United Arab Emirates Travelers Recommend

As a nation made up of mostly desert, the United Arab Emirates has become a top destination for desert adventures, many available just outside of Dubai. All-terrain vehicles carry passengers out into the dunes for sand boarding, camel treks, picnics, balloon rides, and starlit barbecues without any other signs of human habitation in sight. See below for your options.

Sandboarding

You can experience the rolling dunes from a 4x4 vehicle as it takes you from the city into the desert and then strap on a board for the exhilaration of sandboarding, which is easier to master than snowboarding and a great family activity.

Sand Buggy and Quad Bike Rides

For an even greater adrenaline rush, hop on the saddle of a sand buggy or quad bike for a guided tour of the dunes. Out on your own personal vehicle, you’ll have uninterrupted, 360-degree views of this otherworldly landscape. Another option is to see the desert from above in a hot air balloon. This is the best way to see just how vast the Arabian Desert truly is.

Camel Rides

An equally exhilarating and more traditional activity is camel riding. These animals have been central to survival in the Arabian Desert throughout history, and you’ll learn why on a visit to a camel farm.

Camping Out

If you’re interested in the culture of the nomadic tribes that once traveled these sands, spend an evening at a desert campsite, where you can watch the sun set over the dunes, wee a traditional Tanoura dance performance by the light of a campfire, feast on a barbecue dinner and swap stories over a shisha (a traditional Arabic water pipe).

Standing on the edges of the United Arab Emirates’ deserts, including the Empty Quarter that extends into Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi makes a wonderful point of departure for dune-based adventures. From camel rides to Bedouin-style camps, here are some of the top desert experiences available from the UAE capital.

Desert and Dinner Excursions

The most popular desert trips from Abu Dhabi fill the afternoon and evening, and feature sports, Bedouin traditions, and dinner at an Arabian Nights-inspired camp. Most begin with a 4WD dune bash, sunset photo ops, camel riding, and sand boarding. Then, it’s on to a tented camp for activities such as henna painting, falcon displays, and a barbecue buffet dinner and belly dancing shows beneath the stars.

Sports Trips

Sports-only trips are ideal if you want to enjoy the all-action opportunities of the desert and don’t mind skipping the usual afternoon and evening entertainment. Many of these trips happen in the cool of morning and include ATV or dune buggy treks, or sports such as dune bashing and sand boarding.

City and Desert Combos

Perfect for travelers with limited time, combo tours let you experience a number of different activities in one time-saving and hassle-free package. Some options team an afternoon-evening desert safari with an Abu Dhabi city tour and a Dhow boat dinner cruise, all packed into two days of sightseeing.

Liwa Desert Expeditions

Situated on the fringes of the UAE’s Empty Quarter—also known as the Rub’ Al Khali—Liwa is one of the country’s most beautiful deserts, and is characterized by towering red dunes. Trips to Liwa give you a feel for the scale and beauty of a large Arabian desert. Full-day group or private tours include dune drives, a visit to Liwa Fort, and usually, lunch at a desert resort.

Private Tours

Popular with couples and groups seeking quieter, less-crowded trips, private desert tours come in many different forms. Options include lantern-lit dinners for two in the dunes, intimate sunrise tours, and personal wildlife safaris followed by a private dinner table at an exclusive desert retreat.

Overnight Stays

Experience the UAE desert at both of its most magical times—sunset and sunrise—with an overnight desert expedition. Most start with a classic evening desert-and-dinner tour before letting you sleep in your own Bedouin-style tent or desert villa, so you can wake to breakfast and dawn breaking over the dunes.

Dubai’s desert setting and dazzling sights offer a magical setting for romance. Enjoy torchlit dinners in the dunes, gaze at the illuminated skyscrapers on a dinner cruise, or make a grand romantic gesture by chartering a private yacht to sail along the coast. Here are some ideas for a romantic stay in Dubai.

Tour the City by Private Car

Make your sightseeing special on a private city tour via car or limousine and be whisked around sights such as the Burj Al-Arab and Dubai Marina in a cocoon of comfort and privacy by a personal chauffeur-guide. Up the luxury on a tour that includes a flexible itinerary and admission to the Burj Khalifa’s observatories to enjoy the views—most romantic at sunset.

Take a Dinner Cruise

Join an evening cruise to dine against a backdrop of Dubai’s city lights. Add a dash of old Arabia by choosing a trip along Dubai Creek aboard a wooden dhow, or go for the wow-factor on a cruise around Dubai Marina featuring dazzling skyscraper views.

Splash Out on a Yacht Trip

A private yacht cruise along Dubai’s coast is one of the most decadent ways to see its 21st-century cityscape. Charter a skippered motor yacht, bring your own drinks, and whisper sweet nothings as the sights go by.

