Is Dubai Worth Visiting? Pros And Cons Of Visiting Dubai

Is Dubai worth visiting? Find out all the reasons why you should visit Dubai.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Dubai is worth your time and money, here’s a simple answer: yes, but with a few things to keep in mind.

I’ve been visiting Dubai regularly since 2011, and every trip shows me something new. From stunning architecture and world-class shopping to warm beaches, desert experiences, and great food, Dubai has plenty to offer, no matter your travel style.

But it’s not perfect, and I’ll also share the downsides, so you get the full picture before you decide.

Short on time? Book these most attractive Dubai tours:👇

Burj Khalifa VIP access level 152
Premium Dubai desert safari with buffet dinner
Old Dubai walking tour with street food
Inside Burj Al Arab Guided Tour

Stay in one of these hotels with top locations:👇

Palace Downtown, located in the city center near Burj Khalifa
JW Marriott Hotel Marina, located in Dubai Marina
Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, located in JBR

Pros Of Visiting Dubai

Extravagant Architecture

Dubai is known for pushing boundaries when it comes to architecture.

Whether it’s the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, the Miracle Garden, the world’s largest flower garden, or record-breaking attractions like the deepest pool, Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future, Sky Views Observatory, Dubai Fountain, or Ain Dubai, the biggest observatory wheel, the city always aims big.

What’s even more impressive is how quickly the skyline has transformed. Just 50 years ago, this was mostly desert. Now, shiny skyscrapers in all shapes and sizes rise across the city like nowhere else.

Luxury Hotels

Dubai is famous for its over-the-top luxury hotels, some are even furnished with gold and marble. You can eat a gold-covered steak or soak in a golden bathtub.

The most iconic of them all is the Burj Al Arab, known as the world’s only 7-star hotel. To enter, you either need to be staying there or have a reservation at one of its restaurants.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Built on a private island
• Helipad on the roof
• Suites with gold-accented bathrooms
• Michelin-starred restaurant surrounded by an aquarium
• Infinity pool and private beach
• Exclusive access, only for hotel guests or restaurant visitors

Other top luxury hotels include the Armani Hotel inside Burj Khalifa and Atlantis The Palm on the man-made Palm Jumeirah.

Even if you don’t stay in the most luxurious hotels, you can still expect clean rooms, great food, and excellent service throughout Dubai.

Here are some of the best hotels near Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.

Sandy Beaches

Dubai has beautiful white sandy beaches and warm water, making it a great spot to relax. Besides sunbathing, many beaches offer activities like jet skiing, kitesurfing, parasailing, and yacht rentals.

While some beaches are private and belong to hotels, there are plenty of free public beaches too. Popular ones include Jumeirah Beach, Marina Beach, Umm Suqeim Beach, and Kite Beach.

➡️Book your Yacht cruise experience HERE  

Shopping

Dubai is a paradise for shopaholics, with many amazing malls where you could easily spend a whole day.

Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world. It has everything, from designer and mid-range shops to restaurants, a cinema, an ice rink, an aquarium, and several amusement parks.

You can also enter the Burj Khalifa directly from the mall. Right outside, the Dubai Fountain offers a must-see light and water show.

The second largest mall, Mall of the Emirates, also offers a wide range of shops and restaurants, plus a cinema, game center, and the famous Ski Dubai, an indoor ski slope with a chairlift inside the mall.

Whether you want to shop, watch a movie, play games, do sports, or just explore, Dubai’s malls have plenty to offer.

Other notable malls include Marina Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Festival City, Wafi City, Dragon Mart, City Centre Mirdif, and Deira City Centre.

For bargain hunters, there are outlets like Dubai Outlet Mall and Brands for Less, where you can find designer clothes at discounted prices.

Fun and Adrenaline activities

Dubai is packed with exciting things to do, from family fun to heart-pumping adventures.

For water fun, check out the city’s many water parks like Wild Wadi, Aquaventure, Aquafan, Splash ‘n’ Party Kids Waterpark, Legoland Water Park, and Splash Pad.

