Planning a trip to Dubai can feel overwhelming — with so many decisions to make about when to travel, which neighbourhood to stay in, and how to get around. This comprehensive Dubai travel guide will help you choose the best time to visit, find the right hotel location, and avoid common mistakes, ensuring your trip matches your budget and travel style.
For personalised answers to your questions, join our Facebook group for Dubai travellers: Dubai Tourisme et Voyages.
Best Time to Visit Dubai – When to Go for the Perfect Trip
High season (November to March) offers ideal weather with daytime temperatures between 20°C and 28°C (68°F–82°F). This is the perfect time for outdoor activities like desert safaris, abra boat rides in the old city, and open-air excursions.
Summer in Dubai (June to August) can see temperatures over 40°C (104°F), but your holiday can still be enjoyable. We carefully design itineraries to maximise comfort — combining air-conditioned indoor attractions such as malls, museums, aquariums, and theatre shows with refreshing outdoor activities like world-class waterparks.
💡 Travel tip: Flights and hotels are often cheaper in summer, making it a great opportunity to experience Dubai at a lower cost.
➡️ Read our full guide on how to enjoy Dubai in the summer heat
Dubai Entry Requirements – Visas and Passport Rules
Visa on arrival: Most nationalities can get a free visa at Dubai International Airport, valid for 30–90 days depending on nationality.
Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Special cases: If your passport is expiring soon, you’re travelling with minors, or you hold a nationality requiring a pre-approved visa, contact us for step-by-step guidance.
Best Areas to Stay in Dubai – Neighbourhood Guide for Every Budget
Your hotel location in Dubai can make or break your holiday. A low-cost hotel far from the city centre might save you money upfront, but can add hours to your daily travel time and increase transport costs.
Budget-Friendly Neighbourhoods
Bur Dubai & Deira – Historical, multicultural areas with lively markets and affordable hotels. Great metro access and close to souks. Note: Some 3-star hotels in Deira may not be ideal for families or travellers seeking a quiet environment.
Al Jadaff – A hidden gem offering both peace and excellent connectivity, with a metro station and direct highway access.
Central Locations with Great Transport Links
Sheikh Zayed Road: Ideal for a dynamic stay, with excellent metro access. The area is lively around the clock, which means it can be somewhat noisy. Due to its high activity level, travel times may be longer during peak hours.
Downtown & Business Bay: Highly sought-after locations for their proximity to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. However, you will need to rely on taxis for most journeys and should factor in heavy traffic, which can increase transportation costs.
Well-Balanced Options
Al Barsha & Barsha Heights: Plenty of accommodation options, direct access to the Mall of the Emirates, and relatively close to the beaches. A balanced choice for those who want both city and leisure activities.
Metropolitan Hotel : Well-located near the metro, with rooms offering views of the Burj Al Arab. Perfect for an affordable beach stay combined with daily sightseeing.
Beachfront Neighbourhoods
Dubai Marina & JBR – Perfect for a beach holiday with vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. More expensive, but the tram and metro make getting around easier.
Palm Jumeirah – Dubai’s most luxurious address. Hotels on the trunk offer private beaches and monorail access, while those on the crescent are more remote and require taxis. Travel times: ~1 hour to the old town from Atlantis, 45 minutes to Dubai Mall.
Outlying Areas – Cheaper but Less Practical
Dubai South, JVC, Silicon Oasis: Attractive rates but less convenient for daily sightseeing, due to longer distances and extended travel times.
Hotels on the islands behind the Gold Souk (e.g., Centara, RIU): Suitable for a beach holiday with proximity to the old city, but farther from modern attractions.
💡 Key takeaway: Your hotel choice should consider not only price but also location and ease of movement. A strategic location will allow you to make the most of your days without adding unnecessary logistical challenges.
Avoid Misleading Hotel Deals
Some packages advertised as “Ajman-Dubai” or “Sharjah-Dubai” are actually located in neighbouring emirates, up to an hour’s drive away. This can make sightseeing in Dubai inconvenient.
➡️ We can arrange a private driver if you opt for these stays.
Top Tips for a Smooth Dubai Holiday
Book key attractions in advance, especially during peak season — the Museum of the Future and Burj Khalifa tickets sell out quickly. (mygodubai.com)
Mix modern and cultural activities – from the Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah to the old town and Creek dinner cruises.
Factor in logistics – choose accommodation with good metro access to reduce taxi costs and travel time.
Get a personalised itinerary – we can design a trip tailored to your budget, style, and pace.
To ask questions, get direct advice, and share experiences, join our new Facebook group “Dubai Tourisme et Voyages”:
You’ll find passionate travellers, firsthand experiences, and our exclusive recommendations.
Planning a trip to Dubai requires careful thought, but with the right choice of travel dates, neighbourhood, and activities, your stay will be unforgettable.
At Alturis Tours and Events, we put our local expertise at your service to optimise every stage of your journey — from the initial quote to your return home.
