Welcome to Dubai. Explore top things to do, what's on, itineraries & events to help you plan your holiday to Dubai. Discover all that’s possible in Dubai.
Dubai enjoys an arid subtropical climate, with blue skies and sunshine all year round. The hottest months are between June and September whereas the coolest time is between December and March. There is very little rainfall in Dubai, but when showers do fall it is mainly in the cooler months.
Dubai, with an area of 3,885 square kilometers, is the second largest emirate in the UAE. Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf which divides the city into the Deira district to its north and Bur Dubai on its south, the city ranks as the UAE's most important port and commercial center.
The UAE has 700 kilometers of coastline, of which 100 kilometers are on the Gulf of Oman. Along the Arabian Gulf coast there are offshore islands, coral reefs and sabkha, or salt-marshes. Stretches of gravel, plain and barren desert characterise the inland region.
Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islam, providing a strength and inspiration that touches all aspects of everyday life. Virtually every neighborhood has its own mosque, where the faithful congregate for prayer five times every day. One of the largest and most beautiful mosques is Jumeirah Mosque- a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. Built of stone in medieval Fatimid style, the mosque is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into sharp relief.
To the east, a range of mountains lies close to the Gulf of Oman and forms a backbone through the Mussandam Peninsula. The western interior of the country, most of it in Abu Dhabi, consists mainly of desert interspersed with oasis.
Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people.
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding has been set up to bring down barriers between people of different nationalities, and to help understand the traditions, customs and religion of the UAE. One activity carried out to bring this vision to life is the popular Jumeirah Mosque visit, which takes place four times a week as a fixed public tour. Guests at the mosque are treated to a talk on the UAE Culture and the UAE’s official religion, Islam. A question and answer session is held afterwards.
Other activities on offer include Spoken Arabic courses, UAE Culture & Dubai Orientation courses, Bastakiya Walking Tours, Cultural Breakfast and Lunch, Coffee Mornings, Question and Answers sessions & Story Circle for Children.
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority aims to build on Dubai’s status as one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, where East meets West and will actively encourage the over 200 nationalities living and working together in Dubai to contribute to the culture and arts renaissance happening in Dubai. Some initiatives of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority include the first ever Muhammad the Messenger Museum and the Khor Dubai Cultural Project.