Dubai City Guide: Getting Around, History and What to See and Eat

Dubai

Dubai has grown from a modest trading post on the creek into one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and it wears that history and that ambition side by side. Glass towers rise a short drive from wind-tower houses and spice markets, and the population itself reflects the mix, with residents and visitors from across the Gulf, South Asia, the Levant, East Asia, Africa and Europe. Arabic is the official language, but English is used everywhere in daily life, from menus to taxi conversations.

The heat is the first thing most people notice, especially through the long summer months, when humidity along the coast can make even short walks tiring. Winter, by contrast, brings pleasant days and cooler evenings, and this is when outdoor markets, waterfront promenades and rooftop terraces come into their own. Whatever the season, most buildings, malls and transport are heavily air-conditioned, so it is worth carrying a light layer even in the height of summer.

Getting Around

Dubai's public transport network has expanded considerably and now covers most of the areas visitors and residents need. The Metro runs above and below ground along two main lines, with air-conditioned stations and carriages that are a welcome relief from the heat. Buses feed into the Metro stations and reach areas the rail line does not, while an extensive network of licensed taxis covers everywhere else, including late at night when other options may be limited.

A rechargeable transport card can be used across Metro, tram, bus and some marine transport, which makes switching between them straightforward. Traditional abras still cross the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira, and remain one of the cheapest and most atmospheric ways to see the older part of the city from the water. Given the heat and the distances involved, walking between areas is rarely practical, so most people plan journeys around the Metro or a taxi rather than trying to cover the city on foot.

History and Culture

Long before the skyline existed, Dubai was a small fishing and pearling settlement built around the creek, trading with communities across the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent and East Africa. That trading character never really left the city, and it is still visible in the souks of Deira and Bur Dubai, where gold, textiles and spices are sold much as they always have been, alongside modern retail elsewhere in the city.

The Al Fahidi historical area, with its narrow lanes and coral-stone buildings topped with wind towers, offers a glimpse of what the city looked like before rapid development began. It sits close to the creek and is an easy area to explore on foot for an hour or two, especially outside the midday sun. Visitors should be mindful of modest dress in this area out of respect for local custom, and should also be aware that daily life adjusts noticeably during Ramadan, when working hours shift and eating or drinking in public during fasting hours is avoided.

Things to See and Do

Beyond the old town, Dubai's newer districts offer a very different experience, from waterfront promenades and beach clubs to observation decks with views across the whole city. Shopping is very much a pastime in its own right here, with malls that combine retail, entertainment and dining under one air-conditioned roof, making them a natural refuge on the hottest afternoons. For something more traditional, an evening stroll along the creek or through a souk offers a slower pace and a good sense of the city's trading roots.

Desert excursions are also a popular way to see beyond the city itself, whether that means a dune drive, a camel ride or simply watching the sun set over the sand. These trips are best arranged through a reputable, licensed tour operator, and it is worth checking reviews and confirming exactly what is included before booking.

Eating and Drinking

Dubai's dining scene reflects its population, and it is entirely possible to eat Emirati, Lebanese, Indian, Filipino, Iranian and East Asian food within the same neighbourhood, often within the same food court. Casual eateries and small family-run restaurants tend to offer excellent value, while the city also has a strong reputation for high-end dining, particularly in its hotels.

Alcohol is available in licensed hotel bars, restaurants and clubs rather than in general grocery stores, and it is worth checking a venue's policy in advance if this matters to your plans. For something distinctly local, seek out Arabic coffee served with dates, or a fresh juice from one of the small stalls tucked into the older markets, both of which offer a simple taste of the city away from its more polished attractions.