Dubai

Dubai is probably so different than anywhere else you've holidayed before. It's brash, ambitious, futuristic, imaginative, utterly confident, and almost arrogant in its ability to surprise you. But trust us, that's a good thing. 

For Irish travellers, that confidence is backed up by convenience. Seven and a half hours from Dublin, no time difference to wrestle with, and a visa-on-arrival that costs absolutely nothing . You step off the plane, walk through passport control, and you're there, beneath an arching blue sky and surrounded by stunningly blue waters.  

But, picking the right time to visit Dubai matters more here than most places. November to March is the perfect time to visit, with a pleasant temperature in the mid-20s, warm sunshine, and wonderfully pleasant for being outside. Summer (June to August) is scorchingly hot, regularly over 40°C - but if you're prepared to move from air-conditioned taxi to air-conditioned mall to air-conditioned hotel, (and a dip in the pool) the deals are unbeatable. Just don't plan any long walks or any strenuous exercise.  

Speaking of walks, getting around Dubai is a pretty simple process. The Dubai Metro is spotless, driverless, and connects the airport to the city centre in about twenty-five minutes . Gold Class carriages cost barely more than standard and are genuinely worth it for the view from the front window.  

Taxis are plentiful and metered, though prices tend to increase during peak hours. Uber and Careem (download the Careem app for access to lots of local stuff) work exactly as they do at home. For the old-school experience, an abra (a traditional wooden water taxi) across Dubai Creek costs 1 AED - about 20 cents - these traditional craft have been plying their trade here for generations.  

The currency in Dubai is the Dirham (AED), fixed to the US dollar at about 3.67, which makes mental conversion easy: roughly 4.5 dirhams to the euro. Cards are accepted everywhere, but you'll want cash for souks, small eateries, and for tipping the hotel workers and pool waiters. ATMs are plentiful, but be sure to avoid the independent exchange kiosks at the airport which offer really unfavourable rates.  

Dress codes are more relaxed than you might expect. In malls, hotels, and beaches, wear what you'd wear at home. Swimwear stays at the pool or beach, remember to cover up when you leave.  

For visiting mosques, women need headscarves and everyone needs covered shoulders and knees. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding runs excellent tours that explain the "why" behind these customs, and it's well worth your time. A visit here will actually enhance your stay and increase your understanding of the people and their culture.   

Then there's the big question about your budget in Dubai. 

Yes, it's true, Dubai can be ludicrously expensive (but you know that already). But here's something that you probably didn't know, it can also be surprisingly affordable.  

The key is knowing which version you want. Sample the street food in Old Dubai, enjoy the free beaches like Kite Beach or Jumeirah, and the fountain show outside the Dubai Mall costs nothing. But if you want to try the gold-plated cappuccino experience at the Burj Al Arab, that's a totally different story. The best advice is to decide early the type of holiday that you want, and plan accordingly.  

One honest piece of advice for all holidaymakers: Dubai looks like a city, but it doesn't always behave like one. It's spread out, built for cars and air conditioning. Walking between nearby places often isn't possible - highways get in the way. Use the Metro, use taxis, and don't assume that the place on the map you want to get to is walkable; it probably isn't.  

Whether you're here for the mind-blowing and record-breaking architecture, the desert silence, or just the winter sunshine, Dubai delivers every time. Just come with your eyes open and your sunscreen on. 

Two centuries ago, Dubai was a scattering of palm frond huts on the banks of a muddy creek, home to fishermen, pearl divers, and not much else.  

The Maktoum dynasty settled here in 1833, breaking from Abu Dhabi to establish what was essentially a small trading post with ambitions far exceeding its means. For generations, survival depended on pearl diving, fishing, and the wits of merchants who knew that if you wanted something, you found a way to trade for it.  

Then came the 1960s. Oil was discovered offshore, and suddenly a creek-side village had the resources to match the dreams. By the time the UAE was formed in 1971, Dubai had already decided it would become the region's commercial heartbeat. Everything you see today - the towers, the islands, the seven-star hotels - grew from that single decision.  

That history matters because it explains the culture you'll encounter today in Dubai. The food scene reflects this perfectly. Emirati cuisine itself is subtle, aromatic, and hard to find if you don't know where to look.  

For the real taste of local cuisine, look for chebab - saffron-and-cardamom pancakes drizzled with date syrup - or harees, a slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge - comfort food at its best. The Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi does a proper Emirati breakfast spread, served in a shaded courtyard that feels a million miles from the nearby glass and steel towers.  

