Gujarat, Ahmedabad 08 January 2025: Whether you’re a first-time or regular visitor, there’s hundreds of reasons for choosing Dubai as your next holiday destination. From iconic landmarks and award-winning food to world-class hospitality and exciting experiences, we pick out 25 of the best reasons to visit Dubai in 2025.
1. A year-round destination
- With glorious weather, al fresco dining, outdoor activities and a packed calendar of festivals and events, Dubai’s winter season from October to April is a popular time of year to visit the city. Summer is also a great choice, with many hotels and attractions offering packages and deals as part of Dubai Summer Surprises, which takes place from 27 June to 31 August 2025.
2. Iconic landmarks
- Known for its incredible architecture, Dubai is home to some amazing structures. The city’s modern marvels include the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa, the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, the striking Museum of the Future, and the luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel on Palm Jumeirah. Visitors who prefer to go down memory lane will be charmed by historic areas in ‘Old Dubai’ such as Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
3. Cultural exploration
- To develop a greater understanding of Dubai’s traditions, visit the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. At SMCCU, visitors can get to know the local culture, its history, its people and try Emirati cuisine. Dubai’s museums also offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences that are inspired by the city’s history of trade, pearl diving, and Bedouin life.
4. Stay in new hotels
- With more than 152,500 rooms across 827 establishments, Dubai’s hotel sector is always evolving. In 2025, new openings include the ultra-luxury Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, which will complete Dubai brand Jumeirah’s ‘oceanic trilogy’ alongside the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the sailboat-inspired Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Other new hotels set to open in 2025 include Ciel, Vignette Collection in Dubai Marina, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts; Six Senses The Palm; and Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai.
5. Dine at new or award-winning restaurants
- Dubai is already home to more than 13,000 restaurants and cafes, and every year more dining outlets open in the city. New restaurants opening in 2025 include celebrity hotspot CARBONE at Atlantis The Royal and KIRA at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Dubai also has many restaurants that are award-winning and recognised globally.
6. A day at the beach or beach club
- Stretching along the Arabian Gulf, Dubai’s beach culture offers something for everyone, from safe and serene beaches to luxurious resorts and vibrant beach clubs. Popular public beaches include Kite Beach in Umm Suqeim, which is perfect for families and adventure seekers; Al Mamzar Beach Park, home to five pristine beaches and three stunning pools; and Jumeirah Public Beach, one of only a few beaches in Dubai where you can go swimming at night as well as during the day.
7. Explore Old Dubai
- Old Dubai is one of the city’s most important historical landmarks. Here, you can see what life in Dubai was like during the time of trade, when the Dubai Creek was the lifeline of the whole city. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, located in Bur Dubai, is one of the oldest heritage sites in the city. Offering a glimpse into Dubai’s past, it’s known for its traditional wind-tower houses, narrow alleyways, and courtyards, which visitors are free to explore. In 2025, the city’s oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort, will reopen after renovations, along with the Dubai Museum. Dubai’s traditional soukmarkets – the Textile Souk, Spice Souk, Gold Souk, and Perfume Souk – offer a quintessential Arabian shopping experience, blending history and modernity.
8. Citywide festivals and events
- Dubai’s annual retail calendar showcases a range of events and festivals throughout the year. The city’s marquee events in 2025 include the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (25 April to 11 May), Dubai Summer Surprises (27 June to 31 August), Dubai Fitness Challenge (1-30 November), and Dubai Shopping Festival.
9. Ramadan in Dubai
- In Dubai Ramadan is a time of reflection, spirituality, family bonding and festivities. The Holy Month is a great time to visit Dubai, everything is open and there are a range of activities which cater to people of all ages. With cultural offerings in abundance, this is the perfect time to experience another side of the emirate with a spirit of togetherness and charity that defines the season.
10. Go to a concert or show
- In 2025, music fans will be treated to an eclectic range of performers, including US punk-rockers Green Day and Irish band The Corrs. Dubai Opera’s annual programme will feature the 14th InClassica International Music Festival and Dubai Comedy Festival, while the Coca-Cola Arena will host the Snow Queen and Frozen Love ice shows.
11. Dubai’s artistic side
- ‘Art adventures’ has been picked out by Skyscanner as a travel trend for 2025 and in Dubai there’s plenty of creativity for visitors to embrace. With galleries, museums and events located across the city, Dubai has a unique arts scene which has developed to include more independent artists and promote home-grown works. Collaborative spaces such as Alserkal Avenue have contributed to Dubai’s artistic growth by nurturing collaborations between local and international artists
12. Fun for all the family
- A popular destination for families, who can enjoy day trips to theme parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts, water parks including Aquaventure, Wild Wadi and LEGOLAND® Water Park, and adventures in Dubai’s desert. Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest destinations for shopping and entertainment, is also popular for a family day out.
