What’s your dream Dubai? Find your perfect travel itinerary

(Dubai Tourism)

Your traveler type is:

The Historian

Contrary to popular opinion, Dubai isn’t all super-shiny hyper-modern glitz and glamour. The old neighborhoods around Dubai Creek, where the city started in the 18th century as a desert village of pearl divers, is a twisting maze of markets. There’s a treasure trove of Emirati culture and Arabic architecture to discover here, for a unique glimpse of the city from the past to present day.

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The Historian

Al Seef Heritage Hotel sits on the bank of the creek where the city began. Adjacent to Al Fahidi historic district, where many of Old Dubai’s attractions lie, the quaint rooms are spread across 10 traditional Arabic homes. Complete with communal outdoor courtyards and terraces, it’s a stark contrast to the modern metropolis beyond.

Housed in the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum traces the city’s origins as a community of pearl fishers to its present-day cluster of skyscrapers. Take time to explore the surrounding streets filled with distinctive heritage architecture.

A centuries-old Arabic sport that’s still popular with locals, a visit to the camel race track in Al Marmoom is a unique cultural experience. Racing season runs through the cooler months, from October to April. Insider tip: Races are free to attend, although it’s recommended to book your seat in advance.

(monticellllo/Adobe Stock)

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The Shopaholic

Home to some of the world’s largest malls, there are few places better for shopping than Dubai. Considered the shopping capital of the Middle East, the city’s maze of retail centers comprise thousands of stores and millions of square meters — and that’s before you even hit the old town spice and gold souks. Arrive with your suitcase empty, because you’re entering every shopper’s paradise.

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The Shopaholic

While Dubai’s mega-malls are a spectacle in themselves, every serious shopper knows the best bargains are at the outlet malls. A 30-minute car ride from downtown, The Outlet Village is an oasis of hot deals and discounted goods, including designer brands like Armani, Dolce&Gabbana, and Coach.

(Jumeirah Burj al Arab)

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The Influencer

Dubai is nothing if not aesthetic. From its silver-white beaches to azure waters, rust-orange deserts and glittering skyscrapers, iconic backdrops are a dime a dozen, and there are opportunities galore for snaps of sunsets and dreamy decor. Of course, travel isn’t just for the ‘Gram — there’s plenty beneath the surface of this stylish city to discover, too … although, in Dubai’s case, being pretty certainly doesn’t hurt.

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The Influencer

Witness sunrise over the Arabian Desert, floating at 4,000 feet above the dunes in a hot air balloon. Balloon Adventures Dubai offers a half-day experience that includes a drive through the desert in a vintage Land Rover, a short camel ride, and a gourmet breakfast at a Royal desert retreat. Or try an overnight package and stay in a traditional stone dwelling in the desert.

Have you really been to Dubai if you don’t have at least one snap of the famous infinity pool at the Burj Al Arab hotel on your social feed? Book a once-in-a-lifetime luxurious pamper session at the Talise Spa to experience the hotel’s “seven-star” service, and enjoy the stunning facilities.

(Dubai Tourism)

Your traveler type is:

The Beach Bum

If your vacation priorities are sun, sea and sand, Dubai has got you covered. Thanks to the addition of manmade islands like The Palm, its coastline keeps growing. Much more than a standard city escape, the array of luxe resorts and public beach clubs offer a variety of ways to enjoy the azure shoreline of the Arabian Gulf.

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The Beach Bum

As the name suggests, Kite Beach is often dotted with the colorful sails of windsurfers and kitesurfers making the most of its winds and waves. Newbies can get kitted out at the Kitesurf School Dubai, and join morning or afternoon lessons for a crash-course in the sport.

For a beach day with a side of entertainment, check out Bla Bla Beach Club. With 20 venues, you won’t be short of things to do here once the sun sets. Those with a penchant for the shoreline will likely be content at the beachfront bar, where guests can kick back in a hammock and enjoy shisha and buckets of beer.

You’ll find athleisure and high street brands galore at this open-air mall. But the real treat is the silvery sand of JBR public beach just minutes away, where you can unwind after a long (or short!) shopping spree. There are plenty of places for a beachside bite here, too, including Mediterranean fare from Italian dining concept Eataly on the Beach.

(Hoda/Super SUP Fit)

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The Wellness Warrior

It might be a city of indulgence and excess, but Dubai is one of the leading wellness travel destinations in the Middle East. With more spas than you can shake a stick at, the city is also home to the region’s first five-star wellness retreat. Of course, balance is everything — so you can still treat yourself even as you find some inner peace.

