Dubai — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetAug 11, 2026

19 things to know before visiting Dubai

From understanding local laws to what to wear and how long to stay, here

17 things in this story

Alserkal AvenueNeighborhoodArea for cafe hopping and art galleries.
Kite BeachSightLike a Miami beach with its wide stretch of sand, aquamarine water, beach chaises, and enough activities to make you…
GerbouRestaurantDiscover Gerbou, a modern Emirati dining experience celebrating culture, sustainability, and design in Dubai.
Burj KhalifaAttractionDesigned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it is the world's tallest structure, with a total height of 829.8 m and a roof…
Sufret MaryamRestaurantAt Sufret Maryam, we honor the rich flavors of the Levant with expertly crafted dishes using the finest ingredients.
HattaNeighborhoodMountain town for hiking.
Museum of the FutureMuseumThe museum, with 7 floors, is dedicated to exploring the future of science, technology, and innovation.
Dubai OperaTheatreIt was developed by Emaar Properties to host a variety of performances and events including theatre, opera, ballet,…
Downtown DubaiSuburbArea to stay for first-time visitors.
Dubai MarinaNeighborhoodIt is built around an artificially constructed canal along a 3-kilometre (2 mi) stretch of the Persian Gulf shoreline.
Palm JumeirahSuburbIt is part of a larger series of developments called the Palm Islands, including Palm Jebel Ali and the Dubai Islands,…
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)RestaurantGood choice for a beachfront stay.
KaramaNeighborhoodNeighborhood for affordable street food.
Orfali BrosRestaurantGuided by tradition, precision, and creativity, the kitchen is recognized by the Michelin Guide and The World’s 50 Best…
DeiraNeighborhood
Nightjar Coffee RoastersRestaurant
PiehausRestaurant

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SkiftMay 6

Dubai Hotel Occupancy to Plummet to 10% in Q2 — Moody’s

It's a grim forecast for Dubai’s hotels as missiles return to the Emirate.

SkiftApr 23

Dubai's Metro Expansion Will Link Hotels and a Mega-Airport

Dubai’s metro expansion won’t just move passengers — it will redraw the city’s hotel map, easing travel for visitors and hospitality staff alike.

4 things in this story

Jumeirah Golf EstatesTrain stationIn 2021, it was rated among the top 10 lifestyle estates in the world.
Etihad RailPlaceIt was established in June 2009 under Federal Law No.
Gold Metro linePlace
Al GhubaibaTrain station

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Condé Nast TravelerMar 6

Is It Safe to Travel to Dubai? Here's the Latest Advice for Travelers

With the UAE's airspace currently closed, here's what global travelers need to know about visiting Dubai and the UAE.

13 things in this story

Jumeirah Burj Al ArabHotelouter façade had minor fire from drone debris
Fairmont The PalmHotelcaught fire after falling debris from interception
Dubai International Airport (DXB)Placeoperating at 40-45% of normal flight schedule
Al Maktoum International (DWC)AirportExplore flight information, services, facilities, and more.
FlydubaiPlaceDubai Aviation Corporation, doing business as flydubai, is an Emirati government-owned airline based in Dubai, United…
British AirwaysPlaceDue to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, we have made further changes to our flying schedule to provide greater…
Singapore AirlinesPlaceDue to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, the following Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights will be cancelled…
KLMPlaceUpdate July 1, 12:00 PMKLM will not operate flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until and including August 23.Update…
UAESight
EmiratesTrain station
Qatar AirwaysPlace
Air IndiaPlace
Cathay PacificPlace

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 21, 2025

What to Wear in Dubai, According to Stylist Oumayma Elboumeshouli

What you need in your case for a city where a power suit and bikini go hand-in-hand.

8 things in this story

D3 Design DistrictSuburbarea for meetings in Dubai
Alserkal AvenueNeighborhoodcreative people hang out, sit in a cafe and work
THAT Concept StorePlacehas lots of interesting labels
SatwaNeighborhoodfor food and to discover new restaurants where locals eat
Loewe totePlacefavorite style of tote bag for beach days
BouguessaPlacelocal brand with modest, modern style
AbadiaPlaceSaudi label with gorgeous abayas and kaftans
1309 StudioNeighborhoodQatari brand with beautiful, modest clothing

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 15, 2025

The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2026

Our editors across the globe share their favorite places to stay.

