Things to do in Dubai City

Dubai packs a desert, a coastline and a skyline into about an hour's driving. Most visitors split their time between the newer waterfront districts around the Marina and Downtown, and the older creek-side quarters of Deira and Al Fahidi, where the souks and the abra crossings are. The dunes start roughly forty minutes inland, which is why a half-day desert trip fits around almost any other plan.

Good to know

• Summer afternoons regularly pass 40°C — outdoor experiences are usually scheduled early morning or late afternoon for that reason.
• Fridays and Saturdays are the local weekend, so attractions and restaurants are busiest then.
• Dress is relaxed at hotels and beaches, more modest in souks, older districts and religious sites.