Love rollercoasters or games? Head to theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure, Motiongate, Magic Planet, and Legoland for hours of fun.

Other activities include skiing, ice skating, camel riding, dune bashing, sandboarding, swimming with dolphins, pool parties, cinemas, and vibrant nightclubs.

If you’re after a real adrenaline rush, you can try:

• Ziplining over the Dubai Marina
• Skydiving over the Palm
• Diving in Deep Dive Dubai – the world’s deepest pool
• Shark diving in the Dubai Aquarium

International City

Dubai is home to people from all over the world, and around 90% of the population are expats. That’s one of the things that makes the city so unique. While Dubai is a Muslim city, the international mix of cultures makes it feel very open and welcoming.

You can see this global influence in fashion, food, art, and even in daily life. It feels like a little bit of every culture is represented here.

Another big advantage is Dubai’s location. It sits perfectly between Europe, Asia, and Africa, which is why it’s become such a major travel hub. It’s also the home of Emirates Airline, one of the world’s top airlines.

Fine Dining

Dubai has amazing food, and not just in Michelin-star restaurants. Even small, local spots often serve great-tasting meals.

Since it’s such a multicultural city, you’ll find food from almost every part of the world. Whether you’re craving Lebanese, Indian, Italian, Thai, or Chinese food, you’ll easily find it here.

For a great Lebanese dining experience with a view of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, check out Abd El Wahab in Souk Al Bahar.

Don’t leave Dubai without trying shawarma and traditional Arabic sweets like baklava, basbousa, and kunafa.

Prices in small restaurants or food courts are often very reasonable, sometimes even cheaper than in Europe. Of course, luxury restaurants charge more, but you’ll also find plenty of affordable options. And if you love pizza, Pizza Hut is the best.

Old Traditional Dubai

Dubai isn’t only about tall buildings and luxury. There’s also a part of the city that holds on to its roots and traditions.

Head to Old Dubai, especially the districts of Bur Dubai and Deira. In Deira, explore the traditional souks, like the Gold Souk and Spice Souk.

In Bur Dubai, visit the Al Bastakiya District, the oldest part of the city. Then walk through Al Seef, a beautiful area designed to look like old Dubai, with sandstone buildings and narrow alleys.

To make the experience even more special, take a ride across Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat. It costs just 1 AED.

If you want to learn more about the culture and history, join a guided tour. It’s a great way to get more insight and not miss anything.

➡️Book a guided tour of Old Dubai HERE

Safety and Cleanliness

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. While no place is completely free of crime, the level here is very low, thanks to strict laws and regulations.

I’ve traveled to Dubai alone and with a friend, and I’ve always felt safe, even walking outside at night. Honestly, that’s something I wouldn’t do in many European cities. You won’t see drug addicts, drunk people, or homeless individuals on the streets.

Another thing you’ll notice is how clean everything is. Streets, parks, and shopping malls are spotless. There are cleaners working throughout the day to keep public areas tidy.

👉 If you’re a solo female traveler, I’ve shared more tips and insights in this article.

Nature

You might be thinking, What nature? Isn’t everything in Dubai man-made? But that’s not true. Dubai has its own kind of natural beauty, and I completely fell in love with it.

One of the best places to escape the city is the desert. Just being out there, surrounded by endless sand and silence, feels like therapy for your mind and body.

And here’s something many people don’t know, Dubai and the surrounding Emirates also have mountains. If you’re into hiking or simply love being in nature, there are plenty of trails and spots to explore just outside the city.

Cons Of Visiting Dubai

Even though there are countless reasons to visit Dubai, it’s fair to mention a few downsides you might consider before making your decision. That said, the pros definitely outweigh the cons!

Dubai can be Expensive

Dubai can get pricey if you don’t plan ahead. But with a bit of research, you can manage your budget.

