10.09.2026
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What are the advantages? An autumn holiday in Dubai is ideal! During this period, the metropolis on the shores of the Persian Gulf reveals its best side: open restaurant terraces come alive, embankments and parks fill with activity, and the long daylight hours allow you to see so much more.
What should you be prepared for? Autumn in Dubai offers a rare chance to enjoy all its contrasts: from futuristic skyscrapers and luxurious shopping centres to authentic events and festivals, free from the exhausting heat that characterises the summer months. Planning your holiday in advance will make your trip as comfortable and memorable as possible.
Who wouldn't dream of diving into the atmosphere of an eastern fairy tale in the middle of autumn, swapping warm jackets for light swimwear and dresses? October is the ideal time for a trip to the Emirates: the heat is no longer oppressive, and all entertainment and excursions are running at full capacity. Many tourists consider this month to be the best time to holiday in the UAE, a fact confirmed by the growing number of visitors.
The weather in October is perfectly suited both for a beach holiday and for exploring the sights. Bring the whole family and set off on new adventures — but don't delay, as prices begin to rise towards November.
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Those who manage to travel to the UAE in October 2026 will truly be in luck, as the advantages of such a trip are clear:
As for the disadvantages:
The largest city in the United Arab Emirates is capable of impressing even the most seasoned traveller. This "Paris of the Persian Gulf" is renowned for its magnificent beaches, modern skyscrapers, and enormous artificial island that is visible from space.
The city boasts numerous unique attractions that are often described as "the world's most." Dubai has something for everyone: from leisurely seaside relaxation to an exhilarating shopping experience.
Dubai has a dry subtropical climate, with rainfall occurring very rarely and sunny days following one after another almost without interruption. Despite this, the emirate has a clear distinction between high and low tourist seasons.
The best time to visit is from October to April. October and November are particularly comfortable, marking what is known as the "velvet season." During this period, you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing without strong desert winds, as well as explore the city and go on excursions. Daytime air temperatures usually range between 27°C and 29°C, night-time temperatures range between 22°C and 26°C, and the sea water warms to 26°C and above.
September is a transitional month, when the summer heat is still palpable. Daytime temperatures reach around 38 °C, whilst at night they drop to a more comfortable 30 °C, making evening walks more enjoyable. The water temperature in the Persian Gulf remains high — around 32 °C — which is excellent for swimming.
In early September the humidity is still high, but as the autumn winds arrive the weather becomes noticeably cooler. There are few tourists on the streets, so the city centre is free from bustle. Hotel prices remain affordable, and many establishments offer attractive promotions and discounts.
October is considered one of the best months for a holiday in Dubai. Daytime temperatures hover around 34°C, whilst at night they drop to a comfortable 25°C, ideal for walks and outdoor activities. The water temperature in the gulf remains around 30°C, creating favourable conditions for swimming.
In October, humidity decreases noticeably, and a fresh sea breeze invites you to stroll along the shore. The tourist season reaches its peak, as visitors arrive from all over the world. Due to heightened demand, hotel prices begin to rise.
This month is also rich in cultural events: street markets open, and concerts and exhibitions take place outdoors, creating a special atmosphere of festivity and creativity.
November is considered one of the best months to travel to the Emirates. Daytime temperatures reach around 30°C, whilst at night the air cools to a pleasant 20°C. The water temperature holds at around 27°C, making this period ideal for swimming and various water activities.
Rainfall at this time is extremely rare, and the warm breeze only adds to the comfort. Walks along the shore and dinners on open terraces become especially enjoyable thanks to the mild weather.
At this time of year, travellers take a keen interest in exploring the desert expanses, enjoying jeep safaris, camel rides, and spectacular sunsets set against golden dunes.
In November, significant cultural events take place in Dubai: Design Week and a large-scale art festival attract many visitors and local residents.
The best sections of the coastline are occupied by hotels and beach clubs; however, the city also has free public beaches. The main difference lies in the level of infrastructure, ease of sea access, and the number of visitors. Interestingly, the sand on the beaches is imported: in some places it is white, whilst in others it has a reddish hue.
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Among the free public beaches, the following stand out:
Paid beaches are mainly owned by hotels and are free of charge for their guests; however, tourists can visit them for a separate fee. These leisure areas are renowned for their high level of comfort and refined service.
