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Voykit pocket guide · United Arab Emirates
Dubai
دبي
Dubai is an air-conditioning city: go outdoors before 10:00 and after 17:00, spend the hot hours in a mall, museum or café, use the metro or a taxi between clusters, and follow the local rules on dress, alcohol and behaviour.
Dubai's sights are far apart: Downtown, the old Creek and the Marina are 25 to 45 minutes from each other, and every outdoor stretch is either a heat problem or a traffic problem. The trips that go wrong put two clusters in one morning, walk between towers at noon in summer, or arrive without knowing the rules on alcohol, dress and public behaviour. Four clusters cover a first visit; each needs its own half day, and the desert and Abu Dhabi are separate car days.
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Local name
- دبي
- Best months
- Jan · Feb · Mar · Nov · Dec
- Time zone
- Asia/Dubai
- Stay
- 2 days: Downtown + Burj Khalifa, Al Fahidi + Creek
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- AED
- Money
- Cards and phone pay work almost everywhere, including taxis, malls and most canteens. Keep AED 100 in small notes for abras, souk stalls and tips. Withdraw at bank ATMs inside malls.
- Daily spend
- Budget AED 150–300 excl. bed · Mid AED 300–700 excl. bed · High AED 700+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Buy an eSIM before you fly, or a tourist SIM from du or e& at the airport arrivals hall. WhatsApp and FaceTime calls are restricted; messages and data work.
- Emergency
- Police 999 · Ambulance 998 · Fire 997 · Dubai Police non-emergency 901
- Plugs
- 230 V, 50 Hz; UK-style three-pin sockets (type G) with some European two-pin outlets. Bring a UK adapter.
- Tipping
- 10–15% in a restaurant only if a service charge is not already on the bill; many add 10% service and 5% VAT. Round up a taxi fare; AED 5–10 for hotel porters.
- Water
- Tap water is treated and safe, but most visitors drink bottled or filtered water. Hotels supply free bottles.
- Toilets
- Malls, metro stations, cafés and hotels; mosque and public toilets are clean but bring tissues. Most malls also have family rooms.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Karak tea | AED 2–6 |
| Shawarma wrap | AED 8–18 |
| Coffee in a café | AED 18–30 |
| Canteen lunch | AED 15–45 |
| Mid-range restaurant main | AED 60–130 |
| Metro ride | AED 3–8 |
| Abra crossing | about AED 1 |
| Taxi across town | AED 30–65 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- DXB to your hotel: one taxi or ride-hail car, 20–45 minutes at any hour; the Red Line metro is a cheaper day option, but it is not the plan with bags or after midnight.
By rail and road
| Station | Serves | To the centre |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai International (DXB) (مطار دبي الدولي) | Emirates hub and most long-haul flights | Red Line metro or taxi 15–30 min |
| Al Maktoum International (DWC) (مطار آل مكتوم) | Some low-cost and cargo flights | Taxi about 40–60 min (AED 120–180) |
| Al Ghubaiba and Union bus stations (محطة الغبيبة) | Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain buses | Metro Green Line |
| Sharjah and Abu Dhabi roads (E11 and E311) | Road links to other emirates | Car, taxi or intercity bus |
Typical fares
- DXB → Downtown, taxi
- AED 55–85, 15–30 min; 45 min at rush hour
- DXB → Downtown, metro Red Line
- About AED 6–8, 30–40 min; Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station
- Downtown → Al Fahidi, metro
- About AED 5–8, 20–30 min (check)
- Abra across the Creek
- About AED 1, 10 min
Show 8 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Eat, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Walk inside a cluster (only at dawn or dusk in the warm months), metro or taxi between clusters, abra for the Creek and tram for the Marina.
| How | Fare | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Free | Inside Al Fahidi, Downtown malls and the Marina |
| Metro (Red and Green lines) | AED 3–8 (silver Nol) | Airport, Downtown, Bur Dubai, Deira, Marina |
| Dubai Tram | AED 3–7.5 (check) | Marina, JBR and Palm links |
| Taxi and ride-hail | Base AED 5–12 plus about AED 2 a km | Door to door, late night, between clusters |
| Abra (Creek water taxi) | about AED 1 | Bur Dubai to the Deira souks |
| Public bus | AED 3–7 by zones | Coast and suburban routes |
| Water bus and water taxi | About AED 5–50 (check) | Marina, Creek and Al Seef |
| Hop-on hop-off bus | AED 250–350 (check) | First look at Old and New Dubai |
Fares are estimates; check before you ride.
