Dubai is well-connected by air, rail, and road. You can reach Dubai by flight to the nearest airport, by train to the main railway station, or by bus from major cities. Check our travel guide for detailed directions and transportation options.

What are the top places to visit in Dubai?

Dubai offers numerous attractions including historical monuments, temples, natural sites, and cultural landmarks. Explore our comprehensive guide to discover the best places to visit, local food recommendations, and must-see attractions in Dubai.

About Dubai

Q: What is Dubai famous for?

Dubai is famous for Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, on the Persian Gulf coast and about three to four hours by air from most Indian metros. Burj Kh... Explore our guide to learn more about the culture, history, and unique experiences Dubai has to offer.

Dubai

Overview

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, on the Persian Gulf coast and about three to four hours by air from most Indian metros. Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, rises over Downtown Dubai beside The Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain. The older side of the city runs along Dubai Creek, where wooden abras cross between the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai and the gold and spice souks of Deira. Beaches line Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, and desert safaris head out to the dunes beyond the city.

Best Time to Visit Dubai

Plan your trip around the right season

Nov-MarBest Window

Why visit

Warm days and cooler evenings suit beaches, desert safaris and walks along the Creek. The Dubai Shopping Festival usually runs from mid December into January.

Keep in mind

Peak season. Hotel rates and flight fares from India rise around Christmas, New Year and school holidays, so book early.

Nov-MarBest Window

Why visit

Warm days and cooler evenings suit beaches, desert safaris and walks along the Creek. The Dubai Shopping Festival usually runs from mid December into January.

Keep in mind

Peak season. Hotel rates and flight fares from India rise around Christmas, New Year and school holidays, so book early.

Apr-May

Why visit

Hotel rates start to fall after winter, and early mornings and evenings are still fine for sightseeing.

Keep in mind

Heat builds quickly, with afternoon highs often near 40°C by May. Desert and beach plans work best early in the day.

Jun-Sep

Why visit

The lowest hotel rates of the year, with malls, indoor attractions and Dubai Summer Surprises sales keeping the city busy.

Keep in mind

Daytime highs regularly pass 40°C with high humidity, so time outdoors is limited to early mornings and late evenings.

Oct

Why visit

The heat eases through the month and Global Village usually opens for its season in October.

Keep in mind

Days can still be hot, often in the mid 30s°C, especially early in the month.

How to Reach Dubai

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has direct flights from most major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Kolkata, on airlines such as Emirates, flydubai, Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo. Flights take about 3 hours 15 minutes from Mumbai and about 3.5 to 4 hours from Delhi. Dubai runs 1 hour 30 minutes behind India time. Most Indian passport holders need a UAE visit visa arranged before travel, usually through their airline, a licensed travel agent or a sponsor living in the UAE. Indians with an ordinary passport valid for at least six months who also hold a valid US visa or green card, or a UK or EU residence visa, can get a visa on arrival for up to 14 days, extendable once. Rules change often, so confirm with your airline or the UAE immigration authorities before you fly.

Getting Around Dubai

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

Dubai Metro's Red Line stops at Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 and runs along Sheikh Zayed Road past Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates towards Dubai Marina. The Green Line serves Deira and Bur Dubai, including the Gold Souq. Pay with a Nol card or ticket, which also works on buses, the tram and water buses. Taxis and app cabs such as Careem and Uber fill the gaps, and abras cross Dubai Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira for a small fare.

Best Areas to Stay in Dubai

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Downtown Dubai

A first visit close to the big sights

Around Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain, with the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station on the Red Line.

Bur Dubai and Al Karama

Budget stays and Indian food

Older neighbourhoods near Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi, with many Indian restaurants, mid range hotels and metro stations close by.

Deira

Souks and quick airport transfers

Across the Creek from Bur Dubai, near the Gold Souq and Spice Souq and a short drive from the airport.

Dubai Marina and JBR

Beach time and evenings out

High rise hotels around the marina and along the beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence, with the tram and Red Line nearby.