Is Dubai Worth Visiting? Pros, cons and tips for having the best time in Dubai on vacation

We are a clear example that Dubai is worth visiting. Dubai, a city epitomising opulence and grandeur, has emerged as a sought-after travel destination. It beckons travellers with its extraordinary architecture, cultural richness, and an array of unforgettable experiences.

But is Dubai worth visiting? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the reasons that make Dubai a must-visit destination, offering a glimpse into its vibrant culture, top attractions, culinary delights, natural wonders, and practical information to plan an unforgettable trip.

Following our footsteps, you will have the best vacation in Dubai, collecting lifetime memories. Even though you think Dubai is expensive, we have some tips to make this trip affordable. Dubai is worth visiting even just for a few days, and this guide will help you balance the pros and cons of visiting Dubai.

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Yes, of course, Dubai pumps lux to the next level. We have never experienced something like that. The fine details and attention to the customers is something we have rarely seen in Europe, to be honest. 

Prepare to be pampered in the lap of luxury with an abundance of opulent hotels and resorts that cater to your every whim. From the renowned Burj Al Arab to the exquisite Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai knows how to indulge its visitors.

If you’re looking for a unique hotel experience that goes beyond the ordinary, 25Hours Hotel in Dubai is the right place for you. A luxury hotel with cool aesthetics, a lovely pool with a view and a friendly staff, everything combined to offer a new version of what Dubai has to offer. Check our Instagram Reel and see how cool this hotel is!

The location is perfect, staying only 3 stops away from the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. The price is extremely affordable with double rooms, with breakfast starting at a staggering £85 per night (€98 | $110). Check here if the hotel is the right one for you.

Cultural Diversity

Experience a unique blend of cultures as Dubai is home to people from all around the world. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions, art, and cuisine from different corners of the globe.

World-Class Shopping

Shopaholics rejoice! Dubai is a shopper’s paradise with its extravagant malls and traditional souks. From high-end fashion brands to traditional spices and textiles, you’ll find everything your heart desires.

Adventure and Entertainment

Dubai offers an array of thrilling activities, from desert safaris and dune bashing to water parks, indoor skiing, and mesmerising fountain shows at the Dubai Fountain.

Burj Khalifa: A Sky-High Marvel

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, with over 160 stories spanning 280 metres above the ground. We were lucky enough to be invited by Dubai Tourism to enjoy the view from the top deck. It is clearly one of the best attractions to enjoy while on a stopover in Dubai.

The Burj Khalifa is in the central stage of Dubai, within the shopping mall, the sky deck view and the famous fountains, which you will find more information about in the following paragraphs.

We invite you to book your ticket in advance for the Burj Khalifa as it gets crowded and practically sold out, especially in high season. Check the availability.

Dubai Mall: A Shopper’s Paradise

Continuing your trip through Dubai, you can’t miss the biggest mall in the world. We got out of the metro and were already with shopping bags in our hands. Dubai Mall presents an unparalleled shopping extravaganza.
With over 1,200 stores, it offers an abundance of luxury brands, international fashion, and unique local boutiques. Indulge in a shopping spree and discover a world of fashion, accessories, and more. This retail paradise is a testament to Dubai’s status as a global shopping destination.

The Dubai Fountain: A Dazzling Display

Stay around the Dubai Mall area in the afternoon and attend the famous water fountain show. I highly recommend taking in the mesmerising performances of the Dubai Fountain as the sun sets over the city.

The choreographed water and light show is a true spectacle set against the stunning backdrop of Burj Khalifa. The synchronised music and dancing water jets create a symphony of sights and sounds that will leave you awe-inspired. It’s truly an experience that reaffirms Dubai’s worthiness of a visit.

The view of the Palm Jumeirah

What is more, creating a piece of land where there is just water. Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island in a palm shape, which is one of the best attractions in Dubai. I mean, even if you have just a few hours as a layover, it is worth it to ride the metro for about 20 minutes from the airport and enjoy the view of the Palm.
Yes, for us, Dubai is worth visiting, even just for the view from the iconic building in the centre of the oasis.

