Dubai

The overview

Dubai works two ways: as a destination in its own right for four to seven nights, or as a stopover that breaks up a long journey to Asia or Africa. Beach resorts, desert experiences and a serious dining scene sit close together, and the infrastructure is genuinely effortless.

Why go

• Beach resorts and desert landscapes are within an hour of each other.
• It breaks up the flight to Asia or East Africa, often at little extra airfare cost.
• The dining and hotel scene operates at a very high standard.
• Winter weather is reliably warm while much of the northern hemisphere is not.

Where to base yourself

Jumeirah & the beaches

Resort strip with the best sea access.

Downtown

Central, close to the Burj Khalifa and the largest malls.

Dubai Marina

Waterfront dining and nightlife, popular with first-time visitors.

The desert

Dune experiences and desert camps within an hour of the city.

Things worth knowing

• Summer heat is genuinely limiting — the season you travel changes what the trip can be.
• Local laws and customs around dress and public behaviour differ from the US; resorts are relaxed but public areas less so.
• Ramadan dates shift each year and change opening hours and dining availability.
• Confirm current passport validity and entry requirements before booking.