20 things in this story

Bvlgari Resort DubaiHotelSecret refuge with understated luxury.
Elsewhere
Al Moudira HotelHotelLuxor, EgyptOasis on Luxor's quiet west bank.
Kinondo KwetuHotelGalu, KenyaBarefoot Indian Ocean retreat.
Mount Gahinga LodgeHotelsouthwest Uganda, UgandaUnderstated luxury with Virunga views.
Our Habitas AlUlaHotelAlUla, Saudi ArabiaVillas dissolve into sandstone cliffs.
HegraSightAlUla, Saudi ArabiaUNESCO-listed tombs, 20-minute drive.
Raffles DohaHotelLusail Marina, QatarLandmark hotel shaped like a scimitar.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu DhabiHotelAbu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesGrandest luxury resort on beautiful beach.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi DesertHotelRas Al Khaimah, United Arab EmiratesDreamy escape with wildlife and desert adventures.
Somalisa CampHotelHwange National Park, ZimbabweSafari lodge in Hwange National Park.
Sterrekopje FarmHotelWestern Cape, South AfricaThoughtful healing hotel on a farm.
SussurroHotelMozambique Island, MozambiqueArtistry in every corner on a peninsula.
Wilderness Bisate LodgeHotelVolcanoes National Park, RwandaLuxury conservation tourism base camp.
Buahan, A Banyan Tree EscapeHotelTaro village, IndonesiaOriginal property with volcanic views.
Cape WeligamaHotelSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaClifftop hotel with new beach club.
The AtlasRestaurantSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaAll-day dining at Cape Weligama.
TableauRestaurantSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaLive cooking experience on cliff's edge.
The SocietyRestaurantSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaRevamped bar with inspired tipples.
Capella SingaporeHotelSentosa Island, SingaporeHilltop haven in former barracks.
CassiaRestaurantSentosa Island, SingaporeFine dining at Capella Singapore.

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 8, 2025

How to See Old and New Dubai, According to Chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi

Dubai is so much more than uber-luxury malls and towering hotels (though they're certainly part of it).

26 things in this story

Jumeirah Burj Al ArabHotelDestination for cycling
AbraRestaurantNew restaurant opening in early 2026
Dubai CreekSightGenerations of merchants and traders settled around it
SangeethaRestaurantBreakfast of dosa and vada
Foul Abu Al AbbasRestaurantSudanese bean stew
SharjahCaféCultural destination for art and architecture walk
Museum of Islamic CivilizationMuseumHoused in a former market
Sharjah Art FoundationMuseumGalleries host diverse, thought-provoking exhibitions
Bait ElowalRestaurantCentury-old house transformed into art-filled café
Rain RoomSightImmersive art installation
Dubai Water CanalBarStart for cycling paths
Kite BeachSightCycle along the beach
Common GroundsRestaurantCafé for coffee and shakes
FeelsFast foodHealthy bowls and juices
JulithRestaurantCoffee fix in Al Quoz
Gérard CaféRestaurantNostalgic institution serving creamy cappuccino
MirzamCaféMakes beautiful chocolate
TamasheePlaceContemporary versions of traditional Gulf sandals
Dubai MallSightThe mall is part of Downtown Dubai and is located adjacent to the Burj Khalifa.
Bur DubaiNeighborhoodSlower, calmer pace founded on merchants and traders
Etihad MuseumMuseumRestaurant Abra opening in 2026
NuwaPlaceSells Arabic coffee and dates
Mira FarmsPlaceSells saffron and dried fruits
Burj Al ArabHotelFormer employer of the chef
Sri KrishnaRestaurantGo-to for Indian sweets
Al Omani Sweet FactoryPlace

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 27, 2025

29 Best Restaurants in Dubai, From Kebab Counters to Late-Night Lounges

Dubai's best restaurants are as diverse as the city itself, from elevated Italian fare to omakase concepts.

