It is easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour and modern, futuristic vibes of Dubai! But this United Arab Emirates city has so much more to offer than just luxury shopping and incredible architecture. If the city isn’t your scene, there are plenty of safari camps outside the city and beaches along the Dubai Creek shoreline! It is also incredibly easy to get to this incredible city. Dubai International Airport offers over 7,000 weekly flights operated by 125 airlines from 260 destinations on every continent!

Best Times to Visit: Dubai experiences a desert climate with largely year-round sunshine and hot temperatures, and very little rain. To avoid the worst of the heat, the best months to visit are between November and March.

Things to do:

Visit the tallest building of the world. Dubai is a proud home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the whole world with 163 floors! You can book tickets for “At the Top” which are the two observation decks located on the very top floor… if you have the nerves for it!

Lounge on Jumeirah Beach. This stretch of beach that sits underneath Dubai’s impressive skyline and is home to multiple luxurious hotels and restaurants. However despite all the luxury hotels, Jumeirah Beach also has a section that is open to the public and everyone can hang out here and jump into the waves!

Take an Arab Water Boat ride. This traditional road is made of wood and used to ferry people across the Dubai Creek. They travel between the water station at Shindagha/Al Ghubaiba on the Bur Dubai side, and the water station at Al Sabkha on the Deira side. This is a great way to catch a breeze and see the expansive city!

Go on a desert safari. While the city is all about modernity, glass, and entertainment, the desert offers guests a nice change of pace. Desert safaris are fairly inexpensive and usually include the jeep ride, a local meal, and some entertainment at one of the big camps!

Go to the Miracle Garden. This is a beautifully designed botanical garden in the city! We recommend going early in the morning to beat the crowds and get the best pictures!

Feature Hotel: One & Only Royal Mirage, Taj Dubai, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach

• No PDA! If you are traveling with your significant other, public displays of affection are considered rude. Kissing and cuddling in public is not allowed, but married couples are allowed to hold hands.

• Beware of where you point your camera. When taking pictures make sure that you ask Middle Eastern people if you can take photos of them first, especially women. There are some old superstitions in this region, including the belief that a camera can suck out your soul.

• Experience the nightlife but know the laws. If you are having a night on the town and plan on bar hopping, always get in a taxi and don’t walk. It is illegal to be drunk in public.

• Watch your potty mouth. Do not swear in public or talk badly about an organization or you might end up with a fine for slander.

  For more rules and traditions, click HERE.