Explore
Dubai
a desert oasis
Burj Khalifa
the worlds tallest
skyscraper
3.6 million
population
established 1833
beginning as a
fishing village
dubai
international airport is
the worlds busiest
'marhaba'
means welcome in the
official language arabic
49°C
recorded highest
temperature
Dubai
new experiences around every corner
Dubai is a dazzling city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, known for its skyscrapers, beaches, and culture; an Instagrammers dream location and one of the most visited places on the planet.
Lying on the Persian Gulf and one of seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates, it was once a small fishing village, but it has now grown to a major global hub, perfectly placed for a well-deserved stopover between Europe and Australia.
Spread along the shoreline are some of the world’s most sophisticated hotels and night spots; it even holds court for the tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. Beyond the modern cityscape, you can embark on desert adventures in the sands, perhaps cycling on a nature reserve and spotting flora and fauna.
Days can be spent strolling the Marina Walk, enjoying fine food and drink, and even taking the plunge at a water park or lounging on a beach. Shoppers will delight in the options of designer goods and shimmering gold ornaments in souks and bazaars.
Things to do
General Information
Time zone: Three hours ahead of the UK
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED). Try to carry smaller notes with you – not only are they handy for tipping, but it can also be hard to get change for anything larger than a 100 dirham note in taxis and some convenience stores.
Weather: Sub-tropical climate with hot summers and warm winters – July and August are the hottest months, reaching temperatures of up to 30-41°C..
Main attractions: Burj Khalifia, Burj al Arab, Palm Islands and the Dubai Mall
Tipping is not demanded but is expected and always appreciated.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
For travel advice visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates or www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/united-arab-emirates/
- You can get a visitor or tourist visa issued free of charge when you arrive in the UAE. You do not need to apply in advance of travel. Your passport will be stamped with the visa as you go through immigration. It will be valid for up to 40 days. · Visit for more information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-information
- You must have an onward ticket for the next country you are travelling to
- Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry to the UAE
MAKING A CALL
To call a UK number from Dubai dial 0044 or 00 353 for Ireland, followed by the number you are dialing without the first 0.
Emergency contacts
Police: 999 Fire and Ambulance: 997
british embassy dubai
Ai Seef Road, Bur Dubai
Near to Dubai Creekside, PO Box 65
Tel: +971 4 309 4444 Email: consular.UAE@fco.gov.uk
Embassy of Ireland, UAE
Atiq Bin Majid Al Muhairi Street
Al Bateen, P.O. Box 61581
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Fax: +971 (0)2 6819233
https://www.ireland.ie/en/uae/abudhabi/
https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/united-arab-emirates/
official tourist website
DUBAI AIRPORT (DXB)
Dubai airport is the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. Terminal 1 is the main terminal, and it has three concourses: Concourse D, Concourse C, and Concourse B. Concourse D is the newest and largest concourse, and it has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and lounges. Concourse C is mostly used by Emirates airline, while Concourse B serves other major airlines.
Terminal 2 is a smaller terminal with only one concourse, and it has a limited range of facilities.
Terminal 3 is the most modern and luxurious terminal, and it has two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A is exclusively used by Emirates airline, and it has a range of premium facilities, including a first-class lounge and a duty-free shopping area.
You can easily transfer between terminals at the airport using the free shuttle bus service. The shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes, and it stops at all three terminals.
You can also use the metro system, which connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The metro runs every 10 minutes, and it is a convenient and affordable way to travel between the terminals. Additionally, there is a walkway between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which takes approximately 15 minutes to walk. Passengers should allow enough time to transfer between terminals, especially during peak travel periods.
Dubai International has two stations on Dubai Metro which are clean, efficient, air-conditioned and extremely cost-effective.
Trains run frequently from Dubai Terminals 1 and 3, with both stations on the Red Line. The Red Line runs from 5 AM to midnight, Monday to Thursday; 5 AM to 1 AM (the next day) on Friday; 5 AM to midnight on Saturday and 8 AM to midnight on Sunday.
For more information, visit the RTA website. https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport
There are just two lines, making the network simple to use, even for newcomers. Most stations have connecting buses, and taxi ranks for onward travel. Most major hotels and tourist destinations are relatively close to a station.
No cash is accepted so a pre-loaded Nol card can be purchased at the ticket offices in airport stations. The cost depends on how many zones and the distance you travel but it is extremely affordable. The card can be charged with credit and there are different types of cards available to meet individual passenger needs. https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/nol/choose-nol
The front carriage on each train is ‘gold class’, for a small premium – kids will love the view through the driverless front window! There is also a carriage for women and children only.
You’re allowed up to two pieces of luggage (with one being hand luggage).
