05.11.2026
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What are the advantages? An independent trip to Dubai offers a unique opportunity to plan your itinerary according to your own interests — from shopping and culinary discoveries to immersing yourself in Arab traditions and extreme adventures in the desert — free from the constraints of package tours and with complete freedom of choice.
What should you be prepared for? Dubai is a city like no other, where ultra-modern skyscrapers stand side by side with traditional bazaars, and desert landscapes gradually give way to luxurious waterfronts. Gleaming glass giants, artificial islands, enormous shopping centres and authentic cultural quarters create an incomparable atmosphere that attracts millions of travellers.
Direct flights are available from Moscow, St Petersburg and many other Russian cities. Return ticket prices from Moscow start at around 30,000 roubles, and for the nearest dates you may find options at a lower price. Residents of southern regions can sometimes find more attractive deals. From St Petersburg, direct flight prices start at 55,000 roubles. Connecting flights are often cheaper.
The United Arab Emirates is a small country, so there is no need to fly specifically into Dubai. You can choose Abu Dhabi or Sharjah airport and travel from there by taxi in roughly an hour and a half, or a little longer by bus.
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On your first visit, your iris will be scanned at passport control using a camera. This biometric data will be stored, and on your next visit you will be able to pass through control more quickly via dedicated Smart Gates, avoiding queues and saving time at the airport.
Tours with charter flights from various Russian cities are also available. The most affordable options are flights from Moscow with accommodation for two in budget hotels, starting at 100,000 roubles. A week's stay in a five-star beachfront hotel, such as Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa or Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark — will cost a minimum of 250,000 roubles.
All-inclusive packages start at 350,000 roubles for two. Good four-star all-inclusive hotels, such as Rose Rayhaan By Rotana or Riu Dubai, start at 240,000 roubles. These are high-season prices; in summer the cost is usually lower. Holidays in other emirates tend to be cheaper.
The best time to holiday in Dubai is not the summer months. From May to September the heat is unbearable: temperatures frequently hover around 32°C and can sometimes rise above 45°C. During this period the UV index reaches 11 — extremely high — and severe sunburn can occur quickly. Because of these conditions, it is comfortable to be outdoors only at night.
The best time to visit Dubai is from October to April, when daytime temperatures remain at a pleasant 24–30 °C. However, during the New Year and Christmas periods the city fills with tourists, so the optimal choice would be October, November, March or April.
As far as visas are concerned, the process for Russians is as straightforward as it can be: there is no need to arrange documents in advance; upon passing through passport control, travellers automatically receive permission to stay for up to 90 days.
To enter Dubai, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of crossing the UAE border.
A medical insurance policy is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa and entering the country. Without a policy you will be refused entry. Insurance is needed not only for formalities but also for your own safety; in the event of an unforeseen situation it covers the cost of qualified medical treatment, providing the necessary support and financial protection.
There are several types of insurance policy, each covering a specific range of services specified in the contract. A basic policy is perfectly suitable for a relaxing beach holiday and leisurely sightseeing. If you are planning more extreme activities, such as skydiving or active surfing, consider a more comprehensive plan.
Almost all insurance companies offer online policy applications. All a traveller needs to do is visit the website, select an appropriate plan and pay for the service. The completed policy is sent to your email address, from where you can print it out and take it with you on your trip.
The official currency of the UAE is the dirham (AED), sometimes abbreviated as DHS or DH. Banknotes are issued in various denominations from 5 to 1,000 dirhams, each in its own colour: for example, the 5-dirham note is brown; the 10-dirham note is green; the 20-dirham note is blue. 1-dirham coins are also in circulation.
The dirham is subdivided into smaller units called fils. There are five coin denominations: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 fils. They feature national symbols of the UAE: oil derricks, palm trees and the Arabian oryx.
When travelling to Dubai, it is best to bring dollars or euros with you, as roubles are not accepted in many places. The most convenient place to exchange currency is at official exchange points, where a passport may sometimes be required. On arrival at the airport, exchange offices operate around the clock, making it easy to change money into dirhams without any difficulties.
