Dubai Travel Guide for Indians

Step 1

Flight Information

Mumbai to Dubai is one of the most connected routes in the world — short, affordable, and with multiple daily flights.

🇮🇳 Mumbai

⟶

🇦🇪 Dubai (DXB)

₹18,000 – ₹35,000

Return per person · Varies by season & airline

Dubai is one of the shortest international flights from Mumbai — just 3 hours. Prices are competitive year-round. December–January and summer holidays tend to be pricier. Book 2–3 months ahead for best deals.

🌐 Skyscanner 🌐 Trip.com 🌐 ixigo

💡

Pro Tip: IndiGo, Air Arabia, Emirates and Flydubai all operate this route. Air Arabia and Flydubai often have the cheapest fares — check both before booking.

Best Time to Book Flights

Direct flights from Mumbai to Dubai (DXB) take approximately 3 hours. Emirates, IndiGo, Air Arabia and Flydubai are the main carriers on this route.

Budget (Off-peak)₹18,000–22,000

Mid-range (Normal)₹24,000–30,000

Peak season (Dec/Jan)₹30,000–40,000+

Step 2

Visa Information

Indian passport holders need a Tourist Visa for UAE. The process is straightforward and can be done online.

A

Apply Online via Airline or Authorised Portal

Emirates, Flydubai, and Air Arabia offer visa services directly during or after booking. You can also apply through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity) portal or authorised agents. 30-day tourist visa is standard.

₹6,500–₹8,500 · 30-Day Tourist Visa

B

Apply At Least 2 Weeks Before Travel

Processing usually takes 3–5 working days but apply at least 2 weeks early to avoid stress. Check that all document scans are clear — blurry passport scans are a common rejection reason.

✓

What to Carry

Valid passport (6+ months), visa approval email, return flight ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone.

💡

Easiest Route: If flying with Emirates, apply for the visa directly on their website after booking — it's the most seamless experience and approval is fast.

Step 3

Travel Insurance

Non-negotiable for any international trip. Even more important for Dubai where medical costs can be very high.

Recommended: TATA AIG

Comprehensive, internationally recognised and reliable. Covers medical emergencies, flight cancellations, lost baggage and trip delays. Very important for a destination like Dubai.

Approximate Cost

₹800–₹2,500

per person · depends on age & trip duration

What's Covered

✅ Flight cancellations
✅ Medical emergencies
✅ Lost baggage
✅ Delayed flights
✅ Trip interruption

💡

Important: Buy travel insurance at the same time as your flight ticket. This ensures coverage for pre-departure cancellations too.

Step 4

Where to Stay in Dubai

Good 4-star hotels with breakfast available from ₹5,000–₹10,000 per night. Location matters a lot in Dubai — pick the right area for your travel style.

Downtown Dubai

Best for: Iconic Sights

Stay closest to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain. Perfect if you want to walk to the most iconic spots. Slightly pricier, but the convenience is unmatched.

Burj KhalifaDubai MallFountain

Dubai Marina

Best for: Views & Vibes

Stunning waterfront promenade with restaurants, yacht cruises and great walking paths. Easy Metro access. JBR beach is a short walk away — excellent for families.

WaterfrontDhow CruiseJBR Beach

Bur Dubai / Karama

Best for: Budget & Indian Food

The most budget-friendly area and the hub of Indian restaurants in Dubai. Close to the Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Dubai Creek. Great for Indian families watching their spend.

Indian FoodBudget-FriendlyGold Souk

JBR / Palm Jumeirah

Best for: Beach & Luxury

Jumeirah Beach Residence has Dubai's best public beach strip. Palm Jumeirah for a splurge — Atlantis is here. Best for families wanting beach access and easy access to water sports.

BeachAtlantisWater Sports

Deira

Best for: Old Dubai & Souks

The historic heart of Dubai with the Gold Souk and Spice Souk within walking distance. Good budget hotels and authentic Old Dubai atmosphere. Great Metro access.

