The Dubai issue, October 2026
Dubai
Dubai is a city engineered to defy its geography.
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The Dubai reading list
All 17 Dubai stories
Tours and ticketsThe lead story
How Dubai's Car Tours Handle Jumeirah Beach in October
A stop-by-stop read on the Jumeirah coast in October 2026: the free sand, the doors that turn groups away, what each stop actually costs, and why a driver beats the metro here.
Saskia van Dijk
Tours and tickets
Standing on Dubai's Rooftop at the Burj Khalifa in October
What the Burj Khalifa observation deck gives you in October 2026: which height is worth paying for, which hour to book, and the free view from the lake if you would rather look at the tower than down from it.
Saskia van Dijk
Tours and tickets
Lunch cruises under the Burj Al Arab sail in Dubai
Two operators run midday BBQ sailings along the Burj Al Arab coastline. Inside the hotel, every restaurant is shut for the restoration.
Saskia van Dijk
Five Days in Dubai Without the Sheikh Zayed Road Crawl
A five-day plan that keeps each day to one walkable cluster, linked by the metro and a one-dirham boat, so you see the city instead of driving across it.
Saskia van Dijk
How to Plan a September Dubai Trip Around the Heat
September in Dubai rewards anyone willing to build the day backwards: cold rooms through the afternoon, the old city at nine, the desert only after dark.
Saskia van Dijk
More from the Dubai issue
Dubai Steps Back Outdoors in October
Saskia van Dijk
Crossing Dubai by Metro, Abra and Metered Taxi
Saskia van Dijk
Booking Dubai Around Untold Without the Guesswork
Saskia van Dijk
Dubai's Desert Comes Alive After the Sun Drops
Saskia van Dijk
Tours and tickets
Lunch on the Water Around Dubai's Palm Jumeirah
Saskia van Dijk
Hatta and the Rock Pools Beyond Dubai's Skyline
Saskia van Dijk
The Warehouse of Ideas: Alserkal Avenue and the Dubai That Doesn't Shout
Saskia van Dijk
Dubai's Friday Brunch Has Become a Full-Contact Sport
Giulia Fontana
In Dubai's Old Souks, the Trade Still Sets the Price
Saskia van Dijk
Where Dubai actually eats — the Deira cafeterias, the Kerala mess halls, the Pakistani grill rooms and the Filipino bakeries where the city's workforce lines up. The real food city behind the Michelin stars, where a meal still costs less than a taxi ride.
Giulia Fontana
One Dirham Across the Water: The Dubai Creek the Skyscrapers Never Reached
Saskia van Dijk
A Night Drive Down Dubai's Supercar Boulevards
Saskia van Dijk
An insider’s read on Dubai
The identity of Dubai is rooted in trade and rapid transformation. Before the discovery of oil in the late 1960s, the city's economy relied on pearl diving and maritime commerce along Dubai Creek. Under the leadership of the Al Maktoum dynasty, the city leveraged its geographic position to become a duty-free trading hub. Today, it operates as a global laboratory for architecture and luxury, where traditional Islamic heritage coexists with a highly driven, expatriate-dominated business culture.
this vertical metropolis of steel and glass runs parallel to the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.
From our Dubai guide
Six neighbourhoods, six ways to stay
Pick the neighbourhood first and the trip follows. Each one opens its own guide, with the hotels inside it.
Downtown Dubai
First-time visitors who want to be near major sights. The trade-off is heavy traffic and high commercialization.
High-rise, polished, and dominated by architectural landmarks and high-end retail.
Where to stay Luxury high-rise hotels or serviced apartments overlooking the fountains.
Stay in Downtown Dubai
Dubai Marina & JBR
Beach lovers and nightlife seekers. The trade-off is constant traffic gridlock and a highly touristy atmosphere.
A high-density waterfront district with a beachside promenade and yacht-filled canals.
Where to stay High-rise resort hotels or modern holiday apartments.
Stay in Dubai Marina & JBR
Jumeirah & Umm Suqeim
Families and travelers seeking a quieter, residential coastal stay. The trade-off is a lack of metro access.
Low-rise, affluent coastal suburbs with sandy beaches and independent cafes.