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The Wellness Warrior

A self-described “sanctuary for the conscious traveler,” Seva is a multifaceted wellness space. Plant-based, gluten-free and cane sugar-free, its cafe menu is a wellness warrior’s dream: think superfood salads, açai bowls and open sandwiches. Sit in the shaded garden or enjoy a cuppa in the book-filled organic cafe. Insider tip: While you’re there, check out Seva’s classes and workshops, which include energy healing and astrology readings.

Leave the city lights behind you, and take a drive into the desert, where the darkness provides its very own light show. Tour companies like Platinum Heritage offer stargazing safaris, where professional astronomers will share tales of Bedouin travelers guided by the stars.

(Dubai Tourism)

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The Fitness Fanatic

From luxe gyms to infinity pools, staying fit in Dubai isn’t a chore. There’s no shortage of sports classes and active adventures to wear out even the most energized exercise enthusiasts. Best of all, there’s a world-class selection of spas and holistic therapies to help you reset at the end of the day — what more could you ask for?

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The Fitness Fanatic

An amazing way to rest, reset and invigorate your body is an ice bath. Cool Out! Breathe In! offers early morning breathing sessions and ice baths to reduce muscle inflammation and energize you for the day ahead.

(Dubai Tourism)

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The Water Baby

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is as much a beach town as a desert city. Surf the waves on board and boat, make a splash at a glitzy beach club, or plunge into one of the world’s highest infinity pools. And when you’re done, wine and dine at world-class shoreside bistros.

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The Water Baby

This fishermen-owned Lebanese restaurant prides itself on having the freshest fish in town, earning it a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. From squid to shrimp to sardines, pick your fish at the counter and tuck into cold mezze while you wait. With a beautiful beach view, you can even sit waterside while eating the catch of the day.

As the name suggests, Kite Beach is often dotted with the colorful sails of windsurfers and kite surfers making the most of its winds and waves. Newbies can get kitted out at the Kitesurf School Dubai, and join morning or afternoon lessons for a crash-course in the sport.

Speed across the waves of the Arabian Gulf on jet skis, and get a unique perspective of the iconic skyline, including the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and Arabian Palace-styled Atlantis at The Palm. Nemo Watersports rents jet skis for 30 minutes to two hours, so you can spend as much time zipping around the Gulf as you want.

In this laidback shopping district by La Mer Beach, souvenirs and surfer-chic boutiques are the name of the game. But it’s not really about the shopping so much as the open-air, beachfront dining and wide array of watersports. Grab a kayak or surfboard, and get back in the water!

(Dubai Tourism)

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The Culture Vulture

Behind the shiny facade of super-high skyscrapers and swanky resorts, Dubai is a hip hub of Emirati culture old and new. From centuries-old forts to a celebrated contemporary art scene, the city has enough iconic architecture, Bedouin desert adventures and hipster coffee shops to keep even the most curious of travelers entertained.

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The Culture Vulture

ME by Melia is situated in The Opus, one of the most striking buildings in Dubai, designed inside and out by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Located right next to downtown, you’ll be in the heart of the hustle and bustle. With an emphasis on contemporary art and design, the chic rooms offer views of the Burj Khalifa.

Dubai offers travelers the chance to eat their way around the globe but for a taste of Emirati cuisine, visit Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. Located in the heart of the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, it serves up authentic Arabic cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in generous portions.

Housed in the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum traces the city’s origins as a community of pearl fishers to its present-day cluster of skyscrapers. Take time to explore the surrounding streets filled with distinctive heritage architecture.

A centuries-old traditional Arabic sport that’s still popular with locals, a visit to the racetrack in Al Marmoom is a unique cultural experience. Racing season runs through the cooler months. Insider tip: Races are free to attend, although it’s recommended to book your seat in advance.

This renovated industrial zone houses a 500,000-square-foot creative hub of contemporary art galleries, event spaces, indie fashion stores and food concepts. Highlights include contemporary gallery Volte, emerging artists at Lawrie Shabibi, and the first international outpost of New York gallery Leila Heller. Beyond the art galleries, independent movie theatre Cinema Akil shows films old and new from around the globe, while The Junction is a performing art space that puts on comedy, poetry, musical and theatre performances.