Gold SoukSpice SoukHistoric

Booking Platforms: Use Agoda, Booking.com or Trip.com. Filter for "breakfast included" + "free cancellation". Book 4–6 weeks ahead for the best rates. Bur Dubai / Karama offers the best value for Indian families.

Explore

Best Places to Visit

Dubai is a city of extremes — modern marvels alongside traditional souks. Pick your tab to explore by theme.

🏗️

Burj Khalifa

World's tallest building at 828m. The At The Top observation deck on floor 124 offers jaw-dropping views of the city.

🛍️

Dubai Mall & Fountain

The world's largest mall with 1,200+ shops. The Dubai Fountain show (free) outside runs every 30 mins from 6 PM. Don't miss it.

🏝️

Palm Jumeirah

Dubai's iconic palm-shaped island. Take the Palm Monorail for views, visit Atlantis, or just stroll the boardwalk.

🔭

Museum of the Future

One of the world's most stunning buildings with futuristic exhibitions. Book tickets in advance — sells out fast.

⛵

Dubai Marina Walk

One of the best evening walks in the city. Lined with restaurants, cafés and views of yachts and skyscrapers.

🖼️

Dubai Frame

A 150m tall picture frame with Old Dubai on one side and modern Dubai on the other. Great views and affordable entry.

🐫

Desert Safari

Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding and a traditional Bedouin camp dinner with cultural performances. The must-do Dubai experience.

🌸

Miracle Garden

The world's largest natural flower garden with over 150 million flowers. Open October–April. A fantastic family outing.

🌊

JBR Beach

Dubai's best free public beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence. Clean, safe and easily accessible by Metro. Great for families.

🌍

Global Village

Pavilions from 90+ countries with food, culture, shopping and entertainment. Open Oct–May. Excellent value family evening.

🏬

Dubai Mall

The world's biggest mall. 1,200+ shops, an ice rink, aquarium, cinema and the famous fountain outside. Full day needed.

⛷️

Mall of the Emirates

Home to Ski Dubai and excellent brands. A massive, well-planned mall. One of the best in the city.

💍

Gold Souk

Deira's famous souk with hundreds of gold jewellery shops. Gold is cheaper than in India — bargain hard for the best price.

🌶️

Spice Souk

Just near the Gold Souk — wonderful aromas of saffron, cardamom, and dried limes. Great for picking up Middle Eastern spices.

🏷️

Dubai Outlet Mall

Discounted international brands. Great if you want international labels at lower prices. 20–70% off many items.

🕌

Al Fahidi Historic District

Old Dubai with wind towers and traditional architecture. Walk around the historic alleyways and small museums. Free and fascinating.

⛵

Dubai Creek Abra Ride

Traditional wooden boat (abra) across the Creek connecting Deira to Bur Dubai. One of Dubai's cheapest and most charming experiences — just AED 1 per person.

🍽️

Dhow Cruise

Traditional wooden boat cruise on the Creek or Marina with dinner. Incredible views of lit-up Dubai skyline at night.

🕌

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

One of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Entry is free. Dress modestly — abayas provided. A must-see, even for non-Muslims.

🏎️

Ferrari World

Home to the world's fastest rollercoaster. A full-day theme park experience on Yas Island. Great for teens and adults.

🏖️

Yas Island

Home to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros Park. If you add Abu Dhabi to your trip, plan a full day here.

Must-Do Experiences

Best Activities in Dubai

Real prices in AED and INR so you can plan your budget accurately before you go.

ACTIVITY 01

Burj Khalifa – At The Top

📍 Downtown Dubai

Standing at 828m, the Burj Khalifa observation deck on floor 124 (or 148 for premium) is a bucket-list experience. Book online in advance — it's cheaper online and avoids long queues at the counter.

Floors 124/125 (At The Top)AED 159–199 (~₹3,700–4,600)

Floor 148 (At The Top Sky)AED 299 (~₹6,900)

⭐ Must Do

Book online at burjkhalifa.ae — significantly cheaper than walk-in tickets

ACTIVITY 02

Desert Safari

📍 Dubai Desert

The quintessential Dubai experience. Dune bashing in a 4x4, camel ride, sandboarding, henna, shisha and a traditional Bedouin camp BBQ dinner with cultural dance shows. Unforgettable for families.

