Dubai is one of the most popular travel destinations in the United Arab Emirates, known for its modern skyline, luxury lifestyle, artificial islands, beachfront attractions and world-famous landmarks. For first-time visitors, planning ahead can make the trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here is a travel-friendly guide to seven major attractions in Dubai, along with useful tips for travellers.

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks and is often known as the world’s only seven-star luxury hotel. The 321-metre structure stands on an artificial island near Jumeirah Beach and is designed in the shape of a sail.

The hotel is famous for its luxury services and elegant interior. Rooms include 24-carat gold iPads that guests can use to access hotel and restaurant information. A night at the hotel costs around AED 4,500.

Travel tip: Even if you are not staying there, the area around Jumeirah Beach offers good photo spots. It is best to visit in the late afternoon or around sunset for clearer views and better lighting.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and one of Dubai’s biggest attractions. Also known as Dubai Tower, it has 160 floors and rises to 2,717 feet. The building includes a hotel, mosque, apartments, offices, entertainment facilities and the world’s highest observation deck.

It also has 54 elevators that can travel at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. One of the main highlights is the observation deck above the 124th floor, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views across the city and beyond.

Travel tip: Try to go early in the morning or around sunrise to avoid heavy crowds and enjoy better visibility. Booking tickets in advance can also save time and help you avoid long queues.

The Fountain

The Fountain is one of Dubai’s most popular evening attractions. This large choreographed water show lasts about three to six minutes and performs to around 6,500 musical selections.

During the evening, the fountain is lit by 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors, creating a striking visual display. The bright lighting can reportedly be seen from more than 20 miles away. Shows usually take place every 15 to 20 minutes.

Travel tip: This is a good stop for evening visitors. Arrive a little earlier to get a better viewing spot, especially during weekends or holiday periods. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because the surrounding area can involve a lot of walking.

Atlantis The Palm

Atlantis The Palm is a luxury resort located on Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s best-known artificial islands. The resort is popular for its grand design, upscale atmosphere and leisure-focused environment.

It is a favourite among holidaymakers and is also known to attract celebrities. Many visitors go there for a luxury stay, dining experience or simply to enjoy the surroundings.

Travel tip: This area is ideal for travellers looking for a resort-style experience. It is also a good place for families and couples. Carry a camera or keep your phone charged, as the location offers many scenic photo opportunities.

Palm Island

Palm Island is among Dubai’s most famous man-made developments. Built to support tourism growth, the three islands were designed in the shape of a palm tree and created using sand in the sea.

The islands feature luxury hotels, resorts, private beaches, apartments, swimming pools, theme parks, restaurants, shopping centres, hospitals and sports facilities. It is considered one of Dubai’s most ambitious tourism projects.

Travel tip: The area is spread out, so transport planning is important. Travellers may find taxis or ride-hailing apps more convenient when visiting multiple places in one day. It is also wise to plan your stops in advance to save time.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai offers a surprising winter experience in the middle of the desert. Covering 22,500 square metres, it is an indoor ski lounge that includes the world’s first 400-metre-long black run.

The attraction gives visitors a chance to enjoy snow activities and see Gentoo and King penguins up close. Guests can also swim with the penguins or watch them through a large glass wall. The temperature inside drops to minus 6 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a true winter atmosphere.

Travel tip: Bring warm socks and be prepared for the cold, even though special clothing is required inside. This is a good option for travellers visiting Dubai during very hot weather, especially families with children.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a stylish waterfront district known for its high-rise buildings, luxury towers and lively atmosphere. It is one of the city’s most attractive areas for sightseeing, dining and leisure.

Visitors can explore the marina by water taxi or join a cruise. Sunset views and dinner experiences are among the main reasons tourists choose this part of the city.

Travel tip: Evening is one of the best times to visit Dubai Marina. The weather is usually more pleasant, and the skyline looks especially impressive after dark. It is also a good place to relax after a full day of sightseeing.

Extra Tips for Travellers Visiting Dubai

Dubai can be easier to explore if travellers keep a few practical things in mind. The city is modern and tourist-friendly, but planning ahead still helps.

Use light and comfortable clothing during the day, but carry a light jacket for indoor places because malls, hotels and attractions are often heavily air-conditioned. Keep water with you, especially if you are travelling outdoors for long periods.

Public transport, taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available, so moving between attractions is usually convenient. It is also helpful to check ticket prices and opening hours before leaving for major attractions, as this can save both time and money.