Book a Couples’ Spa Experience

Enjoy a spa experience for two at one of Dubai’s lavish spa retreats. Relax in a steam room, whirlpool, and hammam in a private couple’s suite and enjoy a massage, scrub, and other therapeutic treatments alongside your beloved.

Fly Above the City

Dubai’s skyscrapers and palm-shaped Palm Jumeirah island look incredible from above. Take a private helicopter flight to see the sights from the air, perhaps choosing a tour that includes luxury return hotel transfers in a Hummer limousine.

Enjoy Dinner at the Atlantis

The Atlantis hotel is one of Dubai’s most glamorous dining spots. Prebook a table at one of its eateries—choices include the seafood restaurant framed by the giant, fish-filled tanks of its aquarium—for a dinner to remember.

Dine in the Desert

Dubai’s desert has a timeless beauty, especially at sundown. Head into the dunes by 4WD on a private experience that starts with a dune bash and finishes with dinner for two in flickering torchlight—perfect for a proposal or celebration.

Just beyond the towering skyscrapers and luxury hotels of Dubai, one of the Middle East’s most fascinating metropolises, lies the desert of the United Arab Emirates—an incredibly interesting natural landscape of much more than just sand dunes. From camel rides to ATV adventures, here’s how to visit the desert around Dubai.

Highlights

• Take a camel ride through the dunes of the Dubai desert for a traditional view of the stark and spectacular landscape.

• Hop into a 4WD vehicle for a day of dune bashing and desert exploration.

• Experience the thrill of sandboarding down desert sand dunes.

• Watch a falconry demonstration to learn about the hunting skills of the Emiratis’ favorite bird.

• Tuck into an alfresco BBQ dinner while watching a live tanoura (whirling dervish) and belly dancing show.

• Sleep beneath the stars on an overnight safari to a Bedouin camp.

Dubai thrums with serenity throughout Ramadan, when stores close, the faithful fast, and the city empties. If your visit lands during the Islamic holy month, you’re in for fewer lines, more culture, and a great time. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the Islamic lunar month of obligatory fasting, intense prayer, and spiritual reflection, as well as nightly feasts and fun. It falls at a different time each year, during which Muslims around the world abstain from food, drink, tobacco, and sex from sunrise to sundown to focus on their worship. Nightfall sees lively meals called iftar shared with friends and family, while Islam’s biggest holiday, Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan with three days of eating, thanking, and gift-giving.

Be mindful of rules and traditions.

While non-Muslims aren’t expected to fast, eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in public during daylight hours. Refrain from swearing or playing loud music in public, and be aware that everyone is expected to dress modestly—women should cover their shoulders with a pashmina or shawl, and all visitors should cover their legs (down to the knee). Swimwear is acceptable in beach and pool areas.

Plan your meals in advance.

With shorter work hours and a fasting public, daytime food options are limited and last-minute dinner reservations impossible as Muslims meet to break their fast. Map out international hotels and shopping centers, which cater to hungry visitors and sometimes offer daytime meals, and always carry water—a city tour of Abu Dhabi is a good way to secure a cultural experience and a meal at a seven-star hotel.

Immerse yourself in the culture.

Don’t be shy! Try fasting for a day on a desert safari before breaking into a traditional iftar with your guide, or take a guided walking tour through Old Dubai to learn about Emirati culture and visit the Dubai Museum.

Sightsee in the city.

Dubai’s top attractions see way smaller crowds during the Holy Month. Book a guided city tour to see architectural masterpieces such as the Burj Khalifa and Burj al-Arab hotel or learn about the holiday at mosques, souks, and royal palaces.

Stay up.

When Ramadan breaks at nightfall, Dubai comes to life (perhaps even more so than usual). Malls stay open later and suhoors, or pre-dawn meals, keep people moving into the early hours.

With its show-stopping architecture, glam shopping, and sunny beaches, Abu Dhabi deserves its reputation as a rising star of the Middle East. And under two hours from neighboring Dubai, it's a popular choice for a day trip. Here's how to visit.

Group Tours

A budget-friendly and fun way to experience the highlights of Abu Dhabi is on a group tour from Dubai. Many of these tours include visits to the Corniche, Yas Island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Heritage Village, and Ferrari World.

Private Tours

For a more personalized experience with greater itinerary flexibility, opt for a private tour. With a guide all to yourself (go ahead and ask all the questions you want), you'll have even more time to acquaint yourself with this modern city by visiting only the attractions you're interested in.

Abu Dhabi from Above

If you think Abu Dhabi is impressive from the ground, wait until you see it from above. A seaplane tour of the city takes passengers soaring from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, offering aerial views of each city's top attractions and a thrilling landing on the water.

Things to Know

• Most Abu Dhabi day trips last upwards of 8 hours, so prepare for a full day.

