Dubai - The city where anything is possible

In the heart of the Middle East lies the bustling metropolis of Dubai, capital of the Emirate of Dubai, with its unique and innovative fusion of East and West and its mix of modernity and tradition, making it one of the most exciting and visually stunning cities in the world.

The rise of modern Dubai is comparable to the ripple effect seen in the waves of its majestic sand dunes – it is one of the fastest growing cities of today, having evolved from a simple port city to the most prosperous in the Middle East. The largest city in the UAE captivates many because of the extravagant lifestyle that is a stark contrast to the city's original culture of Bedouins, dhows and fishing that was prevalent as recently as the 1960s.

In Dubai, exceptionality and extravagance go hand in hand: a pioneer who has set new world records. No two holidays in the city will be the same as Dubai continues to evolve and appreciate the best of its culture, while innovation drives the tourism industry forward with the ultimate modern experiences. The emirate attracts many Muslims among the 17 million tourists who visit each year. Even the hardest to impress travellers will be delighted by the abundance of attractions, including luxury shopping, cutting-edge restaurants, rooftop terraces, Islamic history museums, desert-climate ski slopes, palm trees and paradisiacal beaches.

Top attractions in Dubai

• Burj Khalifa
• Burj Al Arab
• Palm Jumeirah
• Quranic Park
• Dubai Mall
• Dubai Fountain
• Dubai Marina
• Dubai Frame
• Ain Dubai
• Deira District
• Dubai Miracle Garden
• Dubai Canal

Burj Khalifa

The world’s tallest building, standing at 828 metres, took 6 years to construct. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and the desert, ascend to the observation decks on the 124th, 125th, or 148th floors and dine in the world’s highest restaurant, Atmosphere.

Burj Al Arab

This luxury hotel, with its shape designed to resemble a dhow, is considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Standing on an artificial island that is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge, it features a helipad on the roof and an underwater restaurant.

Palm Jumeirah

This archipelago of artificial islands in the shape of a palm tree features luxurious resorts such as Atlantis The Palm, and various beachfront villas.

Quranic Park

With free entry, the park offers insights into the Holy Quran and acknowledgement of the Islamic values of peace, love and tolerance. There are also beautiful gardens, including an Islamic and a desert garden. For a small fee, visitors can explore the Cave of Miracles, where interactive technology brings important events from the Quran to life. The fee also includes entry to the Glass House, which is home to plants that only thrive in unique environments.

Dubai Mall

One of the world’s largest shopping malls, it is home to over 1,200 retail outlets, the Dubai Aquarium and the Virtual Reality Park. Visitors can also enjoy the Ice skating rink, the indoor waterfall, and various dining options. 

Dubai Fountain

The world's largest choreographed fountain system located on the artificial Burj Khalifa Lake is one of Dubai's best free attractions. Immerse yourself in a captivating experience of water, music and light!

Dubai Marina

This district is famous for its skyscrapers, marina and waterfront promenade. Families will enjoy the Atlantis Aquaventure water park and thrill-seekers will love the water sports and speedboat tour of the marina. Dubai Marina is also home to Pier 7, a circular tower which gets its name from the seven restaurants – from Asian to international – on each of its floors. It is linked to the Dubai Marina Mall via a glass-encased walkway.

Dubai Frame

Standing 150 metres tall, this unique architectural landmark offers a glimpse into Dubai's past, present and future in a picture frame-like structure. It offers an interactive exhibition, a Skydeck with a glass bridge, various galleries and a virtual reality experience. Set in the popular Zabeel Park, a beautiful green space with lots of shady trees and plenty of relaxation facilities, including running tracks, children’s rides, a boating lake and 3D cinema. 

Ain Dubai

Located on Bluewaters Island, the world's largest and tallest observation wheel stands at a staggering 250 metres tall and offers panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, the Palm Jumeirah and beyond.

Deira District

In this traditional district, tourists can enjoy a ride on an authentic boat, the Abra, and head to the traditional souks of Dubai: the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk and the Old Souk to enjoy an authentic oriental shopping experience. Take a minute to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Al Mamzar Beach Park.

Deira is also home to the Bait al Banaat (House of Women), a museum that is a representation and tribute to Emirati women throughout history. The Heritage House & Al Ahmadiya School, open to visitors, is a courtyard house built in 1890 from coral and plaster of a wealthy pearl merchant. The neighbouring school was Dubai's first and the alma mater of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Dubai Miracle Garden

The world's largest natural flower garden is home to over 150 million flowers and an impressive array of famous buildings and structures that have been completely transformed into colourful floral displays, such as the life-sized Emirates A380 aircraft covered in flowers, which broke a Guinness World Record.

Dubai Canal

This artificial waterway extends from Dubai Creek to the Arabian Gulf and features a waterfall bridge, walking and cycling paths and waterfront attractions. There are some iconic bridges built to cross from one bank to the other. Like Dubai, they all have their own uniqueness that perfectly characterises the city's innovation and modernity. From the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge, a waterfall flows into the canal, which automatically turns off to allow boats to pass. In the evening, it is illuminated, offering visitors a water and light show.

