CITYGUIDE

2024 EDITION
 Burj Khalifa

WELCOME TO
DUBAI
Where dynamic contrasts meet
endless possibilities.

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With its unparalleled coastline, beautiful desert and
magnificent cityscapes, memories are just waiting to be
made in Dubai, Tripadvisor’s most popular destination
in the world, for the third year in a row.

Embark on the holiday of a lifetime as you delve into

living history by the creek, journey up the world’s tallest
tower, relax on golden beaches, experience record-
breaking theme parks and enjoy some of the most
spectacular shopping and dining on the planet.

Let’s explore.

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 THE
TIMELINE
1985
1958

Dubai’s flagship

1971
airline, Emirates,
HH Sheikh Rashid is launched
bin Saeed Al
Maktoum becomes
the Ruler of Dubai

1833
The Al Maktoum
tribe establishes
Dubai joins the other
the fishing
emirates to form
settlement
the United Arab
of Dubai
Emirates (UAE)

Pearling and Oil is discovered

maritime trade in Dubai,
begin to flourish attracting

1892
foreign trade
and boosting the
economy

1966
1940 Dubai
World Trade
Centre, the
city’s first
skyscraper,
opens

1979

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 A Brief History of Dubai

2003 2022

Dubai is Museum of the Future

recognised by the
World Bank and 2010 opens to reveal how the
world could evolve
IMF as a financial
hub

2023
Burj Khalifa
becomes the
tallest building in
the world

HH Sheikh
Mohammed Expo City Dubai
bin Rashid hosts COP28, the
Al Maktoum global summit
becomes the to tackle climate
Ruler of Dubai change

HH Sheikh
Maktoum
bin Rashid Dubai hosts Expo
Al Maktoum 2020, the first
becomes the World Expo in the
Ruler of Dubai region

2006

1990 2021
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 Madinat Jumeirah

THE
ESSENTIALS
To help you hit the ground running the moment
you arrive in Dubai, here’s all the information
you need to know.

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Currency
The UAE currency is the dirham (AED/Dhs)
US $1 = AED3.67

Visas
Citizens of 70+ countries are eligible for visa on
arrival, while GCC nationals enjoy visa-free entry to
the UAE.

Transit visas (48 to 96 hours) are also available to all

passport holders. See the latest visa information on
visitdubai.com

Stay connected
Electricity: Power supply is 220/240 volts. Sockets
are compatible with UK-standard three-pin plugs.
For US equipment, use a 220V to 110V transformer.

Phones and Wi-Fi: The country code for the UAE

is +971. Tourists get a free prepaid SIM card from
telecom operator du at the airport, while free Wi-Fi
is widely available across the city – even on the
beach.

Health
If you are travelling with prescribed medication, bring
your doctor’s note with you. The Rashid, Latifa and
Dubai Hospitals offer free emergency services.

Important numbers to know:

• Police – 999
• Ambulance – 998
• Fire Department – 997
• Coastguard – 996

Weather
Enjoy year-round sunshine in Dubai. Average
temperatures are around 23°C in winter and
41°C in summer.

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 OUR
TRADITIONS
Arabian culture
Dubai’s famed hospitality stems from our inherent values of
integrity and respect. Islam is the official religion here, and
it plays a significant role in the city’s culture. Pay a visit to
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural
Understanding (SMCCU) in the heart of old Dubai to learn more
about our customs and traditions.

National dress

Women Men
Emirati women wear a long, loose Men wear a long tunic known as
black coat called an abaya over a kandoora, often with open-toed
their clothes and cover their hair leather sandals.
with a headscarf (hijab) for cultural
purposes. The ghutrah head-dress may also
be worn, which was originally used
Some women also choose to wear to protect the face from the desert
a face veil known as a niqab, or a environment. The black rope that
traditional face mask worn over the sits on top of the ghutrah is called
nose known as a burqa’a. an agal.

Did you know?

There are more than 200 nationalities
living and working in the UAE

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Dubai demystified

ISN’T IT REALLY IS ALCOHOL AVAILABLE?

EXPENSIVE? Non-Muslim adults aged
Dubai caters to all budgets 21 and over can drink
with affordable hotels, alcohol in licensed hotels,
restaurants and activities, and establishments and
free parks and beaches restaurants across Dubai

CAN WOMEN IS IT OKAY TO

DRIVE THERE? HOLD HANDS?
Our culture holds women in Yes, but visitors are advised to
very high regard. Both men refrain from dramatic displays
and women can drive in Dubai of affection while in public
to their hearts’ content

What can I wear?