• Round-trip hotel transfer from Dubai is included on most tours.

• Seaplane excursions include a 45-minute flight and sometimes include time to explore Ferrari World.

• Abu Dhabi is less than 2 hours from Dubai by car.

From sci-fi–like architecture and cutting-edge leisure attractions to empty desert and bustling beaches, Dubai has plenty to fill your time, feed your soul, and fire your adrenaline. Plus, because the city is so compact, it’s easy to enjoy the must-dos even if time is short. Here’s how to get the best from Dubai in just one day.

Morning: City Sightseeing

Start at the At The Top observatory of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, where the Level 124 viewing deck is the perfect curtain-raiser to the city—letting you experience Dubai’s most celebrated skyscraper along with stupendous city, gulf, and desert views. After an hour here, check out Dubai’s landmarks on a guided city tour. View modern must-sees such as the Burj Al Arab, ride a traditional boat ( abra ) across Dubai Creek, and browse the souks and wind towers of old Dubai. Alternatively, take a hop-on hop-off bus tour that lets you see all the sights and explore as you wish.

Afternoon: Sands, Sea, and Fun

Dubai’s desert offers up myriad dune-based adventures. Ride a 4WD into the sands for dune bashes, camel rides, sandboarding, and traditional Arabian experiences, all capped by a sunset barbecue in a Bedouin-style camp. For a different kind of fun, book tickets to one of Dubai’s two water parks—Aquaventure or Wild Wadi—to enjoy their daredevil slides and gentler attractions. For thrills and views together, opt for a helicopter flightseeing ride or admire Dubai’s legendary skyline from the water on a RIB trip along the coast.

Night: Dinner Cruises and Desert Nights

There are many ways to spend evenings in Dubai, with most centered on enjoying the glitz of the city or the quiet beauty of the desert. To admire the city lights while you eat, book a dinner cruise on Dubai Creek, and sail by wind towers and minarets on a wooden Arabian dhow or glass-enclosed boat. Other options include Dubai Marina dinner cruises that glide you past its rows of sparkling skyscrapers. For an Arabian Nights –style evening, book one of numerous tours into the desert where groups enjoy a live barbecue under the stars complemented by sequined belly dancing and tanoura whirling dervish shows.

While many simply want to hit Dubai’s beaches, the city overflows with sights and activities that will keep sightseers, adventure seekers, and culture vultures happy, too, from the world’s highest tower to desert expeditions featuring dune bashing, sand boarding, and Bedouin-style dinners under the stars. Whether you choose to explore Dubai via flightseeing tour, boat trip, dinner cruise, or desert hot-air-balloon ride—or day trip to the dynamic UAE capital, Abu Dhabi—book ahead, as many experiences sell fast, especially during the peak season of November to March. Here are our top-pick activities for your time in Dubai.

With three days in Dubai, there’s time to experience all of its main draws, from desert expeditions and day trips to the open seas, scented souks, amusement parks, and deluxe leisure experiences. Here’s how to get the most out of a 3-day trip to Dubai.

Day 1: Desert Delights Flanked by sands, Dubai is the perfect base for delving deep into the Arabian desert. Float above the dunes at sunrise by hot-air balloon, or burn rubber on a quad or buggy ride. Alternatively, sample Bedouin culture with a wildlife experience: watching the ancient art of falconry and scouring the dunes to spot Arabian oryx, gazelle, and more.

This afternoon, continue with a 4WD guided desert tour. Most trips include a dune bash, sunset photo ops, and a Bedouin-style camp sojourn beneath the stars replete with a barbecue, sparkling belly dancers, and activities such as camel riding and henna art.

Day 2: Capital City or Coastal Cruising Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s futuristic-looking capital, is a popular and easy-to-do day trip from Dubai. Most tours take a day to show you its top sights, including the white-marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Plus, some include entry to the avant-garde Louvre Abu Dhabi or Ferrari World, the huge indoor park of Ferrari-branded rides.

Another day-trip option takes you across the border to Oman’s Musandam Peninsula to cruise along its mountainous coast. Settle in on an Arabian dhow and drift around its steep-sided bays, where you can swim and snorkel in the aquamarine waters.

Day 3: All Things Dubai Today's the day to immerse yourself in Dubai. Begin by admiring the 360-degree views from the Level 124 observatory at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, in the early-morning light. Or take a dawn seaplane flight to see the rising sun glinting on Dubai’s skyscrapers. For daylong fun, head for the thrilling fantasy worlds of Dubai Park and Resorts, or take a city sightseeing tour. There’s a tour option for all, from modern architecture round-ups to city-wide overviews and hop-on hop-off bus tickets. Speedboat or yacht trips are exhilarating ways to see the sights while enjoying the breezes and waves of the Persian Gulf.