Experience Emirati hospitality at The Arabian Tea House where you can enjoy hearty Middle Eastern dishes and refreshing drinks in its quaint, shaded courtyard. Hidden in the alleyways of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the cafe is the perfect stop for a pot of traditional Arabic “gahwa” (Arabic coffee), or flavorful tea. They have a huge range, so ask for recommendations depending on your preference.

(Dubai Tourism)

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The Luxury Lover

The City of Gold is a playground for the mega-rich: if money can buy it, Dubai can supply it. While you’ll have to be extra important to be considered a VIP in a city bursting with millionaire socialites and A-list celebs, there’s still plenty of glitzy experiences for those seeking a taste of the high-life, if you’re willing to splash the cash.

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The Luxury Lover

In a city of sky-high trendy restaurants, you’ll never want for a lavish dinner. But for a truly unique fine-dining experience, drop below sea level into Ossiano’s Michelin-starred underwater dining room. A calming blue glow emits from the 11-million-liter Atlantis aquarium that surrounds the restaurant. Sharks and stingrays swim past diners as they tuck into the “9-waves tasting menu”: taking inspiration from the ocean, it sweeps guests up in a culinary journey across the seven seas.

Get the best vantage point of the city’s iconic skyline. For a premium experience, book a private ride with Heli Dubai: the 40-minute odyssey passes all the best-known attractions, including the Palm Jumeirah, the World Islands and the Burj Khalifa.

(Sergii Figurnyi/Adobe Stock)

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The Budget Backpacker

With a reputation for extravagance, Dubai is likely the last place you’d think of for a cheap vacation. But the city has plenty of affordable attractions, especially for those willing to travel off-peak. In summer, when temperatures soar well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, there’s plenty of bargains at resorts if you can handle the heat. Alternatively, skip the weekend buzz in high season to scoop up weekday discounts.

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The Budget Backpacker

Get a taste of the Middle East in Bait Maryam, a family-run, no-frills restaurant, where Jordanian-born chef Salam Dakkak serves up delicious food inspired by his mother’s recipes. Don’t be fooled by the humble appearance: Bait Maryam has been awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide. Budget travelers will want to visit for its wallet-friendly lunch deal.

While Dubai has its share of free public beaches, including JBR Beach, hit Barasti Beach Club for the quintessential Dubai experience. Unlike many other clubs, pool access here is free, with sun loungers and umbrellas assigned on a first-come first-served basis. Women can enjoy discounted “Ladies Day” drinks offers and there are happy hour deals throughout the week.

Dubai Fountain sits at the base of world’s tallest building, offering a two-for-one on record-breaking architecture. Free to watch, the daily light and music show lasts for five minutes, with water shooting up to 125 meters into the sky. If you want to make an evening of it, snag a waterside table at the Fountain Bar in the Time Out Market for a front-row seat. Insider tip: The Souk Al Bahar Bridge offers the best free view of the fountain, although you’ll need to get there early to grab a spot.

(frantic00/Getty Images)

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The Explorer

While big-brand malls, international chains and sprawling resorts abound in Dubai, there are plenty of quirky attractions beyond the city’s tourist hotspots waiting to be discovered. Go off the beaten track and explore its hidden gems with desert adventures, unique cultural experiences and lesser-known foodie delights.

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The Explorer

A centuries-old traditional Arabic sport that’s still popular with locals, camel racing is a unique cultural experience. Racing season at the racetrack in Al Marmoom runs through the cooler months. Insider tip: Races are free to attend, although it’s recommended to book your seat in advance.

(Dubai Tourism)

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The Thrill Seeker

Dubai is a city of extremes filled with jaw-dropping views, dizzying heights and heart-stopping activities that will keep adrenaline junkies on their toes. Jump from a plane, whiz around a racetrack, scream yourself hoarse on stomach-churning rollercoasters, and fly across the ocean at top speeds, all while ticking off once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the City of Superlatives.

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The Thrill Seeker

The best view of the Palm Jumeirah? From 13,000 feet. Get a bird’s eye view of the man-made, tree-shaped island during a tandem skydive, strapped to an instructor, with Skydive Dubai. You’ll also get the chance to glimpse the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, from above.

(The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai)

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The Foodie

A melting pot of over 200 nationalities, Dubai’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population. Offering world-class chefs and innovative dining concepts, the city is home to Michelin-starred restaurants and no-frills cheap eateries alike. Whether you’re craving simple Emirati home cooking or award-winning fine dining, the city is bursting with appetizing adventures.