Shared group tourAED 120–150 (~₹2,800–3,500)

Private group safariAED 200–250 (~₹4,600–5,800)

⭐ Must Do 👨‍👩‍👧 Family

ACTIVITY 03

Marina Dhow Cruise

📍 Dubai Marina

Traditional wooden dhow cruise through the Marina or Dubai Creek with dinner buffet, live music and stunning night views of the illuminated Dubai skyline. Creek version gives Old Dubai views.

Marina cruise with dinnerAED 100–150 (~₹2,300–3,500)

Creek cruise with dinnerAED 80–120 (~₹1,800–2,800)

⭐ Must Do 👨‍👩‍👧 Family

ACTIVITY 04

Museum of the Future

📍 Sheikh Zayed Road

Arguably one of the most beautiful buildings on earth. Inside is an immersive journey to the year 2071 — nature, technology and humanity. Book well in advance as tickets sell out fast.

Entry ticketAED 149 (~₹3,400)

📸 Photo Spot

Book at museumofthefuture.ae — children under 3 free

ACTIVITY 05

Atlantis Aquaventure

📍 Palm Jumeirah

One of the top water parks in the world, located at the iconic Atlantis resort on Palm Jumeirah. Massive slides, a lazy river, private beach and a waterfall. A full day guaranteed.

Adult day passAED 299–349 (~₹6,900–8,000)

Child (below 120cm)AED 245 (~₹5,600)

👨‍👩‍👧 Family

ACTIVITY 06

Ski Dubai

📍 Mall of the Emirates

An indoor ski resort inside a mall — only in Dubai! Snow slopes, penguin encounters, toboggan runs and a ski school. A surreal experience, especially for first-time snow visitors from India.

Snow Park pass (2hr)AED 220–250 (~₹5,000–5,800)

Ski slope + gearAED 280–350 (~₹6,400–8,000)

👨‍👩‍👧 Family

ACTIVITY 07

Jet Ski & Water Sports

📍 JBR / Palm Jumeirah

Jet ski rides with views of the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah are a Dubai signature. Multiple operators at JBR beach. Also available: parasailing, flyboarding and banana boat rides.

Jet Ski (30 min)AED 250–350 (~₹5,800–8,000)

ParasailingAED 200–300 (~₹4,600–6,900)

📸 Photo Spot

ACTIVITY 08

IMG Worlds of Adventure

📍 City of Arabia

The world's largest indoor theme park with Marvel, Cartoon Network, Jurassic World, and Lost Valley zones. A full family day out with multiple roller coasters and rides. Kids absolutely love it.

Day passAED 250–365 (~₹5,750–8,400)

👨‍👩‍👧 Family

ACTIVITY 09

Dubai Frame

📍 Zabeel Park

A 150m tall golden picture frame with one of the most unique perspectives in Dubai — old city on one side, modern skyline on the other. The glass-floored sky bridge is thrilling. Great value.

Entry (adult)AED 50 (~₹1,150)

Entry (child 3–12)AED 20 (~₹460)

📸 Photo Spot

Getting Around

Transport in Dubai

Dubai has excellent public transport. The Metro is world-class and covers most tourist spots. Here's what to use when.

Dubai Metro

The cleanest, most efficient metro you'll find anywhere. Covers Downtown, Dubai Mall, Marina, Dubai Frame, Mall of the Emirates and the Airport. Women and children have a dedicated cabin (Gold Cabin is air-conditioned premium).

Get a Nol Card from any Metro station for AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit)

Careem App

Dubai's dominant ride-hailing app (owned by Uber). Download before you land. Metered, safe and reliable for areas not well covered by Metro. Works exactly like Ola or Uber in India.

Install before arriving: Careem (also use Uber — both work here)

RTA Taxis

Official cream and gold taxis are metered and honest — no bargaining required. Widely available outside malls, hotels and popular spots. Starting fare AED 5–12 depending on time. Safe for families.

