Dubai

A global hub of commerce, luxury, and innovation, Dubai is home to iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. Visitors flock here for world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and its stunning beachfront attractions.

Things to do

• Burj Khalifa — Visit the world's tallest building and experience panoramic views of Dubai from the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors.
• Palm Jumeirah — Explore this iconic man-made palm-shaped island featuring luxury resorts, beaches, and upscale shopping via monorail or water taxi.
• Dubai Mall — Shop at one of the world's largest malls with over 1,200 retail stores, an aquarium, ice rink, and dining options.
• Gold Souk — Wander through this traditional market in Deira where you can browse and haggle for gold jewelry, precious stones, and traditional crafts.
• Desert Safari — Experience dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Bedouin hospitality with dinner and entertainment in the Arabian Desert.
• Dubai Fountain — Watch the stunning choreographed water fountain shows set to music and lights that occur multiple times daily near Burj Khalifa.
• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding — Learn about Emirati culture, traditions, and heritage through guided tours and authentic cultural experiences in a restored traditional house.

Food to try

• Al Harees — A slow-cooked meat and wheat porridge traditionally prepared during Ramadan, offering a rich and hearty taste of Emirati cuisine.
• Shawarma — Spiced meat carved from a rotating spit and wrapped in pita bread with tahini, hummus, and fresh vegetables, widely available at street vendors.
• Luqaimat — Sweet golden fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup, a popular Emirati dessert enjoyed especially during Ramadan and celebrations.
• Tabbouleh — A refreshing salad of parsley, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, lemon juice, and olive oil that represents Levantine cuisine popular throughout Dubai.
• Seafood at Al Mallah or Nakheel — Fresh grilled fish, prawns, and hammour served with fragrant basmati rice and traditional Gulf spices at waterfront seafood restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly in public — While Dubai is cosmopolitan, it is still an Islamic society where loose-fitting clothing covering shoulders and knees is respectful and often required in certain areas.
• Greet with respect — Use 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) as a greeting and avoid public displays of affection; handshakes are acceptable but wait for a woman to extend her hand first.
• Ramadan observance — During the holy month, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited and considered disrespectful; restaurants may have restricted hours.
• Photography etiquette — Always ask permission before photographing people, and avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, and airports as it is strictly forbidden.