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The Foodie

Food is one of the best ways to explore any culture or city. Frying Pan Adventures offers four-hour guided tours around the historic souks and Little India neighborhood, where guests can sample street food and specialty dishes at popular restaurants. It also offers self-guided tours via a mobile app, if you’d rather go at your own pace.

The old souks of Dubai are a sensory overload: eye-catching gold, fragrant spices, soft and silky textiles. Foodies, however, will find plenty to their taste. In the chaotic maze of Deira’s gold souk you’ll find Dubai’s first camel milk chocolate store, Al Nassma. With gold foil-wrapped chocolate camels lining the shopfront windows, it’s hard to miss. Sit street-side, or ask about the small tasting area at the back.

Experience Emirati hospitality at The Arabian Tea House where you can enjoy hearty Middle Eastern dishes and refreshing drinks in its quaint, shaded courtyard. Hidden in the alleyways of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the cafe is the perfect stop for a pot of traditional Arabic “gahwa” (Arabic coffee), or flavorful tea. They have a huge range, so ask for recommendations depending on your preference.

(FIVE Hotels and Resorts)

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The Party Animal

With scorching temperatures, Dubai truly comes alive after the sun goes down. Its many beach clubs and sky-high rooftop bars go from relaxed daytime hangouts to raucous after-dark parties. Over the past few years, the UAE has rolled back many of its strict, conservative laws, leading to the decriminalization of alcohol in 2020, which has seen more bars and nightclubs opening in the city. Party-goers should still be conscious about keeping their revelry to licensed venues — but with so many to choose from, it won’t be a problem.

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The Party Animal

Brass Monkey is an adults-only play and dining space, with licensed restaurants, VR experiences, an arcade and bowling. Set in the lively Bluewater Island complex, it’s the perfect place to get a group together for cocktails, games and pub grub through to the early hours.

You’ll find athleisure wear, gifts and high street brands galore at this open-air mall. Don’t linger too long at the shops, though: you’ll want to leave time to visit the Pavilion at The Beach. With six licensed venues that go from day to night, you can catch sunset views over the Gulf here. The venue’s food-hall style dining concepts offer a casual, jovial atmosphere, too.

(LEGOLAND Dubai Resort)

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The Big Kid

Often described as one giant amusement park, fun is the name of the game in the City of Superlatives. Dubai is bursting with family-friendly activities, or entertainment for the young-at-heart. You’ll need weeks to make your way around every theme park in the city, and even longer to explore boutique attractions like arcade games, crazy golf and VR experiences. So buckle up: you’re in for the time of your life.

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The Big Kid

Brass Monkey is an adults-only play and dining space, with licensed restaurants, VR experiences, an arcade and bowling. Set in the lively Bluewater Island complex, it’s the perfect place to get a group together for cocktails, games and pub grub through to the early hours.

This beautiful mall has an abundance of designer and high street stores for a day of shopping. It’s also home to Magic Planet, which is the largest arcade in the UAE, as well as Yalla! bowling alley, and the immersive VR experiences at Dreamscape. And don’t miss Ski Dubai, an indoor winter wonderland where you can ski and snowboard, whiz down the bobsled ride, and even meet the resident penguin colony.

(Hatta Resorts)

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The Eco Traveler

There’s no two ways about it: keeping a city in the desert cool uses a lot of energy. But as with many places in the world, there’s a growing consciousness about sustainability and conservation in Dubai. If going green on your travels is a top priority, there’s plenty of sustainable businesses you can support, and more eco-friendly activities you can choose: go glamping in the desert, get involved in conservation, and dine on award-winning green cuisine. Eco never looked so chic.

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The Eco Traveler

Recognized by the Michelin Guide for its eco credentials, LOWE is a pared-back fine-dining restaurant determined to make a difference. Using local ingredients for its regularly changing menus, the restaurant is also building its own kitchen garden. Its “Waste Not” tasting menu transforms waste products into key components of its simple but delicious dishes.

While Expo 2020 wrapped in March 2022, the expansive complex is being converted into a mixed-use space for shopping, dining, entertainment and offices. One of the architectural stars of the complex is Terra, the sustainability pavilion. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the impressive structure generates its own electricity with 4,912 solar panels and employs a graywater recycling system, among other design techniques which help it keep cool in the desert heat.

