Dubai Travel Guide 2026

Why Visit Dubai?

Dubai is a city of records and contrasts: the world's tallest building, enormous malls and man-made islands next to old souks, wooden abras on the creek and the open desert. Just 3–4 hours from most Indian cities, it's one of the most popular international trips for Indian families, with a huge Indian community, familiar food everywhere and Hindi widely understood.

It's also an easy base for Abu Dhabi, home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the BAPS Hindu Mandir.

Watch Our Travel Films

Dubai Itineraries: 3, 5 or 7 Days

Pick 3, 5 or 7 days. Each longer plan builds on the shorter one: the first days stay the same and the extra days add more places. Costs are approximate per person per day; prices and timings change, so check before you book.

Food to Try in Dubai

• Shawarma — Spit-roasted chicken or meat wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce; available everywhere.
• Al machboos — Spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish, a classic Emirati dish.
• Luqaimat — Crispy dumplings drizzled with date syrup and sesame.
• Manakish and falafel — Levantine favourites for breakfast or a cheap lunch.
• Dates and Arabic coffee — Offered as a welcome in hotels and homes.
• Camel milk treats — Try camel-milk chocolate or ice cream.

For Indian travellers: you'll find every Indian cuisine, from South Indian thalis to Gujarati and Punjabi food, especially in Karama, Bur Dubai and Al Barsha. Vegetarian and Jain options are easy to find.

Best Time to Visit Dubai

Winter (November–March): the best time, with warm days (about 20–30°C), cool evenings and outdoor attractions like Global Village and the Miracle Garden open. It's also the busiest and most expensive season.

Shoulder months (April and October): hotter but manageable, with better prices.

Summer (May–September): extremely hot (often above 40°C). Hotels are much cheaper and life moves indoors to malls and attractions.

Ramadan: dates change each year. Restaurants stay open for visitors, but avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight.

Getting Around Dubai

Dubai Metro: the Red and Green lines connect the airport, Downtown, the Marina and Old Dubai. Use a Nol card; there are carriages reserved for women and children, plus a Gold Class.

Taxis and apps: metered taxis are plentiful; Careem and Uber also operate.

Abras, buses and trams: abras cross Dubai Creek for a couple of dirhams; RTA buses and the Dubai Tram fill the gaps.

Abu Dhabi: intercity buses run from Dubai, or hire a car with driver for a day trip.

Travel Essentials

Visa for Indians: Indian passport holders need a visa for the UAE, usually a tourist e-visa applied for online through airlines such as Emirates or flydubai, licensed travel agents or the official immigration portal. Indians holding a valid US visa or green card, or a UK or EU residence permit or visa, may be eligible for a visa on arrival. Rules as of October 2026; always check the official website before you travel.

Money: UAE dirham (AED). AED 1 is roughly ₹23. Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere.

Daily budget (per person): a mid-range hotel share, food, transport and one big attraction come to about AED 400–700 a day. Many hotels also add a tourism fee per night.

SIM card: du and e& (Etisalat) sell tourist SIMs at the airport and in malls; eSIMs work well.

Plugs: type G (three square pins), 230V.

Local customs: dress modestly in malls, souks and mosques (cover shoulders and knees), avoid public displays of affection, and don't photograph people without permission. The weekend is Saturday and Sunday, and Friday prayers affect some opening times.

Dubai FAQs

Prices, visa rules and opening details change often. Figures here are approximate as of October 2026, so please check official websites before you book.