How to Visit Dubai for the first Time
Do you plan to visit Dubai? It shouldn’t be surprising that Dubai has consistently ranked one of the most luxurious country in the world for tourists/visitors. Because of the convergence of the greatest man-made structures in the world, enormous shopping malls, the most expensive things, and even gold ATMs spread throughout the city and emirate, everyone is always left feeling “overwhelmed.” With all of these attractions, visiting Dubai is every traveler’s fantasy. Do not think that Dubai is exclusively accessible to the wealthy ones; all you need is a well-thought-out plan and a reasonable budget to visit this wealthy kingdom.
Being one of the seven United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Emirate of Dubai has the second-biggest area (4,114 km2) and the greatest population (almost 3 million). Dubai is a very innovative and dynamic country, creating values that make it the most luxurious and contemporary. Dubai has recently emerged as a worldwide metropolis that is the economic and cultural center of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. It has been expanding quickly to become a city on a global scale. Dubai’s fame and grandeur are increasingly overwhelming to tourists, who desire to visit this emirate just once.
When you visit Dubai, you will marvel at one of the tallest buildings in the world, the most luxurious and high-end hotels, exquisite restaurants at exorbitant prices, crowded malls and markets, and breathtaking beaches.
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When to visit Dubai?
Due to Dubai’s desert climate, it is extremely dry and hot there. The summer months are extremely hot, high humidity, windy, and dry. The average daily temperature in the summer is around 41 degrees Celsius, and at night is 30 degrees Celsius. Most days are sunny. The average daytime temperature in winter is 24 degrees Celsius, while the night is 14 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the weather is quite cool, even a little bit cold. Dubai’s winter, nevertheless, is short. August is the warmest month in Dubai, and January is the coldest.
From May to October: Due to the fact that the majority of the city is made up of desert, this is summer season in Dubai. the temperature is extremely hot.
From November to April next year: The greatest time to visit Dubai is during the winter. This time of year is ideal for sightseeing, taking ship trips, or having fun at amusement parks due to the excellent weather, cold air, and clear skies.
So what should I do and how can I plan the ideal first-time budget trip to visit Dubai? contact us for more information on how to get there, the best time to travel, where to stay, the best places to visit, and the top activities to do.
Although you can visit Dubai at any time of the year, November to April next year. Summer peak temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius, sometimes reaching 50 degrees Celsius, and are extremely hot during the months of June to August, so it is advisable not to visit Dubai during this period. Additionally, you should avoid going there during Ramadan because it is difficult for tourism and sightseeing activities.
How to travel to Dubai?
One of the world’s busiest air transit hubs is Dubai. You can choose to fly with airlines like Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Singapore, United, American, etc. to fly to Dubai depending on where you will be departing from.
If you are flying to Dubai, you will land at Al Maktoum International Airport or Dubai International Airport (DXB) (DWC). The main airport serving Dubai is Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. It is only 4 km from the southeast while Al Maktoum International Airport is 37 kilometers to the southwest of Dubai. Each terminal is connected by a shuttle service, and it takes tourists at least 20 minutes to travel from one terminal to the other. Currently, Al Maktoum International Airport just has one runway and one terminal. In the near future, the airport will be expanded to three terminals and five runways.
Getting around in Dubai
Water bus
This is an economical and popular way to travel from Deira to Bur Dubai and vice versa. Depending on the route you take, water bus fares range from 1 to 4 AED ($0.3 to USD 1.09).
Subway
In Dubai, this is one of the most popular and effective means of public transportation. With two lines (Red and Green), it holds the record in operation for the longest fully automated subway network world. Depending on the route and seat class you choose, a train ride can cost anything between $0.50 and $1.75.
Bus
Many tourists choose to travel by bus in order to save their travel costs. The cost is based on each route and is approximately USD 1.5 per person. These bus lines connect all of the city’s major landmarks and tourist attractions, making them very convenient for tourists. You should also be aware that men and women must sit separately when using public transportation like the bus, the subway, or other modes of transportation. Except on Fridays, when frequency is slightly low, each bus trip lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. In addition, there are Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tours available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, such as those provided by Big Bus or City Sightseeing Bus. These tours will take you to all the major attractions with a guide to visit must-see locations like the Dubai Museum, the ancient souks, the Burj Khalifa, the Mall of the Emirates, the Jumeirah Mosque, and more. For more information, go here.
