Dubai travel guide: A complete local’s guide to exploring the city

A towering oasis on the northern edge of the Arabian Peninsula and hugging the Persian Gulf, Dubai is an exemplary city known around the world for its rich heritage and warm hospitality. Often finding itself at the top of a list of places to visit, Dubai is visited by millions of leisure and business visitors every year. The city has everything that one would want from a holiday destination - white sand beaches, sweeping desert dunes, historical city quarters, some of the world’s largest shopping malls, exhilarating theme parks, a plethora of outdoor and adventure sports, magnificent skyscrapers, and much more.

Leaving the airport

🚇 Quickest way out of the Dubai International Airport is the Red Line Metro

Hop on a metro from either Terminal 1 or 2 of Dubai airport and you'll reach downtown Dubai in 20 minutes

🚖 Landing in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah? Hailing a cab is expensive but time-saving

Cabs from Abu Dhabi cost approximately AED 250 and take an hour and from Sharjah, it costs AED 60 and takes 15 minutes.

♀️🚖Cabs with pink rims are driven by female drivers

Ladies, if you're arriving late, keep an eye out for cabs with pink rims. Driven by females, only women and children are allowed inside these cabs. Plus the cost is lesser than normal taxis.

🚍 If you're leaving the airport via bus, remember to purchase the nol card

Buses in Dubai DO NOT accept cash. You'll have to purchase a nol card (easily available in the airport), top it up with cash, and use it to pay for your bus ride.

What to pack?

Dubai is not as conservative as you think

As long as you're dressed modestly for the occasion, you're good to go. For example, crop tops and tanks are okay in private resorts and beaches but not in malls or restaurants. Note, transparent materials that show your inner-wear are a strict no-no.
💡As a rule of thumb, follow the covered upper body (till knees) rule wherever you go.

Linens and cotton are best recommended

UAE is hot and humid throughout the year, except from November to February. Especially when you're doing on a desert safari tour these breathable fabrics make your experience a whole lot better.

The dress code in nightclubs is stricter for men than women

Men are required to wear trousers and closed shoes compulsorily when visiting nightclubs and fine-dine restaurants. Women on the other hand can comfortably don sandals and dresses.
💡When visiting mosques, men are required to cover their knees and shoulders. Women are required to cover their hair, but there is no need to cover the face.

Bikinis and/or Burkinis work just fine

You can wear super shorts, tanks, swimsuits, bikinis or burkinis on beaches and swimming pools across UAE. However, you cannot enter shops and restaurants (even the ones on the beach) in your swimwear. Drape a sarong and you're good to go!

Stay in style

🏨 The best area to stay is around Downtown Dubai

The all-glitzy Downtown Dubai is the best place to stay in Dubai for short-term travelers. Everything is conveniently located nearby and you can skip spending half your vacation in Dubai's infamous traffic. Not to forget, most hotels in this area tend to have a pretty great view of the Burj Khalifa.

Best of

• Sightseeing: Downtown Dubai
• Beach: Jumeirah
• Business: Dubai Business Bay
• Budget Stays: Deira
• Historical Relevance: Bastakiya

Quirky hotels in Dubai

Getting around in Dubai

Get a nol card even before you land in Dubai

You can buy it online, from the Dubai Airport or any metro station around Dubai. Use this card to hop onto buses, trams, taxis, water buses (abra taxi), and Dubai metro. If you're renting a car, you'll need the nol card to pay for your parking.

Download the RTA Dubai & S'Hail or Careem app for hassle-free commutes

The RTA app comes in handy if you want to know the timings of any public mode of transport. The S'Hail app (on-call taxi app) is the most economical option while Careem and Uber have similar fares.

Planning to self-drive? Keep these in mind

There are a few important things you must keep in mind while driving in Dubai, the most important one being that the driver sits on the right side as opposed to the left in most countries.

