Dubai itineraries

Creek to Khalifa in a day

Mud-brick lanes and a wooden water taxi in the morning, the top of an 828-metre tower and the fountains at night. Old Dubai and new Dubai in one day, ideal for a long layover.

Downtown base, then the dunes

Stay in Downtown. Day one is the tower, the fountains and the mall after dark; day two starts on the beach facing the Burj Al Arab and ends on a dune at sunset. Everything from the postcards, nothing else.

Marina base, plus Abu Dhabi

Stay in Dubai Marina. Day one is the palm island and a pool on the 50th floor, day two the white mosque and the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, ninety minutes down the road, and day three the old creek before you fly. Three faces of the Gulf.

Festivals & seasons

• 1 — Dubai Marathon
• 2 — Ramadan (moves ~10 days earlier each year)
• 3 — Dubai World Cup
• 3 — Art Dubai
• 7 — Peak heat & Dubai Summer Surprises
• 10 — Global Village, Season 31
• 10 — Dubai Miracle Garden, Season 15
• 11 — Best months (Nov–Mar)
• 11 — Dubai Run & Fitness Challenge
• 12 — Dubai Shopping Festival
• 12 — UAE National Day
• 12 — Burj Khalifa New Year's Eve

Souvenirs

• Dates
• Camel milk chocolate
• FIX Dessert Chocolatier bar
• Saffron and spices
• Gold jewellery
• Oud and attar perfume
• Baklava and Arabic sweets
• Arabic lanterns and calligraphy pieces