Think your most extraordinary holiday destination is out of reach? Dubai may just surprise you. Gold-plated everything, police driving Lamborghinis, and indoor skiing in the desert—Dubai reads like a sci-fi dream, yet it's all real. But is Dubai just hype dressed up in sparkle, or does it actually deliver an experience worth your time and money? That’s the question travelers keep asking as this Middle Eastern city grows wilder and more ambitious every year.
What Makes Dubai So Unique?
Forget everything you assume about traditional Middle Eastern destinations. Dubai is a place where you can eat Russian caviar while floating above the city in a hot air balloon, then slide down a snowy slope at an indoor ski park, before riding camels over real sand dunes as the sun sets. This city’s energy is absolutely wild—like Las Vegas and Singapore had a baby who’s obsessed with gold and making headlines.
The skyline pops out of the Arabian sands: The Burj Khalifa towers so high you’ll get a mini neck cramp just looking up. You feel the scale everywhere, whether you’re standing under the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab or wandering in Dubai Mall, which is not just massive but also home to a full-sized aquarium (with sharks!). Malls aren’t just for shopping—they’re the city’s hangout spots, ice rinks and all.
But the real kicker? The city pulls off ultra-modern living while still holding onto some authentic Arabian roots. Get lost in Old Dubai’s spice souks, crammed with the smell of cardamom and cinnamon. Or take a cheap boat ride across Dubai Creek in a tiny abra, watching traders haul sacks of rice. The mash-up of tech, tradition, and insane ambition is what gives Dubai its unique vibe.
And if you love numbers, over 16 million tourists visited Dubai in 2023—an all-time high, making it the fourth most visited city on earth. So if you feel like everyone’s talking about Dubai, you’re absolutely right.
The Best and Boldest of Dubai Attractions in 2025
So, what exactly should you do in Dubai? Here’s where it gets juicy. You can tick off a ridiculous bucket list in this city. You can swim atop the skyline in rooftop infinity pools, dine at celebrity chef restaurants, and literally shop until you drop (then recharge at a spa with 24k gold facials—yes, those exist).
- Burj Khalifa: Head 148 floors up to the world’s highest observation deck. If you’re not fazed by heights, go for sunset.
- Dubai Mall: With over 1,200 stores, you’ll find underwater sharks, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and the famous Dubai Fountain show every evening.
- Palm Jumeirah: Check out Atlantis The Palm resort (you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the waterpark or restaurants).
- Desert Safari: Jump into a jeep for dune bashing, then try sandboarding, camel rides, and finish with a BBQ under the stars.
- Museum of the Future: The newest must-see, it’s an architectural wonder with interactive displays about tech and what’s next for humanity.
- Jumeirah Beach: For some sun and sea, most city hotels offer free shuttles.
But it’s not all modern flash—don’t skip the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood to see what Dubai looked like a century ago. Galleries, museums, and tiny cafés ooze history in narrow, shady lanes—a total 180 from the city’s big, brash highways.
And talk about family-friendly: Dubai is packed with aquariums, legoland-style parks, Theme Parks (like IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park), kid-centric shopping, and festivals year-round. You’re not just trapped in the mall, despite what outsiders imagine.
Dubai Travel Perks and Problems
So, the benefits first. People rave about the safety in Dubai. Crime rates are genuinely low, and as a woman, I walked alone at night without a second glance—rare for many big cities. The city is hyper-clean, and service standards are sky-high. Most locals and expats, and even taxi drivers, speak decent English, so you rarely get lost in translation.
The Metro is a game-changer for getting around cheaply, and its front rows are reserved for women and children—handy when solo. Taxis are everywhere; they use the meter and are actually affordable compared to London or Paris.
Food is wild: you can Instagram caviar-topped sushi one day and be scarfing street shawarma from a neon-lit stall the next. Don’t skip the Friday buffet brunches—worth skipping breakfast and dinner for, trust me.
Here’s the flip side: Dubai isn’t cheap. Hotels range from £60 for a basic room to upwards of £300 a night for a good four-star, depending on the season. Tickets for big attractions, like the Burj Khalifa or theme parks, add up fast—a family holiday here is never “budget.” Tipping is customary, but it’s less pressure than the US. Airfares are a bigger chunk, especially in winter when the city is most pleasant (November to March).