• You must have a local driving permit or an international driving permit in Dubai. Your national driving license is not considered legal. If found without a license, you can be arrested for a maximum of 6 months or fined up to AED 6000.
• While you are allowed to drive at 18 years in Dubai, you will need to be 21 years+ to rent a car in Dubai.
• In cities, the maximum speed is 60 km/h, while in the countryside — 100 km/h. Do not exceed the speed limit.
• Maintain lane discipline. Fast-moving vehicles stick to the left lane and slow-moving vehicles are required to stick to the right lane.
• Do not try to bribe policemen in UAE. You will be arrested.
• All parking lots in Dubai are paid (AED 2 per hour). Fines for illegal parking range from AED 200 to AED 1,000

Data & connectivity

Du vs Etisalat

Your options are thankfully limited to 2 network service providers in UAE. Pick any and you'll be good. Etisalat has better coverage across UAE, especially in remote desert areas. Du however has sufficient coverage across all of Dubai and urban UAE.

There's also Virgin Mobile which is usually the preferred network for prepaid users due to extremely flexible plans and pricing.

Download either Botim, Totok, Zoom or Google Meet for video calls

Censorship restrictions in UAE don't allow you to make video calls from apps like Skype, Facetime, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat. Instead, you can use Totok, Zoom, or Google Meet. Botim is best preferred among locals.

VPN Laws in Dubai are scary

Changing the VPN for illegitimate reasons in UAE can lead to severe punishment and even deportment. VPN users can face fines ranging between AED 500,000 and AED 2 million if caught for “using a false IP address or a third-party address by any other means for the purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery”. So whether you are trying to access a restricted or blocked site, or downloading copyrighted material, you are risking a hefty fine.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp calls are blocked in the UAE.

In case of emergencies while on holiday in the UAE, call:

• 999 for Police
• 998 for Ambulance
• 997 for Fire Department
• 996 for Coastguard
• +971 800 4438 for tourist security issues
• +971 800 342 for the Dubai Health Authority
• +971 600 545 555 for consumer-related concerns

Headout Dubai itineraries

The best of Dubai in a week 👇🏼

Day 1

• The View at the Palm: Start your visit with epic aerial views of Dubai.
• Atlantis & Aquaventure Park: Spend an afternoon with spills and thrills at one of the best waterparks in the city
• Inside Burj Al Arab: Discover the ‘home of luxury’ with a 90-minute tour, accompanied by a dedicated butler.

Day 2

• Sunrise at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: Start your day early and enjoy a sunrise with flamingos, herons, sandpipers, osprey, and many other colorful species of birds.
• Dubai Desert Safari: Spend your day in the golden deserts of Dubai and enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, tanourah shows, and whatnot!

Day 3

• Museum of the Future: Step into the year 2071 and re-imagine the future through themes of space, humanity, and wellness. This is touted to be the world’s most beautiful building and we whole heartedly agree!
• ARTE MUSEUM DUBAI: Spend your evening discovering art in the most unique qay possible in this museum using special effects, sounds, lights, and more!

Day 4

• Sunrise at Burj Khalifa: Catch a sunrise from the tallest building in the world and pair it with a breakfast from the world-class Atmosphere restaurant.
• Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain Show: Spend the rest of your day at the Dubai Mall and shop till you drop. Check the Dubai Fountain Show schedule in advance and watch the show either for free from the mall or on an abra on Burj Lake.
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Inside Dubai Mall, the world's largest suspended aquarium has a whole underwater world that deserves to be explored.

Day 5

• Dubai Parks and Resorts or IMG World Adventure: Spend your day at any theme park of your choice. If you're visiting with kids, we'd recommend Dubai Parks & Resorts.
• Dubai Opera and/or La Perle by Franco Dragone: End your day with a spot of live entertainment. Catch the famous La Perle show or any of the operas running at Dubai Opera House.

Day 6

• Sheikh Zayed Mosque: Set off early in the morning on a day trip to Abu Dhabi and start your expedition at the grand and serene Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: Next, spend 3-4 hours walking the many galleries at Louvre and reveling in the beauty of ancient sculptures & modern paintings from around the world.
• Ferrari World: There's no leaving Abu Dhabi without riding the world's fastest roller coaster.

Day 7

• Al Fahidi Historical District & Dubai Souqs: Spend your last day in Dubai strolling the streets of old Dubai. Visit the many souqs, take an abra ride, relish a plate of Machboos and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this part of Dubai.
• Dubai Global Village: Hop on a bus and make your way to Global Village, cultures, cuisines & adventures of the world meet and exhibit their personas. Pick up souvenirs before you head back home from here.

