an ambitious royal dynasty. Dubai owes its phenomenal growth to the vision of this family. With the discovery of oil reserves in the 1960’s, this simple fishing village soon become a powerful financial centre and a major transportation hub in the region. When the oil began to flow less freely, the city focused on tourism and banking.

Dubai is now a paradise for shoppers. Look for bargains in the dazzling glare of the Gold Souk, or shop till you drop in the Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world. Here you will find more than 1,000 stores, an aquarium and an indoor theme park.

Dubai offers attractions that stand in stark contrast to the arid environment. Admire the world's largest dancing fountain or grab your skis and hit the slopes on real snow at Ski Dubai.

Of course, Dubai has more to offer than just luxury created by man. Relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the nature of the wetlands and discover the magical desert environment in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Due to the fantastic climate throughout the year Dubai is a great destination. If you don’t like temperatures above 40 degrees, it is best to visit Dubai during the winter and spring months.

Dubai has excellent public transport with more than 50 bus routes, water taxis and a metro system. For those who prefer to drive, the car rental companies have a generous offer. Book a trip to Dubai with Expedia today!

Where to stay in Dubai

Dubai Mall which includes shopping and interior views

Downtown Dubai

4.5/5(168 area reviews)

Dubai Mall and KidZania are top sights in Downtown Dubai, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Dubai Trolley Station 1 Tram Station or Dubai Trolley Station 2 Tram Station to see more sights in the area.

Downtown Dubai
Aquaventure showing rides and a waterpark

Palm Jumeirah

4.5/5(427 area reviews)

Travellers love Palm Jumeirah for its stunning beaches, and you can see more of Dubai by jumping on the metro at Nakheel Mall Station or The Pointe Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Palm Jumeirah Mall and Aquaventure.

Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Marina showing a city, skyline and a marina

Dubai Marina

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Dubai Marina. Check out top attractions like Marina Beach and Dubai Marina Mall, and jump on the metro at Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 Tram Stop or Jumeirah Beach Residence 2 Tram Station to see more of the city.

Dubai Marina
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Jumeirah Beach Residence

4.5/5(551 area reviews)

A bustling marina amazing beaches and top sights from Marina Beach to The Walk – discover Jumeirah Beach Residence, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Jumeirah Beach Residence
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Business Bay

If you're spending time in Business Bay, you might enjoy attractions like Dubai Water Canal and Godolphin's Al Quoz Stables. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Business Bay Station to see more of the city.

Business Bay
Gold Souk which includes signage, a city and central business district

Deira

4/5(330 area reviews)

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Deira. Check out top attractions like Gold Souk and Fish Roundabout, and jump on the metro at Abu Baker Al Siddique Station or Salah Al Din Station to see more of the city.

Deira
Millennium Place Marina

Millennium Place Marina

4 out of 5
Al Marsa Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai
The price is RM696 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
RM696
RM869 total
1 Dec - 2 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,248 reviews)
Fabulous hotel located near to the Dubai Marina and the DMCC metro stop which is super convenient for those all important sightseeing trips. We booked a club room which are on the higher floors and give you access to the Nest social room, here you can enjoy complimentary food and drinks. The rooms ...

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2025

Millennium Place Marina
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront

5 out of 5
Al Abraaj Street, Business Bay, Dubai
The price is RM728 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
RM728
RM914 total
1 Dec - 2 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,164 reviews)
Best location, excellent staff, loved the hotel. Area is developing further so you will hear some construction sound late night.

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront
Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

4 out of 5
Airport Road, Casablanca Street, Al Garhoud, Dubai
The price is RM535 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
RM535
RM672 total
1 Dec - 2 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
Airport shuttle was great

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2025

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Business Bay Apartments

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Business Bay Apartments

6B Marasi Drive, Dubai, DU
Stay at this aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (201 reviews)
Appartment was really good and clean and well managed. There was lack of communication with staff.Service was not really good but rest everything was perfect

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Business Bay Apartments
Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites

Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites

5 out of 5
P.O. Box 502624, Dubai Media City, TECOM, Dubai
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (481 reviews)
We stayed only for one night prior to departing Dubai. It was a great option.

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites
Emirates Grand Hotel

Emirates Grand Hotel

Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centr, Dubai
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dubai Mall and Dubai Cruise Terminal ...
5.8/10 (556 reviews)
Horrible horrible awful place steer well clear

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

Emirates Grand Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Dubai

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1514
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
624
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
111
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Food is incredible and so is the customer service. Walking around is not the average mode of transport, so expect to take taxis or rent a car. Everything is very spread out but there is a lot to see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Dubai is my favourite place to go to. It offers everything from cosmopolitan city to a relaxing day by the pool.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

one of my favourite destinations, cant wait to come back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

An interesting city with some impressive sights which are well managed. Our stay was a few days in transit but managed to see some main sights. Ideal for a short break.

5/5 - Excellent

Dee

Amazing place, it’s safe and clean with a lot to do