Why choose Dubai for a trip?

Dubai fascinates with its striking contrasts. On one side, an ultra-modern skyline with the Burj Khalifa rising to 828 meters; on the other, the fragrant alleyways of the souks where ancestral traditions still echo. This duality between dizzying modernity and Eastern authenticity is what makes the destination truly unique.

Dubai stands out as a destination where everything seems possible—from the boldest adventures to moments of pure relaxation.

What to do on a trip to Dubai?

Must-see highlights

You can’t visit Dubai without seeing its icons. The Burj Khalifa offers a 360° view from its observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors. The Palm Jumeirah, the palm-shaped artificial island, is home to Atlantis and its spectacular water parks. The Dubai Mall, more than a shopping center, is a true city within the city, with its giant aquarium and Olympic-size ice rink.

Don’t miss the Dubai Fountain, a free light-and-music show that animates the Dubai Mall lake several times a day. The Dubai Marina district charms with its canal-side restaurants and cosmopolitan atmosphere, while Jumeirah Beach invites you to swim with the Burj Al Arab on the horizon.

Desert and adventure

A trip to Dubai wouldn’t be complete without a desert excursion. The 4x4 dune safari remains the flagship experience: thrills guaranteed on the crests of golden sand. Many travelers extend the adventure with a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars, accompanied by oriental dance shows.

More active travelers can try sandboarding or a camel ride at sunset. For a full immersion, some agencies offer overnight desert camps, balancing comfort and authenticity.

Beaches and relaxation

Dubai’s beaches are stunning. Kite Beach draws sports lovers with water activities, while La Mer blends a trendy urban beach with colorful street art. For more privacy, private beach clubs at major hotels offer comfortable loungers, infinity pools, and impeccable service.

Wellness enthusiasts will find their bliss in the city’s luxury spas, some offering treatments inspired by ancestral Eastern rituals.

Luxury experiences

Dubai excels at hospitality. Treat yourself to a Friday brunch, a local institution where gourmet buffets compete in refinement. Board a private yacht to admire the skyline from the Arabian Gulf. Elevated restaurants, like Atmosphere on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, promise unforgettable dinners.

For a unique experience, book a table at Pierchic, a stilted restaurant facing the Burj Al Arab, or try the Talise Spa at the Madinat Jumeirah hotel—a true sanctuary of serenity.

Culture and traditions

Away from the glitter, Old Dubai reveals the soul of the city. Stroll through the Gold Souk, where thousands of pieces sparkle, then cross the creek on an abra, a traditional water taxi, to reach the Spice Souk. The aromas of saffron, cardamom, and incense instantly transport you.

The Al Fahidi district preserves coral stone and gypsum houses from the pre-oil era. The Dubai Museum traces the incredible transformation of this fishing village into a global megacity. For a full cultural immersion, visit the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few open to non-Muslims.

Which type of Dubai trip should you choose?

Quick city break (3–4 days)

Ideal for: a first taste of the destination, a stopover between flights, a long weekend

This format lets you tick off the essentials: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, traditional souks, and a desert outing. Choose a centrally located hotel (Downtown or Marina) to optimize your travel time. Perfect for those who want the highlights without spreading themselves too thin.

Couples’ trip (5–7 days)

Ideal for: a honeymoon, an anniversary, a romantic getaway

Seven days lets you alternate relaxation (beach clubs, spas), culinary experiences (top restaurants, sunset dinners), and cultural discoveries. Add a day trip to Abu Dhabi to visit the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Hotels with overwater villas or suites with private pools add an exceptional touch.

Luxury & high-end trip (7–10 days)

Ideal for: discerning travelers seeking exclusive experiences

This stay combines the finest hotels (Burj Al Arab, One&Only The Palm, Bulgari Resort), tailor-made experiences (helicopter over the city, private yacht, shopping with a personal shopper), and escapes to other emirates. Every day is designed for excellence: breakfast facing the dunes, a gourmet lunch, an afternoon at the spa, and a star-worthy dinner.

Family trip (7–10 days)

Ideal for: multigenerational vacations, kids of all ages

Dubai appeals to families thanks to its safety and child-friendly infrastructure. Water parks (Aquaventure, Wild Wadi), the Dubai Aquarium, skiing at Ski Dubai, well-equipped beaches, and desert camps adapted for kids guarantee smiles throughout the stay. Many hotels offer kids’ clubs and supervised activities.

Dubai stopover (1–2 days)

Ideal for: breaking up a long flight to Asia or Australia

Emirati airlines often offer attractive stopover programs. In 24–48 hours, focus on 2–3 major sites: going up the Burj Khalifa, visiting the souk, and a seaside dinner. Choose a hotel near the airport or metro to save time.