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that is a melting pot of diverse
cultures and religious faiths. All attires are generally acceptable,
although there are a few general guidelines to follow:

Swimwear is fine while at the beach and pool, but not

appropriate in areas such as business districts and
shopping malls.

When you’re out and about, especially in summer,

make sure you are protected from the sun.

It is advisable to dress conservatively when visiting

historical areas and cultural sites.
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 DUBAI SIGHTSEEING &
ATTRACTION PASSES
Unlock huge savings with pre-paid access to top attractions, tours and
activities. Choose from the available attraction passes below.

Dubai Pass
Experience all that’s possible in Dubai for less, with the Dubai Pass. With 48
must-visit attractions and activities to choose from citywide, you can create
your own tailor-made Dubai experience, choosing from a wide variety of
things to see and do. Each pass offers unbeatable value and convenience –
there’s no need for cash or a pocketful of tickets. Simply present your pass
and you’re in.

How it works
1. Pick & Choose: Select the pass of your choice and the attractions you’d like to visit
2. Show & Go: Present your card or iPass at entry or when booking
3. Enjoy & Share: Tag #DubaiPass and share your experiences with family and friends

DUBAI FLEXI DUBAI SELECT

ATTRACTIONS PASS ATTRACTIONS PASS
SAVE UP TO 40% SAVE UP TO 50%

SCAN FOR MORE DETAILS

DUBAI GO DUBAI
DUBAI UNLIMITED PASS PASS
ATTRACTIONS PASS
SAVE UP TO 60%
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Go Dubai Pass
Enjoy even more flexible savings with the Go Dubai Pass. With access to more
than 45 of the emirate’s most loved destinations and activities, you have more
control to curate a perfect holiday experience that’s gentle on the wallet. Say
goodbye to multiple cash transactions and keeping track of different tickets –
you just show your digital pass and enjoy the experience.

How it works
1. Pick & Choose: Once you’ve purchased your pass, it’s ready to use
2. Download & Go: Add your pass to the Go City app and start exploring
3. Enjoy & Share: Tag #GoDubai when you share your experiences on social media

ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS EXPLORER PASS

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 DIFC Gate

BUSINESS
TRAVELLER
Positioned at the nexus of the East and West,
Dubai is a futuristic hub for global trade,
attracting travellers who aspire to bring positive
change to global markets.
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VISIT
Warm welcome
Emirati hospitality is legendary.
Rooted in ancient Arabian
customs, where desert
travellers were welcomed with
open arms, this tradition lives
on today and is reflected in
exemplary standards of service.

Flights
Dubai is easily accessible from
around the world, with one-third
of the globe’s population able to
reach the city within four hours,
and two-thirds less than eight
hours away.

Visa ease
Many nationalities enjoy visa-free
entry to the UAE, while others
are eligible for visas on arrival or
transit visas, making Dubai one of
the easiest places in the world to
host meetings and events.

Activities
With new places to visit every
season, you’ll never get bored.
From record-breaking theme
parks and popular malls to
special desert safaris and golfing
retreats, follow your own beat.

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 VISIT
Food
The city is home to thousands
of restaurants, from fine dining
to budget bests. Whether you’re
craving a specific cuisine, innovative
flavours or fresh fare, you’ll find it all
in Dubai.

Top hotels
Dubai has a diverse range of
hospitality offerings, from five-star
luxury in iconic hotels to lifestyle
options at trendy precincts. There’s
a great mix of international and
homegrown brands, so take your
pick.

Stay connected
Every visitor receives a free prepaid
SIM card on arrival at the airport
and fast, convenient Wi-Fi is also
available at many of Dubai’s top
sights and attractions. Simply sign
up and surf away.

Did you know?

Dubai ranked first in the region and
8th overall in the Global Power City
Index 2023.
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Dubai Design District

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 Emirates Towers

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LIVE
Relocate to Dubai
Home to a multicultural population from across the
globe, Dubai is one of the world’s best places to live
and work. A number of new residency programmes
have launched recently, aimed at attracting the best
and brightest, including remote workers, investors,
entrepreneurs and specialist talents.