For example, there are hotels in various price ranges, so you don’t have to stay at the most luxurious places. The same goes for food. While some restaurants are high-end and costly, there are plenty of affordable places to eat, including small restaurants and food courts.

Public transportation is much cheaper than taxis, and interestingly, taxis are often more affordable than Uber in Dubai.

Also, keep in mind that December and January are peak tourist months. Hotel rates and flight prices tend to be the highest during this time.

Conservative culture

Even though Dubai is a modern and international city, it’s still part of a Muslim country, and with that comes a few cultural rules to keep in mind.

For example, dress codes are more modest than in some other places. While women generally wear what they like, it’s best to dress respectfully, especially in public areas. Avoid very short shorts or revealing tops. Nightclubs are an exception, where the dress code is more relaxed.

Drinking alcohol is allowed in licensed places like hotels, bars, and clubs, but you can’t drink or be visibly drunk in public.

Also, during the Holy Month of Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is not allowed out of respect for those who are fasting.

Not Walkable

Unlike many European cities, Dubai is not a very walkable city. The city is spread out over a large area, so getting from one place to another usually requires public transportation or a car.

That said, there are a few areas where walking is enjoyable, like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, or local parks, but even those spots typically require a ride to get there first.

Weather

Dubai’s weather is a mix of pros and cons. On the bright side, the city enjoys sunshine year-round, making it a great destination for those who love warm climates.

However, the summer months, from mid-June to mid-September, can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 40–50°C (104–122°F). During this time, spending time outdoors is nearly impossible, and most activities shift indoors, where air conditioning is everywhere.

Click here to find out when is the worst time to visit Dubai.

Busy

During my last visit in 2023, I really noticed how busy Dubai has become. While traffic jams were always part of the experience in past years, this time they felt more frequent and more intense. We found ourselves stuck in traffic on different roads quite often.

Even the metro, which used to be mostly empty during many rides, was now crowded most of the time.

It makes sense, Dubai has become extremely popular. With more expats moving in, more tourists visiting year-round (especially in winter), and more hotels and residential buildings popping up, the city naturally feels more crowded.

One thing to watch out for is the growing number of bicycles and scooters on pavements. This used to be forbidden, but now it’s quite common, and unfortunately, not everyone rides safely.

I get that it’s more convenient with so many cars on the road and such a spread-out city, but still, stay alert when walking.

Is Dubai Worth The Visit?: FAQs

Now you know all the reasons why Dubai is worth visiting, as well as some drawbacks. Here are a few more answers to questions you may have.

How many days in Dubai is enough?

How many days in Dubai is enough depends on what you want to do and see.

• If your goal is to check off the main attractions, then 4–5 days is enough.
• But if you want to relax on the beach, explore the city at a slower pace, and see more than just the highlights, then 10 days would be ideal.

Honestly, you’ll never run out of things to do in Dubai, even if you stay for two or three weeks. There are fun, adrenaline-filled activities as well as relaxing experiences to recharge your body and mind.

Is Dubai a good tourist destination?

Absolutely! Dubai is a fantastic destination for all types of travelers.

Whether you want to:

• Relax on beautiful beaches
• Try water sports or adrenaline activities
• Go sightseeing or shopping
• Taste different cuisines

Dubai has it all. Add to that a wide range of luxury hotels and world-class service, and you’re guaranteed a memorable trip.

Is visiting Dubai safe for women?

Yes, Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, even for solo female travelers or groups of women.

You can walk around during the day or night and feel safe. However, just like anywhere else, you should always:

• Use common sense
• Behave responsibly
• And most importantly, respect local rules and customs to avoid trouble.

👉Before booking your trip to Dubai, grab my 25 Dubai Travel Tips here.

If you want to ask questions or share your own tips, join my free Facebook group, I Love To Visit Dubai. I’d love to see you there!  

You may want to check:

 Top 24 Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai: What Every Tourist Wants to Know
Things To Do In Global Village Dubai (from my own experience)
13 Romantic Places And Things To Do In Dubai For Couples