Reasons you can get arrested/fined in Dubai

1. Cross-dressing can land you in jail with heavy fines levied.
2. Drinking in public is not allowed and neither is being drunk in public.
3. Possession of any kind of drugs can land you in jail for your entire life or deportation. Being caught in possession of poppy seeds is a serious violation of the law and results in a jail sentence.
4. Don't carry pork or any pig produce into the country. It is strictly banned if you are carrying it via illegal means.
5. Public display of affection is frowned upon and can land you in trouble.
6. Hurling obscenities in public is completely prohibited in the UAE, with the use of the F-word being a crime. Swearing is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine as high as AED 10,000 dirhams.
7. Flashing your middle finger is considered an “indecent gesture” that breaches “a victim’s pride, privacy and/or modesty” and will result in deportation.
8. Eating and drinking are completely banned on all forms of public transport (metros, buses, and trams). Your wallet will be AED 100 lighter if caught.
9. Criticising Islam or the ruling families is punishable by law.
10. Raising money for charitable causes must first be approved by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD); else it breaches UAE’s charity laws. You can be imprisoned, fined between 250,000 and 500,000 dirhams or deported.
11. Taking pictures of road accidents can set you back between AES 50,000 and AED 3 million dirhams and leave you at risk of deportation. The same applies to aviation accidents.
12. Drunk driving in Dubai is a serious offense, and offenders can be put in jail or even be deported. For visitors who want to rent a car while in this Emirate, it’s important not to even sip on some wine if they wish to drive.

Money saving hacks to save you big Dirhams

Download the right apps

Some of the apps that aggregate discounts across the city are Headout, Cabone, The Entertainer, Smiles, Picodi, and VoucherSkout.

Binge on street food

Certain pockets in the city like Bur Dubai, Deira, Satwa, and Al Quoz are awash with local eateries and street food joints that will fill your tummy without burning a hole in your wallet.

Headout's Combo Steal Deals

Headout has bundled top experiences in the city at a steal price that allows you to save big bucks while enjoying the best of Dubai. Here are our top recommended combo deals:

• Combo: Burj Khalifa with Coffee at the Café + IMG World of Adventures
• Combo: Burj Khalifa + Coffee at the Café + Dubai Frame Tickets
• Combo: IMG Worlds of Adventure + View at the Palm Tickets
• Combo: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld Combo Tickets

Skip the taxis and use the metro

To keep your transport costs low, pick accommodation near one of the metro stations. If you're moving between emirates, buses are an economical mode of transport. A bus ticket from Dubai to Sharjah will cost you AED 7, while buses to Abu Dhabi come at AED 25.

Pepper your itinerary with free attractions

Contrary to popular belief, there's much to do in Dubai that won't cost you a penny. Here's a complete list of fun free things to do in Dubai. Also, check out the free events in the city.

Save on accommodation

The closer you are to beaches, malls or other attractions, the more you pay. The older parts of the city like Deira, Bur Dubai, and Karama have more affordable accommodation.

Skip the booze

Drinking in Dubai is expensive. Outside the happy hours and all-you-can-eat brunches, drinking in Dubai can burn a hole in your pocket real quick. If you're planning a budget trip, go easy on the drinking.

Grocery shopping hacks

Rack the bottom shelves of supermarkets and grocery stores because that's where all the generic items/brands are usually placed. These generic versions are cheaper than the famous big brands that we all know and taste the same. This is most common in stores like Carrefour and Lulu.

Summer travel

Dubai's peak travel season is between October to March when the weather is at its breezy best. Since summer is off-season, you'll get great deals on hotels, lower airfares, and discounts at top malls and attractions. Summer is also the time for the year's second-biggest shopping festival, Dubai Summer Surprises that is usually held during July and August (expect sales of up to 90% off!).

Recover VAT at the airport

Keep all your shopping and food bills to get a VAT refund before you leave the country.

Everything you must do in Dubai

Firming up your itinerary? We've got you covered on everything you must do in Dubai and all that can be skipped.