Starting fare: AED 5–12 · Per km: ~AED 2

Abu Dhabi Day Trip

If planning an Abu Dhabi day trip (Sheikh Zayed Mosque + Ferrari World), hire a private car and driver for the day. About 1.5 hours each way. Much more comfortable than shared buses for families.

Private car to Abu Dhabi: AED 350–500 (~₹8,000–11,500) for the full day

Eat Well

Food for Indian Travellers

Dubai has one of the largest Indian diaspora in the world — finding great Indian food is effortless. Vegetarian options are abundant.

Bur Dubai & Karama

🌱 Abundant

📍 Bur Dubai / Karama

The best areas for Indian food in Dubai. Hundreds of Indian restaurants — Keralan, South Indian, Gujarati, North Indian — all concentrated here. Very affordable and authentic.

Deira Indian Restaurants

🌱 Veg Options

📍 Deira

Deira near the Gold Souk has many affordable Indian eateries. Good pit-stop after souk shopping. Thali meals from AED 20 (~₹460).

Saravana Bhavan

🌱 Pure Veg

📍 Multiple Locations

The famous South Indian vegetarian chain from Chennai. Multiple Dubai locations. Reliable, familiar and excellent value for Indian vegetarians.

Ravi Restaurant

🌱 Veg Options

📍 Satwa

Dubai's most legendary budget restaurant — decades old, famous for its biryani and curries. A Dubai institution. Very popular with Indians, Pakistanis and locals alike.

Dubai Mall Food Court

🌱 Options

📍 Downtown Dubai

Indian eateries within the mall food court area. Convenient after Burj Khalifa or fountain watching. More expensive than Bur Dubai but still manageable.

Lulu Hypermarket

🌱 Pure Veg

📍 Multiple Locations

For Indian snacks, ready-to-eat food, Indian breads and groceries. Much cheaper than restaurants for breakfast or light meals. A lifesaver for budget-conscious families.

🍛

Average Indian meal cost: ₹500–₹1,200 per person in restaurants. In Bur Dubai and Karama, you can eat well for ₹400–700. Mall restaurants cost ₹1,000–1,500. Always ask for the menu price first.

Before You Go

Practical Information

Everything you need to sort before and after landing in Dubai.

Currency & Exchange

Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)

1 AED ≈ ₹23 (2026)

Carry a forex card or USD for convenience. UAE dirham is widely accepted everywhere. ATMs are plentiful. Avoid airport exchange counters — rates are poor. Head to any exchange house (Al Fardan, UAE Exchange) for better rates.

SIM Card & Internet

Dubai Airport (Recommended):
Du Tourist SIM — 10–22 GB packages from AED 49 (~₹1,100)

Etisalat Tourist SIM — AED 49–125

From India (Matrix SIM):
₹999 → International roaming plan for UAE

Buy at the airport on arrival — easy to set up at the Du/Etisalat counters.

Electric Adapter

Dubai uses Type G plugs (3-pin UK type). Indian chargers will not fit without an adapter.

Cost: ₹100–300 from Amazon India

Carry at least 2 adapters for a family. Buy before you leave — it's cheaper in India.

Communication & Language

English is spoken everywhere in Dubai — hotels, restaurants, malls, taxis. Hindi is also widely understood due to the large Indian community.

Emergency: 999 (Police) / 998 (Ambulance) / 997 (Fire)

Tourist Police: 901

VAT Refund

UAE has a 5% VAT on most goods. Tourists can claim a refund on shopping purchases at the airport before departure.

Minimum spend: AED 250 per receipt
Refund kiosks available at Dubai Airport

Keep all tax invoices — this can save you a meaningful amount on larger purchases.

Dress Code & Culture

• Dress modestly at malls, souks, and public areas — no short shorts or revealing tops
• At mosques: women must cover hair and arms; men long trousers
• Beaches and pools: normal swimwear is fine
• Ramadan: avoid eating or drinking in public during day hours if visiting during this period

Plan Your Trip

Recommended Itineraries

5 days is the minimum to do Dubai justice. 7 days lets you add Abu Dhabi and theme parks.