This is the tallest skyscraper on the planet. The tower resembles a small city with its own parks, boulevards, a hotel, shopping centres, and residential apartments. Several observation decks are available to visitors, as well as a panoramic restaurant located on the 122nd floor.
One of the tallest hotels in the world, reaching a height of 321 metres, it resembles an elegant sailing ship on the Jumeirah coastline. At the 210-metre mark there is a restaurant with a panoramic view, and a helipad is located nearby. The hotel is renowned for its seven-star status.
One of Dubai's famous artificial islands — Palm Jumeirah — resembles a palm tree in outline. This unique project encompasses luxury hotels, private villas, and a variety of restaurants. The island is connected to the mainland by a 300-metre bridge, and an underwater tunnel runs from the crescent to the "trunk" of the palm.
In the district of the same name, a white stone shrine was erected in 1979. Although it is not the largest mosque in the Emirates, its beauty leaves no one indifferent. The building is adorned with elegant carved arches and two minarets.
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The mosque looks particularly breathtaking at sunset, when its façade appears to be bathed in golden light. Since 2006, non-Muslims have been permitted entry, provided they comply with the dress code and rules of conduct. Visits are possible from Saturday to Thursday, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Admission costs 40 dirhams (around 850 roubles).
The museum offers a unique immersion into the world of cutting-edge technologies and innovations set to transform our lives in the coming years. The museum building has five floors, and visitors begin their tour on the top floor, gradually making their way down and exploring the various themed zones.
On the uppermost level is the Space Orbital Station — an exhibition depicting what human existence in space could look like by 2071.
The building is designed in the shape of a torus and decorated with panels featuring laser-engraved Arabic calligraphy. These panels serve a dual function, acting as both windows and decorative elements. Ticket prices start at 159 dirhams (approximately 3,400 roubles). The museum is open to visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Detailed information is available on the institution's official website.
The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has unveiled the 10th anniversary edition of its Retail Calendar for 2026. This significant project marks a decade of leisure and lifestyle development in the emirate, achieved through collaboration with international partners, large-scale promotions, and spectacular events.
The main events of autumn 2026:
Dubai Fashion Season spans two periods: the first and second quarters are dedicated to launching spring–summer collections, whilst the third and fourth are devoted to presenting autumn–winter newcomers.
Dubai Fashion Season attracts fashion enthusiasts every year, offering two large-scale shows featuring new work from both international brands and local designers. Events take place in the city's finest shopping centres, enabling visitors to follow the latest trends throughout the year.
The Dubai Home Festival will run from 16 October to 1 November 2026 and is dedicated to contemporary interior design and innovative home solutions. Visitors can look forward to attractive discounts on furniture, accessories, and home appliances. In previous years, participants have had the chance to win major prizes, including a renovation or property.
From 2 to 12 November 2026, Dubai will celebrate the Festival of Lights — Diwali. This event brings together the Indian and international communities, decorating streets and shopping centres with bright lights. Special promotions on gold, festive clothing, and décor will be offered to shoppers. The celebration is accompanied by cultural shows and fireworks.
The Dubai Fitness Challenge will take place from 31 October to 29 November 2026. Participants are invited to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily for a month. The programme includes Dubai Run, Dubai Ride, and temporary training zones in the city's parks and shopping centres.
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UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) will be celebrated from 30 November to 3 December 2026. During these days, Dubai organises patriotic celebrations with fireworks, cultural shows, special discounts in shops, and family entertainment, emphasising national unity and the drive for development.
To ensure your trip does not make too great a dent in your wallet, you need to take accommodation and flight prices into account. It is especially important to understand that the cost of a holiday depends on the season.
The cost of staying in hotels on the second row and further back is 40% lower than in first-row establishments. You will, of course, need to spend a certain amount of time getting to the beach — but the savings will be considerable.
It is also not worth fixating on the number of stars a hotel has. Dubai has many three-star hotels that are in no way inferior in quality or comfort to four- and five-star ones. An all-inclusive board basis will also allow you to spend your time in comfort, rather than spending it searching for restaurants.
It pays to keep an eye on prices. Look out for last-minute deals. However, you should ensure that all your documents are in order in advance. This approach can save you around 30% of your costs. If you want your trip to go without a hitch, consider booking early.
