Dubai

About this place

Dubai is one of seven emirates on the Persian Gulf and the aviation hub of the whole region. The city works in two layers: modern icons such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah on one side, and the old quarters along Dubai Creek with their spice and gold souks and abra boats on the other.

The practical advantage is short distances: 20 minutes from the airport to the centre, 45 minutes to the desert, an hour and a half to Abu Dhabi. A five-day programme therefore comfortably holds a city tour, a desert safari and a trip to the neighbouring emirate.

What to see

• Burj Khalifa — the world's tallest building, observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors
• Desert safari: dune bashing by 4x4, camel riding, dinner at a Bedouin camp
• Palm Jumeirah — the man-made island, the Atlantis hotel and The View observation deck
• Old Dubai: the Al Fahidi quarter, the spice and gold souks, an abra crossing of Dubai Creek
• Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain — over 1,200 shops and a nightly fountain show
• The Museum of the Future and the Dubai Frame — the city's newest architectural landmarks

When to go

November to March: +24…+30 °C by day, warm sea. April and October are shoulder season at +32…+36 °C. From May to September the temperature exceeds +45 °C — prices are at their lowest, but the programme moves indoors.

Practical information

Entry: Citizens of Uzbekistan enter the UAE visa-free for up to 30 days. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Flights: Tashkent — Dubai: direct flight, 3 hours 40 minutes. Several flights a week, plus seasonal services from Samarkand and Fergana.

Currency: UAE dirham (AED). 1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED — the rate is pegged.