ATMs are fairly easy to find in the UAE — at airports, shopping centres, hotels and petrol stations. However, it is worth bearing in mind that only dirhams can be withdrawn, as ATMs do not dispense dollars or euros.
In addition, Visa and Mastercard cards issued by Russian banks do not work in the UAE. You can obtain a UnionPay card, but it is not accepted everywhere. Therefore, the optimal solution is to bring dollars or euros from Russia and exchange them for dirhams upon arrival. If you have an international card, there will be no issues with payment.
In Dubai there are no problems with mobile communications or internet access, though there are a few nuances. The main operators are Etisalat and du; both offer special tourist tariffs with temporary SIM cards. For example, Etisalat provides a 10-day package that includes unlimited internet and free domestic calls. A passport is required to register a SIM card.
At Dubai Airport, travellers are offered a free SIM card from the du operator, which can be collected directly at the international arrivals desks. The plan includes 1 GB of internet for 24 hours. After this, the card can be topped up or you can switch to another operator.
Wi-Fi is available virtually everywhere in the city: even the artificial "smart palms" on the beaches provide free internet access. They are fitted with solar panels that accumulate energy during the day and distribute Wi-Fi, and the trunks of these trees have sockets for charging devices.
In Dubai, as throughout the United Arab Emirates, the official language is Arabic. English is also widely used: restaurant menus, transport timetables and other signs are frequently duplicated in English for the convenience of tourists. In large hotels, most staff also speak English.
As for Russian, knowledge of it is not universal, and few hotels have Russian-speaking staff. However, this will not cause any difficulties: navigating the city is very straightforward, and many shops are equipped with self-service checkouts, making purchases easy even without knowledge of the local languages.
If you have difficulty understanding the language, we recommend installing a translation app on your smartphone, this way you will be able to understand all the details clearly.
The UAE is deservedly ranked among the safest countries in the world. The crime rate is extremely low, and order is maintained not only by police officers but also by modern technology, such as facial-recognition cameras and unmanned drones.
There is a common misconception that women travelling alone in the UAE are at risk. However, this is actually untrue. Dubai ranks third in the global ranking of the safest cities for solo female travellers.
Dubai is a modern metropolis with a well-developed transport system, including a driverless metro, trams and conventional taxis. There are several ways to travel from Dubai International Airport to any part of the city.
Stations are located in Terminals 1 and 3. Trains begin running at 5 AM and the last train departs at midnight. It is important to note that the timetable may change during public holidays, so it is worth checking the latest information before travelling.
The metro in this city is driverless, with two lines, making it very convenient to get around. To travel, you need to purchase a special card at ticket offices at the stations.
Fares are determined by zones and generally do not exceed 10 dirhams (approximately 250 roubles). A rechargeable Nol Gold Card is also available, which provides access to a separate carriage; this is particularly convenient during rush hour and when travelling with luggage, for example to Dubai Airport.
Bus services from the airport to the city centre operate from all terminals. Routes vary and each has its own timetable. Detailed information about the options can be found on the website of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The fare is approximately 8 dirhams (about 200 roubles).
Be sure to tap your travel card on the validators when boarding and alighting: this allows the system to calculate your fare accurately.
In Dubai, buses run relatively infrequently, so a convenient alternative is the tram line that runs between the Al Sufouh and Dubai Marina districts. It also provides access to the station from which the monorail departs to the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah.
Official taxis operating under the control of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) can easily be found near the airport. They are distinguished by their differently coloured roofs. Taxi pick-up points are clearly signposted in the terminal, and airport staff are always on hand to help you find them.
The driver is required to activate the meter as soon as you get into the vehicle. Journeys from the airport are charged according to a fixed tariff: the base fare is 25 dirhams (approximately 600 roubles), with approximately 1.97 dirhams (around 48 roubles) added per kilometre. Payment can be made at the end of the journey either in cash, if you have local currency, or by bank card.
An official RTA taxi from Dubai International Airport to the Dubai Marina area will cost approximately 120 dirhams (around 2,900 roubles).
Be vigilant when taking taxis, as some drivers may try to deceive you.
Dubai is not particularly convenient for walking, so getting around by car is the most comfortable option. You can hire a car or call a taxi, though both can prove quite expensive.