If you had to choose from among the 'touristy attractions' in Dubai, here's what you should make it to the must-see list!

Indoor themeparks in Dubai

Love adventure? We have some hair-raising fun ideas

Drop 13,000 feet from Palm Jumeirah

If you're a true daredevil, Skydive Dubai is for you. Freefall over 120 miles per hour above one of the most photographed spots in Dubai – the Palm Jumeirah island. A tandem jump 13,000 feet above ground will surely be one of your most memorable jumps.
💡 Here's everything you must know before you spend AED 2300.

Flyboarding is FUN

Rocket above the waters of Jumeirah Beach on a board, as water propels from the jets in your feet. Get to new heights and strike a pose with the backdrop of Burj Al Arab and turquoise waters around you. It's a real skill, so have fun mastering it over your half-hour flyboard session.

Snowboard in a desert? Hell yes!

Who says you can't ski and snowboard in a desert? At Ski Dubai, the world’s largest indoor ski slopes you can sign up for snowboarding or skiing classes! If you just want to enjoy a few hours hurling snowballs at each other, you can do that too. Prices start from AED 220.

Zipline to your heart's fill

If you like ziplining, Dubai has you spoilt for choice. Be it the world's longest zipline at Jebel Jais or the world's longest urban zipline at Xline Dubai Marina, choose your pick and soar high above the skies.
💡 Grab your Jebel Jais Zipline tickets.

Scuba at Dive Dubai

The world's deepest swimming pool for diving is (obviously) in Dubai and you can dive to depths of 60m, which is 15 meters deeper and four times bigger than any other diving pool in the world. This massive pool also features a sunken city that divers from all levels can explore featuring an abandoned streetscape, an apartment, garage, arcade, and much more. Prices start from AED 1800.

Offbeat things to do

Watch horse racing at Meydan Stables

There are very few places where horse racing can be experienced for free, and Dubai is one of them! For more than 5 months of the year, horseracing events take place at the Meydan Racecourse and culminate in the richest race day in the world, i.e. the Dubai World Cup. While the World Cup tickets are not free, you can visit Meydan racecourse on other days and watch horse racing for absolutely free. The free admission area gives access to a limited section within the Meydan Grandstand, boasting excellent views.

Go on a glorious Seawings ride

A thrilling take off that might have you clutching your seats will eventually end in the seaplane gradually soaring thousand feet above, with you loosening your tight clutch and widening your eyes; in all possible directions. Enjoy aerial views of the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Downtown Dubai, The World islands, Burj Khalifa, Port Rashid and The Creek on your Seawings Dubai tour for 20 glorious minutes and enjoy a skillful landing back on the water marking the end of a memorable flight. Grab your Seawings Dubai tickets here.

Snowboard in a desert? Hell yes!

Who says you can't ski and snowboard in a desert? At Ski Dubai, the world’s largest indoor ski slopes you can sign up for snowboarding or skiing classes! If you just want to enjoy a few hours hurling snowballs at each other, you can do that too. Prices start from AED 220.

Wander the buried village of Al Madam

On a golden strip of desert, 37 miles from Dubai stands the desolate ghost village of Al Madam, lost in sand and engulfed by the dunes. 2 rows of colorful houses with rusty iron gates and an old mosque at the end, there is something poetic yet eerie in the sand speckled breeze here. The settlement is believed to have been built in the 1970s or ’80s and inhabited by the local Al Kutbi tribe. Today this lost hamlet is referred to as the “old village,” “ghost village,” or “buried village” of Al Madam. Not a soul remains to tell its story, but Al Madam is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for thrill-seeking emiratis.

Relish a cup of gold ice-cream

At Scoopi Cafe, enjoy a cup of Dubai's most expensive ice cream dessert for a whopping AED 2900! The dessert is a sundae made with vanilla bean ice cream from Madagascar, saffron from Iran, rare black truffles from Italy and 23-carat gold flakes and powder.

Sunrise at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. This wetland reserve is home to many migratory birds like the grey heron, flamingoes, cormorant, osprey, and black-winged stilts, among others. There are 3 bird hides in the sanctuary, free for the public from 9.00am to 4.00pm except on Fridays. A visit to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife sanctuary also features salt flats, intertidal mudflats, mangroves, and lagoons - adding to the beauty of the birds flocking in their natural habitat.

