Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to Dubai (DXB)

About Dubai

Dubai, where innovation meets desert landscapes

Dubai is a city of contrasts, where futuristic architecture rises from golden desert sands and traditional neighbourhoods sit beside sleek waterfront districts. You will find year-round sunshine, impressive attractions, and a cosmopolitan energy that draws visitors from around the world.

From record-breaking towers and vast shopping malls to calm beaches and atmospheric souks, Dubai offers many different sides within one compact city. Whether you are visiting for a short break, a longer holiday, or a business trip, you can shape your stay around relaxation, exploration, or both.

The city is easy to navigate, with modern infrastructure and a wide choice of hotels, dining options, and entertainment. With its warm hospitality and diverse experiences, Dubai is a destination that invites you to return and discover a little more each time.

Top sights in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Ride high-speed lifts to the observation decks of the world-famous Burj Khalifa for sweeping views over Dubai and the desert beyond.

Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain

Explore hundreds of shops, attractions, and dining spots at Dubai Mall, then stay to watch the choreographed evening fountain shows outside.

Dubai Marina

Stroll along the waterfront promenade at Dubai Marina, where you can enjoy yacht views, outdoor dining, and relaxed evening walks.

Palm Jumeirah

Visit the palm-shaped island for beach clubs, family attractions, and striking vantage points back towards Dubai’s skyline.

Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood

Wander through narrow lanes lined with restored wind-tower houses that offer a glimpse of Dubai’s past beside the creek.

Experience Dubai’s outdoors and culture

Dubai offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors, from walking along city beaches to heading into the surrounding desert. You can join guided excursions that take you across the dunes, where the soft evening light and clear horizons create vivid memories and striking photographs. Closer to the coast, you can try stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, or simply relax on the sand with views of the skyline.

Within the city, different neighbourhoods highlight Dubai’s cultural side. Along Dubai Creek, traditional wooden abras cross the water, and markets sell textiles, spices, and local crafts. In newer districts, galleries and creative hubs showcase regional art and design. Museum and exhibition spaces help you understand how Dubai developed from a trading port into a global centre of business and tourism.

For families and thrill-seekers, there are multiple theme parks, waterparks, and indoor attractions, many of them open into the evening. If you prefer a slower pace, well-kept parks, waterfront promenades, and rooftop terraces provide calm places to walk, sit, and take in the city from different angles.

A taste of Dubai

Dubai’s dining scene reflects its international population, with everything from casual street food counters to refined restaurants led by well-known chefs. You can sample grilled meats, fresh seafood, and aromatic rice dishes, as well as flavours from across the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and Europe. Many venues take advantage of the warm evenings with outdoor terraces and waterfront seating.

In older parts of the city, small cafes and eateries are a good place to try regional specialities, breads, and sweet pastries. Around Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, and Downtown Dubai, you will find a wider mix of modern bistros, fine-dining restaurants, and hotel-based venues, many with impressive views. Beachfront spots add a relaxed holiday atmosphere, especially at sunset.

There is also a strong café culture, with speciality coffee shops, juice bars, and dessert-focused venues spread across the city. Whether you prefer a quick snack between activities or a multi-course meal overlooking the skyline, Dubai offers options to match different tastes and travel styles.

Retail therapy in the desert city

Shopping is a major part of Dubai’s appeal, with large malls, traditional markets, and design-focused districts all within easy reach. Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates bring together international brands, entertainment, and dining under one roof, making them popular spots to spend a day, especially during the warmer months.

For a more traditional atmosphere, you can visit the souks near Dubai Creek, where narrow alleys are lined with shops offering textiles, jewellery, and other goods. The experience here is as much about the setting and the historic architecture as it is about what you decide to buy. In contrast, newer areas such as City Walk and Boxpark focus on contemporary brands, street-style fashion, and creative concept stores.

Throughout the year, Dubai hosts shopping-focused events and seasonal promotions that bring an extra buzz to the city’s retail districts. Whether you are looking for global labels, local designers, or simple mementos of your trip, you will find many opportunities to browse at your own pace.

Best time to visit Dubai

Winter season (November to March, peak season). During these months, daytime temperatures are usually around 20–28°C (68–82°F), with cooler evenings ideal for outdoor dining and sightseeing. Many outdoor events and activities take place now, making it a lively time to explore the city.

Shoulder season (April to May, and October). Average temperatures rise to about 28–35°C (82–95°F), offering warm beach weather and long sunny days. It is a good time to enjoy poolside relaxation, indoor attractions, and evening walks when the heat eases slightly.

Summer season (June to September, low season). Temperatures can climb above 38–42°C (100–108°F), but modern indoor spaces are well air-conditioned. This season is well suited to enjoying malls, indoor parks, and hotel facilities, with quieter attractions and calm beaches during the early morning and late evening.

Frequently Asked Questions