Make your last evening truly memorable with a gourmet dinner at one of Dubai’s opulent hotel restaurants. Or book an evening cruise on the Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek, letting the city lights come to you as you relax and dine in style.

Dubai’s souks —traditional covered markets—offer a more atmospheric shopping experience than modern malls. Largely located in the old quarters of Deira and Bur Dubai, souks specialize in a single type of product such as textiles or gold. Here’s what to know before diving in. Compare, haggle, and pay cash. Always shop around and explore each souk thoroughly to compare the stall prices. Then, be ready to haggle—it’s expected. Start by offering 50 percent of the quoted price and work from there. Then, if you’re not happy with the final price, walk away—the vendor may call you back. Paying cash should help you push down prices, too. Shop at all the souks. Dubai’s main souks clustered near each other, making it easy to visit them all in one outing and compare prices. Start at Deira’s Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Perfume Souk—all within steps of each other—before riding an abra boat across Dubai Creek to Bur Dubai’s Textile Souk. Know the day’s gold price. Gold at Deira’s Gold Souk is government-checked, so you can be sure it’s the real deal. Check the day’s fixed gold prices (as shown on the electronic stands), then haggle on the “making” charge: the additional fee that reflects the intricacy of each piece. Check customs rules for spices. The aromas and colors of Deira’s Spice Souk make it an unmissable experience. If you’re shopping for goodies here—think saffron, frankincense, nuts, or coffees—check your home country’s customs regulations beforehand and ask the vendor to seal and label whatever you buy. Visit in the mornings and evenings. Time your shopping for the mornings or evenings; souks are open 9am–10pm Saturday–Thursday (with a break between 1pm–4pm). On Fridays, most souks don’t open until 4pm. Cover up. Dubai’s souks are traditional spaces that reflect local customs, so wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. Book a guided tour. If you’re unsure about shopping or navigating the souks, book a tour for valuable pointers. A guided souk shopping tour will help you get your bearings, scope out what each souk sells, and give you useful haggling tips.

With the winter crowds thinning out and temperatures still comfortable before summer turns up the heat, spring is a great time to enjoy Dubai. Here are some popular ways to make the most of the city’s sights, outdoor activities, and desert wilds between mid-February and early May.

• See the best of old and new Dubai from a hop-on hop-off bus tour, where you can opt for a seat on the open-air top or in the air-conditioned lower deck.

• Tour downtown and modern Dubai to admire its futuristic architecture, such as the Burj Al Arab hotel and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest tower.

• Dive into the aquatic fun of the Aquaventure Water Park at the Atlantis, The Palm hotel—ideal for cooling down when the sun is high.

• Gaze down instead of up at the skyscrapers on an exciting helicopter flightseeing ride over the city.

• Ride horseback across Dubai’s sands to feel the full beauty and vastness of the desert.

• Bounce across the Persian Gulf for widescreen views of the city on a coastal speedboat tour.

• Experience the desert at its most magical with a sunset 4x4 dune bash and barbecue dinner at a Bedouin-style camp in the sands.

• Cross the dunes by vintage Land Rover to spot gazelle and other animals before a night under the stars on a wildlife safari and overnight stay.

Dubai is one of the world’s most expensive vacation destinations, but with smart planning it’s possible to keep your costs down. From choosing combination tours that cut your transportation fares to buying a discount-crammed attractions pass, here are a few ways to save money in the city.

Book a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Dubai’s sights are spread out, so paying for cabs and metro trains quickly adds up. Limit costs by booking a 1-day or multi-day pass for a hop-on hop-off bus that gives you unlimited cross-city travel for one price. Tours typically cover key sights such as Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina and often include perks such as museum tickets and guided walks.

Bundle Two Activities with Super Savers

Super Saver passes combine two bestselling activities into one tour for a lower price than if you were to book them separately—letting you experience Dubai’s quintessential activities while simultaneously cutting costs. Popular pairings include desert-and-dinner expeditions and dinner cruises and desert safaris teamed with city tours.

Choose Tours that Include a Meal or Tastings

If you’re heading off to sightsee on a city tour, choose one that includes a meal or tastings so you won’t need to pay for the equivalent meal yourself. Many include lunch or dinner at top restaurants, such as the Burj Al-Arab, giving you a way to experience glamorous dining spots at a great value. If you want to experience old Dubai, some tours offer tastings as you walk or let you learn about Emirati culture over an authentic local meal.

Buy a Sightseeing Pass

Passes that provide entry to a number of Dubai attractions for a single price save you money as you sightsee. Options include cards valid for an allotted period that give you cut-price admission to must-visits, such as the Burj Khalifa, as well as discounts and deals on tours and at restaurants, shops, and theme parks.

