Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

From a humble village to a cosmopolitan city

Dubai has transformed from a humble fishing village to one of the most cosmopolitan and innovative cities in the world today. Tracing its origins back to 3,000 BC, Dubai's inhabitants made their livelihood from fishing, pearl diving, boat building and sea trading, before the discovery of oil in the late 1960s. In 1971, Dubai joined its neighbours to form the United Arab Emirates, safeguarding the area's prosperity.

Population:

Around 3 million

Currency:

1 Dirham (AED) = 100 fils

The currency in Dubai is the dirham (AED or Arab Emirate Dirham). One dirham is divided into 100 fils and a US dollar is worth around AED3.67.

Emergency Numbers:

999 (Police-Ambulance)
997 (Fire)

Opening Hours:

Thanks to split-shift staffing systems, many shops are open 24 hours a day while most others stay open until 21.00 or 22.00. On Fridays many shops close from 11.30-12.30 for Muslim holy day prayers. Times are revised during Ramadan.

Newspapers:

The National
The Gulf Today
The Gulf News
Khaleej Times
7 Days (free sheet)

Top Attractions

Dubai is a city that must be seen to be believed. Record-breaking architecture stands alongside traditional quarters, while man-made islands jut out of the coastline. Here are the top places to tick off your sightseeing list when you’re in town.

Dubai's Neighborhoods

Wondering where to find the best restaurants, family-friendly activities or hottest art galleries? Here's a handy guide to the Dubai’s hottest neighbourhoods, packed with plenty to suit all travellers. Add these easy-to-explore districts to your Dubai holiday itinerary and experience the city like a local.

Beaches

A thriving urban beach scene

Dubai is one of the few places to enjoy a beach vacation within a thriving city. Experience a holiday Dubai-style, combining high-energy city action with the beauty of the Arabian Gulf. With a vibrant atmosphere and beachside shopping scene, luxury resorts and watersports, Dubai offers the best of the city and the sea. Kite Beach, La Mer and The Beach next to JBR are popular seaside spots where you can take in the waves after a leisurely stroll or jog along the water.

Adventure

With year-round sun and a dramatic combination of both the desert and beach, Dubai is the perfect setting to be swept away by high-adrenaline activities. Rocket across the Arabian Gulf in a speedboat or roar along the circuit in a race car, skydive over Palm Jumeirah, ski around The World, paddleboard along the coast or swim with dolphins and sharks. You can even leave the city and dune bash in the desert or soar above the sand in a hot air balloon. Fasten your seatbelt, harness or helmet — it’s going to be an exciting ride.