Taxi
In Dubai, taxis are by far the most widely used means of transportation. Thousands of taxis are always parked on the city’s streets waiting to pick up passengers. There are several different types of taxis available in Dubai, including regular taxis, airport taxis, and female taxis (female driver and solely only female passenger).You can use the Red Nol Card for just one means of transportation and the Silver Nol Card for multiple modes to reduce your travel expenses. Each journey only costs roughly 3 AED ($0.82). These cards are acceptable on all public transportation, including the metro, bus, tram, and ferry.
Rent a car
Moving between attractions is a problem because of the hot climate. Therefore, renting a car will allow you to save more time and energy. You can rent a Ferrari or a Lamborghini supercar if you have a huge budget and want to fantasize for a while that you are a desert billionaire. However, in order to utilize this service, you must have an international driver’s license and be familiar with Dubai’s traffic laws. It is advised to avoid selecting this option if you do not meet these requirements. It is more practical to use a taxi instead.
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What to do and where to go when you visit Dubai?
The most impressive man-made structures in Dubai
The Burj Khalifa
Currently the tallest structure in the world, Burj Khalifa has 163 floors and a height of 828 meters (830 meters at the tip). featuring many of the city’s best restaurants, 2 observation decks, a Las Vegas inspired fountain, and 9 luxury hotels. When traveling to Dubai or perhaps the entire UAE, this piece of modern architecture must be the number one place when you visit Dubai
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and they are always open 24 hours.
Dubai Fountain
With a length of 275 meters, an 83,000 liter water capacity, and 6,000 LED lights, the water music performances are lively and satisfying. You may be in awe, but this fountain has the power of a jet engine, and the water that sprays from its nozzles can reach as high as 153 meters. Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates and they are open 24 hours
Burj Al Arab
In addition to having numerous skyscrapers and modern automatic subway system, Dubai also “overwhelms” the world by being home to the only 7-star hotel in the world. Another iconic sail-shaped structure in Dubai. This location is known as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world despite being just approximately about a third of the height of Burj Khalifa at 321 meters. Everyone is awed by the lavish interiors of this 7-star hotel, which are luxurious and magnificent. Really, only emperors and the super rich can afford the rooms inside Burj Al Arab.
Deep Dive Dubai
United Arab Emirates'(UAE) Dubai is the most luxurious and richest country in the world . Famous for having the tallest and most unique architecture in the world. Now that the city has the deepest swimming pool in the world—Deep Dive Dubai—it make the whole world to be in awe.
The swimming pool is located in a shell-shaped building with a depth of 60 m and a surface area of up to 1,500 m2. They use up to 14 million liters of fresh water to fill the capacity of this massive structure, and the depth of the swimming pool is even more than the height of a 15- storey building.
During you visit Dubai, this swimming pool will help satisfy your curiosity if you’re the type of person who enjoys mysteries and is constantly learning about the mysterious Atlantis civilisation that existed under water.
If you enjoy scuba diving, Deep Dive Dubai is a location you should not miss. You will undoubtedly be surprised by the games and miniatures setup. Your loved ones can connect with each other especially when you dive inside, play table tennis, billiards, and chess underwater, as well as read books quietly while underwater.
Jumeirah Mosque
Due to the majority of Dubai people being Muslims, Islamic culture has a big impact on their daily lives. There are numerous beautiful mosques that were built here, but the Jumeirah Mosque, which was built in 1979, is the most prominent Islamic structure to mention.
When viewed from a distance, you can see the mosque’s magnificent huge dome rising high in the midst of the two towers, which not only can accommodate up to 1,200 people, but also impresses with exquisite and beautiful architecture. You can visit this mosque six times each week; it is the only one in Dubai that is open to non-religious tourists.
Address: Jumeirah 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Dubai Museum
This exquisite Dubai museum, which is the oldest building in Dubai and is located in Fort Al Fahidi, was built in 1787. This stunning architecture, which the ruler of Dubai rebuilt in 1971 and then renovated in 1995, is the home of the city’s heritage and many important historical events. The museum’s primary goal is to demonstrate the traditional lifestyle in the emirate of Dubai. It will take you across numerous examples of ancient Arab nomadic life or fishing, pearl farming, and metallurgy.
Address: Al Fahidi Fort – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates.
Dubai Dolphinarium – Dolphin & Seal Show
Dubai takes you to a number of expensive, luxurious places that are necessary for exciting activities. The Dubai Dolphinarium spectacular dolphin and seal show is definitely the most impressive experience you can think of. Additionally, you can interact with them by feeding or swimming with dolphins.
