Dubai event weekends: what to do between sessions

The Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, gold souks and beaches, home of GITEX, Gulfood and the Dubai Airshow.

Events we cover in Dubai

Arriving

Dubai International (DXB) is on the metro red line; downtown is 20 minutes away. Dubai World Central (DWC) serves the airshow site.

Where to stay

Three hotels we would book

• Budget: Rove Downtown
• Mid-range: Vida Downtown
• Splurge: Atlantis The Palm

Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Tours

Where to eat

• Al Ustad Special Kebab Persian kebabs since 1978
• Ravi Restaurant Pakistani in Satwa
• Time Out Market Dubai Food hall
• Arabian Tea House Emirati breakfast in Al Fahidi

With kids

• Dubai Aquarium.
• IMG Worlds of Adventure.

Rainy-day backups

• Dubai Mall.
• Etihad Museum.

Free things to do

• Dubai Fountain shows.
• JBR beach.
• Al Fahidi historic district.

Getting around

• Metro red and green lines; Nol card. Dubai World Trade Centre has its own metro stop.
• Uber and Careem work across the Gulf and are the easiest way around.
• Dress modestly in malls, souks and religious sites; beach clubs and hotels are relaxed.
• Check current travel advisories for the region before travelling and keep bookings flexible.