A driverless metro, the world's tallest building, a creek that was the old trading centre and a desert half an hour away: what a first-time visitor to Dubai notices.
Dubai surprises first-time visitors less by any single sight than by how smoothly a very large, very new city works. These are the things people notice, with numbers and years checked against encyclopedic and official-type sources.
A city of expatriates
About 4 million people live in Dubai (2025 estimate), and about 92% of them are expatriates; the largest groups come from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines. In practice this means English works in shops, hotels and offices, and that food from dozens of countries is part of ordinary life.
The metro: driverless and easy
Dubai Metro opened on 9 September 2009. It has two lines (Red and Green) and 55 stations, the trains have no drivers, and it carried 275.4 million passengers in 2024. You pay with a Nol card, with fares by the number of zones. It is the simplest way to reach the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall area, the Marina and the airport.
Burj Khalifa and the skyline
The tower is 829.8 m high, opened on 4 January 2010 and has been the world's tallest building since. The "At the Top" deck is on the 124th floor (452 m); a higher "At the Top Sky" level is at 555 m. Book sunset slots in advance and allow time for the lift queue. Nearby, the Dubai Frame (a 150 m picture frame structure completed in 2017) lets you see old and new Dubai in one view.
Old Dubai and the creek
Dubai Creek is a natural inlet that has been dredged for ships, and it was the heart of the old trading town. On the Bur Dubai side the Al Fahidi area keeps low wind-tower houses, the Al Fahidi Fort and the Dubai Museum, which show life before the oil era. Crossing the creek by traditional abra boat is a short, inexpensive ride (check the current fare locally). The gold and spice souks are on the Deira side.
Desert safari
Within about an hour of the city you reach dunes. Desert safaris with dune driving, camel rides and an evening camp are an everyday tourist product. Pick a licensed operator, avoid the midday summer heat, and take a scarf for sand and sun.
Beaches and the Palm
Dubai has a long Gulf coastline with public beaches, hotel beaches and beach clubs. Palm Jumeirah, the artificial island, and Dubai Marina are the best known modern districts. Swimwear is normal on beaches and at hotel pools; cover up when you leave them. Alcohol is not allowed on public beaches.
Malls as city squares
In a climate where August highs average about 40°C (record 49.0°C), malls function as air-conditioned city squares with aquariums, ice rinks, cinemas and many restaurants. Dubai Mall next to Burj Khalifa is the best known. Opening hours are long, especially in the evening.
Food from everywhere
Because of the population mix you can eat Emirati, Lebanese, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino and European cuisine in a single day, from small local canteens to hotel restaurants. Many restaurants add a service charge to the bill; otherwise a tip of 10-15% is customary but not required. Alcohol is served in licensed venues such as hotel restaurants and bars for non-Muslim adults aged 21 and over.
Climate by month
January has average highs of about 24°C and nights around 14°C; August has average highs of about 40°C. Annual rainfall is only about 79 mm. Most visitors find November to March the most pleasant and busiest period. In summer, plan outdoor activity early or late and use the indoor attractions; humidity on the coast can make it feel hotter than the number suggests.
Dubai in the world
Dubai International Airport handled over 92 million passengers in 2024, and the city was ranked the seventh most-visited in the world that year. This scale explains why services are organised for visitors from everywhere.
Practical tips for your first visit
- Airport and transfers: the airport is inside the city; the metro, taxis and ride-hailing connect it with hotels. Allow extra time at peak traffic hours.
- Local transport: buy a Nol card for the metro, tram and buses; taxis are plentiful, but check that the meter is on.
- Payments: cards and phones are accepted nearly everywhere; the dirham is pegged to the US dollar (about 3.67 AED per USD).
- Book ahead: Burj Khalifa, desert safari and brunches. Public holidays and the winter high season fill quickly.
- Dress and customs: modest clothing in malls and in old districts, no public displays of affection, ask before photographing people.
- Weekend: Saturday-Sunday since 2022 for the federal government; Friday prayer time affects opening hours.
FAQ
When is the best time to go to Dubai? Most visitors choose November to March (highs about 24-30°C). Summer is very hot and quieter.
Do I need a car? Not for a short visit. The metro, taxis and ride-hailing cover the main areas, though distances between districts can be long at rush hour.
Can I drink alcohol in Dubai? Non-Muslim adults aged 21 and over can drink in licensed venues. Drinking in public places such as streets, parks and beaches is prohibited.
Is Dubai walkable? Individual districts such as Old Dubai and Downtown are, but the city as a whole is spread out, so use the metro or taxis between areas.
Is English enough? Yes in most tourist and business settings; Arabic is the official language.
How many days do I need? For the main sights - Burj Khalifa, Old Dubai, a beach and the desert - four to five days at a relaxed pace is usually enough.
How we help
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