13. Educational travel
- Visitors can enjoy an immersive learning experience at theDubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which offers guided tours with wildlife spotting and insights into Bedouin culture. Appealing to visitors of all ages, The Green Planet at City Walk is Dubai’s very own tropical rainforest.Surrounded by the craggy mountains of Hatta and an abundance of native flora and fauna, Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre is a unique attraction that highlights the importance of bees to our environment.
14. Natural attractions
- With incredible outdoor and natural adventures waiting to be discovered, a journey to these rugged landscapes offers a new and meaningful way to experience the emirate. Whether you’re looking to raise your adrenaline levels with a desert safari or enjoy a luxury overnight stay, the desert is home to endless options. Dubai is also a popular destination for nature lovers with Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary one of the city’s most popular outdoor spaces.
15. Hatta’s outdoor activities
- Hatta is a popular destination that offers thrilling outdoor activities, wildlife, and a range of accommodation options. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking for a peaceful getaway, Hatta has something to offer for everyone.
16. Get some retail therapy
- Home to more than 100 shopping malls, Dubai is an A to Z of retail, with traditional markets, flagship stores and many of the world’s biggest brands found in the city, alongside a diverse collection of homegrown boutiques and fashion labels.Shopping in Dubai is so much more than just retail therapy – it’s a sightseeing, cultural, gastronomic and entertaining experience. Taking place in December and January, Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the flagship events on Dubai’s annual retail calendar.
17. Take a solo trip to Dubai
- Thanks to its high safety standards, diverse offerings, and welcoming atmosphere, Dubai should be on the holiday checklist for many reasons – whether you’re contemplating a first big trip by yourself or are a seasoned solo traveller. With so much going on in the city, you won’t notice the lack of a travel companion.
18. Go on an ‘astro adventure’
- According to Skyscanner, one of the big travel trends for 2025 is ‘astro adventures’, and Dubai offers some out-of-this-world experiences. With Dubai Astronomy Group, visitors can explore the night sky and make cosmic discoveries with fellow stargazers. One of the best places to go stargazing in Dubai in the desert. Dubai-based Platinum Heritage offers a private night safari and astronomy tour in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
19. A place to recharge
- Wellness enthusiasts can enjoy a rejuvenating break in Dubai in 2025. The city is home to luxurious spas, holistic retreats and wellbeing activities that will help visitors relax and recharge.
20. Watch elite sport
- Dubai has established itself as a globalsporting hub, hosting major events, championships and festivals and offering numerous activities for sports travellers to enjoy. The city’s biggest sporting events include golf’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic (16-19 January 2025) and DP World Tour Championship (13-16 November 2025); the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (16 February to 1 March 2025); and the Emirates Dubai 7s.
21. Get fit and healthy
- Dubai is not just a destination where visitors can watch sport, it’s also a place to take part in major events and get fit through various activities. One of the city’s marquee events is theDubai Fitness Challenge (1-30 November 2025), which includes the popular Dubai Run and Dubai Ride. Other popular mass participation events include theDubai Marathon (12 January 2025) and the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycling Challenge (23 February 2025).
22. Say ‘I do’ in Dubai
- Thanks to its luxurious venues, stunning backdrops, award-winning cuisine and year-round warm weather, Dubai is a perfect place for a dream destination wedding or marriage proposal. The city offers many options for wedding ceremonies, from the traditional to the modern, with venues including elegant ballrooms, outdoor gardens, and beachfront locations.
23. Stopover in Dubai
- Dubai is the ideal destination to turn an ordinary transit between flights into a mini-holiday, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in the dynamic life of the city. With global connectivity and a diverse range of things to see and do, Dubai is the perfect place for a stopover, whether you have just one night or a couple of days in your itinerary.
24. Land, water and air tours
- If you’re short on time, then a tour is a great option to see Dubai. City Sightseeing offers visitors a fantastic hop-on, hop-off bus tour experience, as well as a bus and cruise tour option. Visitors can get in touch with Dubai’s marine heritage by taking an abra trip along Dubai Creek. For unbeatable aerial views, Helicopter Tour Dubai takes off from a dedicated helipad at Atlantis, The Palm, with tours lasting from 12 minutes to one hour.
25. Celebrate the festive season
- Celebrate the holiday season in sun-kissed Dubai – an alternative wonderland for winter offering unique festive events as well as a range of accommodation and dining options.