Opt for a Combination Tour

Combo tours pair together some of Dubai’s most popular activities to fill a day—think a city tour followed by a waterpark visit. These tours typically include transportation, so you avoid the cab, bus, or metro fares you’d pay if going independently. Other tours bundle several essential activities into two days and incorporate transportation throughout, saving you even more.

Two days in Dubai let you branch out beyond the essential desert and city tours. Delve deeper into Dubai’s sands and Bedouin culture, dive headfirst into its 21st-century architecture and theme parks, and up the pace with the extreme sports the city does so well. Here’s how to make the most of a 2-day stay in Dubai.

Day 1: Essential Dubai

**Morning:**Sightseeing in Dubai is best in the relative cool of morning, so begin today with a guided city highlights tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore more freely. Take photos of the ultramodern must-sees such as the Atlantis, the Palm, and Burj Al Arab, and delve into old Dubai, where wind towers and souks huddle around Dubai Creek.

**Afternoon:**Devote the afternoon to Dubai’s entertainment heavyweights. Stay cool in the sun courtesy of the pools and chutes at the Wild Wadi or Atlantis’ Aquaventure water parks, or head for IMG Worlds of Adventure for white-knuckle rides and virtual-reality experiences.

**Night:**Most Dubai desert tours take up the afternoons and evenings, when the desert looks and feels extra romantic. After a 4WD dune drive, group tours make tracks for Bedouin-inspired camps to enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, henna art, and other traditional activities. A barbecue dinner and live entertainment usually provide the finale before convenient transfer back to your hotel.

Day 2: Let Rip or Kick Back

**Morning:**Rise early for a sunrise seaplane flight offering phenomenal bird’s-eye views of Dubai’s skyscrapers glowing gold at dawn. Follow your aerial exploits with another burst of adventure, this time in the desert. Join a quad bike or buggy expedition and feel your adrenaline race as you roar across the dunes.

**Afternoon:**To escape Dubai’s afternoon heat, head for one of its indoor attractions—air-conditioned oases out of the sun. All ages love watching the sea life at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, while skiing in the winter-like world of Ski Dubai makes for an adventurous and quirky alternative.

**Night:**Go all out for your final night in Dubai. Prebook evening admission to the 124th-floor observation deck at the Burj Khalifa for floodlit city views, or ramp up the luxury and height at the 148th-floor SKY observatory. For a meal to remember, dine in one of the city’s ultra-glitzy hotel restaurants or take a dinner cruise on Dubai Creek or the Dubai Marina.

There’s more to Abu Dhabi than sun-baked beaches, desert dunes, and towering skyscrapers. The UAE’s capital city also promises wildlife-filled mangroves, cutting-edge theme parks, fast-paced motor sports, and ocean-going fun. Here are our recommendations for how to fill three memorable days in the city—with time to visit its alluring neighbor, Dubai.

Day 1: Discover the City and the Desert

Getting an eyeful of Abu Dhabi, known for its look-at-me architecture, on a sightseeing overview is a must on your first day. Settle into a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour and let the sights come to you—either from the open-air deck or air-conditioned lower level. For a more well-rounded take on the city, choose a classic coach tour that includes a guided walk around the gleaming Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, plus time at cultural attractions such as the Heritage Village and Dates Market.

This afternoon, head for the desert to experience its orange dunes and soul-stirring vastness. Most tours feature an all-inclusive package of sports and entertainment to give you the full Arabian Nights experience. Expect everything from 4x4 dune bashing and camel riding to dinner at a tented camp and belly dancing shows—all played out as the sun sets and the desert stars dazzle.

Day 2: Delve into Dubai

Abu Dhabi’s bigger neighbor, Dubai, beckons from around 90 minutes by road up the coast. Widen your lens on the UAE by taking one of the many full-day tours to this futuristic metropolis; most include special extras that promise to make the trip extra memorable. Many also showcase the highlights of old and new Dubai, combining time to shop in its traditional souks with panoramic tours of the city’s ultramodern landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis the Palm hotel. 

To add another dimension to your trip, take a seaplane flight along the UAE shoreline to the city, watching as its skyscrapers reveal themselves on the horizon. And for maximum bragging rights back home, look for tours that include a visit to the 124th-floor observation deck of the world’s highest tower—the soaring Burj Khalifa.

Day 3: Fill Up on Thrills

Abu Dhabi has plenty going on adventure-wise: in the desert, on the sea, and at the thrill-packed theme parks of Yas Island. For a serious adrenaline rush, book an all-day ticket to the fun of Ferrari World or the aquatic rides of Yas Waterworld. Or combine your sporty side with Abu Dhabi’s natural landscapes, taking an exhilarating ATV ride over the dunes or hitting the waves on a high-speed RIB cruise past the city’s stunning skyline. For something a bit slower, perhaps try a stand-up paddleboarding tour around Abu Dhabi’s picturesque mangroves.