14 things in this story

GerbouRestaurantDubai's first fine dining Emirati restaurant
ManāoRestaurantThai-inspired restaurant with an 11-course tasting menu
Sufret MaryamRestaurantLevantine staples elevated with chef's touch
Mythos Kouzina and GrillRestaurantauthentic Greek taverna with unfussy cuisine
Fusion CevicheRestauranthomegrown Peruvian gem with a no-frills vibe
La Petite MaisonRestaurantFrench-Mediterranean restaurant known for consistency
BussolaRestaurantOG Italian restaurant with refined food and ambiance
Mare by BussolaPlacechic pool club adjacent to Bussola
The GuildRestauranthuge DIFC dining room with multiple concepts
Estiatorio MilosRestaurantrefined Greek seafood with a sought-after terrace view
Row on 45Restauranttwo Michelin stars, 17-course tasting experience
Soul KitchenRestaurantLevantine/Latin hybrid restaurant and communal hub
NiniveBarmodern, elevated Middle Eastern cuisine
Trèsind StudioRestaurantbest Indian restaurant, three Michelin stars

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 5, 2025

11 Best Affordable Hotels in Dubai

It might be known for its ultra-luxury mega-resorts, but there are plenty of affordable accommodations to be found across the city.

39 things in this story

Jumeirah Burj Al ArabHotelFor a bucket-list stay in one of the world’s most recognizable hotels.
MirzamCafélocal chocolatier café
Dubai MallSightThe mall is part of Downtown Dubai and is located adjacent to the Burj Khalifa.
Burj KhalifaAttractionDesigned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it is the world's tallest structure, with a total height of 829.8 m and a roof…
Ain DubaiAttractionworld’s biggest Ferris wheel on Bluewaters Island
Dubai Marina MallMarketIt is named for its close proximity to Dubai Marina.
Mall of EmiratesMarketThe Mall of the Emirates offers a wide selection of shopping and dining options and unique indoor skiing & cinema…
Ibn Battuta MallMarketopened in 2005, it contains more than 300 stores.
JBR neighborhoodNeighborhoodpedestrian-friendly area
Al Seef Heritage Hotel, DeiraHotelon edge of Dubai Creek in Al Seef district
Canopy by Hilton Dubai, Al SeefHotelfriendly spot with rooftop pool
Sol Sky BarRestaurantspot for sundowners and creek views
SkafosRestaurantserves mezze, pasta, and grills on Dubai Creek
ShabestanRestaurantserving Persian cuisine since 1984
SumibiyaRestaurantserves yakiniku barbecue
Fish MarketMarketseafood with panoramas over the creek
Al FahidiTrain stationThis quaint neighborhood offers a glimpse into what Dubai was like before the Emirates were formed in 1971.
Jumeirah Marsa Al ArabHotelDiscover the final piece of our nautical trilogy at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab.
NaifSuburbIt is a commercial and residential locality.
Rove, Dubai MarinaHotelin Dubai Marina, near beach and shopping
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira CreekHotelDubai’s oldest five-star hotel
Zabeel House, The GreensHotelconvenient for most places in the city
Social CompanyRestaurantfor coffee, laptops, or after-work drinks
Lah LahRestaurantgood spot for Pan-Asian bites and drinks
KinoyaRestaurantcelebrated homegrown ramen joint
Jumeirah Zabeel SarayHotelhotel on The Palm
Shada Hotel Jumeirah GardenHotelboutique hotel with art from Arabian Peninsula
25hours Hotel One CentralHotelTo experience the most un-Dubai hotel of Dubai hotels : edgy (not glossy), design-forward (not traditionally…
Mama ShelterHotelA playful and unpretentious take on contemporary hospitality, Mama Shelter Dubai brings the brand's vibrant,…
JA Hatta Fort HotelHotelOne of the oldest hotels in the country, JA Hatta Fort is an oasis in the desert.
RoveHotel
Bluewaters IslandAttraction
ChaptersPlace
Radisson BluHotel
Naif soukMarket
Deira soukMarket
Al SeefNeighborhood
Zabeel HouseHotel
DeiraNeighborhood

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AfarApr 3, 2025

These Are the Best New Hotels of 2025

Each year, after much consideration and debate, Afar’s global network of editors, writers, and travel advisors anoints the best new and renovated hotels in the world. For 2025, we’ve selected 25 ...