Top activities in Dubai

• The Walk at JBR
• Arabian Desert
• Dhow Cruise
• Jumeirah Beach
• Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort
• Skydiving Over Palm Jumeirah
• Atlantis The Palm
• Hot Air balloon ride
• Global Village
• Ski Dubai
• Museum of the Future
• Helicopter Tour
• Luxury Spa

The Walk at JBR/JBR Open Beach

The Walk at JBR is a popular beachside boulevard with a contemporary feel offering shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences including squares, grassy areas, family-friendly halal restaurants and an open-air movie theatre. The JBR Open Beach has a children's splash pool and plenty to do with a soft jogging trail, volleyball courts, benches and an open-air gym.

Arabian Desert

Embark on desert safaris, experience dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and a traditional Bedouin-style dinner or camp in the desert.

Dhow Cruise

Take a traditional wooden dhow cruise along Dubai Creek, a saltwater creek that divides the city into Deira and Bur Dubai and enjoy scenic views of the city’s skyline.

Jumeirah Beach

Spend a day lounging on the white sands of Jumeirah Beach and enjoy stunning views of the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort

In the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, explore Dubai’s history and heritage at the Dubai Museum housed in the Al Fahidi Fort. It showcases exhibits on traditional Emirati life, pearl diving, and the city's transformation. The neighbourhood is one of the oldest heritage sites in Dubai and is home to wind-tower architecture and cultural exhibitions.

Skydiving Over Palm Jumeirah

Experience a thrilling skydive over the iconic Palm Jumeirah island, with stunning aerial views of the Palm, Dubai Marina, and the city skyline.

Atlantis The Palm

Explore this luxury resort, home to the Dolphin Bay, the Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Please note that only hotel guests are allowed inside the hotel.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert, enjoy spectacular views of the desert dunes, spot wildlife and savour a gourmet breakfast.

Global Village

The world's leading multicultural festival park features pavilions representing different countries and offers shopping, food and cultural shows. Each pavilion, from Egypt to Italy, Vietnam to Oman, offers a vibrant sensory experience, immersing visitors in the essence of each country through captivating aromas, flavours, sounds, and vibrant decorations.

Ski Dubai

Located in the impressive Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai offers real snow, various slopes and a snow park. Enjoy indoor skiing, snowboarding or playing with penguins.

Museum of the Future

Discover cutting-edge technologies and innovations at this state-of-the-art museum, where interactive exhibits meet unique architecture adorned with Arabic calligraphy on its facade.

Helicopter Tour

Take a helicopter tour for a stunning bird’s-eye view of Dubai’s iconic landmarks. Soar above the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the World Islands for an unforgettable aerial experience.

Luxury Spa

Treat yourself to a spa day at one of Dubai’s premier luxury hotels, offering soothing treatments, hammams, and world-class facilities.

Mosques in Dubai

Jumeirah Mosque

One of the most photographed mosques in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque is built in the traditional Fatimid style and can accommodate 1,200 people. It is constructed entirely of white stone and has towering twin minarets framing a large central dome. It is the only mosque open to non-Muslims, who can visit it on one-hour guided tours run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.

Grand Mosque 

Situated near the Dubai Museum in the historic Al Fahidi district, this is one of Dubai's oldest mosques, renowned for its towering minaret and traditional architecture.

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque

Also known as the "Blue Mosque" due to its design inspired by Istanbul's Blue Mosque, it features beautiful Ottoman-style architecture, with intricate tile work and a large central dome.

Al Salam Mosque

This magnificent mosque seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary Islamic architectural styles. It is known for its symmetrical design, distinctive red brickwork, and exquisite interiors.

Ibn Battuta Mosque

Located near Ibn Battuta Mall, this mosque is celebrated for its elegant design and spiritual ambiance. Reflecting Islamic architectural traditions, it is named after the renowned traveller Ibn Battuta.

Al Rahim Mosque

Located by the water in the heart of Dubai Marina, Al-Rahim Mosque reflects the city's cultural and religious diversity. With its striking white exterior, intricate Islamic patterns, and large central dome, the mosque is visually impressive. Inside, the peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by soft lighting and thoughtful design. The mosque offers tours for non-Muslims and hosts community events and educational programs, making it an important cultural landmark in the area.

Khalifa Al Tajer Mosque (Green Mosque)

Located in Deira, Dubai's first eco-friendly mosque was designed with sustainability at its core. It features energy-efficient lighting, air conditioning, and water conservation systems.