For travellers visiting religious or family-oriented public places, modest clothing is still a good choice. It is also wise to keep a power bank, sunscreen and a copy of your hotel location on your phone, especially if you plan to move around the city a lot in one day.

Dubai offers a mix of luxury, modern design and entertainment in a single destination. With the right planning, travellers can enjoy its top attractions comfortably and make the most of their visit.

Source: jagonews24

flydubai has announced the launch of a new double-daily service to Bangkok, further strengthening its footprint in Thailand and increasing its total operations to the country to 28 weekly flights.

The new route will commence on 15 September 2026, operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). The addition of Bangkok marks the airline’s second destination in Thailand, complementing its existing service to Krabi.

With this expansion, flydubai continues to enhance its network in Southeast Asia, which also includes destinations such as Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia. The carrier’s growing regional presence reflects sustained passenger demand for travel between Dubai and key leisure and business markets across Asia.

Don Mueang International Airport, located north of central Bangkok, serves as one of the Thai capital’s two international gateways. Its strategic location provides convenient access for both corporate and leisure travellers visiting Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Commenting on the launch, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said:

“Thailand continues to be a highly popular destination for both leisure and business travel. The introduction of our double-daily Bangkok service reflects strong and consistent demand across our network. Operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International and under our codeshare partnership with Emirates, passengers will benefit from seamless connections via Dubai to destinations across the GCC, Europe and other international markets.”

The new service further reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub. flydubai’s network now extends to more than 135 destinations, offering customers expanded travel options and convenient one-stop connectivity.

Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at flydubai, added:

“We are pleased to expand our presence in Thailand with the launch of double-daily flights to Bangkok. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board and providing a comfortable and reliable travel experience in both Economy and Business Class.”

As part of its continued investment in customer experience, flydubai offers thoughtfully designed cabins across both classes. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating, internationally inspired dining options and a wide selection of inflight entertainment available through the airline’s onboard system.

Flight Schedule (All Times Local)

From 15 September 2026, flydubai will operate the following services between Dubai and Bangkok:

• FZ1335: DXB 11:00 – DMK 20:45

• FZ1336: DMK 23:50 – DXB 03:20

• FZ1345: DXB 01:20 – DMK 11:10

• FZ1346: DMK 12:10 – DXB 15:40

Fares

• Return Business Class fares from DXB to DMK start from AED 9,000, while Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,500.

• From DMK to DXB, return Business Class fares start from THB 64,000, and Economy Class Lite fares from THB 22,000.

Flights are available for booking via flydubai.com, the official flydubai mobile application, the UAE Contact Centre, flydubai travel shops and authorised travel partners.

Xiamen Airlines will resume its direct flights between Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport in Fujian and Mactan–Cebu International Airport in the Philippines starting 29 March 2026. The twice-weekly service will operate every Tuesday and Saturday using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring eight business-class and 162 economy seats. The flight takes just under three hours.

The move, announced on 14 February, follows recent bilateral talks that granted new traffic rights and improved ground-handling support ahead of the summer season. The reinstated route reconnects Quanzhou—a major manufacturing hub for shoes, garments, and stone products—with Cebu, the commercial heart of the Visayas region. It’s expected to make business travel and supply-chain visits much easier for companies that previously relied on indirect routes via Xiamen or Manila.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the restart, calling it a “new chapter” in people-to-people exchange. The Chinese Embassy in Manila also confirmed that Xiamen Airlines plans to increase flights on its Xiamen–Manila route to meet stronger demand. The announcement comes after the Philippines introduced a one-year visa-free entry scheme allowing Chinese citizens to stay up to 14 days for tourism or business.

For corporate travelers, the renewed direct link offers a more convenient route between Fujian’s export clusters and Cebu’s logistics, repair, and electronics sectors. It also supports greater accessibility to Mindanao, where several Chinese companies are currently involved in infrastructure projects. Filipino travelers should note that China has yet to introduce a reciprocal visa-free policy, so visas remain required except for short transits of up to 24 hours.

The service will also provide around five tonnes of cargo space per flight, which is expected to benefit e-commerce and high-value shipments like electronics and fashion samples. Freight forwarders are advised to secure space early, as the route typically maintains load factors above 80% during peak export periods.