23 things in this story

One&Only One Za’abeelHotelCool new building with restaurants and bars.
Elsewhere
Cape GraceHotelCape Town, South AfricaHandsome lobby lounge with geometric chandeliers.
Palazzo TalìaHotelRome, ItalyGrand common spaces, modern furnishings.
PopulusHotelDenver, United StatesAwe-inspiring facade, impressive sustainability program.
Corinthia Grand Hotel AstoriaHotelBrussels, BelgiumElegant restoration of a historic grand dame.
Palais RoyalAttractionBrussels, BelgiumMulticourse, Japanese-inflected tasting menus.
Le Petit Bon BonRestaurantBrussels, BelgiumUpdates comforting Belgian classics.
Dar Tantora The House HotelHotelAlUla, Saudi ArabiaStylish pool with views out over a date palm oasis.
JoontosRestaurantAlUla, Saudi ArabiaUses ingredients from the date palm oasis.
Dusit ThaniHotelBangkok, ThailandLarger, modernized guest rooms with park views.
Four Seasons Hotel OsakaHotelOsaka, JapanPilgrimage-worthy restaurants, rooms evoke an urban ryokan.
GensuiHotelOsaka, JapanCity's first urban ryokan with 21 rooms.
Jiang Nan ChunRestaurantOsaka, JapanCantonese restaurant serving dim sum at lunchtime.
Sushi L’Abysse OsakaRestaurantOsaka, JapanPairs French bites with unique sushi twists.
Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection HotelHotelNice, FranceMinimalist decor in a 17th-century space, pool overlooks sea.
Janu TokyoHotelTokyo, JapanMore relaxed take on luxury, unique perks.
Kibale LodgeHotelKasenda, UgandaAccess to primate tourism, feel-good nonprofit attached.
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, LondonHotelLondon, United KingdomDramatic interiors, statement art, see-and-be-seen F&B.
Stellar JayRestaurantDenver, United StatesRooftop restaurant with a wall covered in dried leaves.
Raffles JaipurHotelJaipur, IndiaPersonalized service, ornate interiors nod to historic structures.
Regent Santa Monica BeachHotelSanta Monica, United StatesUnbeatable location across from beach, destination dining.
Orla by Michael MinaRestaurantSanta Monica, United StatesDraws on chef's Egyptian heritage.
Rosewood Schloss FuschlHotelHof bei Salzburg, AustriaMix of traditional and contemporary art, Alpine activities.

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National GeographicJul 20, 2021

These are the world’s most beautiful museums

Return to travel by seeing 14 architectural marvels, from a building that tracks the sun to a donut-shaped cultural center. Planners and curators realized a flashy, design-forward museum could ...

9 things in this story

Museum of the FutureMuseumLopsided hula hoop-esque fiberglass and steel building
Elsewhere
Empire State BuildingSightNew York City, United StatesThe building was designed in the Art Deco style by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and constructed between 1930 and 1931.
Eiffel TowerSightParis, FranceIt is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower from 1887 to 1889.
PantheonPlace of worshipRome, ItalyIl Capitolo dei Canonici della Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres – Pantheon di Roma ti dà il l benvenuto…
Guggenheim MuseumMuseumNew York City, United StatesSwirling, curling concrete building opened in 1959
National Museum of African American History and CultureMuseumWashington, United StatesIt was established in 2003 and opened its permanent home in 2016 with a ceremony…
Shanghai Astronomical MuseumMuseumShanghai, ChinaPlanetarium formed from a floating sphere
Guggenheim Museum BilbaoMuseumBilbao, SpainVoluptuous glass curves and gleaming facade
V & A DundeeMuseumDundee, United KingdomShip-like showplace on the waterfront

Read the full piece at National Geographic →