Guide to Dubai
Dubai Virtual Tour
Getting to one of the world's richest cities and spending even a couple of days in a true paradise—what could be better? Enjoy beach relaxation in parks like Al Mamzar Park and Jumeirah Beach Park, snag trendy discounts at one of the shopping centers, dine at a restaurant with panoramic views...
Be sure to ascend to the world's highest observation deck, At the Top, on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. To delve into Dubai's past, take a stroll through the old districts of Deira and Bastakiya, where ancient Arabian structures have been preserved.
For the little ones, a visit to the world's largest aquarium, housing 33,000 marine inhabitants, a zoo, an aquapark, or one of the numerous amusement parks is a must. The youth will appreciate Dubai's nightclubs and discos, with the best ones including "Carter's," "Planetarium," and "Scarlett."
For shopping, head to one of the many shopping centers. Here, you can enhance your wardrobe with the finest creations from renowned designers, catch a movie, dine at a restaurant, and even go skiing in the unique indoor complex of Ski Dubai (located in the Mall of the Emirates).
Photos of Dubai
Tours to Dubai
The UAE is among the most highly developed and affluent countries in the world. It is no coincidence that the time spent in Dubai is considered by many to be the best time of their lives.
The city is recognized as a center of business tourism, where millions of dollars of deals are made every day and the fate of many corporations is sealed. That's why it's hard to find a cheap vacation here.
A comparatively inexpensive vacation is possible if you come to the historical part of Dubai. It is here that interesting authentic buildings are still standing and hospitable and colorful locals are found.
A pleasant surprise for the frugal tourist will be the fact that the main attractions in the city are open for viewing. Those interested in hot tours will undoubtedly appreciate the opportunity to lie on chic beaches, enjoy the beauty of singing fountains and the facade of the famous Sail Hotel.
Average data shows that the cost of a week's trip to Dubai starts from 600 EUR. For this price, you will only be offered a plane ticket in economy class and a standard hotel room.
If you are used to saving money, you can reduce the cost of a tour by booking a couple of months before the trip. Hot vouchers are not uncommon for an Arabian city, but they sell out very quickly. You need to monitor travel portals every day to find them.
Interesting places in Dubai
You can see Dubai's most famous sights on a guided tour. If you want to save money or don't like walking with a group, explore the city on your own, following a pre-determined itinerary. Dubai is also known as an ideal place for shopping, there are many shopping centers with boutiques of famous world brands. Despite the strict laws, there is also a vibrant nightlife with clubs and bars.
Flight ticket prices
Dubai is one of the world's largest aviation hubs, receiving flights from most European cities. Direct flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) are operated by airlines such as Emirates, Flydubai, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, and others. From London, Paris, Madrid, Warsaw, and other European capitals, both direct and connecting flights are available.
The price of airline tickets depends on the season and booking time. On average, prices for direct flights start at 280 euros from London, 300 euros from Paris, and 320 euros from Warsaw. During peak season, especially in winter, prices can exceed 500 euros. The flight duration for a direct route is approximately 6–7 hours.
The best hotels in Dubai
You won't find cheap accommodation in one of the world's richest cities. But the chic hotels available will satisfy even the most demanding guests. Rates start at 200 AED (about 55 USD) per night. There are also very expensive hotels with truly royal conditions: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Royal Residences (more than 20000 AED or 5445 USD per night), the famous "sail" Burj Al Arab (from 8500 AED or 2315 USD per night) or Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana in the center of Dubai (from 500 AED or 136 USD per night).
Travel budget
Dubai is quite an expensive city, both for living and for vacationing. The lion's share of your budget will be spent on airfare and accommodation. You can cut costs by buying tickets as early as possible and planning your trip in one of the months that are not the most popular with tourists. A coupon booklet called the City Card can help you save money on museums, entertainment and shopping. It allows you to save up to 1000 USD!
| The budget for a trip to Dubai | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 520 USD | Accommodation | from 200 AED (about 55 USD) per day |
| Average check in a restaurant | from 80 AED (about 22USD) | Transportation fare | from 2 AED (about 0.5 4USD) |
| Excursion | from 2 AED (about 0.54 USD) | ||
| Total : about 978 USD for four days | |||
Dubai: tips for tourists
Visa to Dubai
Citizens of European Union countries do not require a visa for short stays in the United Arab Emirates if they have a valid passport. They can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa.
Dubai Airport
Dubai International (located 4 km from the historic city center) is the largest airport in the country and one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. It serves up to 80 million people annually. It is the base for Emirates Airline and Flydubai.
Transfer to Dubai from the airport
Metro trains depart from Terminals 1 and 3 about every 10 minutes (from 5:50 to 24:00). Tickets cost from 2 to 6.5 AED (0.54 to 1.77 USD), depending on the number of zones. Buses 401 and 402 also depart regularly from Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
Public transportation in Dubai
Metro trains depart from terminals 1 and 3 about every 10 minutes (from 5:50 to 24:00). Tickets cost from 2 to 6.5 AED (0.54 - 1.77 USD), depending on the number of zones. Buses 401 and 402 also depart regularly from Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
Car rental in Dubai
You can rent a car online or at the 24-hour rental desk at the airport. Rental costs from 70 AED (about 19 USD). Drivers must be over 21 years old, have at least one year of experience and provide a card on which the deposit will be blocked.
Security in Dubai
The UAE has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. However, it's worth remembering some simple safety rules to avoid pickpockets. Women shouldn't walk alone, especially outside the tourist areas.