Dubai travel guide for Indians 2026–27

Plan Dubai and Abu Dhabi: visa for Indians, best time, Burj Khalifa, desert safari, theme parks, shopping, food and how many nights.

By the Agrima Holidays Team · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

Why go

Dubai is close, safe and built for visitors. The flight from most Indian cities takes 3 to 4 hours. Hotels range from simple to some of the most lavish in the world. The city works well for families, couples, groups of friends and shoppers.

Add Abu Dhabi, an hour and a half away, for the Grand Mosque, the Louvre, Yas Island's theme parks and the BAPS Hindu Mandir.

Visa

Indian citizens need a UAE visa for tourism. We apply for a tourist e-visa with your package. You need a passport valid for at least six months, a photo, and confirmed flights and hotel.

Indians with a valid US visa or green card, or a residence permit from the UK or EU, are eligible for a visa on arrival. Rules change. Check our Dubai visa page for the latest details.

When to go

November to March is the best time. Days stay between 24 and 30°C, evenings are cool, and outdoor sights are comfortable.

April and October are warm, around 33 to 37°C.

May to September is extremely hot, often above 42°C with high humidity. Hotel prices drop by half or more. Spend the day in malls, indoor parks and the hotel pool, and go out in the evening.

Events:

• Dubai Shopping Festival, usually mid-December to mid-January

• Global Village, a multicultural park, open from about late October to early May

• Dubai Summer Surprises, in July and August

• New Year fireworks at the Burj Khalifa

• Diwali events across the city

Ramadan changes daily life. Restaurants stay open but eating in public during fasting hours is discouraged. Evenings are lively with iftar.

Month by month

Average night low to day high, from long-term climate averages. Higher places run colder.

How many nights

• 4 nights: Dubai city, desert safari, Burj Khalifa and a dhow cruise
• 5 nights: add a day in Abu Dhabi
• 6 nights: add a theme park day
• 7 nights: two nights in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island

Diwali, Christmas and New Year weeks sell out early.

Getting there and around

Direct flights run to Dubai from more than 20 Indian cities. Most arrive at Dubai International, DXB. Some low-cost flights use Al Maktoum International, DWC, about an hour south.

The Dubai Metro covers the main areas, with clean, air-conditioned trains. Buy a Nol card. One gold-class coach costs more and has more space. Taxis are metered. Careem and Uber work.

Our packages include private or shared transfers for the main sightseeing.

Things to do

The stops that appear most often in our Dubai itineraries:

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi

• Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. At the Top on levels 124 and 125, or the higher deck at level 148. Book a slot near sunset
• Dubai Mall, the aquarium and the Dubai Fountain show in the evening
• Desert safari with dune bashing, a camel ride, a barbecue dinner and shows. Morning safaris and overnight camps are also offered
• A dhow dinner cruise on Dubai Creek or the Marina
• Old Dubai: the Al Fahidi historical district, the Dubai Museum area, an abra ride across the creek, and the gold and spice souks in Deira
• Dubai Frame, with a glass floor 150 m up
• Museum of the Future
• Miracle Garden, open in the cooler months
• Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis and the Aquaventure water park
• Ain Dubai, the giant wheel at Bluewaters
• Dubai Parks and Resorts, IMG Worlds of Adventure and Ski Dubai, good for families

Abu Dhabi

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Free entry with an online booking. Strict dress code: full sleeves and long trousers for men, covered head, arms and legs for women. Abayas are available at the entrance
• BAPS Hindu Mandir at Abu Mreikha, a hand-carved stone temple opened in 2024. Register online before your visit
• Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island
• Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace
• Yas Island: Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld

Abu Dhabi is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Dubai by road. Many travellers combine the mosque, the mandir and one theme park in one long day.

Shopping

Dubai has no sales tax on many items, but VAT of 5% applies. Tourists can claim VAT refunds at the airport on purchases from participating shops. Keep the tax-free tags.

• Gold souk in Deira for jewellery. Prices follow the daily gold rate plus making charges
• Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates for brands
• Dragon Mart for low-cost goods
• Global Village for crafts and food from around the world
• Duty-free at the airport for electronics and perfume

Indian customs rules limit how much gold you bring back. Check before you buy.

Food

Indian food is everywhere in Dubai, from street stalls in Karama and Bur Dubai to fine dining by Indian chefs. Vegetarian and Jain food is easy to find.

Try Emirati and Arab dishes too: shawarma, falafel, manakish, machboos, luqaimat and Arabic coffee with dates.

Rules to know

• Public displays of affection beyond holding hands are frowned upon
• Dress modestly in malls and old Dubai. Swimwear is fine at the beach and pool
• Drinking alcohol in public places outside licensed venues is illegal
• Photographing people without permission, especially women, causes trouble
• Some medicines legal in India are controlled in the UAE. Carry prescriptions

Our Dubai packages

Prices start from ₹29,000 per person on twin sharing, excluding flights. International prices use current exchange rates, and the final amount is confirmed at booking.

Practical tips

• Book Burj Khalifa and theme park tickets ahead in peak months
• Carry a light jacket. Malls and the Metro are cold
• Friday prayers affect timings at mosques
• The weekend in the UAE is Saturday and Sunday, with a half day on Friday for government offices
• Keep your passport copy and visa copy on your phone

Tell us if you want a stopover in Dubai on the way to Europe. We add two or three nights at a good rate.