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Dubai visitor guide
Practical essentials for visiting Dubai, UAE. Every fact links to an official or government source.
Emergency numbers
Source: UK FCDO — getting help ↗
Getting around
- Dubai RTA — Metro, tram, buses, water transport, taxis; pay with a Nol card. Official site ↗
Airports
- DXB · Dubai International — 11 km from the centre (straight line) · Website ↗ · Directions ↗
- DWC · Al Maktoum International (Dubai World Central) — 37 km from the centre (straight line) · Website ↗ · Directions ↗
Distances are straight-line from the city centre; road distance is longer.
☀️ Weather by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Humidity | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°C | 15°C | 65% | 23 mm |
| Feb | 25°C | 16°C | 65% | 16 mm |
| Mar | 28°C | 19°C | 61% | 15 mm |
| Apr | 33°C | 22°C | 54% | 15 mm |
| May | 37°C | 25°C | 54% | 2 mm |
| Jun | 40°C | 28°C | 56% | 0 mm |
| Jul | 41°C | 31°C | 55% | 3 mm |
| Aug | 41°C | 30°C | 55% | 0 mm |
| Sep | 39°C | 28°C | 60% | 0 mm |
| Oct | 35°C | 25°C | 62% | 2 mm |
| Nov | 31°C | 21°C | 60% | 5 mm |
| Dec | 26°C | 17°C | 63% | 9 mm |
comfortable (avg high 32°C or below) · very hot (avg high 38°C or above)
Holidays & key dates (next 12 months)
- UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) — Dec 2, 2026 – Dec 3, 2026
- New Year's Day — Jan 1, 2027
- Ramadan — Feb 9, 2027 – Mar 9, 2027 (expected; depends on moon sighting)
- Eid al-Fitr — Mar 10, 2027 – Mar 12, 2027 (expected; depends on moon sighting)
- Arafat Day — May 16, 2027 (expected; depends on moon sighting)
- Eid al-Adha — May 17, 2027 – May 19, 2027 (expected; depends on moon sighting)
- Islamic New Year — Jun 6, 2027 (expected; depends on moon sighting)
- Prophet's Birthday — Aug 15, 2027 (expected; depends on moon sighting)
Etiquette & dress
- Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools, but cover up away from them.
- Dress modestly in malls and public places; at mosques cover arms and legs, and women cover their hair.
- Public displays of affection, swearing and rude gestures can be offences.
Source: Visit Dubai — practical information ↗ · UK FCDO — local laws and customs ↗
Visas & entry
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check the official portals before you book.
Currency & tipping
UAE dirham (AED). Pegged to the US dollar at about AED 3.67 = US$1.
Source: Visit Dubai — currency ↗
Tipping is customary but not compulsory; many restaurants add a service charge to the bill.
Plan your time in Dubai
Facts checked Oct 30, 2026. Always confirm with the official source before you travel.