As dusk descends, ease into the evening with a leisurely cruise. Choices range from private abra water taxi rides around the city’s inshore channels to all-singing, all-dancing dinner cruises along the Corniche. The latter are great for taking one final look at the city, treating you to fabulous panoramas of its illuminated skyscrapers.

Don't let Dubai's searing summer temperatures put a damper on your travel plans. This fascinating city in the Arabian desert offers plenty of blissfully air-conditioned indoor options for visitors. Here are some ways to stay cool when it's hot out.

• Dive into the colorful underwater world of The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm.

• Have some splashy fun in the sun at Aquaventure water park.

• Take in the views from the Burj Khalifa At the Top observation deck on the 124th floor.

• Step into a winter wonderland of sledding and skiing at Ski Dubai or Dubai Snow Park.

• Sip afternoon tea in the fresh Burj Al-Arab.

• Head into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve on an evening safari when the weather cools.

• Find your bliss with an indulgent treatment at Spa CORDON.

• Enjoy some retail therapy at the air-conditioned Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates.

• Feel your adrenaline pump at iFly Dubai, an indoor skydiving center.

• Explore IMG Worlds of Adventure, one of the world's largest indoor theme parks.

• Head to the Dubai Chillout Ice Lounge, where you'll actually want to warm up with apple pie and hot chocolate.

Dubai’s winter brings respite from its blistering summer heat, drawing travelers who want to enjoy the beaches, city, and desert in warm—but not overly hot—climes. Check out these brilliant ways to see and experience Dubai between November and March, when the city is at its coolest and liveliest best.

• Enjoy Dubai’s balmy winter sunshine and check out its must-sees—including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab—in one trip, courtesy of an open-top hop-on hop-off bus tour.

• Re-create a freezing winter with a spin on Dubai Ice Rink, the city’s Olympic-sized indoor ice-skating venue.

• Head into Dubai’s desert to enjoy a 4x4 dune drive, sandboarding, camel riding, and a barbecue dinner at a Bedouin-inspired camp—all made comfortable by the relative cool of winter.

• Take a walking tour of old Dubai to experience its buzzing souks, traditional wind towers, and beautiful creek.

• See the sun rise over the desert on a dawn hot air balloon ride above the dunes, complete with a falcon-flying display from the basket.

• Swap the sun for the snow of Ski Dubai, an indoor winter wonderland popular for its ski slopes, toboggans, zorbing, and penguin parades.

• Count down to midnight and watch fireworks crackle above the city’s towers on a New Year’s Eve Arabian dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Creek.

With temperatures regularly hitting 100°F (38°C), Dubai’s summer heat makes many daytime tours and activities uncomfortable. Yet, with clever timing and the bonus of ever-present air-conditioning, it’s still easy to enjoy the city. From dawn desert trips to indoor theme parks, here’s how to enjoy the best of Dubai from June to September.

• Admire the sights on a panoramic city tour aboard an air-conditioned hop-on hop-off bus, minivan, or coach.
• Pretend it’s winter with a day of skiing, tobogganing, and penguin-watching in the frozen indoor wonderland of Ski Dubai.
• Absorb the sea breezes and wide-screen views of Dubai’s futuristic skyline and Burj Al-Arab on a high-speed RIB boat cruise.
• Beat the day’s heat on an early morning desert experience that lets you sand board, ride a camel, and drive an ATV across the dunes before the sands start to sizzle.
• Stay cool and enjoy Dubai’s best views on a combo tour that includes the Burj Khalifa observatory, Dubai Aquarium, and dinner by the Dubai Fountain.
• Splash and swim the day away at the slides and pools of the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark.
• Hit the rides and coasters of Dubai’s IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s biggest indoor theme park.
• Savor the views and a gourmet dinner on the air-conditioned, glass-enclosed deck when you take a Bateaux dinner cruise on Dubai Creek.
• Experience the thrill of a skydive minus the fierce summer heat during an indoor skydiving session.
• Take advantage of cool evening temperatures on a sunset camel trek and Bedouin-style dinner experience in the desert.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is one of the many family-friendly activities in the United Arab Emirates. More than just a showroom or museum, Ferrari World is a full-scale amusement park and an interactive experience that has something for every age and interest. Here’s how to visit.

