← All destinations

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates · Travel Guide

Dubai Travel Guide

Record-breaking skyline, desert adventure, and luxury at every turn.

Dubai is superlatives made real — the world’s tallest tower, vast malls, man-made islands and golden desert on the doorstep. Polished, ultra-modern and easy to navigate in English, it suits families, couples and luxury-leaning travellers, with sun almost guaranteed.

Plan my free Dubai itinerary

📅 Best time

November–March for warm, pleasant days. Summer (June–September) is extreme heat, best spent indoors.

💷 Daily budget

$120–250 mid-range; it scales endlessly upward, but malls, beaches and the metro keep a day affordable.

🗓️ Ideal length

3–4 days, plus a desert safari.

💱 Currency

UAE Dirham (AED)

🗣️ Language

Arabic is official; English is spoken almost everywhere.

Is Dubai safe?

General safety

Extremely low crime — one of the safest cities for tourists. The key is the law: the UAE is conservative, with strict rules on public behaviour, alcohol, drugs and public displays of affection. Dress modestly at religious sites and respect local customs.

Solo female travellers

Very safe in terms of crime, with little of the street harassment found elsewhere. Dress on the modest side away from beach resorts and you will travel comfortably and freely.

LGBTQ+ travellers

Important to know before you go: same-sex relationships are illegal in the UAE, and there is no legal recognition or scene. LGBTQ+ travellers visit, but discretion is essential — public displays of affection and openly identifying carry real legal risk. Always check your government’s current travel advice.

Is Dubai safe for solo female travellers? Full safety guide

Safety guidance is general and can change — always check your government’s latest travel advice before you go.

Top things to do in Dubai

  • Burj Khalifa observation deck
  • Desert safari with dunes and dinner
  • Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain
  • Old Dubai: the souks and an abra across the Creek
  • Palm Jumeirah and the beaches

Getting around & essentials

The metro is modern and cheap, but the city is spread out — ride-hailing and taxis are widely used. From DXB airport, the metro or a pre-booked transfer is straightforward; a car helps for desert and outlying trips.

Flight to Dubai delayed or cancelled? You could be owed up to €600 — check free →

Get a free, personalised Dubai itinerary

Tell Wavvia who you are — solo, couple, family, LGBTQ+, accessibility needs — and get a day-by-day plan tuned to you, with safety built in.

Plan my trip — free

Dubai FAQs

Is Dubai safe for solo female travellers?

Yes — crime is extremely low and street harassment is rare. Dress modestly away from beach areas, respect the conservative local laws, and you will travel comfortably.

What should I know about local laws in Dubai?

The UAE is conservative: alcohol only in licensed venues, no public displays of affection, modest dress at religious sites, and zero tolerance on drugs. Following the rules makes for an easy trip — always check your government’s current advice.

How many days do you need in Dubai?

Three to four days covers the modern icons, old-town souks and a desert safari at a comfortable pace.

More travel guides

Some links are affiliate links — Wavvia may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, hours and entry rules change; verify before you travel.