Picnic at the Love Lakes in Al Qudra

Located in the middle of an arid desert, Al Qudra has a lake and lush green area, ideal for barbequing, camping, cycling, bird watching a whole host of things that bring you close to nature, and away from the hustle of Dubai. You can find a spot you like anywhere, pitch a tent and spend a night under the starlit sky. There are fire pits and washrooms, an added luxury in the wild.

The Love Lakes at Al Qudra is also a nearby spot, considered one of the top romantic spots in the city. The two giant lakes take the shape of intertwining hearts and trees planted around spells out the word 'love'. The fauna here is diverse - from ducks, flamingoes, eagles, swans, and falcons, among many other birds. The flora is awe-inspiring too, with a vibrant collection of flowers, plants, and trees including red begonia, hundreds of thousands of shrub varieties plus over 16000 trees comprising side, olives and plenty of desert staple ghaf.

Go Camel Racing at Al Marmoom

Deep in the desert sands of Dubai, the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track is a modern day version of the old tradition of camel racing. Watch 60 camels flood from the gates, legs flying in all directions, making their way as fast as they can down the track. Make sure to carry binoculars for a good view from the grandstands. Entry and parking are free at the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track.

Click away at the Al Awir plane crash

An abandoned Russian cargo aeroplane sits beside the Barracuda Beach Resort in Umm Al Quwain. It’s in tatters, with an engine missing, paint scratched off and wheels deep in the sand. It makes for a fun photo op for your IG and Snapchat feed, but apart from that it's nothing to write home about it.

Al Qasimi Palace, the haunted palace in Ras Al Khaimah

The Al Qasimi Palace was built around 32 years ago and cost Dh500 million. Legend has it that on the first day after people moved in, strange happenings occurred that drove them away literally the next day. Walk in and see if you find things eery.

The Beehive cemetery tombs in Al Ain

The remains of an ancient cemetery were discovered a decade ago in Al Ain, that date back to 3000 BC. Find a network of 500 ancient graves, in different dome-shaped tombs, that lie at the bottom of Jebel Hafeet. A little eerie but very cool!

Meander the boardwalks at Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail Mangrove Park is the first self-contained educational, nature and leisure destination of its kind in Abu Dhabi. Explore a haven of marine species native to Abu Dhabi - birds, mangroves, fishes, crabs and more. Head here for an evening walk and watch the sun set behind the mangroves.

Visit the Grand Canyon of the UAE, Wadi Bih

Wadi Bih is a deep ravine and from the tip of this wadi you get you some of the best views of the UAE. You can choose to go hiking, mountain biking or overnight camping and wander about the infamous deserted villages of RAK, other smaller wadi areas and chance upon some unexpected amount of natural greenery in the desert.

Here's how you can make Dubai memorable for your little ones

Finding ways to keep your little ones entertained is no child's play. Here are a few experiences we recommend for kids aged 5 to 15 years. Adults love these too!

Culture Vultures, this one is for you

For a taste of real Dubai culture, here are a few things you must add to your itinerary:

Historic museums, galleries & all things artsy

Like gallery hopping and museum wandering? Dubai has many hidden gems that will pique your interest. Pepper your itinerary with these museums & galleries for a taste of real Dubai culture.

LIT live entertainment in town!

La Perle

La Perle is a magical 90-minute show featuring a cast of 65 artists from across 23 countries, directed by Franco Dragone, who previously received critical acclamation for his works with Cirque du Soleil. Watch as dancers dive from terrifying heights, fly across the stage and maybe even join the audience. Book your La Perle tickets in advance to make sure you don’t miss out on the best seats in the house.

Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera is an unmissable attraction if you’re into the performing arts. Book your tickets in advance, dress to impress, and head down to the ‘creative heart of the city’ for an evening to remember.
Click here for 'Top running shows at Dubai Opera'.

Hot & happening neighbourhoods

These neighborhoods are forever hot and happening!