Guided Tours

Ferrari World theme park is situated just outside of Abu Dhabi, and it’s also possible to visit on a guided day trip from Dubai. Tour options of Ferrari World range from a full-day visit dedicated to the car-centric theme park to a combination Abu Dhabi city tour, which includes visits to popular area attractions such as Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Corniche, and a Bedouin heritage village as well as entrance to the theme park. For a true bucket list-worthy experience, combine your amusement park visit with a tour that includes a seaplane flight over the landmarks of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Ferrari World Tickets with Transport

Travelers who’d rather take in the roller coasters, rides, and attractions of Ferrari World at their own pace can still enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from Dubai with a combination entrance ticket and transfer. This hassle-free option includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai hotels with a comfortable, air-conditioned ride to and from Ferrari World. With your entrance ticket in hand, you can skip the line and maximize your time inside the 21-acre (85,000-square metre) park.

The sport of falconry, where graceful birds of prey swoop through the sky to catch small game, is woven into the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates—it's been a part of desert life in the region for hundreds of years. While you might not expect such a sport in ultramodern Dubai, the city is, in fact, an epicenter of falconry and a wonderful place to witness the skill of falconers and their trained birds. Here are a few ways to do so.

Falconry Displays

Viewing falconry in action is an impressive and thrilling experience, one that's often included in day tours into the Arabian desert outside of Dubai. These tours are great for those pressed on time, as they typically include a camel ride and dinner in a Bedouin-style camp, allowing travelers to fit many of Dubai's iconic desert experiences, including falconry, into a single day.

Interactive Experiences

The only thing better than watching a falconer in action is becoming a falconer yourself. Pull on a glove for a hands-on lesson in both modern and ancient techniques of falconry from a top-notch falcon trainer. You'll quickly have birds launching from your fist to collect food and return to your waiting hand. These experiences often take place at the Dubai Desert Conversation Reserve, where travelers can begin or end a visit with some wildlife-spotting for gazelle, Arabian oryx or hares.

Falcon Hospital Visits

Tour the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the region's first and only facility dedicated to falcons, to gain a deeper understanding of the close relationship between the Bedouin culture and the desert's birds of prey. The onsite treatment center rehabilitates injured birds and caregivers are happy to provide insight into common ailments and treatments, while a small museum showcases traditional falconry equipment and information on the various falcon species.

You don't have to blow your travel budget on a room at the Burj Al-Arab to enjoy the hotel's luxe interiors and over-the-top opulence. Instead, make afternoon tea your ticket into this Dubai landmark.

The magnificent atrium—the world's tallest at nearly 600 feet (180 meters)—within Burj Al-Arab serves as the setting for afternoon tea, where diners are treated to multiple courses of pastries, scones, and dainty sandwiches, all accompanied by a selection of teas from around the globe.

Ways to Experience Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al-Arab

Combine your afternoon tea experience at the Burj Al-Arab with a visit to Dubai's other famous landmark, the Burj Khalifa, where you can look down on Dubai from the At the Top observation deck. Another option is to have afternoon tea as part of a more comprehensive city tour, with visits to the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeriah, plus the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Fall in Dubai brings a gradual cooling down of summer’s heat, allowing visitors to relax and sightsee outside in warm—but not unbearably hot—weather. From desert adventures to cruises on the creek and day trips to Abu Dhabi, here are some top tips for enjoying Dubai’s late-year sunshine.

• Catch a hop-on hop-off bus tour to ride by Dubai’s signature sights, such as the soaring Burj Khalifa, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, and more.

• Bask in the evening cool and city lights on a dinner cruise on the Dubai Bateaux, a glass-enclosed boat that glides along picturesque Dubai Creek.

• Embark on a day trip to Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, to admire its showpiece Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, gleaming Corniche, and other sights.

• Gaze at sharks, tropical fish, and other aquatic wonders on a behind-the-scenes or glass-bottom boat and submersible tour at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

• Brave the world’s fastest coaster and experience a host of other auto-themed thrills at Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World, the planet’s biggest indoor theme park.

• Enjoy the desert in decadent style with a luxe wildlife drive in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve followed by a private gourmet dinner at a secluded, lantern-lit retreat among the dunes.

To fully appreciate the diversity of the United Arab Emirates, you should plan to spend time in both modern Dubai and more traditional Abu Dhabi. Here are some of the best options for day tripping to Dubai from the nation’s capital city.

Sightseeing Tours

Sightseeing tours of Dubai from Abu Dhabi give travelers the chance to see the highlights of the UAE’s ultramodern metropolis. Snap photos of the Burj Al Arab—the city’s most recognizable landmark—and then wander the winding alleys of Al Bastakiya, Dubai’s old quarter. Do some shopping in the famous spice and gold souks before heading back across the desert.

Seaplane Tours

You haven’t seen Dubai in its full glory until you’ve seen it from above. On a seaplane tour, you’ll get to see not only iconic Dubai landmarks like Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and the other Palm Islands from above, but you’ll also get a glimpse of Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World theme park, Yas Island, the Corniche, and Emirates Palace. Upon landing in Dubai, spend some time shopping at the Dubai Mall, enjoy a gourmet dinner cruise on Dubai Creek, or take in the views from the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure.