- Passes
- A Nol card pays back after two or three metro rides in a day; a taxi is faster for door-to-door between Downtown and the Marina.
- Late at night
- The metro runs from about 05:00 to midnight, later on Thursday and Friday nights, and starts later on Friday morning (verify on the RTA site); taxis and ride-hailing run all night.The metro runs from about 5:00 AM to midnight, later on Thursday and Friday nights, and starts later on Friday morning (verify on the RTA site); taxis and ride-hailing run all night.
See and do
01Burj Khalifa observation deckبرج خليفة
The world's tallest building; book a clear-morning or sunset slot.
Hours: best Morning or sunset slot · Price: AED 170–350 · Time: 1.5 h · 25.1972, 55.2744
02Dubai Fountain showنافورة دبي
Free evening water show at the foot of the tower.
Hours: best After sunset · Price: Free · Time: 20 min · 25.1954, 55.2751
03Al Fahidi lanesحي الفهيدي التاريخي
The best-kept old Dubai: wind towers and courtyard cafés.
Hours: best Before 10:30 · Price: Free · Time: 1–1.5 hHours: best Before 10:30 AM · Price: Free · Time: 1–1.5 h · 25.2637, 55.2972
04Abra across the Creekعبرة خور دبي
The cheapest and coolest boat ride in the city.
Hours: best Morning or 16:00+ · Price: about AED 1 · Time: 15 minHours: best Morning or 4:00 PM+ · Price: about AED 1 · Time: 15 min · 25.2648, 55.2967
05Gold and Spice Souksسوق الذهب
Covered lanes of gold, spices and perfume.
Hours: best After 16:30 · Price: Free · Time: 45–60 minHours: best After 4:30 PM · Price: Free · Time: 45–60 min · 25.2710, 55.2976
06Dubai Mallدبي مول
The air-conditioned hub of Downtown.
Hours: best Midday heat · Price: Free · Time: 2–3 h · 25.1985, 55.2796
07JBR beach and The Walkشاطئ جميرا بيتش ريزيدنس
Free public beach with cafés.
Hours: best Sunrise or 17:00+ · Price: Free · Time: 1–2 hHours: best Sunrise or 5:00 PM+ · Price: Free · Time: 1–2 h · 25.0775, 55.1330
08Dubai Marina Walkمارينا ووك
Yachts and towers at dusk.
Hours: best After 18:00 · Price: Free · Time: 45 minHours: best After 6:00 PM · Price: Free · Time: 45 min · 25.0805, 55.1385
09Desert evening with a small operator
Dunes, sunset and a camp dinner.
Hours: best Winter afternoons · Price: AED 150–350 · Time: 5–6 h
10Museum of the Future
A striking exhibition building with timed entry.
Hours: best Morning slots · Price: AED 145–175 (check) · Time: 2 h
Hours and prices are desk estimates (checked 2026-09); anything marked (check) is not confirmed. Coordinates open in any map app.
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi) | Car or bus about 1.5–2 h each way | Full day |
| Sharjah (Heritage Area, Museum of Islamic Civilization) | Car or bus 30–60 min | Half day |
| Desert evening (dunes, camp dinner) | Pick-up by 4x4 tour, about 45 min each way | 5–6 h |
| Hatta (mountains, dam, kayak) | Car about 1–1.5 h | Full day |
| Al Ain (oasis, Al Jahili Fort) | Car about 1.5–2 h | Full day |
Eat
| Where | What · area | Price | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bur Dubai and Meena Bazaar canteens | Thali or biryani · Bur Dubai | AED 15–45 | Budget |
| Deira shawarma counters and karak stops | Shawarma and karak · Deira | AED 8–30 | Budget |
| Bakery breakfast | Manakish and tea · Any neighbourhood | AED 8–20 (check) | Budget |
| Bur Dubai Iranian kebab houses | Kebab plate · Bur Dubai | AED 40–90 | Mid-range |
| Arabian Tea House | Emirati breakfast or lunch · Al Fahidi | AED 70–160 | Mid-range |
| Dubai Mall food courts and terrace cafés | Food court plate · Downtown | AED 40–90 | Mid-range |
| JBR Walk terrace cafés and beach grills | Breakfast or grill · JBR | AED 50–150 | Mid-range |
| Hotel brunch | Friday buffet · Downtown and the Marina | AED 300–700 (check) | Splurge |
| Fine dining | Tasting menu · DIFC and Downtown | AED 500+ (check) | Splurge |
Per person, one dish or one meal, 2026 estimate in AED. Addresses change: check.
