A cultural guide to Dubai
Go big or go home is the motto in this futuristic city, home to the world's tallest tower and largest waterpark. But you'll also find groundbreaking art, global cuisine, and glitz aplenty
Your essential guide to the best things to see and do in Dubai. Find more travel inspiration for more amazing cities here.
Life moves at a dazzling pace in Dubai. Just over 50 years ago, this futuristic city was not much more than a village—established as a fishing community in the early 19th century, it grew into an important hub of the pearling industry. In the late 20th century, it boomed again, thanks to a combination of oil wealth and a savvy ruling family who encouraged international business and tourism, which forged the city into the thriving metropolis it is today.
It’s now the largest city in the Emirates, a place where the future is embraced through art, architecture and food. But be advised: Despite being home to modern attractions—like the world’s tallest skyscraper and a shopping mall featuring a real-snow ski slope—Dubai still adheres to many older traditions, including Sharia law and strict rules regarding alcohol, sexual conduct and dress.
Art & architecture
A glistening city of steel and glass (it’s home to the fourth-largest collection of skyscrapers in the world), the Dubai skyline is dominated by the 2,716-foot Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. See the sights from the At The Top observation deck or reserve a table at At.mosphere Restaurant & Lounge (minimum spend applies—mornings are the most affordable time). Alserkal Avenue is an industrial warehouse compound turned cultural district with galleries, pop-ups, restaurants and cool events. It’s a great place to wander, especially at night when it’s atmospherically illuminated.
Time your trip to coincide with May’s annual International Museum Day when many institutions offer free entry—top picks include the Etihad Museum, in the Al Mina district, for a look at the region’s past; and the Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road for a glimpse of how the world’s top designers, artists and filmmakers imagine the future via immersive theater and themed exhibitions.
Wow museums to see now
Expert tips
The essentials
The local currency is the UAE dirham. Expect to tip 10-15% when eating out. Gulf Arabic is the preferred language locally, although English is widely spoken. Greet others with “marhaba” (hello), and “ma’a salamah” (goodbye or with peace), and say “shukran” for thank you. Cover shoulders and knees when out, opt for loose-fitting clothes and remember that public displays of affection are forbidden. Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) Airports both serve Dubai—the Metro Red Line from DXB takes you to central Dubai in 30 minutes.
Getting around
Dubai has good road and public transit infrastructure. Plan ahead and don’t expect to walk long distances outside due to the heat. Trains run every few minutes on the Dubai Metro, one of the world’s most advanced and rapid rail systems. Purchase a Nol Card to ride the RTA system and top up with the nol Pay app. Taxis offer high-quality rides and accept credit cards. Check route times at peak hours to avoid traffic hotspots.
LGBTQ+
Homosexuality is illegal in Dubai, along with the gender expression of trans people.
Accessibility
All Dubai Metro stations have elevators to platforms and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users on trains. And many of Dubai Opera’s shows offer audio descriptions and tactile experiences to enhance accessibility for visually impaired visitors.
Food & drink
Dubai’s rich mix of nationalities means that a vast range of cuisine is available to enjoy. There are street-food options aplenty in areas like Al Satwa, Karama, Deira and Old Town—where you can find everything from Sri Lankan hoppers to Indian thalis, Middle Eastern food, and traditional tea houses. The fishing harbors along Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim beaches are home to delicious fresh seafood restaurants on the water. Try Dibba Bay Oysters for farm-to-table oysters.
For fine-dining options, check the main upscale hotels, including Stay by Yannick Alléno at One&Only The Palm and Armani/Amal at the Armani Hotel. Balkan restaurant 21grams is popular with the style set, while brunches are also still in vogue with both family-friendly and sophisticated options like Mimi Kakushi and Josette (particularly good if you like to press a button for champagne). Wednesday nights are traditionally “ladies’ night” with free food and drink for women in certain venues.
Watch before you go
The world’s tallest building meets the world’s biggest movie star? The Burj Khalifa was scaled by Tom Cruise without a stunt double in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. The skyscraper also featured alongside Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai in Jackie Chan’s Vanguard.
Dubai’s rich mix of nationalities means a vast range of cuisines
Hot ticket
The solar-powered Museum of the Future is stealing all the headlines for its breathtaking stainless steel and fiberglass design, immersive exhibitions and artworks (the “Digital Amazon” experience is incredible). Keep an eye out for restaurant pop-ups that occur here; some allow free entry into the museum when you book a table.
Get a taste of traditional Emirati culture by visiting the winding stone alleyways of Al Fahidi, where you’ll find spice souks, galleries, the Dubai Museum (closed for renovation at the time of writing) and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Visit in late February or March for the renowned Sikka Art and Design Festival.
Head to the area around Dubai Creek to browse stacks of colorful textiles, clusters of colorful-glass hanging lamps, and neat rows of bejeweled slippers in the maze-like aisles of the Old Souk; and take an abra, or small motorized water taxi, across the creek. If younger travelers are with you, visit Children’s City for science-based exhibitions, a planetarium, and nature center.
Base yourself in the urban heart of the city in Downtown Dubai, home to top restaurants, one of the world’s biggest malls, the dancing Dubai Fountain, and the soaring Burj Khalifa skyscraper and observation deck.
Alex Gorton is a freelance writer, as well as the former travel editor of Condé Nast Brides. She has visited countries all over the globe, from Chile to Namibia, and lived in France, Canada, and the U.S.
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