Joanna James
Dubai is tipped to be among the Middle East's most coveted holiday destinations, and travellers head to Dubai for both business and pleasure. Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the region, and planning a getaway in Dubai may seem fairly straightforward to the uninitiated first-timer. From deciding when to go to signing up for tours, here's everything you need to know to make your stay in Dubai an unforgettable experience.
While it is possible to have a good time in most holiday hotspots regardless of the timing of the vacation, the same cannot be said for Dubai and other cities in the Middle East. With its cosmopolitan cityscape and high-end malls, it is easy to forget that Dubai is a desert metropolis where the average temperature is unbearable during most months of the year. This is why it is crucial to time the holiday during the winter months from November to March. This is by far the coolest period in Dubai so travellers can enjoy desert safaris and other outdoor activities without risking their health or enduring heat strokes. Avoid visiting Dubai during the summer months (June to August) as the weather is too warm for stepping outside of your air-conditioned hotel room.
Those who are hoping to spend a weekend or a short stay in Dubai must also narrow down their holiday priorities and read up on the city and what it has to offer. As one of the world's top shopping destinations, Dubai is home to some of the region's largest malls and department stores while the cultural landmarks, including museums and galleries, are equally impressive. Depending on how much time is at your disposal, it is best to consider what aspects of Dubai you wish to experience prior to making any concrete plans.
Dubai is one of the best-connected cities on the planet regarding flight itineraries as most airlines use Dubai as a transit point in long-haul flights when travelling east to west and vice versa. Emirates, Etihad and other Middle Eastern carriers also offer great deals on flights to Dubai all year round. At the same time, those hailing from the USA will find that even American carriers fly between New York City and Dubai daily.
The next step in the planning process is booking a rest out of the many upscale hotels & resorts accessible to visitors in Dubai. Whether you book a suite at a property offered by Avani Hotels & Resorts or any other hotel chain, it is important to consider the distance between your base and the airport as well as how well the venue is connected to public transport services in the city.
First-time visitors will find that taxis are surprisingly affordable in Dubai and are counted among the best ways to get around. Although the fares are more expensive than Dubai Metro passes, the comfort and convenience of taxi travel are hard to dismiss. Those on a budget can use local tourist buses and the aforementioned Dubai Metro to go sightseeing.
Some of the best-organised tours that one can sign up for include desert safaris, dune bashing sessions and shopping tours while foodies will also find that Dubai also offers travellers an array of culinary excursions within the city. Four-wheel drives across the desert and boating and yachting cruises are also popular in this bustling metropolis where walking tours are also available for those who wish to visit the sights on foot.
It is important to keep the city's Islamic identity in mind when packing for a trip to Dubai. Clothing that cover the shoulders and knees are essential for both men and women. A shawl will also come in handy when visiting cultural highlights including mosques.
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