Sleep
| Band | Price a night | Where | What |
|---|---|---|---|
| budget | AED 90–160 dorm bed · AED 250–400 double | Bur Dubai, Deira | Hostels, small hotels |
| mid | AED 450–900 | Downtown, Business Bay, Marina | 3–4 star hotels, serviced apartments |
| high | AED 1,200–3,000+ | Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Marina | 5-star and resort hotels |
| apartments | AED 350–900 | Marina, Downtown, JBR | Holiday-home apartments |
Per room per night in AED, 2026 estimate; December, January and event weekends cost 50–100% more; summer is cheaper.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello | مرحبا (marhaba)mar-ha-ba |
| Peace be upon you | السلام عليكمas-sa-laam a-lay-kum |
| Thank you | شكرا (shukran)shuk-ran |
| Please | من فضلك (min fadlak)min fad-lak |
| Yes / no | نعم / لا (naam / la)na-am / la |
| How much? | بكم؟ (bikam)bi-kam |
| Too expensive | غالي (ghali)gha-li |
| Please use the meter | شغل العداد (shaghil al-addad)sha-ghil al-ad-dad |
| Water | ماء (moya)moy-ya |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Dress: Cover shoulders and knees in malls, old quarters and mosques; swimwear on beaches and at pools only.
- Alcohol: Only in licensed venues; no public drinking; zero tolerance for drink-driving.
- Public behaviour: Avoid kissing and close contact; keep voices, language and gestures polite; do not photograph people or government buildings without asking.
- Ramadan: Do not eat, drink or smoke in public in daylight; many restaurants open late; be modest in dress and tone.
- Friday: Friday midday prayer pauses some shops; Friday brunch is a social event.
- Greetings: A handshake is usual among men; wait for a woman to offer her hand; use the right hand for food and greetings.
- Photos: Ask before photographing locals, especially women; no photos of military or government sites.
Red lines
- Alcohol only in licensed venues; never carry an open drink outside them.
- No kissing or close contact in public; keep language and gestures polite.
- Ask before photographing people; no photos of government buildings.
Scams and watch-outs
- Unmetered private cars at the airport and malls: use the official taxi rank or a ride-hailing app.
- Souk sellers who quote 'special price' for a gold or perfume item: ask for the weight, the karat and a written invoice.
- Desert safari and dhow cruise touts on the street: book an operator with written inclusions.
- Fake 'free gift' or 'lucky draw' offers in malls: a sales pitch for a time-share or a trip.
- Street currency changers and 'hotel taxi' add-ons: use bank ATMs or licensed exchange desks.
One and two days
1 day
A stopover. Skip: The Marina, the desert and Abu Dhabi: all are long rides.
- 08:308:30 AMAl Fahidi lanes and the tea house
- 10:3010:30 AMAbra across the Creek
- 11:0011:00 AMGold and Spice Souks
- 13:001:00 PMLunch and rest indoors
- 16:304:30 PMBurj Khalifa slot
- 19:307:30 PMDubai Fountain show
2 days
The usual short break. Skip: The desert and Abu Dhabi.
Day 1 — Downtown
- 10:0010:00 AMBurj Khalifa
- 12:3012:30 PMLunch in Dubai Mall
- 14:002:00 PMDubai Mall and aquarium window
- 19:007:00 PMDubai Fountain
Day 2 — Old Dubai
- 08:308:30 AMAl Fahidi and Arabian Tea House
- 10:3010:30 AMAbra crossing
- 16:304:30 PMGold and Spice Souks
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Visit Dubai (Department of Economy and Tourism): www.visitdubai.com/
- Roads and Transport Authority (Dubai): www.rta.ae/
- Wikivoyage — Dubai: en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Dubai
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Dubaiدبي
من فضلك خذني إلى هذا العنوان — show a map pin; English is widely understood.
Please take me to this address
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
Take me to
- برج خليفةBurj Khalifa observation decks
- نافورة دبيDubai Fountain
- حي الفهيدي التاريخيAl Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- عبرة خور دبيAbra crossing on Dubai Creek
- سوق الذهبGold Souk and Spice Souk
- دبي مولThe Dubai Mall
The US and UK consulates are in Dubai; the embassies are in Abu Dhabi. Write your consulate's 24-hour line below.
Use a ride-hailing app or the taxi rank with a meter; show a map pin for a destination, since street addresses are rarely used.
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/dubai). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.