Hotels in Dubai

Dubai: Desert Metropolis on the Arabian Gulf

Dubai sits on the southeastern shore of the Arabian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates, roughly 1,500 km from Mumbai and 3,500 km from London. The city grew from a pearl-fishing settlement into a global transit hub in under five decades. The Burj Khalifa — at 828 m the tallest structure on Earth — anchors Downtown Dubai, where the Dubai Mall draws over 80 million visitors a year. Older quarters like Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, built in the 1800s, line the Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai and Deira, offering wind-tower architecture and gold and spice souks within walking distance of each other.

Where to Stay in Dubai

Hotels range from creek-side budget properties in Deira to beachfront towers on Jumeirah Beach Road. Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah concentrate high-rise hotels facing open water. Business Bay sits one metro stop from Downtown and suits corporate stays. The Dubai Metro Red Line connects Dubai International Airport (DXB) — the world's busiest by international passenger count — to the Marina in about 35 minutes.

Practical Tips

• Climate: Summer (June–September) peaks above 40 °C; October–April is the preferred travel window.
• Transit: The Red and Green metro lines cover most hotel zones; taxis are metered and widely available.
• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED); rate fixed at approximately 3.67 AED per USD since 1997.
• Dress code: Modest clothing is expected in souks, mosques, and government buildings.