Discover a Different Side of Dubai
Dubai is famous for doing things on a spectacular scale, but some of its best experiences come from seeing the contrasts behind the glossy image. One minute you're surrounded by futuristic architecture and five-star hotels, the next you're crossing Dubai Creek by abra, wandering through old trading districts or sitting down to food shaped by cultures from across the Middle East, India, Iran and further afield.
That mix makes Dubai more interesting than its reputation for luxury suggests. You can dress up for an extravagant night out, spend the next morning exploring older neighbourhoods, then leave the city behind for an afternoon among the dunes. Beaches bring another change of pace, while the city's huge choice of restaurants means eating well can become as much a part of the trip as sightseeing.
Dubai also makes sense as part of a longer journey. Its position between Australia and Europe means a stopover can become a holiday in its own right, giving you a few days somewhere completely different before continuing on.
Come expecting the big-ticket Dubai you've seen in photographs. Just leave enough time for the parts you weren't expecting.
Dubai — Quick Facts
Flight time from Sydney
~14 hours (direct)
Flight time from Perth
~11 hours (direct)
Best time for cheap fares
May–August (summer)
Peak season
November–March (cool weather)
Main airport
Dubai International (DXB)
Visa required
Free 30-day on arrival
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED د.إ)
Top Things to Do in Dubai
Burj Khalifa & At the Top
The world's tallest building at 828 metres. Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck for jaw-dropping views over Dubai, the desert and the Arabian Gulf. Book sunset for the best experience.
The Dubai Mall & Fountains
More than 1,200 stores, an aquarium, an ice rink and the famous Dubai Fountain show every 30 minutes from dusk. The largest shopping destination on earth.
Desert Safari & Dune Bashing
A must-do half-day experience. 4WD over towering red dunes, watch the sunset from a Bedouin camp, ride camels and enjoy a traditional Arabic feast under the stars.
Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis
The world-famous artificial palm-shaped island, home to the iconic Atlantis hotel, Aquaventure waterpark and pristine beaches. Take the monorail to take in the scale.
Dubai Marina & JBR Beach
A glittering canal city of skyscrapers, yachts and waterfront restaurants. Walk the Marina promenade or relax on the white sand at Jumeirah Beach Residence beach.
Old Dubai — Al Fahidi & Souks
Step back in time at the Al Fahidi historic district, then cross Dubai Creek by abra (water taxi) to the bustling Gold Souk and aromatic Spice Souk.
When to Fly to Dubai
May to August is usually the cheapest time to fly to Dubai from Australia, largely because summer temperatures regularly climb above 40°C. Dubai is built around the heat, though, with air conditioning everywhere from shopping centres and restaurants to hotels, attractions and public transport. November to March brings much milder temperatures of around 20–28°C and, not surprisingly, more visitors and higher airfares. Christmas and New Year are particularly busy, while major events during the cooler months can add further demand, so it pays to check what's happening in Dubai when comparing your dates.
Dubai's Airports
DXB
Dubai International Airport
One of the world's busiest airports and Emirates' home base. Modern, efficient and 15 minutes from downtown by Dubai Metro. The Emirates A380 lounges are legendary.
DWC
Al Maktoum International
Dubai's secondary airport, located 40km south of the city. Used mainly by budget carriers and cargo. Check which airport your flight uses to avoid confusion.
Getting Around Dubai
The Dubai Metro is fast, modern and — importantly in summer — air-conditioned. Pick up a Nol card for travel on the Metro, buses and other public transport, while taxis, Careem and Uber are useful for places the Metro doesn't reach. Dubai is much more spread out than it can look on a map, so taxis and rideshare often make sense even for relatively short trips. Walking is best saved for the cooler months; in the height of summer, you'll quickly understand why so much of Dubai life happens indoors.
Before You Fly
- Visa: Australian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in Dubai. Just present your passport and you're through. For longer stays, apply for a visa extension before expiry.
- Dress code: Dubai is more liberal than other parts of the UAE but modest dress is appreciated, especially in mosques and government buildings. Shoulders covered, knees covered.
- Alcohol: Available in hotel restaurants and bars (legal age 21). Do not drink in public spaces or get intoxicated in public — penalties are serious.
- Travel Insurance: High-end desert safaris, theme park tickets, and resort deposits can be lost if a long-haul flight gets delayed. Locking in international travel insurance keeps your stopover itinerary and pre-booked activities covered.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to Dubai?
Emirates operates the most direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Qantas codeshares with Emirates on many routes. Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) and Qatar Airways (via Doha) also serve Australian travellers to Dubai with one stop.
Is there a direct flight from Australia to Dubai?
Yes — Emirates flies direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Dubai. Qantas operates direct flights from select cities. Flight times are around 11–14 hours depending on departure city.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Dubai?
May to August is the low season with the cheapest fares — be ready for 40°C+ heat. Peak season (when fares are highest) runs November to March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid Christmas, New Year and the Dubai Shopping Festival period.
Do Australians need a visa for Dubai?
No — Australian passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in Dubai. Simply present your passport at immigration. For longer stays, you can apply for an extension before it expires.
What's the best Dubai stopover for longer trips to Europe?
Dubai is an ideal stopover en route to Europe or the UK — Emirates and Qantas both offer attractive stopover packages. Even 2–3 days in Dubai is enough to see the highlights and break up the long-haul journey.