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The Feeling of Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives, mastering the balancing act between a futuristic metropolis and the deep roots of the Orient like no other place in the world. Whether you come for luxury shopping, architectural wonders, or desert adventures, Dubai offers the right experience for every traveler.

Dubai is renowned for its record-breaking buildings. These highlights should be on every list:

  • Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world. A visit to the observation deck on the 124th or 148th floor offers breathtaking views of the entire city and the Arabian Gulf.
  • The Dubai Mall: Located directly at the foot of the Burj Khalifa is one of the largest shopping centers in the world—including a huge aquarium, an ice rink, and hundreds of luxury stores.
  • Palm Jumeirah: The artificially created island in the shape of a palm tree. Here you will find exclusive resorts such as Atlantis, The Palm and the famous Aquaventure water park.
  • Dubai Marina: An impressive skyline along an artificial canal. Perfect for an evening stroll or a dinner cruise on a traditional dhow.
  • Al Fahidi & the souks: If you are looking for “old Dubai,” stroll through the alleys of the Al Fahidi district and take an abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek to the gold and spice souks.

Opportunities & Activities

In addition to sightseeing, Dubai offers a huge range of leisure activities:

  • Desert safaris: An absolute must. Dune bashing in a jeep, camel riding, and a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars.
  • Beach life: Public beaches such as Kite Beach or La Mer offer crystal clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere with cafés and sports facilities.
  • Wellness & spa: Dubai is home to some of the most luxurious wellness oases in the world, offering top-quality treatments right on site in the hotels.
  • Winter sports in summer: At Ski Dubai, you can ski in sub-zero temperatures while the sun is beating down outside.

Arrival & Getting around

  • Flight: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the world’s most important hubs. Airlines such as Emirates and Lufthansa fly directly from Germany in around six hours from Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, or Düsseldorf.
  • Entry: Entry is easy for German citizens: upon arrival, you will receive a free visa (“Visa on Arrival”), which is usually valid for 90 days.
  • On site: The Dubai Metro is state-of-the-art, driverless, and one of the cheapest ways to get around the city. For added convenience, taxis and Uber/Careem are ubiquitous and inexpensive by international standards.

Important tips

  • Best time to travel: From October to April, when temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 25°C and 32°C. In summer (June to August), temperatures can exceed 45°C.
  • Clothing: Dubai is liberal, but out of respect for the culture, you should keep your shoulders and knees covered in public areas (malls, government offices). Normal swimwear is perfectly acceptable at the beach and pool.
  • Weekend: The weekend in Dubai is Saturday and Sunday (adjusted to the global standard since 2022).