Tourist guides recommend looking at cafés serving Vietnamese, Singaporean, Chinese, or Thai cuisine. A meal there will be cheaper than in Dubai's restaurants. You can also enjoy a full and affordable dinner at the dedicated food halls in shopping centres. These areas operate as self-service canteens.
Street stalls known as Kabab are also popular among tourists. The food is delicious and prepared in full compliance with sanitary standards. The cuisine is varied overall — with the exception of pork, as this type of meat is not permitted in Muslim countries. Vegans and vegetarians will also have no trouble enjoying fruit and vegetables at various food courts.
Tourists who choose to holiday in Dubai should be aware of the hotel check-in rules:
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Tourist guides advise every traveller to familiarise themselves with a financial guide before departure. It will help you plan your budget wisely and avoid unnecessary expenditure:
It is very important to bear in mind that the Emirates is a Muslim state. Despite the fact that tourists are very welcome there, Arabs hold their customs in high regard and invariably observe them. Visiting mosques and other religious sites in revealing clothing is strictly prohibited. Women must have their shoulders and legs covered, and a headscarf is compulsory. Beachwear and shorts for men are also not welcomed.
Alcoholic beverages in Dubai can only be purchased at designated venues, upon presentation of a passport (strictly the original). The price of alcohol is fairly high — 50 AED for a bottle of beer and 100 AED for a bottle of red wine. Being on the street in a state of intoxication is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply may result in a fine of 2,000 AED and the risk of deportation.
There are also rules of conduct on the beach. There is no requirement to wear a niqab or abaya, but overly revealing attire for sunbathing is likewise not welcomed. Sunbathing topless — even by the pool at your hotel — is grounds for calling the authorities. Dubai has a number of beaches divided into separate male and female sections, which means it is not possible to sunbathe together as a family.
Public displays of affection are also unwelcome. "NO KISSING" signs can be found in metro carriages and on walls in shopping centres, cafés, and restaurants. And should a woman sit on her partner's lap, a rather substantial fine may result. In some hotels of fewer than four stars, an unmarried couple may not even be accommodated in the same room.
Around 15 years ago, tourists with cameras in public places were similarly not welcomed. Today, attitudes towards photography enthusiasts have become more lenient. However, one should not photograph Arab women (particularly married ones), police officers (or their vehicles), government buildings, bridges, or any other locations where a sign reading "Photography and filming prohibited" is displayed.
If you are planning an autumn holiday in Dubai in 2026, no visa is required. At the receiving airport, you will be asked for a passport with a remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry. Staff will place a stamp in it, which permits the tourist to remain in the Emirates for no more than 90 days.
Please note that:
The most budget-friendly trip to the Emirates will be in September. October and November are considered the high season, so prices for holidays in these two months are higher, particularly in November.
Tourist agents advise bringing euros or US dollars and exchanging them for the local currency. Banknotes issued before 2006 may cause problems. Some exchange offices will agree to exchange them, but with a commission. It is also worth having small-denomination notes for tips and minor purchases.
Internet access and a mobile connection are essential for every visitor. At the local airport, a free SIM card may be issued upon verification of documents. It is valid for 24 hours from the date of activation, and the holder is also given 10 GB of internet access. Thereafter, communication services can be paid for at operator offices.
Free Wi-Fi is available in many locations, such as hotels, leisure areas, the metro. To connect to the internet at Dubai International Airport, select the airport's network from the list. In the pop-up window, fill in the relevant form with your contact details. Each tourist then automatically receives 60 minutes of internet access.
Connectivity via a local SIM card is fairly expensive. Experienced travellers recommend opting for roaming or setting up an e-SIM — for example, an eSIM from MTS, Airalo, or Yesim. The operator Megafon offers a travel package for international trips priced at 2,299 roubles, which includes 3 GB of internet and 30 minutes of outgoing calls. It is valid for two weeks.
Thus, many tourists consider an autumn holiday in Dubai to be the very best. The sun is no longer as fierce as in summer, yet the sea remains warm and inviting. Shopping, desert safari trips, and the fountain show at Burj Khalifa will bring you boundless pleasure without hitting your budget too hard.
Comfortable weather, a full calendar of interesting events, and moderate accommodation prices make a holiday in the Emirates a desirable option for many families and young, active travellers. Plan your trip well in advance, taking into account all the nuances and rules of this Muslim country, and your journey is sure to bring you a wealth of enjoyment.
Article header image source: Dawid Tkocz / unsplash.com