Dubai Creek: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

At Dubai Creek, you’ll witness the harmonious coexistence of the city’s past and present. Embark on a traditional dhow cruise along the historic waterway, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Dubai’s heritage.

Indulge in waterfront dining, visit cultural sites, and witness the bustling souks. This cultural enclave serves as a reminder of Dubai’s roots and adds depth to the city’s worth as a travel destination.

Dubai Frame

Set at the border of the old town, it signs the boundary between what once was Dubai and the city’s new developments. Dubai Frame is a symbol of modernised Dubai, and many people assume it is the old city framed to remind people of the past.

You can get up to the top to enjoy the fantastic view of the city and spot the huge differences in architecture and style.

Dubai Beaches

Compared to the rest of the UAE, Dubai is more relaxed and culturally open. In fact, you can enjoy the beaches, and for women, Bikini is fine. If you want to sunbathe, you will have the best time, even though beaches are very busy, especially around sunset time when the heat is mild.

Remember that the Persian Gulf is quite warm, so if you think it might be refreshing, don’t get disappointed if not. Our personal choice of Dubai best beaches is definitely one between Jumeira Beach and Marina Beach. However, check down the list of the best beaches in Dubai:

Desert Safari

We had the best time with Platinum Heritage, the best and most popular company offering a Desert tour and safari in a nature reserve behind the boundaries of Dubai.

This company was able to perfectly mix up cultural heritage from the bedouin tradition to modern attention to tourists through a desert safari, exploring the dunes, witnessing daily wildlife roaming and local way of life in a camp. If you plan to spend an afternoon embracing an adventure, we highly suggest checking out this tour (Platinum Heritage has a 4.7 stars review on GYG), as it is the best way to collect memories while in Dubai. Check availability in advance here, as it has limited seats because it is a nature reserve with limited access.

Dubai is safe

Emirates people are friendly and conscious that travellers need to feel safe to enjoy the trip and make the country one of the most visited places in the world. They treated us so well that we felt safe all the time. Also, visiting Dubai, you might understand that local culture is very mixed with workers coming from all around the world, making the place an interesting melting pot.

However, we must be honest and say that while Dubai is very friendly because it is used more to tourists, all around is still in development as a cultural movement. If you travel solo, join fellow travellers to share experiences.

A sparkling clean city

Everything in the city seems made to impress guests. The streets are neat, the roads are always clean, and you will rarely find garbage in the corners. Honestly, it is one of the cleanest cities we have visited recently. Big thumbs up for Dubai measures.

Efficient public transportation

Apart from the last day of our visit to Dubai, when the 25hours hotel offered a Mini Cooper free of charge included in our stay (The 25hours hotel offered you a mini included check this offer), we basically went all around using just public transport. Dubai has efficient urban transport with Metro, Buses, Trams and monorails available and synchronised.

Also, we found the metro very affordable, as a one-way trip to the boundaries from the city centre cost just about 5 Dirhams (£1 | €1.10 | $1.20). The only transportation method that we found quite expensive was the mono-rail; however, it is worth the price just for the view and the fantastic trip on a train that passes on Palm Jumeirah in auto mode without the driver.

If you think that navigating Dubai is expensive, this is one of the first things you might have to clear from your mind. Dubai is worth visiting just for its remarkably efficient public transport.

The city’s well-developed public transportation system, including the Dubai Metro and buses, makes it convenient to explore various attractions.

Cons of Visiting Dubai | Understanding the Challenges

Extreme heat

Don’t visit Dubai in July and August if your concern is weather and high temperature. We had the pleasure of exploring the magnificent city while on our way back to Europe from Asia. However, it was worth it because the ticket cost was half compared to the direct flight. Dubai can boost your body temperature to the limits, and with the current climate change and difficulties, it might be harmful if you are a subject at risk.

Dubai’s climate can be quite harsh, with scorching summers, making outdoor activities challenging during peak hours. However, indoor attractions and malls offer respite from the heat.

Cultural Sensitivities

Dubai is not like the rest of the UAE. Let’s say we have seen a huge difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi regarding tourist hospitality. In fact, Dubai is relatively liberal compared to other destinations in the region. However, it is essential to respect local customs and traditions, especially when it comes to dressing modestly in public areas or visiting Mosques.