Work remotely
The one-year virtual working programme lets you live
and work by the beach. You’ll have access to all the
standard services residents benefit from, including
telecoms, utilities and schooling.

Invest today
Start a business or invest in property in Dubai and
you can apply for five- and 10-year residency visas. As
part of the new Golden Visa programme, expats can
live, work and study in the UAE without the need of a
sponsor.

Safety first
Did you know that the United Arab Emirates is globally-
recognised as one of the safest cities in the world? It’s
easy to feel instantly at home in Dubai, making it a great
choice for families.

Languages
Dubai is home to hundreds of nationalities and both
Arabic and English are spoken across the city. As
you spend more time here, you’re very likely to hear
Russian, Tagalog, Hindi, Urdu, Portuguese and many
other languages.

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 CONNECT
Hosting the world
Dubai offers an unrivalled international setting for
corporate meetings, incentive travel programmes
and business and leisure events, thanks to its easy
accessibility, strategic geographical location and
world-class venues.

Trade talk
The city hosts a busy calendar of trade exhibitions,
presenting the opportunity to grow business networks,
gain insight into emerging trends and tap into a wealth
of insider knowledge.

Collaborative approach
With Dubai’s weekends aligned to international business
markets, a culture of collaboration continues to thrive.
The city’s private and public sectors work closely
together to create unique experiences for delegates and
visitors.

Regional hub
International companies can establish and forge
a strong presence in Dubai, tapping into growth
opportunities in the region.

Innovation first
Dubai has a strong knowledge base and strategies for
innovation across sectors, including renewable energy,
transport, education, health, technology, water and
space.

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Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

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 UNWIND
Zuma
An all-time favourite with the
city’s business set, Zuma’s take
on Japanese food is revolutionary.
Don’t leave without trying the miso
black cod.

zumarestaurant.com

Madinat Jumeirah
Choose from several charming, low-
rise resorts built in the traditional
Arabian style. Its canals and
waterways are lined with cafés and
restaurants.

jumeirah.com

CÉ LA VI
Admire skyline views at this rooftop
restaurant with a menu that
mixes Asian-inspired plates and
international favourites.

celavi.com

Did you know?

Dubai welcomed more tourists than ever
before in 2023, attracting 17.15 million
international overnight visitors over the
course of the year.
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UNWIND
COYA Dubai
The menu here is extensive and
offers dynamic twists on South
American classics, providing a meal
that’s bursting with flavour.

coyarestaurant.com

Golf in Dubai
For a city rising from desert sands,
Dubai has an impressive share of
golfing greens, including Emirates
Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates and
The Els Club.

visitdubai.com

By the beach
Set against a backdrop of blue sea
and skies, you’re never far from a
picture-perfect beach club in Dubai.
From laidback escapes to party-
loving vibes, soak up the sun in style.

visitdubai.com

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 EVENTS
Arabian Travel Market 6-9 May 2024

The leading trade fair for the Middle East’s inbound and outbound travel
industry, get ready to network, negotiate and identify the latest trends.
wtm.com

INDEX 4-6 Jun 2024

Part of the Middle East Design and Hospitality Week, INDEX is the region’s
largest interior design fair, attracting the best brands and suppliers.

indexexhibition.com

GITEX Global 14-18 Oct 2024

This highly successful technology exhibition brings together the best and
brightest to celebrate next-generation breakthroughs.
gitex.com

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The Big 5 26-29 Nov 2024

One of the largest and most influential events for the construction industry,
discover the latest products and network with suppliers.
thebig5.ae

Dubai International Boat Show 28 Feb - 3 Mar 2024

Showcasing luxury superyachts, fine leisure crafts and marine technology,

it’s one of the region’s unmissable marine events.
boatshowdubai.com

World Government Summit 12-14 Feb 2024

This international meeting focuses on the next-generation agenda for

governments and the the steps needed to solve humanity’s challenges.
worldgovernmentsummit.org

Download the official Dubai

Calendar app or visit the
website to see a full list of
upcoming shows and events.
dubaicalendar.com 23
For more information about Dubai, please contact:
Government of Dubai, Department of Economy and Tourism

P.O.Box 594, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

+971 4 282 1111 Toll Free 600 555 559
info@visitdubai.com

visitdubai.com
Disclaimer: All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of information at
the time of print (February 2024). Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism
accepts no responsibility for errors or omission.

© 2024 Department of Economy and Tourism. All rights reserved.