The Emirate of Dubai is the perfect stopover on your trip to Australia or New Zealand. The metropolis on the Persian Gulf is a city of superlatives: a shopping paradise, beaches, relaxation and a desert experience. No other city in the UAE shows this contrast between tradition and modernity better than Dubai.
Marvel at everything that's on offer in the designer boutiques, take a dip in the Indian Ocean, play a round of golf or enjoy a delicious meal in one of the city's award-winning restaurants. Immerse yourself in the scents of the souks or go on an adventure in the desert. In vibrant Dubai, you will meet people from all over the world. The cosmopolitan emirate is known for its luxury and the world's tallest buildings such as the Burj Khalifa.
As soon as you leave the city, life becomes more traditional. Take a trip to the mountains or the east coast and experience true Arabian hospitality. Be inspired by our tips. Here we show you the highlights you absolutely must plan during your visit to Dubai and what will make your stay more than just sightseeing.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a desert climate, so most of the year it is hot and the air is dry. A visit in summer is therefore not recommended, as temperatures can reach up to 41 degrees Celsius. The best travel time for a stopover in Dubai is therefore from October to April.
During this time, temperatures are perfect for long, comfortable days at the beach and warm evenings outdoors. Our tip: if you don't cope well with high temperatures you should aim for a flight in January as this is the coolest month in the emirate.
Sit back and relax on your Emirates flight. The airline brings you safely and comfortably to your destination - no matter what class. Dubai has two airports located at opposite ends of the city. Dubai Airport code DXB and the newer Al Maktoum Airport code DWC. The DXB already offers you the first highlight on your stopover: In the middle of the airport, you can relax in the green Zen gardens and marvel at the palm trees, watercourses and fish.
Dubai Airport (DXB) is the main airport and one of the busiest in the world in terms of international travellers. From here, there are numerous connections to the city centre and you can quickly be in the heart of the action. The DWC airport, on the other hand, is a little further away, about 50 km south of the old town. You can find more information about airlines and flights here.
The emirate has an excellent infrastructure. Metro or taxi are good and inexpensive means of transportation. Two metro lines cover the greater area of the city, from the airport to the city centre, the districts of Deira and Bur Dubai and other destinations are easily accessible by metro. If you want to take a taxi, be aware of the rush hour and always ask about the expected journey time before getting in.
The best way to explore Dubai Creek, the souks and (open-air) museums is on foot. You can also discover other parts of the city such as Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina on a stroll. During your stopover, you can combine the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as they are only about an hour apart.
The artificial islands of The Palm Jumeirah in the southwest are the new face of modern Dubai. The islands are one of the greatest man-made structures of modern times, using millions of tons of sand and stone from the Persian Gulf. These islands were built in the shape of a 16-branched palm tree, with the longest branch being up to 800m long and surrounded by an arch up to 11 kilometres long. There are more than 100 luxury hotels, villas, marinas, fine dining restaurants, shopping malls, water parks and spas.
Another landmark to visit is the Creek region, located in the heart of the city and constantly changing. Here you can experience the hustle and bustle and trade at the port. The Dubai Creek divides Dubai into two areas, Deira and Bur Dubai. Take a river cruise and later explore the souks of old Dubai.
Dubai is characterized by a diverse range of hotels. Whether budget, beach, business or luxury hotels like the sail-shaped Burj al Arab or the Atlantis, The Palm. There is something for every budget and taste. As hotels in Dubai are in high demand, it is advisable to reserve your stopover in advance. The hotels are spread over the entire urban area of Dubai up to the west coast.
The Burj Al Arab Hotel, standing on its own artificial island, takes hotel design to a new level of modern luxury and it is famous for its exceptional hospitality. The hotel is designed to resemble the sail of a ship and can be reached by its own private curving bridge or via the helipad. However, there are many hotels, slightly less luxurious and more affordable.
Experience comfortable flight times, connections, and a relaxing stopover. As Australian and New Zealand specialists, we work with leading airlines and can arrange flights that suit your wants and needs.
How can we help you?Shopping in the Dubai Mall is certainly a unique kind of experience. It is the largest shopping centre in the world in terms of area and you can spend several days here. The Mall is home to all kinds of designer boutiques that offer a wide range of shopping opportunities. In addition to the numerous shopping and dining options, there are also adventure worlds such as the Dubai Aquarium to visit within the Dubai Mall. Families with small children, in particular, will find lots to do here.
The Dubai Mall is right next to the Burj Khalifa in the centre of the city. Here you can also admire the Dubai Fountain for free and relax after a long day of shopping. The Dubai Fountain is a magnificently staged fountain system set to music and lights. And do you fancy skiing? You can find the world's largest indoor ski resort, with more than 22,000 square metres of slopes, right inside the Dubai Mall.
For a traditional shopping experience, head to the centuries-old souks, the lively local markets. Be dazzled by the masses of jewellery in the Gold Souk, admire the many types of fabric in the Textile Souk and immerse yourself in a sea of colour and smell in the Spice Souk. Continue on to the Waterfront Market, located near Hamriya Harbour, which offers a huge choice of fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables. Taste the sweet dates and take some with you on the way.
Of course, you will also find numerous restaurants and cafés from all culinary directions in Dubai. As a melting pot of cultures, they offer traditional and international cuisine from all around the world. Among the most popular restaurants are those operated by hotels.
Details and information on the current regulations for a trip to Dubai can be found here.
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