Day
1

Arrive & Downtown Dubai

Land at DXB, collect your Du SIM, check in. Evening: Head to Downtown Dubai for the Dubai Fountain show (free, starts 6 PM). Visit Dubai Mall and explore. Dinner at the mall or nearby restaurant.

Dubai MallDubai FountainDowntown

Day
2

Burj Khalifa + Museum of the Future

Morning: Burj Khalifa At The Top (pre-booked). Afternoon: Museum of the Future (also pre-booked). Evening: Dubai Frame for golden hour views. Dinner at Bur Dubai for affordable Indian food.

Burj KhalifaMuseum of FutureDubai Frame

Day
3

Desert Safari Day

Morning: Free for Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira + Abra Creek ride. Afternoon: Rest. Late afternoon (3 PM pickup): Desert Safari — dune bashing, camel ride, Bedouin camp dinner. Return by 9:30 PM.

Gold SoukDesert SafariDune BashingCamel Ride

Day
4

Palm Jumeirah + Marina & Dhow Cruise

Morning: Visit Palm Jumeirah — Atlantis Aquaventure or just the beach. Afternoon: Walk JBR beach, try a jet ski. Evening: Marina Dhow Cruise with dinner for stunning night views.

Palm JumeirahJBR BeachDhow CruiseMarina

Day
5

Miracle Garden + Shopping + Depart

Morning: Visit Miracle Garden (Oct–April only) or Global Village depending on season. Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. Evening: Head to airport. Claim VAT refund on the way.

Miracle GardenShoppingVAT RefundDeparture

Day
1–2

Downtown + Burj Khalifa + Souks

Same as Option 1 Days 1–2. Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, Dubai Frame, Gold Souk and Spice Souk. Get these iconic sights done first.

Burj KhalifaDubai FountainGold SoukMuseum of Future

Day
3

Desert Safari

Morning free — visit Al Fahidi Historic District for a peek at Old Dubai. Afternoon: Desert Safari pickup. Evening Bedouin camp experience. Return by 9:30 PM. Must-do before heading to theme parks.

Al FahidiDesert SafariBedouin Camp

Day
4

Abu Dhabi — Sheikh Zayed Mosque + Ferrari World

Full day trip to Abu Dhabi (1.5 hrs each way). Morning: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — the most beautiful mosque in the world (free, modest dress required). Afternoon: Ferrari World roller coasters on Yas Island.

Sheikh Zayed MosqueFerrari WorldYas Island

Day
5

Palm Jumeirah + Atlantis + Marina Cruise

Morning: Atlantis Aquaventure water park on Palm Jumeirah. Afternoon: JBR beach or jet ski. Evening: Marina Dhow Cruise with dinner. Full day of water and views.

AtlantisJBR BeachDhow Cruise

Day
6

IMG Worlds + Ski Dubai

Morning: IMG Worlds of Adventure for the full theme park experience (Marvel, Cartoon Network, Jurassic). Afternoon: Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates if the family has energy — or rest and shopping.

IMG WorldsSki DubaiMall of Emirates

Day
7

Global Village + Shopping + Depart

Morning: Global Village (if open, Oct–May). Final souvenir shopping — Dubai Mall or Outlet Mall for discounts. Claim your VAT refund at the airport. Fly home.

Global VillageShoppingVAT RefundDeparture

Honest Advice

What You Can Skip

Save your time and budget. These are popular on paper but often disappointing in practice.

🎡

Ain Dubai (Observation Wheel)

The world's largest observation wheel on Bluewaters Island. Very expensive (AED 130+) for a ferris wheel ride that takes 38 minutes. Views are not significantly better than the Dubai Frame or Burj Khalifa.

✅ Better: Dubai Frame for great views at a fraction of the price (AED 50).

🛥️

Expensive Yacht Tours

Private yacht charters start at AED 800–3,000+ per hour. Unless you have a luxury budget, you get a similar experience from the Marina Dhow Cruise for AED 100–150 with dinner included.

✅ Better: Dhow Cruise with dinner — same views, far better value.

