Flights from Jakarta (CGK) to Dubai (DXB)

About Dubai

Discover Dubai, where desert meets skyline

Dubai is a city of striking contrasts, where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside traditional souks and wide desert landscapes. From the moment you arrive, you will notice how carefully everything is designed for visitors, from efficient transport to well-planned waterfront promenades and shopping districts. It is a place that rewards both first-time and repeat travellers with new experiences each trip.

Beyond the famous skyline, Dubai offers charming neighbourhoods, peaceful beaches, and creative districts filled with galleries, cafés, and concept stores. Whether you are visiting for a short break, a family holiday, or a longer stay, you can shape your time around world-class attractions, relaxed coastal days, or evenings spent exploring its growing arts and dining scenes.

Top sights in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Ride the high-speed lifts to the observation decks of the Burj Khalifa for wide-reaching views over the city, desert, and coastline.

Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain

Explore vast shopping, dining, and entertainment options at Dubai Mall, then watch the choreographed evening fountain shows outside.

Palm Jumeirah

Stroll or drive along the Palm Jumeirah crescent to enjoy beach clubs, hotels, and sweeping views back to the Dubai Marina skyline.

Dubai Marina and JBR

Walk the marina promenade and Jumeirah Beach Residence waterfront for cafés, restaurants, and a lively evening atmosphere by the sea.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Wander through restored wind-tower houses and narrow lanes in Al Fahidi to see an older side of Dubai with museums and cultural centres.

Experience Dubai day and night

Dubai offers a full range of activities, from calm mornings by the sea to evenings spent under the city lights. You can book a guided city tour to take in the major landmarks, or explore at your own pace by using the metro and taxis between districts such as Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Old Dubai. Many attractions, including observation decks and waterfront areas, are designed to be visited comfortably both in the daytime and after dark.

Outdoor enthusiasts can head beyond the city limits on a desert excursion, where you can join a 4x4 drive across the dunes, try sandboarding, or simply enjoy the sunset over the open landscape. Back in the city, Dubai Creek and the surrounding quarters offer a slower rhythm. Take an abra boat across the water, browse local markets, and stop at cafés that overlook the water for a quieter perspective on the city.

Families will find several theme parks and waterparks located across Dubai, with shaded areas, play zones, and varied dining options. For a change of scenery indoors, visit creative hubs and design districts that host exhibitions, workshops, and small boutiques, giving you insight into Dubai’s growing creative community.

A taste of Dubai

Dubai’s dining scene brings together flavours from across the world, ranging from simple street food to refined tasting menus. You can start your day with coffee and fresh pastries at a waterfront café, then move on to casual eateries that serve grilled meats, rice dishes, and generous shared plates. Many neighbourhoods, especially around Dubai Marina and Downtown, have long rows of restaurants that make it easy to browse and choose on the spot.

If you enjoy exploring local flavours, look out for spots serving slow-cooked meat and rice dishes, fresh flatbreads, and mezze-style plates ideal for sharing. In older areas near Dubai Creek and Al Seef, you will find small restaurants offering homely regional specialties in a relaxed setting. Beachfront areas also offer plenty of seafood options, where you can dine with a view of the water and the city skyline.

Dubai is also known for its brunch culture and evening dining, particularly on weekends. Many hotels host elaborate buffets or multi-course meals, often with live cooking stations and dessert counters. Rooftop venues and sky-high restaurants round out the experience, allowing you to pair your meal with wide city views from above.

Retail therapy in the city of malls

Dubai is one of the world’s most recognised shopping destinations, combining large malls, traditional markets, and design-led concept stores. Flagship malls such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates bring together international fashion, beauty, technology, and homeware brands under one roof, alongside cinemas, aquariums, and indoor activities that make them full-day destinations.

For a more traditional atmosphere, visit the souks along Dubai Creek, where narrow lanes are lined with shops selling textiles, jewellery, spices, and souvenirs. Bargaining is part of the experience in these markets, and you can take your time browsing while enjoying the historic surroundings and views of the water. Nearby, redeveloped waterfront areas add modern boutiques and cafés to the mix.

If you are interested in contemporary design or limited-edition pieces, head to newer creative districts, where independent stores showcase clothing, accessories, and home décor by regional and international designers. Many of these spaces share courtyards and galleries, so you can combine shopping with browsing exhibitions or relaxing in a café.

Best time to visit Dubai

Winter season (November to March, peak season). Days are generally warm and pleasant, around 20–28°C (68–82°F), with cooler evenings that are ideal for outdoor dining and coastal walks. This is a popular time for open-air events, beach days, and visiting desert areas in comfortable conditions.

Shoulder season (April to May, and October). Temperatures climb to around 28–36°C (82–97°F), making pool days, mall visits, and evening outings especially enjoyable. With longer daylight hours and warm seas, it is a good time to mix indoor attractions, such as malls and galleries, with late-afternoon outdoor activities.

Summer season (June to September, low season). Expect hot weather between 32–41°C (90–106°F), with high humidity along the coast. Many visitors focus on air-conditioned experiences, including malls, indoor theme parks, and hotel facilities, then head outside for shorter periods in the morning and late evening to enjoy the city lights.

Frequently Asked Questions