Oman Air is set to introduce a new nonstop service linking Dubai with Salalah, beginning on July 3, 2026. The route will operate three times weekly throughout the year, further enhancing air connectivity to the Dhofar Governorate and offering greater travel convenience for both residents and international tourists ahead of the much-anticipated khareef season.

The addition of the new service reflects the growing demand for travel between Salalah and Dubai, while reinforcing Oman Air’s ongoing efforts to expand its domestic network and strengthen regional air corridors within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Con Korfiatis described the new route as a strategic step in advancing the airline’s role in national development. “Launching the Dubai–Salalah service highlights our continuous investment in enhancing regional connectivity in line with Oman’s broader economic and tourism ambitions,” he said.

“We’re responding to strong market demand by increasing capacity and creating more travel opportunities that support tourism and business growth across Dhofar. Oman Air remains a key enabler of connectivity and economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.”

Consistent with its growth strategy, Oman Air continues to scale up operations on key domestic routes. Seat capacity to Salalah has increased by 20% in January 2026 compared to the same period last year, following a 15% expansion during the 2025 khareef season to handle the surge in visitors. The airline also launched its first direct charter between Moscow and Salalah, expected to attract over 7,000 travelers from Russia and contribute strongly to Dhofar’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

In addition, Oman Air plans further network and schedule enhancements, including expanded services during Ramadan, to provide passengers with even more flexibility and travel options throughout the year.

Tickets for the new Dubai–Salalah route will be available from Monday, February 16, 2026, through www.omanair.com and the Oman Air mobile application.

AirAsia X is launching new routes from Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and on to London Gatwick starting June 26, 2026. This move positions Bahrain as the airline's first global hub outside Asia.

The service connects Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe via Bahrain's prime location and strong aviation setup. Bahrain-to-London becomes AirAsia X's second Fifth Freedom route, helping it tap into worldwide low-cost long-haul travel.

AirAsia X sees Bahrain as a springboard for growth, with opportunities for transit traffic and partnerships in cargo and maintenance. It fits the airline's push to link regions efficiently while keeping fares affordable.

Tony Fernandes, Capital A CEO and AirAsia X advisor, called it a key growth step. "Bahrain lets us link Asia, the Middle East, and Europe better, plus scale up cargo like Teleport after its $50 million raise," he said. He plans deeper ties with local airports and tourism groups.

Bahrain's Finance and National Economy Minister, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, welcomed the deal. "It boosts jobs in aviation, tourism, and logistics, plus skills for Bahrainis in this growing field," he noted. Bahrain aims to solidify its role as a regional connector.

Emirates has launched a fourth daily flight to London Gatwick, marking the debut of the Airbus A350 on the route and bringing its popular Premium Economy cabin to Gatwick for the first time. The new service joins the airline’s three existing daily A380 flights between Dubai and Gatwick, expanding travel options for passengers on one of its busiest routes.

With this latest addition, Emirates now operates 146 weekly flights to the UK—90 of them to London across Heathrow, Stansted, and Gatwick—offering travellers more flexibility and choice than ever before.

Flight EK069 departs Dubai at 17:05, arriving in London Gatwick at 20:50. The return flight, EK070, leaves Gatwick at 23:55 and lands in Dubai at 11:00 the next morning. The new evening schedule gives passengers another convenient option for both business and leisure travel between the two cities.

A New Experience on the A350

The new daily service is operated by the Airbus A350-900 in a three-class layout, featuring 32 lie-flat Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 in Economy Class. Passengers can look forward to the latest Emirates cabin experience with thoughtful design touches like wireless charging in Business Class, electric window blinds with the airline’s Ghaf tree design, and digital menus on Emirates’ ‘ice’ entertainment screens.

The A350 also introduces Emirates’ next-generation inflight entertainment system, with ultra-responsive 4K and HDR touchscreens that deliver a cinema-quality experience. Onboard Wi-Fi is powered by ViaSat’s Global Xpress satellite network, offering stronger, faster connections and enough bandwidth for more passengers to stay connected throughout their journey.

Strengthening the London Connection

Gatwick now becomes the second UK destination served by Emirates’ A350, following the aircraft’s launch in Edinburgh in early 2025. London joins a growing list of cities to welcome the airline’s latest addition, including Montreal, Oslo, Mumbai, and Istanbul. Later in 2026, more destinations—such as Rome, Copenhagen, Taipei, Phuket, Cape Town, and Helsinki—will also see the new A350 join their routes.

Customers can book flights and learn more through emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates retail outlets, contact centres, or travel agents.