The emirate's main landmark is the Burj Khalifa — the tallest skyscraper in the world. Next to it are the famous dancing fountains, which operate from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM every 30 minutes for a few minutes at a time. The show can be watched free of charge, or you can book a 30-minute boat ride for 68 dirhams (approximately 1,600 roubles) to enjoy the view up close.
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The Ain Dubai observation wheel, located on Bluewaters Island, resumed operation on 25 December 2024 after a two-year refurbishment. Its cabins offer picturesque panoramic views of the sea, Palm Jumeirah and the skyscrapers of the Jumeirah Beach Residence district. One full rotation takes approximately 35 minutes.
Ticket prices start at 145 dirhams (around 3,400 roubles), with prices increasing in the evening. Tickets can be purchased either online via the official website or directly at the ticket offices near the attraction; payment is accepted in cash or by bank card.
Palm Jumeirah is the largest artificial island in the world, situated off the coast of Dubai. From above it resembles the shape of a palm tree, which explains its name.
The West Beach promenade is home to numerous hotels, restaurants and bars, creating a pleasant destination for walks in the morning and afternoon. It offers picturesque views of the Dubai Marina skyscrapers and yachts. In the evening this area transforms into a centre of nightlife with a lively atmosphere and entertainment.
This park, popular among tourists, offers walks through pavilions representing different countries, where visitors can sample national dishes, enjoy shows and purchase unique goods from around the world. The park is divided into two zones: one with attractions and the other with pavilions.
Entry ticket prices start at 25 dirhams (approximately 600 roubles). Tickets are available both at the entrance kiosk and online. Please note that the park is closed from May to October due to the high temperatures.
At the Miracle Garden, instead of ordinary flowerbeds you will find figures of cartoon characters, animals made of flowers, as well as palaces and even aeroplanes. It is a wonderful place for a stroll and for taking vivid photographs. Entry costs approximately 100 dirhams (around 2,400 roubles). Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Due to the intense heat, the garden is closed in summer; the season usually ends in May and reopens in October.
This is a large zoo where visitors can feed giraffes, watch elephants and even ride in special minibuses right among the animals. The park grounds are well maintained and safe for all guests. There are cafés and souvenir shops on site. Entry ticket prices start at 50 dirhams (approximately 1,100 roubles).
The Museum of the Future in Dubai draws attention with its unusual design — the building is shaped like a torus, and its entire surface is adorned with Arabic calligraphy bearing quotes from the emirate's ruler. On the ground floor, which is free to enter, guests are treated to robot shows, souvenir shops, perfume-making workshops, and coffee prepared by a robot barista.
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To visit the interactive exhibitions on ecology and technology located on the upper floors, a ticket costing 159 dirhams (approximately 3,900 roubles) is required. That said, the free zone alone offers a wealth of experiences.
Dubai Frame is a unique viewing platform and museum situated at a height of 150 metres. It offers a spectacular view of both the old and new parts of the city simultaneously. Tickets are available on the official website and at the entrance, and cost approximately 50 dirhams (around 1,200 roubles).
In the Bur Dubai district lies the historic Al Fahidi quarter, where around 50 buildings dating from the mid-nineteenth century have been preserved. They house museums and galleries, as well as recreations of wealthy merchants' houses and traditional wind towers — an early equivalent of air conditioning. Nearby is the Al Seef district, with its many cafés, coffee shops and souvenir stores, popular amongst tourists.
If you would like to explore the old part of the city, you can take a boat across the creek to the Spice Souk. Not far away there is also the famous Gold Souk. A return boat journey costs around 4 dirhams, which is approximately 96 roubles.
The Aquaventure water park and The Lost Chambers aquarium are both located within the Atlantis The Palm complex. These attractions will offer a wealth of experiences and make a wonderful addition to a day out in the city.
You can choose to visit only the water park or only the aquarium; however, it is better value to purchase a combined ticket. The combined price is 275 dirhams (approximately 6,500 roubles).