🏬

Multiple Malls

Dubai has 70+ malls but they're similar inside. Visiting more than 2 wastes precious sightseeing time. Pick Dubai Mall (fountain + aquarium) and Mall of the Emirates (Ski Dubai) — skip the rest unless there's a specific store you need.

✅ Better: Spend mall time on unique Dubai experiences instead.

🚁

Helicopter Tours

Starting at AED 700–1,500 per person for 12–17 minutes. Spectacular views but very brief for the price. The Burj Khalifa At The Top and Dubai Frame give you sustained, better value panoramic views.

✅ Better: Burj Khalifa At The Top — 30+ minute experience for less money.

Full Cost Breakdown

Approximate Budget per Person

Cost Breakdown — 5–6 Day Dubai Trip from Mumbai

✈️ Return Flights

₹18,000–35,000

🏨 Hotels (5 nights avg)

₹5,000–10,000/night

🛂 Visa (30-Day Tourist)

₹6,500–8,500

🛡️ Travel Insurance

₹800–2,500

🎯 Activities

₹12,000–20,000

🚇 Transport (Metro + Careem)

₹3,000–5,000

🍛 Food

₹5,000–8,000

🛍️ Shopping / Misc

₹5,000–15,000

Total Approximate Budget / Person

₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000

💡

Budget vs Mid-Range: Staying in Bur Dubai / Karama and eating local Indian food keeps costs at ₹70,000–80,000 per person. Staying near Downtown or JBR and splurging on Atlantis and fine dining can push it to ₹1,20,000+.

Insider Knowledge

Important Tips & Key Points

Things only experienced travellers know — so you don't have to learn the hard way in Dubai.

✅

Book Burj Khalifa tickets online — walk-in tickets cost 30–50% more than online prices. Book at burjkhalifa.ae at least 2–3 days in advance.

✅

Get a Nol Card for the Metro from any station — AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit). Tap in and out. Much cheaper than individual tickets each trip.

✅

Carry forex card or USD — exchange at Al Fardan, UAE Exchange or any exchange house for better rates than hotels or airport counters.

✅

Friday evenings are extremely crowded at malls and attractions — Friday is the weekend here. Plan your major sightseeing on weekdays when possible.

✅

Dress modestly outside the beach and pool — knee-length or longer for women in public areas is respectful and avoids any discomfort. Mosques require full modest dress.

✅

Global Village and Miracle Garden are seasonal — open October to May only. Check official opening dates before planning your trip around them.

✅

Book Museum of the Future well in advance — it sells out regularly. Check museumofthefuture.ae and book as soon as your dates are confirmed.

✅

Download Careem before landing — create your account in India to avoid sign-up issues. Works exactly like Ola, safe and reliable throughout Dubai.

✅

Claim VAT refund at the airport on departure — keep all tax receipts from purchases over AED 250. Kiosks are available airside before your gate.

✅

November to March is the best season — outdoor weather is perfect (20–28°C). June to September is extremely hot (45°C+) — all outdoor activities become unpleasant and some close.

Best Time to Visit

When to Go to Dubai

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

🟡 November to March is the ideal season — perfect outdoor weather between 20–28°C, comfortable for sightseeing, desert safaris and beach. April–May is manageable but hot. June to September is extremely hot (up to 45°C) — only recommended if you plan to spend most time indoors in air-conditioned attractions.

Dubai,
UAE.

Flight Information

Visa Information

Travel Insurance

Where to Stay in Dubai

Best Places to Visit

Best Activities in Dubai

Transport in Dubai

Food for Indian Travellers

Practical Information

Recommended Itineraries

What You Can Skip

Approximate Budget per Person

Important Tips & Key Points

When to Go to Dubai

Ready to Book
Dubai Yourself?

Dubai,UAE.

Flight Information

Visa Information

Travel Insurance

Where to Stay in Dubai

Best Places to Visit

Best Activities in Dubai

Transport in Dubai

Food for Indian Travellers

Practical Information

Recommended Itineraries

What You Can Skip

Approximate Budget per Person

Important Tips & Key Points

When to Go to Dubai

Ready to BookDubai Yourself?

Dubai,
UAE.

Ready to Book
Dubai Yourself?