Dubai

From port to global hub

Dubai grew from a modest pearling and trading port on the Gulf into one of the world's busiest travel and business hubs within a few decades, and the pace of that growth is visible in its skyline, led by the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Alongside its modern developments, the older Deira and Bur Dubai districts along Dubai Creek preserve a sense of the city's trading history, crossed by traditional wooden abra boats.

City, beach and desert

A typical stay mixes time at a beach resort along the Jumeirah coastline with visits to the city's malls, souks and observation decks, and most itineraries add a half-day or overnight desert excursion for dune driving, camel rides or a traditional dinner under the stars; our Dubai City Break itinerary follows this pattern. Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital, is under two hours away by road for travellers with extra time, and our UAE guide covers the wider country in more depth. Dubai's dining and nightlife scene draws chefs and concepts from around the world, and rooftop bars and beach clubs make it easy to fill an evening without leaving your hotel's neighbourhood.

Weather through the year

Summer in Dubai, roughly June to September, brings intense heat and high humidity that make outdoor activity uncomfortable outside air-conditioned spaces for much of the day. The cooler, drier months from November to March are considerably more comfortable for exploring the city, the beach and the desert on foot, and are generally regarded as the best time to visit.