Whether you like beaches, local culture, modern art, or culinary adventures there are exclusive neighborhoods in Dubai that cater to each of your tastes. Here are a few that deserve your time:

In addition: Bastakiya Quarter

The Bastakiya Quarter, also known as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is an increasingly popular tourist trap in the city, yet, extremely beautiful and hard to skip. Here's how you can make the most of your time here:

✅ Do

• Take an abra ride to get to the Bastakiya Quarter.
• On your way from the abra dock to Baskakiya, visit the Dubai Museum. Entry costs AED 3.
• The XVA Gallery & Majlis Gallery acquaints you to Arab artists. Hop in if you like art.
• The SIKKA Art Fair which takes place here every March is worth your time.
• Have a bedouin meal at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for AED 154 per person. It's quite a spread and an experience of a kind.
• Visit the Coffee Museum if you're a coffee aficionado.

❌ Don't

• Arabian Tea House is hyped. Take a few pics for the 'gram, but the food here is mediocre and overpriced.
• Everything sold in the Bastakiya Quarter is priced 3x what it is priced on the other side of the creek. Don't pick souvenirs from here.
• On Fridays and Saturdays, most of the museums and societies are closed during the afternoons. Visit on a weekday to spend quality time here.
• Skip the Coins Museum, unless you're a numismatist.
• There are no public washrooms here. If nature calls, hop into one of the cafes to use their restrooms.

Beyond Dubai - Exploring the other Emirates

UAE has a total of seven emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah. Take a couple of day trips from Dubai and explore what the rest of UAE has to offer. We strongly suggest visiting Abu Dhabi & Sharjah for a day each, even if you can't squeeze in the other emirates into your itinerary.

Shopaholic's guide to Dubai

If you had to choose one mall to visit, let it be Dubai Mall

Dubai has about 65 malls and it's physically IMPOSSIBLE for you to get to a fraction of them. Instead, spend your time at Dubai Mall. It has literally everything under one roof. Plus, it's close to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Aquarium too! It is also the world's biggest mall, so you might want to wear shoes if you're planning to walk the length of it.

Get your souks right

There are four famous souqs in Dubai:

• Gold Souk
• Spice Souk
• Perfume Souk
• Textile Souk (aka Meena Bazaar)

If you had to pick one souk to visit and explore some traditional shopping in Dubai, head to the perfume souk. As the aroma of Oudh wafts around you, you'll be transported to the yesteryears of Bedouin villages in Dubai.

Dubai Shopping Festival lives up to its hype

Locally known as DSF, visiting Dubai around this "shopping festival" is an experience in itself. Find heavily slashed prices and offers & deals on pretty much everything. The raffles that take place during DSF have exciting and expensive prizes, so go on and add your name and send a prayer to lady luck!

Here's everything you need to know about Dubai Shopping Festival.

There's no leaving Dubai without visiting Global Village

The ultimate destination for shopping, food, entertainment, and a taste of worldly culture - Global Village tops our list for shopping in Dubai. Shopping aside, there's also a funfair with thrilling rides, lots of cultural performances (check the website for show timings and make sure to catch one), an abundance of local delicacies, and much more. Keep aside a whole day to make the most of Global Village.

Here's our quick guide to all that you must do at Global Village.

Find the best bargains at Dragon Mart

This mall in Bur Dubai is one of the largest trading centers for Chinese products outside mainland China. Browse through 4,000 shops selling household appliances and furniture to textiles, clothes, home decor, and shoes. Everything is cheap and easy on the wallet too

Nine unique souvenirs that should make it to your bag back home

Taking over Dubai with your tastebuds

If you're planning to eat your way through Dubai, here are a few insider tips:

Have the city's best Knafeh at Firas Sweets

Knafeh is an oozy syrupy cheese pie covered in shredded phyllo dough and soaked in sugar syrup, typically layered with lots of cheese. Originally from Palestine, this pastry dish has become a firm favorite with locals. Firas Sweets is the top-rated Knafeh spot in the city.
Hot tip: They have several locations in the UAE, but the one on 2 of December Street and the Al Barsha location are the ones we recommend.

In Dubai, we brunch on Fridays

Unlike most cities, where Sunday brunches are the norm, in Dubai, you'll find special brunches on Friday afternoons. In fact, if you want to eat as the locals do, then experiencing a Friday brunch is quintessential.
Find all your Friday brunch options here.