Address: Riyadh Street, Inside the Creek Park Gate 1 – Dubai Dolphinarium Building – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Area: 5,000 m²
Hours: 10AM–7:30PM/Sunday: Closed
Desert Safari
The one unique aspect of the journey to discover Dubai is that tourists will have the chance to go on a Desert Safari in special vehicles, take a camel ride through the desert, go sledding on the sand, and enjoy sunset. Visitors can also take part in numerous unique activities, like henna painting and photography with Arabian costumes, as well as enjoy BBQ parties and traditional belly dance performances at night
What and where to eat when you visit?
This Arab emirate brings together the most luxurious restaurants and cuisines from all over the world. Here are some of the must-try local foods when you visit Dubai.
Dates
Dates have become specialties of Dubai; they have a sweet flavor, fragrant, and are very nutrient-rich. They are widely available in markets and stores in different varieties: dried and marinated. You can immediately enjoy it or buy it as a present for a loved one. When you visit Dubai, one of the must-try foods is dates, which have a sweet but not overpowering flavor. The Middle Eastern fruit of “love” is thought to be dates.
Manousheh (Dubai pizza)
This is a pizza made in the style of Dubai that is famous among both locals and enjoyed by tourists. The ingredients include wheat, olive oil, Za’atar herbs, salty Akkawi cheese, and other spices. Manousheh is best when eaten with fried eggs and vegetables. It is offered by restaurants and street food vendors.
Luxury Ice Cream
When it comes to must-try Dubai treats, tourists will be overwhelmed to see gilded ice cream, the most expensive ice cream in the entire world, on this list. The cream is coated in a layer of delicious 24 carat gold leaf, and the dish is created using precious ingredients including Iranian saffron, Madagascar vanilla, and Italian truffles. When you discover that each ice cream costs roughly 900 USD, you will faint.
Luqaimat (Crunchy Sweet Dumplings)
It has a rounded form like to a fried doughnut hole, is topped with sesame seeds, and is served with sauce. Even though Luqaimat is a simple meal, it is a highly known street food in Dubai. It is produced with dough and other ingredients, including milk, butter, saffron, and cardamom. The crust is fluffy, crunchy, and appetizing after being fried.
Local Bites Cafe (Address: Jumeira Rd, Dubai 33959 United Arab Emirates) in Jumeirah is a good place to try this dish with some hot coffee.
Samboosa (Samosa)
These hot pastry appetizers, like many other UAE dishes, are influenced by the tastes and cooking methods of Arabian Sea, India. A samosa is a fried or baked pastry filled with savory ingredients such spicy potatoes, onions, peas, beef and other meats, or lentils. The most popular consumed local version, however, is stuffed with three different kinds of cheese.
Where to eat when you visit Dubai?
You’ll want to return to try the savory and sweet dishes again because they are all fantastic. These Dubai eateries are a must-visit.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
The menu here is impressive and covers everything from meat and rice to desserts, snacks, and even breakfast. It’s one of the few traditional restaurants in Dubai.
Address: Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall, Near P.F.Chang’s, Canal Walk – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 9AM–10PM
Bu Qtair
This restaurant actually started as a roadside stand along the coast and then developed into an in-house eatery while maintaining a local style. The South Indian-style marinating and deep-frying of the seafood dishes results in a truly irresistible taste.
Address: Old 32B Street, Fishing Harbour 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 11:30AM–11:30PM/Friday: 1–11:30PM
Al Ustad Special Kebab
This is a well-known local restaurant in Dubai, and each day, many people come here to eat. The restaurant specializes in Iranian food and is most known for its delicious kebabs. The yogurt-marinated kebab is a local favorite, and practically all of the side dishes that go with it are outstanding. It is unquestionably a meat lover’s paradise.
Address: Near Al Fahidi Metro Station – Al Mussallah Rd – Al Hamriya – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Hours: 12PM–1AM/Friday: 6PM–1AM
Where to stay when you visit Dubai?
Although it is known for having some of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in the world, you may still find cheap hotels there. The best choice is to stay in one of the following four areas: Downtown Dubai (near the Burj Khalifa tower), Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach, or The Palm Jumeirah. These places are the easiest to access and offer convenient shopping as well as easy access to famous attractions.
- Atlantis, The Palm, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $528/night
- FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $466/night
- Address Sky View, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $282/night
- Taj Dubai, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $152/night
- Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $328/night
- Five Jumeirah Village Dubai, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $147/night. (Check rates Booking.com).
Are you looking for how to plan your trip to Dubai: including tours, activities, attractions and other things? Contact us to plan your next trip
