Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Dubai (DXB)

About Dubai

Discover Dubai

Why visit Dubai?
Dubai blends futuristic skylines, desert landscapes, and waterfront living into one destination. You can move from record-breaking towers to sandy beaches and lively districts in a single day, with world-class attractions designed for both short breaks and longer stays.

What to expect
You will find striking architecture, air-conditioned malls, and walkable promenades lining the coastline. Neighbourhoods like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina offer a polished city feel, while older quarters around Dubai Creek reveal low-rise streets, historic wind towers, and traditional trading areas.

Plan your trip
Dubai is a natural hub for exploring the wider region, with connections across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Many visitors pair a city stay with desert excursions or onward beach escapes, making Dubai a flexible base for multi-stop itineraries.

Top sights in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Ride high-speed lifts to observation decks for sweeping views over Downtown Dubai, the desert, and the Gulf coastline.

The Dubai Mall

Explore hundreds of shops, an impressive aquarium, and indoor attractions, all set beside the Burj Khalifa Lake fountains.

Dubai Marina

Walk the waterfront promenade, dine by the water, or join a relaxing cruise between the high-rise towers and the sea.

Palm Jumeirah

Visit this palm-shaped island for resort beaches, rooftop views, and a monorail ride with panoramic vistas of the city skyline.

Dubai Creek

Take a traditional boat across the water and wander narrow lanes lined with restored buildings and trading houses.

Desert safari

Head out of the city for dune landscapes, sunset views, and evening camps under the open sky.

Dubai Frame

Walk across a glass-floored bridge that visually frames old and new Dubai on either side.

Experience Dubai's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Dubai is easiest to navigate using the Metro for key areas like Downtown, Dubai Marina, and the airport, complemented by trams and taxis for shorter hops. For a scenic perspective, cross Dubai Creek by traditional boat, then continue on foot through compact historic districts.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Dubai flows between sleek business districts, waterfront promenades, and family-friendly neighbourhoods. You will notice a mix of long-term residents and international visitors, with a calendar of art shows, concerts, and design events that keeps the city feeling energetic yet ordered.

Where to unwind
You can relax along city beaches, landscaped marina walks, or in air-conditioned waterfront malls when the sun is strongest. In the late afternoon and evening, head to parks, beachfront promenades, or rooftop terraces to enjoy cooler breezes and impressive views of the illuminated skyline.

A taste of Dubai

Street food & local specialties
In older neighbourhoods and casual cafés, you can try grills, spiced rice dishes, and fresh breads that reflect Dubai’s trading heritage. Areas around Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi offer simple eateries and small bakeries that are ideal for relaxed, informal meals.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern districts such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and City Walk gather global cuisines in one place. You can move easily between cafés, dessert spots, and restaurants, ordering smaller plates or sharing dishes so you can sample several flavours in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, choose restaurants overlooking fountains, marinas, or the Palm Jumeirah coastline. High-floor venues in Downtown Dubai and rooftop terraces around the Marina combine refined menus with wide views of the city lights, creating memorable evenings.

Retail therapy in Dubai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres like The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family attractions. These climate-controlled spaces double as social hubs, where you can shop, dine, and spend time between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
For a different pace, visit traditional trading areas along Dubai Creek or smaller neighbourhood centres in Jumeirah and Al Fahidi. Here you can browse textiles, perfumes, and locally inspired design pieces in more compact streets and indoor markets.

Evening retail scene
As the temperature cools, waterfront promenades and outdoor sections of malls become lively with shoppers and strollers. Illuminated storefronts and relaxed opening hours make it easy to browse after dinner, and public transport and taxis help you reach these areas comfortably at night.

Best time to visit Dubai

Winter season (December to February, peak season)
During winter, daytime temperatures typically range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). This is a peak season, with comfortable weather for outdoor sightseeing, beach days, and desert excursions, and many festivals, events, and outdoor markets taking place across the city.

Shoulder seasons (March to May, and October to November, shoulder season)
In the shoulder months, temperatures gradually climb from around 22°C to 35°C (72°F to 95°F). These periods are shoulder season, offering warm conditions for poolside relaxation and evening walks, with plenty of sunshine and slightly less crowding than the busiest winter weeks.

Summer season (June to September, low season)
Summer brings hot conditions, often between 32°C and 42°C (90°F to 108°F). This is the low season, when you can enjoy air-conditioned attractions, malls, indoor theme parks, and hotel facilities, with quieter city streets and long, bright evenings along the coastline.

Frequently Asked Questions