When to go to Dubai? Climate and best seasons

The ideal seasons

November to March is the best time to visit Dubai. Temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C—ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, beaches, and the desert. Skies are bright blue and evenings are pleasantly cool.

December and January are peak tourist season. Year-end festivities attract travelers from all over the world. Book several months in advance to secure the best rates.

Times to avoid

June to September, Dubai’s summer is extreme with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C and high humidity. Outdoor activities become uncomfortable during the day. In return, hotels offer very attractive prices, and omnipresent air conditioning makes indoor spaces pleasant.

April–May and October offer a good compromise: fewer tourists than mid-winter, still manageable temperatures (30–35°C), and mid-range prices.

Major events

• Dubai Shopping Festival (January–February): spectacular promotions in all shopping malls
• Dubai World Cup (March): the world’s richest horse race
• Ramadan (dates vary according to the lunar calendar): some restaurants close during the day, but the nighttime atmosphere is unique
• Dubai Food Festival (February–March): a celebration of global gastronomy
• Art Dubai (March): a must-attend event in the contemporary art world

How much does a trip to Dubai cost?

Contrary to popular belief, Dubai can suit different budgets. It all depends on your choices for accommodation, dining, and activities.

Indicative budget ranges (per person, excluding international flights)

What influences the price

The travel season plays a major role: an August stay will cost 40% to 60% less than in December. Accommodation is the top expense. Paid activities add up quickly, but many Dubai pleasures are free: public beaches, the Dubai Fountain, wandering through the souks, and strolling along the Marina.

Shopping can blow up the budget, but tax-free prices on electronics, perfumes, and some luxury brands help offset it. Meal prices range from simple to five times higher depending on the venues you choose.

Good to know: Flights from Canada can be very competitively priced, especially with Gulf carriers. Budget $800 to $1,800 CAD round trip depending on the season, departure city, and how early you book.

Trip to Dubai: independent, tailor-made, or via an agency?

Practical tips to prepare your trip to Dubai

Entry requirements

French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian citizens receive a free 90-day visa on arrival. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. No vaccinations are required.

Dress code

Dubai is remarkably tolerant, but a few common-sense rules apply. In malls and public places, avoid bare shoulders and very short shorts. At the beach and hotel pools, standard swimwear is perfectly fine.

To visit a mosque, wear modest clothing: long pants or a long skirt, long sleeves, and a headscarf for women. Some sites provide abayas if needed.

Safety

Dubai is among the safest cities in the world. Crime rates are extremely low. Women can move around alone at any hour without concern. Road-safety rules are strictly enforced.

Be aware of certain strict local laws: alcohol consumption is limited to licensed venues, zero tolerance for drugs, and public displays of affection should be kept discreet.

Language and currency

English is spoken everywhere, from taxi drivers to hotel staff. A few Arabic words (salam aleikoum for hello, shukran for thank you) are always appreciated.

The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED), relatively stable (1 CAD ≈ 2.70–2.85 AED). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere. Keep a little cash for taxis and the souks.

Local customs

Friday is the weekly day off. Many offices are closed, but tourist attractions and shopping malls remain open.

During Ramadan, respect public fasting by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day. Restaurants and cafés usually open after sunset.

Alcohol is only available in hotels, licensed restaurants, and a few bars. It is strictly forbidden to drink in the street or to be drunk in public.

Why use an agency for a trip to Dubai?

A tailor-made optimization of your itinerary

Dubai offers so many options that it’s easy to waste time by making the wrong choices. A specialized agency designs your itinerary according to your wishes, pace, and budget. No more hours spent comparing activities: you benefit from a proven selection tailored to your profile.

On-the-ground expertise helps avoid peak crowds, secure the best tables, and combine neighborhoods smartly to reduce unnecessary travel.

Access to exclusive experiences

Agencies maintain privileged partnerships with the finest establishments. This can translate into hotel upgrades, skip-the-line access, reserved tables at the most in-demand restaurants, and private experiences (desert, yacht) at negotiated rates.

Some confidential services are simply not available to the general public: dinner in a private majlis deep in the desert, VIP access to events, meetings with local artisans.

Valuable time savings

Planning a trip to Dubai can easily take 15 to 20 hours: hotel research, activity comparisons, reading conflicting reviews, and multiple bookings. An agency compresses that work into a single conversation, letting you fully enjoy the anticipation of your trip.

Total peace of mind

Something unexpected happens? Flight delayed? Activity canceled? With an agency, a dedicated contact handles the situation immediately. This peace of mind is especially valuable on a long-haul trip or when traveling with family.

24/7 assistance ensures you’re never alone with a problem—even on the other side of the world.

At Voyages Aqua Terra, we design Dubai trips that suit you. Whether you dream of an exceptional honeymoon, a quick city break, or an unforgettable family stay, our destination expertise guarantees a perfectly orchestrated experience.