Halal food and restaurants in Dubai

Dubai is a foodie paradise. The city's culinary scene is a vibrant blend of flavours from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa, reflecting the city's diverse population of residents and visitors from more than 200 nationalities. The Bur Dubai district is known for its wide culinary choices, but there are many restaurants and cafes to choose from throughout Dubai. In Dubai, you are not just limited to fabulous food in restaurants, you will also be drawn to cafes, stalls selling fresh coconut water to drink on the Corniche, ice cream parlours and food stalls. All the big names you are used to seeing around the world are represented in Dubai and offer a wide range of halal food. The range of global halal cuisine available in one city is phenomenal and just one of the reasons why numerous Muslim tourists come to the city every year.

Tourists will enjoy trying Western halal food chains and award-winning restaurants that they may avoid at home due to concerns about non-halal meat – everything is halal here!

Here are some traditional and authentic Emirati dishes: 

• Al Harees - Made from wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a pinch of salt. The mixture is slow-cooked to a porridge-like consistency.
• Shawarma - Popular street food featuring marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) roasted on a spit, shaved off, and wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables, with many variations including beef and vegetarian options.
• Machboos - Flavourful rice dish similar to biryani, cooked with tender meat (lamb, chicken, or fish), and spiced with a blend of saffron, cinnamon, and dried lemon (loomi).

• Luqaimat - Sweet dumplings made from a simple dough, fried until golden brown, and drizzled with date syrup or honey.
• Hummus - Creamy dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
• Fattoush and Tabbouleh - Local salads to enjoy as a refreshing light meal or part of a bigger meal.

How to get around in Dubai

Getting around Dubai is easy and convenient thanks to the modern transport network. The Dubai Metro is the backbone, connecting major attractions, shopping malls and the airport, and trains run regularly. For shorter journeys, the Dubai Tram serves areas such as Dubai Marina and JBR. Buses cover most of the city, providing access to areas not reached by the metro, while taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Careem offer a convenient door-to-door ride. If you prefer a scenic route, take an Abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek. Renting a car is an option for those who want to explore the city at their own pace, but be aware of traffic and parking fees. For short, fun trips, e-scooters are available in certain areas, offering a variety of ways to explore the city.

Best time to visit Dubai

Dubai is one of the rare holiday destinations that can be visited at any time of the year. Enjoy the winter sun in Dubai and escape the cold and harsh winters elsewhere. The best time to visit is between November and March when the heat is not at its peak and travellers have the freedom to explore Dubai with fewer crowds.

Where to stay in Dubai

Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects for a halal-friendly holiday in Dubai is the ample choice of halal-friendly resorts and hotels. Unlike anywhere else in the world, Dubai is known for the luxury hotels and resorts with halal-friendly amenities and halal food. On halalbooking.com, you can filter the hotels by a number of different halal-friendly filters, including alcohol-free hotels. Luxury can now go hand in hand with halal-friendly holidays meaning that you can ensure that whilst on holiday, you stay true to your Islamic faith and values.

Atlantis The Palm

One of Dubai’s best-known beachfront hotels, home to the famous Aquaventure Waterpark, it also has a ladies-only spa. Modest swimwear is allowed throughout the beach and outdoor pool area and some rooms have private fully-secluded hot tubs.

5-day itinerary to visit Dubai

Here’s a detailed 5-day itinerary for exploring Dubai, offering a blend of cultural, adventurous, and relaxing experiences:

Day 1 - Start your trip by visiting the Burj Khalifa. Book tickets in advance to ascend to the observation deck on the 124th or 148th floor for breathtaking views of the city. Explore the Dubai Mall, located right next to the Burj Khalifa. You can visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo or simply enjoy shopping and dining at one of the many restaurants. After lunch, relax by the Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa. Cross over to Souk Al Bahar, a modern shopping and dining destination with an Arabian twist. Enjoy dinner with views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain show.

Day 2 - Start your day with a visit to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Wander through its narrow lanes, explore art galleries, and visit the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort. Take a traditional Abra (water taxi) ride across Dubai Creek to experience the city's historical trade routes. Visit the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira. End your day by visiting the Dubai Frame, which offers panoramic views of both old and new Dubai. Enjoy the sunset from the Sky Deck.

Day 3 - Start your day leisurely, enjoying the facilities at your hotel or spending some time at Jumeirah Beach. In the afternoon, embark on a desert safari and experience dune bashing, sandboarding, and a camel ride. Your desert adventure concludes with a traditional dinner at a Bedouin-style camp.

Day 4 - Visit The Palm Jumeirah and explore the Atlantis The Palm resort. You can visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium or enjoy the Aquaventure Waterpark. Take a ride on the Palm Monorail for scenic views of the island and the Dubai skyline. Head to Dubai Marina, where you can stroll along the Marina Walk and enjoy lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. End your day with a relaxing dhow cruise dinner along Dubai Marina or Dubai Creek.

Day 5 - Start your final day with a visit to the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai. Spend some time at La Mer, a trendy beachfront destination with shops, cafes, and water sports. Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal, typically open from November to April) to see the world’s largest natural flower garden with its stunning floral displays. Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend the evening shopping at a mall like the Mall of the Emirates or enjoying a final meal at one of Dubai's top restaurants before heading to the airport.