Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.
When to visit
Most visitors arrive Oct–Apr when the weather is warm and dry. With a desert climate, temperatures soar in the summer (Jun–Sep). Major events include the Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan–Feb); Dubai International Jazz Festival and Dubai Tennis Championships (both Feb–Mar); the Dubai World Cup horse race (Mar–Apr); and the Dubai International Film Festival (Nov–Dec). The major religious holidays are Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha (all dates vary) when some restaurants may close temporarily.