The hawksbill turtle is native to the waters around the Arabian Peninsula and critically endangered. Luxury hotel Jumeirah Al Naseem runs a turtle rehabilitation program that helps injured sea turtles recuperate at a purpose-built lagoon, before being released back to the Arabian Gulf. Since 2004, it’s already rescued and released 1,600 turtles. Insider tip: Visit the turtles and get involved with their care during Wednesday morning feeding sessions.

(Dubai Golf)

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The Golf Guru

Rolling desert dunes and green, manicured lawns don’t typically go hand in hand. But Dubai is a golfing oasis, home to multiple championship fairways. Spread across the city, amateur putters and pro golfers alike can enjoy everything from challenging 18-hole courses to fun neon-lit mini golf.

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The Golf Guru

Overlooking the Dubai Creek and adjacent to the championship golf courses, Boardwalk serves up classic Mediterranean fare. Its alfresco dining is the perfect way to unwind after a day on the course, and watch the sunset over the waterway that runs through the heart of the old city.

Anantara World Islands Resort has come up with an innovative way to help budding golfers practice their perfect shot. Its “Eco Golf” program lets guests tee off at its private beach with biodegradable balls that dissolve into fish food. It’s also a chance to see the exclusive manmade World Islands in the Gulf, and get a new view of the city skyline.

(Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images)

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The Art Critic

Between the ritzy beachside resorts and gleaming malls is a thriving art scene that’s elevating Emirati creatives to the international stage. The once industrial, now hipster neighborhood of Al Quoz is a must for art lovers, housing indie galleries and performance spaces in former warehouses. And the city’s historic center is a hive of boutique galleries and cafes showcasing local talent.

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The Art Critic

On the second floor of The Dubai Mall, Infinity des Lumières is the largest digital art center in the region. Immersing visitors in light, color and sound, it’s the perfect place for art lovers to leisurely while away an afternoon.

(Dubai Tourism)

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The Indoor Type

Dubai isn’t just a haven for beach bums and outdoor explorers: it’s also a paradise for air-con loving indoor types. Sun-shy travelers who prefer an evening in to a day out will enjoy the malls, VR experiences and many museums the city has to offer. Even activities that would usually take you outdoors, like skiing and skydiving, can be done here with a roof over your head.

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The Indoor Type

Cool and ultra-modern, the sleek, spaceship-like interiors of V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton will make you feel as if you’ve been whisked into the future. Creative lighting and curved design soften the minimalist aesthetic. Best of all, its floor to ceiling windows provide views across the city so you can enjoy Dubai from indoors — although should you decide to venture out just a little, its rooftop pool is ideal for a dip.

Housed in a building straight out of a science-fiction movie, the Museum of the Future has to be seen to be believed. While the immersive exhibitions about the future of transportation and space travel are cool, the architecture is what you’re here for. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping views from the observation deck in the center of the building.

Housed in converted shipping containers in the Alserkal Avenue creative hub, Cinema Akil specializes in arthouse films and exclusive screening events, showing films old and new from across the globe. Previous themes include a celebration of the works of director Stanley Kubrick, Italian film week, and Korean movie nights.

(Dubai Tourism)

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The Executive Traveler

The region’s leading financial center and a global business hub, Dubai has become a magnet for entrepreneurs, innovators and professionals. At the heart of the metropolis, the 110-hectare Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) embodies the work-hard-play-hard ethos with shopping, dining and lifestyle venues under the same roof as more than 4,000 companies. If you’re visiting the city for work rather than leisure you’ll likely have a packed itinerary, but make some time to see the sights beyond the board room …

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The Executive Traveler

With a state-of-the-art gym, a rooftop pool and an East-meets-West spa, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC has everything a business traveler needs to arrive at their early-AM meeting fresh-faced and raring to go. Opt for a room with Club Lounge access to get complimentary Wi-Fi, daily clothes pressing, a dedicated concierge service, and food and beverages throughout the day.

Serving up contemporary Arabic fare in Dubai’s financial district, Ninive has transformed its skyscraper-surrounded terrace into an upscale Arabian lounge. Inspired by Bedouin-style tents, the restaurant merges the city’s desert culture with the modern skyline. It’s best enjoyed in the evening, with after-dinner cocktails and live DJ sets.

Just next to the DIFC, in a building straight out of a sci-fi movie, the Museum of the Future has to be seen to be believed. While the immersive exhibitions about the future of transportation and space travel are cool, the architecture is what you’re here for. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping views from the observation deck in the center of the building.