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Explore Dubai

Every part of the city in one place: where to stay, what to do, which neighbourhood suits you and how to get around.

Dubai rewards a little planning. The city is spread along more than 50 kilometres of coast, and the neighbourhood you choose shapes your trip as much as the hotel does. Start with the kind of experience you want, then pick the area that puts it on your doorstep.

By neighbourhood

Area guides

All areas
Downtown Dubai

Area guide

Downtown Dubai

Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and the fountain on your doorstep

Palm Jumeirah

Area guide

Palm Jumeirah

Resort hotels and private beaches on the famous island

Jumeirah

Area guide

Jumeirah

Beaches, villas and a slower pace on the coast

Area guide

Business Bay

Downtown convenience by the water canal

Area guide

DIFC

Galleries, restaurants and the financial centre

For new residents

Living in Dubai

  1. Moving to Dubai: a practical overview

    The order of steps for a smooth move, from residence visa to your first DEWA bill.

  2. Cost of living in Dubai

    The main costs to budget for when you move, with official fees where they are published.

  3. Renting in Dubai: leases, deposits and Ejari

    How renting works in Dubai, from viewing to registering your tenancy, and the rules that protect tenants.

  4. Getting around Dubai: Metro, Nol cards and taxis

    How to use the Metro, tram, buses, abras and taxis, which Nol card to buy and the station names that changed.

  5. SIM cards and mobile data in Dubai

    Free tourist SIMs, visitor eSIMs and how to switch to a resident plan once you have an Emirates ID.

  6. Essential services in Dubai

    The government bodies and providers you will deal with as a resident, with links to their official sites.

  7. Your first week in Dubai: a checklist for new residents

    A calm, step-by-step list of what to sort out in your first days, in the right order.