Few destinations prove as alluring as Dubai. The glittering City of Gold, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, offers a haven of ultramodern architecture and unprecedented luxury. And yet this Arabian city on the Persian Gulf only relatively recently emerged as a major international destination for business and leisure travelers.

Dubai became a tourist destination in the 1990s and earned the nickname the Gulf Tiger after its rapid expansion over the past several decades.

The city’s dominance as a hub for both business development and tourism is immediately apparent once you arrive at Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest in the world. The first time I visited Dubai, I was ostensibly on a business trip — reporting hotel openings in the Emirate city — though it very quickly turned into one of leisure, as well. After all, the pursuit of recreation and entertainment is big business in Dubai, and one can easily become entranced by the world-class dining, shopping and all-around decadence the city offers. I was traveling with a group of colleagues-turned-friends, and we found no shortage of diverting daytime activities and nighttime excursions to occupy us during our moments of free time. And if you’re a fan of nightlife, you’re in for a world of adventure.

Museum of the Future © Visit Dubai

But first things first. You simply cannot miss certain sites when visiting the city, especially as a newcomer. If you come to Dubai and don’t visit Burj Khalifa, you haven’t truly experienced the city. The striking building, the tallest structure in the world, rises more than half a mile, or 2,722 feet. Head up to one of the observation decks, but don’t forget to check out the scene on the ground, where the lights and jets of Dubai Fountain (shooting water up to 500 feet into the sky) are choreographed in tune to music.

A newer architectural marvel is the Dubai Frame, completed in 2018 as a testament to the city’s future. Take a tour of the Sky Deck for magnificent views of the city and Burj Khalifa in the distance. For an even more forward-looking daytrip, visit Museum of the Future, with each floor dedicated to topics such as space exploration and upcoming ecosystems. The living museum is designed to provide an immersive experience as if you’re living in the future, and the facade is inscribed with Arabic poetry imagining what’s to come next.

Additionally, Dubai boasts famously world-class shopping, and first-time visitors will be surprised to discover highway billboards advertise Gucci and Chanel. Check out the high-end, modern offerings at Souk Al Bahar downtown, then venture to Deira to explore the historic passageways of the Grand Souk. After all, there’s more to peruse and purchase than just current brand-name luxuries; visitors should check out the fine silks, perfumes and jewelry at the more traditional markets such as the Gold and Textile souks. The nearby Perfume Souk, on Sikkat Al Khali Street, proves a fragrance shopper’s paradise, as well. Find these traditional souks within Old Dubai, a bastion of cultural experiences and ancient architecture perfect for visitors to immerse in the city’s history and traditions.

Lamps on display in a souk © Visit Dubai

Travelers looking to experience the city’s ultra-elevated hospitality should pay a visit to some of the man-made islands just offshore, including famous Palm Jumeirah, which looks like the outline of a palm tree from above. The island hosts such 5-star accommodations as Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and One&Only The Palm.

Unsurprisingly, luxury hotels abound throughout Dubai — many housed on artificial beaches or within architectural marvels, such as floating hotels with palatial interiors. The Lana, the first Dorchester Collection property to arrive in Dubai, features elegant interiors and a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city. Madinat Jumeirah may resemble an Arabian citadel — replete with its own souk — but it’s actually a luxury resort complex, home to an array of award-winning restaurants and decadent accommodations such as Jumeirah Al Qasr.

The cuisine is similarly top-notch — don’t miss the Michelin-starred Cantonese dishes at Hakkasan Dubai, located within Atlantis The Royal, yet another architecturally distinct hotel in the city. Fine dining abounds throughout Dubai, and as of this year, 19 restaurants boast Michelin stars, including Siraj, Rüya and Indikaya. So pack your bags and bring your appetite … the Pearl of the Gulf awaits.

Palm Jumeirah © Visit Dubai

LODGING
BVLGARI RESORT DUBAI
This ultra-chic property on a private island offers 101 rooms, 20 villas and endless amenities, including Bvlgari Yacht Club and Beach Club, as well as two Michelin-starred restaurants.
Jumeirah Bay Island, Jumeirah 2, Dubai
$$$$–$$$$$

JUMEIRAH BURJ AL ARAB
This iconic, sail-shaped hotel boasts 202 stylish suites with Gulf views; the luxurious, 26-room Talise Spa; a Michelin-starred restaurant; and the elegant SAL beach club, featuring an infinity pool.
Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai
$$$$$

ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE
Experience 5-star decadence from the moment you enter the marbled lobby, and marvel at the Arabian architecture of the Royal Mirage, a 65-acre retreat with manicured gardens and a private beach.
King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al
Saud Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai
$$$–$$$$

DINING
AL KHAYMA HERITAGE RESTAURANT
Al Khayma serves traditional, Bib Gourmand-awarded Emirati cuisine in a picturesque courtyard within the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Order ferni (rice pudding), dango (spiced chickpeas) and Arabic coffee (of course).
79 Al Mussallah Road, Al Fahidi, Dubai

$$

AL MUNTAHA

The deliciousness of the Michelin-starred French-Italian cuisine by Chef Saverio Sbaragli is rivaled only by the restaurant’s  innovative décor and panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf — and don’t underestimate the cheese trolley.
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, 27F, Umm
Suqeim 3, Dubai
$$$$

HŌSEKI
Dine overlooking the Dubai skyline at this Michelin-starred omakase restaurant. World-renowned Chef Masahiro Sugiyam prepares custom dishes based on the day’s guests. (There are only 17 seats, and reservations are required.)

Bvlgari Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Bay
Island, Jumeirah 2, Dubai
$$$$$

INFO TO GO
Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports for international travelers (servicing 92.3 million passengers in 2024 alone). The major hub connects travelers to the Arab world and beyond, with direct flights available from the United States via Emirates and United Airlines, which provides daily non-stop service from Newark (EWR). The airport lies 9 miles from downtown — a 15- to 30-minute ride, depending on mode of travel. Taxis and ride shares such as Uber are available at the airport, and public transport includes the Dubai Metro (delivering visitors to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station) and the F13 bus.