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Dubai Tours & Experiences

From red-dune desert safaris to the top of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai packs world-class experiences into every day of your trip.

Desert safari dunes near Dubai in bright daylight

Explore Dubai experiences

Planning advice from our team

How to plan tours and activities in Dubai

Dubai is easy to travel in and easy to over-schedule. The city is built along a single coastal spine, so choosing where to stay decides how much of your holiday is spent in a taxi — Downtown for the tower and old-city access, Marina or JBR for beach life, Deira for the souks and the lowest rates.

The two things that most change the trip are the month you travel and how you split indoor and outdoor time. From November to March almost everything works outdoors; in high summer the city shifts indoors and evening activities become the plan rather than a fallback.

When to go

November to March gives warm, dry days suited to desert trips, beaches and walking. April, May and October are hot but manageable early and late in the day. June to September is very hot and humid — travel then for lower rates and indoor attractions, not for sightseeing on foot.

Practical tips before you book

Pick timed tickets carefully

Observation-deck and attraction slots near sunset sell out first and cost more. A late-morning slot is usually cheaper and much quieter.

Treat a desert trip as a half-day

Pick-ups are typically mid-afternoon with a return after dinner. Do not put a flight, a dinner reservation or another tour on the same evening.

Use the metro along the coast

The metro is quick and inexpensive between Downtown, the Marina and the airport, but stations are large — allow walking time in the heat.

Check what a package really covers

Transfers, entry tickets, meals and photographs are often sold separately. Compare the inclusions, not just the headline price.

Mistakes we see most often

Booking a desert safari and a sunset tower slot on the same day.
Staying in Deira for cheaper rates and then paying for daily taxis to the Marina.
Under-estimating how much of the day summer heat removes from an outdoor plan.
Leaving the old town, the creek and the souks out of an itinerary that is otherwise all new Dubai.

Read the full Dubai destination guide for where to stay, getting around and entry requirements, or browse all travel guides and our travel blog. When you want the trip built around your dates, our travel team can plan it with you.

What to book