Alcohol laws can catch out the unprepared. Booze is only sold in hotel bars and licensed venues. You can’t just buy a bottle of wine for your room unless you shop at a duty-free or hold a special resident permit. Don’t risk public drunkenness—even if everyone at the bar is dancing. Fines can be hefty.
The weather is another dealbreaker for some. From mid-spring to autumn, you’re looking at highs of 40°C (104°F) or more, with humidity that makes you sweat after just stepping outside. Indoor attractions become your best mates, unless you love the feeling of living in a hairdryer. Pack sunglasses, high SPF, and a costume for the many pools if you’re summer traveling.
Getting Ready: Booking, Best Time and Safety Tips for Dubai
Before you get swept up in Dubai’s wow-factor, you’ll need some practical know-how. A UK citizen? You’ll get a free 30-day visa on arrival. Most other passport holders do too, but double-check before you book. Emirates and British Airways both fly direct almost daily from Manchester, and Dubai’s DXB airport is among the slickest you’ll use.
Peak season runs from November to March; this is when the weather hovers around 20–25°C, perfect for lazy pool days, beach sessions, and wandering the souks. Everything is buzzing—and yes, hotels are pricier, but outdoor life is way more enjoyable. Want to save? Brave the shoulder seasons, in April/May or September/October. You’ll get deals and fewer crowds, though a touch more heat.
Booking hotels is a breeze, and you can find everything from quirky capsule rooms to huge family resorts. Airbnb is legal, and often a win for families or groups wanting kitchen space.
Some practical safety advice: Dress codes are relaxed in hotels and tourist zones, but keep it respectful in public—knees and shoulders covered away from the beach and pool. If you’re heading to a mosque, bring a scarf or wear long sleeves. Public displays of affection can land you in hot water, especially outside the big expat hangouts. Read up on Ramadan rules if you’re there during holy month: eating, drinking, or chewing gum in public daytime hours is illegal and strictly enforced.
For bigger adventures—paragliding over the palm, visiting Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque (just a 90-minute drive), or renting a 4x4—booking early is smart, especially in high season. Most tours can be arranged online or through your hotel, and local agencies are keen for your business so competition means decent prices if you shop around.
Dubai by the Numbers: A 2025 Snapshot
Dubai travel is all about superlatives: The tallest, biggest, fastest. But there’s no sugarcoating the costs, or the reality of experiencing the city’s highs and lows as a visitor. If you love spectacle, luxury, or cultural curiosity, it’s got your name written all over it. Let’s push through the hype with some real stats, facts, and handy comparisons—so you know if Dubai fits your vibe.
| Category | Dubai | London | Bangkok |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hotel Cost* | £100–£350/night | £110–£350/night | £30–£120/night |
| Museum Entry | £12–£25 | £0–£27 | £2–£10 |
| Alcohol Laws | Restricted to licensed venues | Legal age 18+ | Legal age 20+ |
| Public Transport | Modern metro, cheap taxis | Tube, bus network | Skytrain, tuk-tuks |
| Tourist Safety | Very high | High | Medium |
| Peak Season | Nov-Mar | May-Aug | Nov-Feb |
| Language | Arabic, English widely used | English | Thai, English understood |
| Family Activities | Loads—waterparks, beaches, malls | Museums, parks | Markets, parks |
*2025 averages based on standard 4-star accommodation
What kind of traveler does best in Dubai? If you want a wallet-busting city break to gawk at cutting-edge architecture, shop till sunrise, sip cocktails with views, and get pampered, you’ll adore it. If you’re after slow travel, gritty street life, or places where all the action happens outside, it may not be your dream city. But nearly everyone is won over by the sunsets, the beach clubs, and that feeling of stepping into an Arabian adventure with a futuristic twist.
- Pace yourself—the city is huge, so split your stay between areas (for example, spend a few nights in Downtown near Dubai Mall, then move to the beach or Palm for another feel).
- Book popular restaurants ahead. Top tables at Atlantis or Pierchic fill up weeks in advance.
- If you want to explore the old side, go early morning before the heat—and take your best bargaining skills for the souks.
- Most hotels charge a ‘Tourism Dirham’ tax of £2–£10 per night, not always obvious in booking sites—budget for it.
- Cashless is king. Carry a small amount for tips, but cards work almost everywhere.
If you’re ready to see something truly different and be pampered a little (or a lot), start packing. Even if you land thinking Dubai is all style and no substance, you might find yourself proven wrong before it’s time to leave the sunshine and skyscrapers.