Tips for enjoying a fantastic vacation in Dubai

This is one of the main sections of our Dubai guide; impossible to miss these insights, as embracing the culture and getting prepared for your trip is essential, from planning ahead through purchasing entrance tickets and skip-the-line vouchers to respecting local culture, enjoying cuisine and carrying water.

Check out all our tips to make your trip to Dubai memorable.

Plan ahead

We had the best time in Dubai and are already planning our next visit. One of the main reasons was that everything was planned, from hotel accommodation, transport and even daily visits to the main attractions. Despite missing many sightseeing, we did everything that was important to us, mostly thanks to detailed planning, online tickets and skip-the-line bookings.

Research and plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time in Dubai.

Respect local culture

Already mentioned local culture, but we will reiterate that. As you visit a new country, you must embrace a different culture, which is often very different and distant from your daily life. Embrace Dubai’s rich culture and traditions by dressing modestly in public places and refraining from public displays of affection.

Explore beyond the glitz

It Isn’t true that Dubai is only glamorous, luxury and modern style. Behind the well-known spots and the popular locations, there is a lot of Dubai you might not know yet. From historic sites with intrinsic importance for locals to new buildings and attractions opening up every week. If you want to explore Dubai behind the usual spots, go off the beaten path, and go to the old town, which looks like what Dubai was once upon a time.

Sample local cuisine

Apart from our restaurant hopping while getting around Dubai, we had one of the most pleasant experiences on the Dubai Safari. At night, after a fantastic trip through the dunes of the natural reserve surrounding the futuristic city, we sat at the Bedouin camp and enjoyed a fantastic traditional four-course meal. Yes, it was included in our tour with Platinum Heritage, with a show, stargazing night and dance show.

Stay hydrated

As previously mentioned, Dubai gets hotter every year. Staying hydrated is the best suggestion everyone gives.  So carry on your reusable water bottle and stay hydrated. Around Dubai, you can find water stations to refill your bottle and help reduce plastic waste.

Use Public Transport

Getting around Dubai using public transport is easy, efficient, and budget-friendly. We spent about 5 Dirhams to get from Dubai city centre to the boundaries, which is more convenient than public transport in London.

Experience the Desert

During our trip to Dubai, we had a fantastic time on a desert safari adventure. Our guide took us on a thrilling ride through the Arabian desert in a vintage Land Rover, dodging wild animals and gliding over the dunes. It was an exhilarating experience that left us all feeling alive. The journey ended at a beautiful bedouin camp in the heart of the desert, where we were treated to a delicious 4-course meal and local drinks.

The staff at Platinum Heritage went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and like honoured guests. The highlight of the evening was the heritage show, which was a mesmerising display of culture and tradition. I highly recommend checking out their tour and booking in advance, as it’s a popular attraction that fills up fast.

Observe Ramadan Etiquette

If you happen to visit during Ramadan, be respectful of those fasting by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Dubai truly offers an extraordinary vacation experience, blending contemporary extravagance with rich cultural heritage. Its uniqueness and allure draw travellers from across the globe, creating cherished memories for a lifetime.

As you embark on your Dubai adventure, remember to be respectful, embrace the diversity, and enjoy the city’s myriad of offerings. Whether you seek luxury, adventure, or cultural exploration, Dubai has something magical in store for everyone.

Why should I visit Dubai?

Well, right at the end of this incredible post about Dubai, we want to give you a clear example of why we explored Dubai, even though it wasn’t on our travel list. The city seems so artificial that we guess it might take off some travellers from it. However, even though some parts of it are built from scratch, it has everything that attracts Dubai. Some of the reasons to visit Dubai is definitely because of efficiency. Their public transport, clean cities, and nice activities make you feel welcome in what we call a different world.

Also, you might consider Dubai worth visiting if you are travelling to Europe from Asia or vice versa. It was pleasant on our journey from Bangkok to Rome to break the flights and spend some time in UAE. Actually, it did work out cheaper than a long straight flight or even one with a few changes in between. While on a stopover in Dubai, we were able to do the best activities and get back home from our 9 months trip in Asia safe and sound and quite relaxed.

FAQ | Is Dubai worth visiting