Dubai
City of Gold — Skyscrapers, Deserts & World-Class Luxury
Overview – Best Places to Visit in Dubai
Dubai is one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet — a city that has transformed itself from a desert trading post into a global icon of ambition, luxury, and architectural audacity in just a few decades. Rising from the sands of the Arabian Peninsula on the south-eastern shore of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is today home to the world's tallest building, the world's largest shopping mall, man-made islands visible from space, and a lifestyle that blends cutting-edge modernity with deep-rooted Bedouin heritage. For Indian travellers, Dubai holds a very special place — it is the closest truly international destination that feels both familiar and dazzling, a city where Hindi is widely spoken, Indian restaurants are found on every block, and direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kochi make it accessible from virtually anywhere in India. The Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 metres, is the undisputed symbol of Dubai and an essential experience for every visitor. The observation decks on floors 124 and 148 offer views that stretch from the desert dunes all the way to the Persian Gulf on clear days. Adjacent to it, the Dubai Mall — the world's largest shopping mall by total area — houses over 1,200 retail stores, an indoor ice rink, an aquarium with sharks and rays, a VR park, and the spectacular Dubai Fountain: the world's tallest choreographed fountain that performs its show every 30 minutes after sunset. The Dubai Fountain show, viewed from the waterfront promenade of the Burj Lake, is entirely free and is one of the most breathtaking sights the city offers. Beyond the skyscrapers lies a Dubai that is thousands of years old. Dubai Creek — a natural saltwater inlet dividing the historic districts of Deira and Bur Dubai — is where the city began. A short ride on an Abra (traditional wooden boat, costing just 1 AED) takes you across the creek from the Gold Souk to the Spice Souk. The Gold Souk in Deira is one of the world's largest gold markets, with over 380 shops displaying tonnes of jewellery, bullion, and gemstones. The nearby Spice Souk fills the air with the fragrance of saffron, turmeric, frankincense, and dried rose petals — a sensory experience that connects modern Dubai to its ancient trading roots. The Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood, housed in a restored fort from 1787, offers an immersive glimpse into life in the city before the oil boom. Palm Jumeirah — the palm-shaped artificial island extending into the Persian Gulf — is Dubai's most iconic feat of engineering. The Atlantis, The Palm resort at its tip is a landmark in itself, home to Aquaventure Waterpark, Dolphin Bay, and some of Dubai's finest dining. A drive along the Palm's fronds reveals exclusive villas with private beaches and sweeping views of the Dubai marina skyline. For Indian travellers, visa requirements are an important consideration: unlike some Gulf countries, Dubai (UAE) does NOT offer visa on arrival for Indian passport holders. A UAE Tourist Visa must be applied for in advance, either through a registered travel agent, airline, or the official ICA portal. Visa fees typically range from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa and processing takes 3–5 working days. The currency is the UAE Dirham (AED); 1 AED is approximately ₹22–23. Direct flights from Delhi to Dubai take approximately 3.5 hours; from Mumbai, approximately 2.5 hours; from Hyderabad and Bengaluru, 3–4 hours. The best time to visit Dubai for Indian travellers is October to April, when temperatures range from a pleasant 20–30°C. May to September brings extreme heat (40–48°C) that makes outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable. Explore our curated Dubai holiday packages at hmxglobaltravels.in for handpicked hotels, desert safari experiences, and private vehicle transfers.
Things to Do in Dubai
Top attractions and experiences for your Dubai tour package
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa at 828 metres is the world's tallest structure and Dubai's most recognisable landmark. The observation deck on the 124th floor (At the Top) offers 360-degree panoramic views over the city, desert, and the Persian Gulf. For the ultimate experience, the Sky Lounge on the 148th floor (At the Top SKY) puts you above the clouds. The tower is best photographed from the surrounding waterfront at dusk, when its glass facade turns gold in the setting sun and the Dubai Fountain comes to life below. Entry tickets should be booked well in advance — walk-up prices are significantly higher.
Desert Safari
A Dubai desert safari is a non-negotiable experience for first-time visitors. The classic evening safari includes dune bashing in 4x4 Land Cruisers, sandboarding down towering red dunes, camel rides across the sand, and a sunset photo stop. Guests are then escorted to a traditional Bedouin-style desert camp where dinner is served under a starlit sky — a lavish buffet of grilled meats, Arabic mezze, and live entertainment including belly dancing, Tanoura folk dance, and fire shows. Vegetarian options are always available. Morning desert safaris with quad biking and hot air balloon add-ons are also popular. Most tours depart from Dubai hotels at 3:30 PM and return by 10 PM.
Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain
Dubai Mall is more than a shopping destination — it is an entire city within a building. Spread across 5.4 million square feet, it houses 1,200+ retail stores including luxury brands and high-street favourites, 150+ restaurants and cafes, the Dubai Aquarium (home to over 140 species of marine life including a walk-through underwater tunnel), an Olympic-size indoor ice rink, a VR Park, a dinosaur skeleton in the atrium, and KidZania. Outside on the Burj Lake waterfront promenade, the Dubai Fountain performs its 5-minute choreographed water-and-light show every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM daily and is entirely free to watch. The best view is from the waterfront decks of the restaurants lining the promenade.
Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest man-made island, shaped like a palm tree with 16 fronds and a surrounding crescent, extending 5.5 km into the Persian Gulf. Created by reclaiming 94 million cubic metres of sand, it is home to some of Dubai's most exclusive residences, hotels, and beach clubs. The iconic Atlantis, The Palm hotel sits at its crown and offers Aquaventure Waterpark, Dolphin Bay, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. The Palm Monorail connects the trunk to the Atlantis in 10 minutes. The views from the Palm's Nakheel Mall rooftop observation platform are among the best in Dubai — looking back at the full Marina skyline and Ain Dubai (the world's largest observation wheel).
Gold Souk & Dubai Creek
The Gold Souk in Deira is one of the world's most famous gold markets — a covered network of lanes lined with over 380 jewellery shops displaying an estimated 10 tonnes of gold at any given time. Rings, necklaces, bangles, earrings, and intricate Arabic designs are sold by weight, and bargaining is expected. Adjacent to the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk fills the air with the aroma of saffron, cardamom, frankincense, dried limes, and cinnamon. Dubai Creek, the historic inlet dividing Deira and Bur Dubai, is best crossed on an Abra — a traditional wooden boat that costs just 1 AED per trip and has operated the same crossing for over a century. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood on the Bur Dubai side preserves the city's pre-oil architecture in restored wind-tower buildings now housing galleries, cafes, and the Dubai Museum.
How to Reach Dubai
By Road
Not accessible.
By Air
Fly to Dubai International Airport (DXB) from Mumbai (2.5h), Delhi (3h), Chennai (4h), Bangalore (3.5h). Emirates, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Vistara, Air India all operate this route. One of the world's busiest air corridors.
By Train
Not applicable.
Dubai Trip Cost – Budget Breakdown
₹40,000–55,000 per person (budget hotel Bur Dubai, street food, Metro)
per person
₹75,000–1,10,000 per person (4-star hotel, desert safari, key attractions)
per person
₹2,00,000+ per person (5-star Burj area or Palm, fine dining, private tours)
per person
Where to Stay in Dubai
- Ibis Deira City Centre / Al Rigga area hotels
- Hyatt Place Downtown / Rove Hotels chain
- Armani Hotel Burj Khalifa / Atlantis The Palm / Burj Al Arab
Must-Try Food in Dubai
Shawarma
The ubiquitous Middle Eastern wrap — spiced chicken or lamb in flatbread with garlic sauce and pickles. ₹80–150 from street stalls across Deira and Bur Dubai.
Al Harees
A slow-cooked wheat and meat dish — traditional Emirati food served at heritage restaurants during Ramadan.
Camel Burger
A Dubai novelty — camel meat burger served at desert safari camps and some specialty restaurants. Lean and slightly gamey.
Luqaimat
Sweet fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup — the traditional Emirati dessert sold on the streets of Al Fahidi.
Indian Thali
Anywhere in Bur Dubai (Little India) — authentic Mumbai-style thali meals from ₹400–600. Often better than what you'll find in the 5-stars.
What to Buy in Dubai
Gold Souk, Deira
World's largest gold market — jewellery, bullion, watches. Bargaining expected.
Spice Souk, Deira
Saffron, dried limes, frankincense, zaatar, Arabic coffee
Dubai Mall
All global luxury brands, electronics, fashion — fixed price
Global Village (Oct–April)
Products from 90+ countries in national pavilions — great for souvenirs
Dubai Travel Guide – Tips & Advice
- 1UAE Tourist Visa must be applied for in advance — visa on arrival is NOT available for Indian passport holders. Apply through a registered travel agent, airline portal, or ICA website. Standard 30-day tourist visa costs ₹8,000–12,000 and takes 3–5 working days.
- 2Currency: UAE Dirham (AED). 1 AED ≈ ₹22–23. Carry some cash for souks and Abra rides — digital payments are accepted almost everywhere else.
- 3Dress modestly in public — while Dubai is liberal, covering shoulders and knees is advised at malls, restaurants, and public spaces. Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools.
- 4Book Burj Khalifa observation deck tickets online in advance — they sell out, and online prices are 30–50% lower than walk-up rates.
- 5Desert safari: Book through your hotel or a reputed agency. Prices range from ₹3,500 to ₹7,000 per person — beware of very cheap deals as vehicle quality and safety standards vary.
- 6The Dubai Metro (Red Line) connects the airport, Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa, and the Marina — fast, air-conditioned, and very cheap. A Nol card for multiple journeys costs AED 2–6 per ride.
- 7Indian food is exceptionally accessible in Dubai — from Udupi restaurants in Bur Dubai to fine-dining Indian restaurants in JBR and DIFC. Vegetarian options are plentiful.
- 8Alcohol is available at licensed restaurants, hotels, and bars — but is strictly prohibited in public spaces. Ramadan restrictions apply to eating and drinking in public during daylight hours.
- 9Best areas to stay: Dubai Marina and JBR for beach access; Downtown Dubai for Burj Khalifa proximity; Deira and Bur Dubai for budget-friendly options near the old city.
- 10The Dubai Fountain show is free — simply walk to the Burj Lake waterfront at Dubai Mall any evening from 6 PM. Shows run every 30 minutes. Arrive 10 minutes early for a good viewing spot.
- 11How to reach: Direct flights from Delhi (3.5h), Mumbai (2.5h), Hyderabad (3h), Bengaluru (3.5h), Kochi (3h) and many Indian cities on IndiGo, Air India, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia.
- 12Carry a universal plug adaptor (UAE uses Type G British-style plugs). Most hotels provide adaptors but it's handy for charging at cafes and airports.
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