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My Trips

Dubai

Desert evenings, a futuristic skyline and old souks by the creek, with easy beaches in between. A great city for families and first-timers.

Dubai at a glance

Most visitors split their time between the modern districts around the tallest tower, the beaches and marina on the west side, and the older neighbourhoods along the creek. Distances are bigger than they look on a map, so it helps to group your days by area.

The cooler months, roughly November to March, are the most comfortable for being outdoors. In summer, plan the desert and outdoor sights for early morning or evening.

Uncle’s take: first time with kids? Stay central, book the desert safari for your second evening when the jet lag has passed, and keep one day free for the beach.

Best time to go
November to March
Currency
UAE dirham (AED)
Time zone
GMT+4, no daylight saving
Languages
Arabic; English widely used
Main airport
Dubai International (DXB)
Ideal stay
4–6 days

Where things are

Hotels by area

  • Downtown

    The tallest tower, the big mall and the fountain shows. Central and walkable in parts.

    • First-timers
    • Families
    • Shopping

  • Dubai Marina & JBR

    Waterfront promenades, the beach walk and boat trips. Lively in the evenings.

    • Beach
    • Couples
    • Dining

  • Old Dubai

    Souks, the creek and abra boats in Deira and Bur Dubai. Good value hotels.

    • Culture
    • Value
    • Food

  • Palm Jumeirah

    Resorts with private beaches. Quieter, and you’ll need taxis or a driver.

    • Resorts
    • Families
    • Relaxing

Top things to do

All tours & activities

Prototype: sample products, ratings and prices.

Where to stay

All hotels in Dubai

Getting around

From the airport

DXB is 20–30 minutes from Downtown by car. A private transfer meets you in arrivals.

From AED 160 per vehicle A driver for the day

Handy for families and for sights that are far apart. Stop wherever you like.

From AED 360 for 4 hours
Metro & taxis

The metro links the airport, Downtown and the Marina. Taxis and ride apps are easy to find.

Pay as you go

Dubai guides from Uncle

All travel guides

Good to know

Weather
Warm and sunny in winter (around 20–28°C), very hot in summer. Evenings in the desert can feel cool from December to February.
What to wear
Light, comfortable clothes. Cover shoulders and knees in malls and religious sites; swimwear is for beaches and pools.
Money & tipping
Cards are widely accepted. Tipping is appreciated but not expected; around 10% in restaurants is common.
Public holidays
During Ramadan, opening hours change and eating in public in the daytime is discouraged. Check dates before you book.

Prototype: practical information is sample text, to be reviewed by an editor.

Let Uncle plan your Dubai days

Tell Uncle your dates and who’s coming. He’ll put the hotel, activities, transfers and a driver into one plan you can change.

Plan Dubai with Uncle See a family example

Dubai FAQs

How many days do I need in Dubai?

Four to six days covers the main sights, a desert evening, a beach day and a day trip to Abu Dhabi if you want one.

Is Dubai good for families?

Yes. Many hotels have family rooms and kids’ clubs, and most activities welcome children. Uncle can suggest family-friendly options.

What’s the best way to get from the airport?

A pre-booked private transfer is the simplest with luggage and children. The metro is a good budget option if you travel light.