The Sky Views Observatory, located on the 52nd and 53rd floors of the Address Sky View hotel, offers a breathtaking view of the tallest skyscraper in the world — the Burj Khalifa. Entry costs 80 dirhams (around 1,900 roubles). There is also a glass slide to ride, as well as a café where you can enjoy coffee and a snack. For those who enjoy a more adrenaline-fueled experience, a walk along the edge of the building with a safety harness costs 500 dirhams (approximately 12,000 rubles).
This bio-dome is home to rare tropical animals and birds: lemurs, tortoises, sloths, monkeys and others. Interaction with them is permitted only with the permission of staff. Entry costs 155 dirhams (approximately 3,700 roubles).
This is the highest 360-degree panoramic infinity pool in the world, located on the 50th floor of the Nakheel Palm Tower. It offers stunning views of the city and the Persian Gulf. The best time for spectacular photographs is sunrise or sunset. Prices start at 200 dirhams (around 4,800 roubles) and vary depending on the time of visit. Advance booking is essential.
Almost the entire coastline in Dubai is one continuous beach zone, and it is impossible to visit all the best spots in a single holiday. To make the choice easier, we have put together a selection of the most interesting beaches.
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The city is deservedly regarded as one of the world's leading shopping destinations, where you can buy almost anything — from stylish clothing and cosmetics by well-known brands to unique handcrafted items from local artisans.
The main shopping complex in Dubai is the Dubai Mall, which resembles a miniature city with its own streets, cosy cafés, diverse restaurants, entertainment parks — including the virtual park Play DXB — as well as one of the largest aquariums on the planet.
Mall of the Emirates is slightly smaller than its rival, but offers a wide choice of shops and entertainment.
The centrepiece of the mall is the unique indoor ski resort Ski Dubai, where the temperature is constantly maintained at around −4°C. You can not only ski there, but also see live penguins, which live in a separate spacious enclosure with a pool. Visitors are sometimes even allowed to pet these charming birds.
Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall is worth a visit not only as a shopping centre but as an open-air museum in its own right. Its grounds feature six unique pavilions, each inspired by a different country: India, China, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia.
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Each pavilion has its own distinctive style and atmosphere. In the Chinese zone, for instance, you can see a model of an ancient ship, and vivid patterns adorn the ceiling. In the Andalusia pavilion, guests are greeted by a fountain with water cascading over the backs of stone lions, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace.
In Dubai you can also visit traditional markets where you can feel the authentic atmosphere of the East and the range of goods on offer is truly impressive:
Haggling is the norm at the markets and is perfectly acceptable. You can quite reasonably try to bring the price down by around 10% or even more, but a great deal depends on your attitude and your negotiating skills. The more confident and persistent you are, the greater your chances of securing a good discount.
Dubai has a wealth of high-end restaurants created by leading chefs from around the world. But even on a limited budget you can find welcoming spots where you will not go hungry. We have put together a selection of cafés and restaurants serving national, European and Asian cuisines.
A few excellent places for everyday dining in Dubai:
Fast food:
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To avoid spoiling your holiday, it is important to know what is and is not permitted. There are not many rules for tourists:
The main rules of conduct and local restrictions in Dubai are fairly straightforward to remember. Observing these rules will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, especially if you are planning to travel on your own.
In addition to a passport, you will need to present printed copies of confirmed return flight tickets and a hotel booking confirmation (voucher). Documents may be shown in electronic form.
Children under the age of 14 require their own passport; they cannot be added to a parent's passport. If a child is travelling without one of their parents or with a third party, a notarised parental consent letter from one or both parents is required. If the child and the accompanying adult have different surnames, it is important to carry a notarised copy of the birth certificate.
A tourist tax is charged, which varies depending on the category and class of the hotel. Before booking, you should check what amount of tax will be added to the cost of the stay. In addition, some hotels — particularly four- and five-star establishments — may require a deposit.
Dubai is an excellent choice for an independent trip: there are both relaxing retreats and extreme activities on offer. If you wish to see the city from an unusual angle and visit unique locations, consider hiring local guides; they will organise the trip, and you can sit back, listen to fascinating stories and absorb the atmosphere of the East.
Article header image source: Vitalii Matokha / shutterstock.com