Things to Know

• The 81-mile (130-kilometer) trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai takes about two hours by car or bus, or 45 minutes by airplane.

• Most Abu Dhabi day trips to Dubai last upwards of eight hours, so prepare for a full day.

• Dubai day tours typically include round-trip transfer from Abu Dhabi hotels.

While much of Dubai has been designed for car journeys, the city’s traffic can be heavy and the distances long. Add to that the difficulty of walking in the heat, and here’s where the city’s metro trains, buses, and a wide range of tours step in—providing convenient and stress-free ways to get around. Check out your options here.

Public Transit

Dubai boasts plenty of modern public transport options, including metro trains, buses, and trams—with the metro and buses providing the most comprehensive coverage. To get around easily and hop between the modes of transit, buy a Nol card—it can be used to pay fares on each of the networks.

Taxis

Taxis are often the quickest and easiest way from A to B. Hail them in the street or outside your hotel at any time, but be aware that fares—usually reasonable—can depend on the time of day.

Tours by Car

Dubai’s attractions extend across a huge area—Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina are 20 miles (33 kilometers) apart—so seeing the sights is easiest on a tour. Options include panoramic drives with photo stops; tours of specific areas, such as old Dubai, with visits to the attractions; and private tours by deluxe minivan or limousine.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop-on hop-off buses are one of the most convenient ways to get around Dubai—eliminating the need to juggle buses and metro trains. Tours typically follow routes around Dubai Creek, the main beachside drag, and Dubai Marina, and can include nighttime tours and entrance fees.

Walking Tours

Dubai’s heat and long distances aren’t conducive to walking, although some historical areas are ideal for exploring on foot, and particularly on walking tours that uncover their backstories. Topping the list are the Al Fahidi neighborhood and Deira’s lanes and souks, which face each other across Dubai Creek. Many tours cover both areas and incorporate a ride across the creek aboard an abra, a traditional wooden boat.

Ferry, Water Taxis, and Sailing Tours

Boats often fill the gaps left by Dubai’s metro and bus routes. Abra water taxis offer cheap crossings of Dubai Creek, while amphibious-vehicle “duck” tours take you cruising along its waters. Other options include speedboat and yacht trips along the coast, sightseeing cruises on the Dubai Ferry, and dinner cruises along the creek and marina aboard dhows, traditional Arab sailboats.

While Dubai has plenty of attractions, it’s well worth discovering other parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Arabian Peninsula while you’re there. Head out of town to discover Abu Dhabi’s 21st-century attractions, the UAE’s picturesque east coast, and more. Here are some of our top day-trip recommendations for Dubai.

Abu Dhabi – about 87 miles (140 kilometers) away

The UAE capital of Abu Dhabi lies south of Dubai and mixes futuristic architecture with cutting-edge leisure attractions. Highlights include the modern, all-marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the skyscraper-lined Corniche, the Ferrari World theme park, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi—a world-class art museum crowned by a sunlight-filtering dome. Visitors can choose from a host of group or private day trips that take them around the sights by coach, minivan, or private car.

Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi – about 70 miles (112 kilometers) away

Ferrari World is the world’s biggest indoor theme park, with more than 30 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions. Located on Yas Island just north of Abu Dhabi, it boasts the Formula Rossa—the world’s fastest coaster—alongside racing simulators, multisensory experiences, race circuits, shops, and restaurants, all under a Ferrari-shield-shaped roof. Thrill-seekers and families can visit hassle-free courtesy of road trips from Dubai that include entry tickets.

Musandam Peninsula at Dibba or Khasab in Oman – about 94 miles (152 kilometers) away

Oman’s Musandam Peninsula lies just across the UAE border and offers a spectacular coastline of fjord-like bays, cliffs, and emerald-blue seas. Take a day trip from Dubai to Khasab or Dibba to cruise the shoreline by Arabian dhow boat, watching for dolphins and stopping to snorkel along the way.

Al Ain – about 92 miles (148 kilometers) away

The traditional seat of Emirati sheikhs, the UAE’s mountain-backed Al Ain is one of its most picturesque and park-laden cities. Travelers can explore the Garden City free from any transport worries by choosing from a variety of full-day tours: seeing everything from Bronze Age ruins to the city’s fort, museums, and Jebel Hafeet mountain.

East Coast and Fujairah – about 92 miles (148 kilometers) away

Overlooking the Gulf of Oman, the UAE’s less developed east coast and city of Fujairah offer a window into old Arabia. Day trips take you across the craggy Hajar Mountains to this beautiful region to visit fishing villages, Fujairah Fort, and sandy beaches where you can enjoy everything from snorkeling sessions to boat trips.