Planning a trip to Dubai?
Let’s start with one simple truth.
Dubai is not just skyscrapers and air-conditioned shopping malls.
It is:
the desert at sunrise,
the call to prayer echoing between towers,
a taxi driver sharing his life story after 20 years in the UAE,
an Emirati family gathering for iftar during Ramadan,
and a constant contrast between Bedouin heritage and futuristic ambition.
Well planned, a Dubai trip can be extraordinary.
Poorly planned… it can turn into a sequence of taxis and malls.
Here is the complete guide to doing it right.
1. Why Visit Dubai and the United Arab Emirates?
Few destinations offer this much contrast within such a short distance.
Just 45 minutes from the skyscrapers, the desert takes over.
A few hours away, the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi transports you into another dimension.
And of course, there is the iconic Burj Khalifa.
A local anecdote:
During visits to the top of the Burj Khalifa, travelers sometimes ask if you can see Iran from up there.
You can’t.
But what you do see is how the desert surrounds the entire city.
And that completely changes your perspective on Dubai.
2. How Many Days Do You Need in Dubai?
3 days → quick overview
5 days → balanced experience
7 days → full UAE immersion
The most common mistake?
Trying to do everything in 48 hours.
Dubai is not an Instagram checklist.
It is a city to experience.
We always recommend balancing:
modern Dubai (Downtown, Marina)
cultural heritage (old neighborhoods, souks)
nature (the desert)
relaxation (beaches and resorts)
And one important note:
There is no need to visit three shopping malls in two days.
Even shopping enthusiasts have limits.
3. When Is the Best Time to Visit Dubai?
Best season: November to March.
Perfect weather.
Lively outdoor terraces.
Pleasant sea temperatures.
Summer (June to September)?
It is hot.
Not “holiday warm.”
More like “your car door becomes a frying pan.”
The upside:
lower hotel rates
major promotions
fewer tourists
What about Ramadan?
Evenings are magical.
The city slows down during the day, then lights up after sunset.
Traveling during Ramadan simply requires adapting your rhythm and respecting local customs.
4. How Much Does a Trip to Dubai Cost?
Despite its reputation, Dubai does not have to be expensive.
Flights: vary depending on season.
Hotels:
3-star → affordable and good value
4-star → excellent balance
5-star → signature Dubai experience
Activities to budget for:
desert safari
cultural guided tour
Abu Dhabi excursion
marina cruise
A common mistake:
Booking a “cheaper” hotel far away from everything and spending the entire stay in taxis.
In the end, it often costs more than staying in a well-located hotel.
5. What Should You Absolutely Do in Dubai?
Must-see highlights:
✔ Dubai Marina at sunset
✔ Palm Jumeirah from above
✔ A high-quality desert safari
✔ The fountain show at Dubai Mall
But here is something only locals truly understand:
The most powerful moment is not always the most Instagrammable one.
It is the desert at sunrise.
The silence.
The golden light.
The complete contrast with the city skyline.
6. Organized Tour or Tailor-Made Experience?
When searching “trip to Dubai,” many travelers find European agencies offering standardized packages.
Fixed hotels.
Large group excursions.
Rigid programs.
At Alturis, we operate differently.
We are based in the UAE.
We understand:
which neighborhoods suit different traveler profiles
which excursions are worth it
which ones to avoid
which experiences are genuinely authentic
Family trip?
Couple getaway?
Solo traveler?
Luxury escape?
Cultural immersion?
Each itinerary is built around the traveler’s profile.
We do not sell a catalogue.
We design experiences.