Where to stay Boutique villas or luxury beachfront resorts.
Stay in Jumeirah & Umm Suqeim
Al Fahidi & Deira
History enthusiasts and budget travelers. The trade-off is that it is far from the modern beaches and can be chaotic.
Historic, bustling, and traditional, centered around the historic Dubai Creek.
Where to stay Heritage guesthouses or budget-friendly business hotels.
Stay in Al Fahidi & Deira
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)
Business travelers and dedicated food enthusiasts. The trade-off is that it becomes very quiet on weekends.
Sleek, corporate, and sophisticated, serving as the culinary and art hub for the city's elite.
Where to stay High-end business and luxury design hotels.
Stay in DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)
Palm Jumeirah
Resort vacationers wanting exclusive beach access. The trade-off is isolation from the mainland and traffic on the trunk road.
A man-made, palm-shaped archipelago lined with mega-resorts and private villas.
Where to stay Five-star luxury mega-resorts with private beach clubs.
Stay in Palm JumeirahBook before you land
Top-rated tours and tickets in Dubai, with live prices from Viator.
Experience Burj Al Arab by Jetski
from $64
Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing
from $559
1 hour Jetski Tour - Burj Al Arab Tour
from $165
Dubai: 60Min Jet Ski To Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm
from $154
Flyboard Experience in Dubai
from $80
Sandventures
from $84
Dubai Desert Safari at Arabian Heritage Luxury Camp
from $70
Evening Desert Safari With Live Shows and BBQ Dinner
from $39
Prices from Viator; we may earn a commission when you book — at no extra cost to you. Tours are sold and operated by Viator, the merchant of record. Ratings are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Book direct
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The Dubai guide
Where to eat, drink and look, how to get around, and what locals expect of you. Open any chapter.
Where to eat
Dining
3 Fils
This casual, harbor-side spot serves exceptional, Asian-influenced seafood without the usual fine-dining pretension.
Signature: Spicy tuna roll and charred octopus with potato salad
Ossiano
An immersive dining room surrounded by the floor-to-ceiling glass of the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium.
Signature: Multi-course progressive seafood tasting menu
Alici
Serves fresh, Southern Italian-style seafood with views of the Dubai Marina skyline.
Signature: Salt-baked sea bass and hand-painted anchovy dishes
Ibn AlBahr
A lively Lebanese seafood joint run by real fishermen, located right on the beach.
Signature: Catch of the day grilled with traditional Levantine spices
The Fish Market
A long-standing heritage spot where you select raw seafood from a market-style counter to be cooked to order.
Signature: Red snapper prepared in Thai red curry style
Carna by Dario Cecchini
A contemporary steakhouse on the 74th floor of SLS Dubai, focusing on nose-to-tail dining by a legendary Tuscan butcher.
Signature: Bistecca alla Fiorentina
The Meat Co.
Waterfront dining with outdoor decking that offers direct views of the Burj Al Arab.
Signature: Mayura Station Wagyu ribeye
Hunter & Barrel
A casual, rustic steakhouse focusing on coal-roasted meats and barrel-aged beverages.
Signature: Fire-grilled beef skewers
Bull & Bear
A sleek, Wall Street-themed dining room inside the Waldorf Astoria, popular with the financial elite.
Signature: Alligator pear avocado salad and USDA Prime fillet
Nusr-Et Steakhouse
The famous, highly theatrical steakhouse known for its dramatic salt-sprinkling presentation.
Signature: Golden Tomahawk steak wrapped in 24-karat gold leaf
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
Designed to resemble a 1960s Emirati village, serving authentic, traditional recipes.
Signature: Machboos Samak (spiced fish cooked with simmered rice)
Arabian Tea House
Set in a historic courtyard with turquoise benches, serving traditional breakfasts and herbal teas.
Signature: Special Emirati Breakfast Tray with balaleet and khameer bread
Orfali Bros Bistro
Run by three Syrian brothers, this bistro serves highly creative, modern Middle Eastern tapas.
Signature: Come with Me to Aleppo (wagyu beef kebab with sour cherry)
Bait Maryam
Warm, home-style Levantine cooking by acclaimed chef Salam Dakkak in a cozy apartment-style setting.