Emirati thoroughfare = Al Fanar

Al Fanar serves simple rustic food that typifies Bedouin cooking. It is easily the closest thing one could get to taste what a home-cooked Emirati rice and dish meal is like. Our top picks from the menu: machboos deyay, shaari samak (a type of fish) and saloona laham.

Lazy to step out for a meal? Order in from Talabat, Zomato or Deliveroo

UAE has a great bunch of food delivery apps that charge a nominal fee to deliver food to your doorstep. While Talabat is top-rated, Zomato, Deliveroo, and Careem Now are equally good options.

Your hunt for the best Shawarma in town ends here

Al Mallah is a humble joint since the late ‘70s and to date, there's an ongoing debate whether their chicken or lamb shawarma is the winner. We say, order them both! Their punchy garlic sauce, tender meat, and fluffy bread is a glorious combination and will have you coming back for more.
Find outlets in Al Seef, Satwa, and Ibn Battuta.

During Ramadan refrain from eating or drinking in public.

If you are visiting Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat or drink in public. You cannot even snack in your car or even chew gum in public. You can, however, eat in the comfort of your hotel room or restaurants where they have screened off the eating area for guests to eat without being noticed. Children and pregnant women are allowed to eat in public, however, it's best to abstain from public dining from dusk to dawn.

Nightlife in Dubai is LIT

Contrary to popular belief, Dubai is awash with world-class bars and stylish watering dens. Here are our top 15 picks for an epic night out in Dubai.

💡 Find the latest nightclub events in the city here.

Dine in the clouds? YES!

Dubai has no dearth of offbeat dining options. Here are our top suggestions:

Festivals, public holidays & annual events in UAE

Enjoy a taste of Emirati culture by attending these festivals

UAE National Day

This day marks the anniversary of the UAE’s formal independence from the UK and the union of the country’s seven emirates. Locals take to the streets in the colors of the national flag, with a wide range of celebrations including dance shows, concerts, and more.
Date: December 2nd (every year)

Al Dhafra

At the Al Dhafra Festival in Abu Dhabi, get a fascinating gaze into true Emirati culture and witness many traditional activities such as animal husbandry, falconry, and horse racing. This year’s festival will be spread across many areas beyond the main event in Al Dhafra and there’s a whopping AED 110 million in prize money up for grabs!
Date: October to January (every year)

Al Marmoon Heritage Festival

An annual event that returns every spring, the Al Marmoon Heritage Festival is the perfect place to experience khaleeji culture, camel racing, and much more. Explore handicrafts, local cuisines, wedding setups, and live music to get a first-hand glimpse of the Emirati lifestyle.
Date: TBA (typically in March)

Al Gaffal Dhow Race

This race has been taking place annually since 1991, established to honor the nation's maritime heritage. Many Emirati families trace their roots to the pearl trade with ancestors who were divers, dhow captains, or pearl merchants. Spectators can watch the crisp white sails from anywhere onshore near Burj Al Arab, or get up close and personal with the race action aboard one of the ferries specially chartered for the event.
Date: TBA (typically in March)

Take note of these public holidays in 2024

• 1 January (Saturday): New Year’s Day
• 20 - 23 April (Thursday through Sunday): Eid al-Fitr holidays
• 27 June (Tuesday): Arafat Day
• 28 - 30 June (Wednesday to Friday): Eid al-Adha holidays
• 19 July (Saturday): Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
• 27 September (Wednesday): Prophet Muhammad’s birthday
• 1 December (Friday): Commemoration Day
• 2 - 3 December (Saturday/Sunday): National Day

Other Dubai guides to check out

Make the most of your time in this fascinating, multifaceted city that deserves a lot more than a stopover with Headout Experiences. Check out our top Dubai deals & offers that will come in handy on your trip. Our detailed Dubai blogs will help you plan your vacation like a pro! 💜

• First Timer's Dubai Travel Guide
• What Is The Best Time To Visit Dubai?
• 10 Ideas For A 10 Hour Layover In Dubai
• Your Comprehensive Guide To Dubai Airport Transfers
• 14 Absolutely Free Things to do in Dubai