Signature: Fattet Musakhan (shredded chicken with sumac and yogurt)
Trèsind Studio
An intimate, highly creative kitchen serving an immersive, modern Indian degustation menu.
Signature: Multi-course Indian tasting menu
Zuma
The long-standing gold standard for contemporary Japanese izakaya dining in the region.
Signature: Miso-marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaf
L'Atelier Robuchon
Impeccable French fine dining served around a sleek, theatrical open-kitchen counter.
Signature: Le Caviar Imperial
Stay by Yannick Alléno
Classic French fine dining located in the quiet gardens of the One&Only The Palm.
Signature: Custom pastry library desserts
Row on 45
An exclusive, multi-room 17-course tasting menu experience led by chef Jason Atherton.
Signature: Aged duck with seasonal preserves
Il Ristorante - Niko Romito
Minimalist, precise Italian fine dining located on the private Bulgari Resort island.
Signature: Potato ravioli with seafood and wild fennel
Ravi Restaurant
A legendary Pakistani canteen famous for its no-frills outdoor seating and rich, spiced curries.
Signature: Chicken Peshawari and freshly baked garlic naan
Al Ustad Special Kebab
A historic Iranian kebab house adorned with thousands of photos of famous patrons under glass table tops.
Signature: Kabab Koubideh (minced meat skewers)
Bu Qtair
A simple, historic fish shack serving fresh catch fried in a secret spice blend right by the harbor.
Signature: Fried prawns and fish served with coconut curry sauce
Mama'esh
A Palestinian bakery serving organic, affordable flatbreads baked in a traditional stone oven.
Signature: Nabulsi cheese manousheh
Zagol
Authentic, family-run Ethiopian restaurant serving rich stews on sourdough injera bread.
Signature: Beyaynetu (vegetarian platter)
Hadoota Masreya
Generous portions of authentic Egyptian street food served in a lively, casual dining room.
Signature: Koshari (lentils, rice, macaroni, and chickpeas with tomato sauce)
Avatāra
The world's first fine-dining vegetarian Indian restaurant, serving artfully plated degustation menus.
Signature: 16-course vegetarian degustation menu
Seva Table
A peaceful, rustic garden cafe offering entirely organic, vegan, and gluten-free food.
Signature: Raw vegan snickers pie
Wild & The Moon
A trendy, plant-based cafe located in the industrial art district, focusing on cold-pressed juices and bowls.
Signature: Matcha bowl and vegan tacos
Comptoir 102
An organic cafe set inside a stylish concept store, focusing on raw and plant-based dishes.
Signature: Avocado crostini on homemade gluten-free bread
Bounty Beets
A highly styled, pink-themed cafe with an extensive, creative vegan menu.
Signature: Son of a Chick scramble made with chickpea flour
After dark
Nightlife
White Dubai
A massive, legendary open-air club located on the roof of the grandstand, offering panoramic skyline views.
Soho Garden DXB
A sprawling, multi-venue nightlife destination hosting top-tier international techno and house DJs.
The Penthouse
A rooftop day-to-night club famous for its pool parties and sunset house music sets.
Galaxy Bar
An intimate, Greek-inspired luxury cocktail lounge with a starry ceiling design.
Salmon Guru
A quirky, award-winning cocktail bar imported from Madrid, serving experimental drinks.
Q's Bar and Lounge
Quincy Jones' first-ever lounge, hosting world-class jazz and soul residencies in an acoustically perfect room.
Lock, Stock & Barrel
A massive, industrial-style pub famous for its energetic local live cover bands.
The Irish Village
A legendary, sprawling outdoor pub hosting major touring acoustic and retro acts.
The Jazz Garden
A seasonal outdoor jazz series featuring international blues and jazz artists.
Hard Rock Cafe
Classic rock venue hosting local bands and touring acts on a large stage.
Art & history
Culture
Museum of the Future
An architectural masterpiece dedicated to futuristic technology, space exploration, and biotechnology.
Al Shindagha Museum
Dubai's largest heritage museum, offering an interactive look at the city's maritime and trading history.
Etihad Museum
A modern museum detailing the signing of the UAE constitution in 1971, housed in a striking building resembling a manuscript.
Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Museum
Displays artifacts from a 3,000-year-old metalworking site found in the Rub' al Khali desert.
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, standing at 828 meters, offering unrivaled views of the city and desert.
The Dubai Frame
A massive, gold-plated frame positioning old and new Dubai on either side of a glass-floored bridge.
Jumeirah Mosque
One of the few mosques in the city open to non-Muslims, built in traditional Fatimid style.
The View at The Palm
An observation deck offering a 360-degree view of the palm-shaped island.
Dubai Opera
A dhow-shaped masterpiece of contemporary architecture hosting world-class performing arts.
The Third Line
A prominent gallery representing contemporary Middle Eastern artists with thought-provoking exhibitions.
Carbon 12
Focuses on established and emerging international artists, introducing diverse artistic practices to the region.
Green Art Gallery
A pioneer in the region's art scene, showcasing modern Arab art since the 1970s.
Custot Gallery Dubai
Showcases modern and contemporary art, sculpture, and design from European and American artists.
Opera Gallery
A high-end commercial gallery featuring works by modern masters alongside contemporary artists.
Ayyam Gallery
Focuses on contemporary art from Syria and the wider Levant, highlighting politically engaged work.
Timing
When to visit
Winter
From November to March, temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, making it the peak season for beaches, outdoor dining, and desert excursions. Expect high hotel rates and crowded attractions.
Spring and Autumn
April and October are transitional months. Temperatures rise rapidly toward 38°C, but hotel prices drop and the sea remains warm enough for swimming.
Summer
From May to September, temperatures regularly exceed 40°C with intense humidity. Outdoor sightseeing is impossible, but luxury resorts offer deep discounts and indoor attractions are fully air-conditioned.
What it costs
Budgeting
Logistics
Getting around
From the airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is connected directly to the city via the Dubai Metro Red Line, which runs from Terminals 1 and 3. Taxis are abundant, metered, and regulated, offering a direct route to downtown hotels.
Public transit
The Dubai Metro is a fully automated, driverless rail system running the length of Sheikh Zayed Road. It is supplemented by the Dubai Tram in the Marina area and a network of feeder buses.
Passes & tickets
The Nol Card is the unified transit card used for metro, tram, and bus journeys. The Gold Nol Card grants access to the premium, less crowded Gold Class carriages (€€).
On foot
Very low. The city is bisected by multi-lane highways and designed primarily for vehicles. Neighborhoods are self-contained pockets; walking between them is rarely feasible.
Local etiquette
Safety & etiquette
- Dress modestly in public areas like malls and souks, keeping shoulders and knees covered.
- Avoid public displays of affection, which can lead to fines or arrest.
- Do not take photos of people, especially local women, without explicit permission.
- There is zero tolerance for drinking in public or driving under the influence of alcohol.
Travel smart
Practical tips
- Download the Careem app to book official RTA taxis at standard rates instead of hailing premium private cars.
- Buy a Nol card at the metro station immediately upon arrival; you cannot pay cash on buses or trains.
- Book major attractions like the Burj Khalifa or Museum of the Future weeks in advance to secure preferred times.
- Avoid visiting during the peak summer months of June to August if you want to spend any time outdoors.
- Tipping is not mandatory, but 10-15% is customary in restaurants for good service.
- Use the ladies-only carriages on the metro if you are a solo female traveler seeking a more comfortable journey.
- Always check if a restaurant is licensed before booking if you plan on having alcoholic drinks with your meal.
Before you go
Dubai FAQs
Is alcohol legal in Dubai?
Yes, alcohol is legal and widely available in licensed hotel restaurants, bars, and clubs for non-Muslims over the age of 21.
What should I wear in Dubai?
Swimwear is perfectly fine at beaches and pools, but you should dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when visiting malls, traditional souks, and public areas.
Is Dubai expensive?
It can be very expensive in tourist hubs like Downtown and the Palm, but areas like Deira and Satwa offer highly affordable dining and transport.
Do I need a visa to visit Dubai?
Many nationalities, including EU, US, and UK citizens, receive a free 30-day or 90-day visa on arrival.
Can I visit during Ramadan?
Yes, but you must respect local customs; while many restaurants remain open behind screens, public eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours are restricted.