Take a walk through Deira or Bur Dubai and you're tasting generations of migration: Iranian kebabs, Palestinian falafel, Iraqi masgouf, Syrian shawarma, Indian biryani, and more. This isn't fusion food for tourists; it's the living menu of a city built by traders and workers from half the world.  

Al Ijaza Cafeteria in Jumeirah has been serving some of the city's best shawarma since 1990, and the queue of cars at dusk tells you everything you need to know.  

Bu Qtair, a glorified shack near the fishing harbour, serves only two things - fried fish and prawns - with a secret spice that draws taxi drivers and tourists. The system is simple; you point at what's in the fridge, they fry it, and you eat it with rice and curry sauce.  

For the curious, there are several companies that conduct walking tours through Old Dubai's backstreets, stopping at the kind of places you'd never find on your own. They'll explain why Emirati food borrowed from Persia and India, why the spices smell the way they do, and why the best meal of your trip might come from a simple window with no inside seating.  

Coffee in Dubai has its own ritual, and it's something special.  

Arabic gahwa is light, fragrant with cardamom, served in small cups without handles. The etiquette for drinking gahwa goes something like this. You accept with your right hand, sip, and gently shake the cup when you're done. Refusing a coffee is fine, but accepting more than three cups is considered greedy. It's traditionally poured by the youngest person in the room, a small gesture of respect that has survived the centuries.  

To understand the local culture even further,  the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Al Fahidi runs lunches and breakfasts where you sit on Bedouin-style cushions, eat Emirati food, and ask absolutely anything. Why do women wear abayas? What's the deal with Ramadan? How does the whole "first wife approves subsequent wives" thing work? They answer honestly, no defensiveness, no PR spin . It's genuinely fascinating and completely free of the theme-park vibe that clings to other 'cultural experiences.'  

Al Shindagha Museum beside Dubai Creek has been beautifully restored, with houses dedicated to everything from perfume to poetry. The Perfume Museum explains the five pillars of Emirati scent - oud, rose, saffron, musk, and amber - you can smell each one as part of the tour. There's even an incense burner on display from the first millennium BCE, offering living proof that this culture has valued fragrance longer than most countries have existed . 

Ramadan transforms the entire city of Dubai. During the holy month, life shifts to an evening rhythm; fasting during daylight, feasting after sunset. The iftar (Ramadan evening meal) tents set up across the city are open to anyone, often serving dates, soup, and traditional dishes as the call to prayer sounds. It's a genuinely moving experience, even for non-Muslims.  

The newly launched "Season of Wulfa" initiative now celebrates these occasions with events across more than 30 locations, emphasizing reflection, connection, and blessing. If you're here during Ramadan, you'll see a totally different Dubai - slower, quieter, and more reflective.  

Dubai doesn't make you choose. You can eat street food from a window in Deira at lunch and Michelin-starred tasting menus at night. You can watch the sunset from a rooftop bar, then wander the wind-tower lanes of Al Fahidi.  

Modern Dubai is more than just a means of trapping tourist dollars, it's a genuine evolution of the mindset of the first people to call Dubai their home. 

Dubai's coastline stretches for over 50 kilometres, that means you've got plenty of options to decide which beach, pool, or swimming area is for you.  

Free public beaches with lifeguards and golden sand, exclusive hotel pools where entry costs a few dirham but gets deducted from your lunch bill, and everything in between.  

Some spots vibrate with energy and buzzing beach clubs; others are quiet stretches where the locals go to escape. This list gives you both ends of that spectrum, with prices and practical details so you know what you're walking into.  

• JBR Beach (The Walk) - Free, lively, packed with cafes and rental stations. Water gets busy but the atmosphere is unmatched. Tram and metro nearby.  
• Kite Beach - Free, famous for kite surfers and food trucks. Running track, volleyball nets, and that perfect Burj Al Arab backdrop. Arrive early for parking.  
• La Mer Beach - Free entry to a beautifully developed strip with pastel huts, high-end dining, and a water park. It may be under renovation, so check ahead.  
• Sunset Beach (Umm Suqeim) - Free, quiet, and uncrowded with crystal-clear water. Perfect for sunrise or sunset photos of the Burj Al Arab. Lifeguards on duty.  
• Al Mamzar Beach Park - Paid entry (AED 5 via NOL card). Five beaches, freshwater pools, barbecues, and acres of greenery. Ladies-only on Mondays and Wednesdays.  
• Jumeirah Beach Hotel - Day pass: AED 600 (AED 400 credit). Five pools, private beach, and that unobstructed Burj Al Arab view. See and be seen here. 
• Nikki Beach - Sunbed: AED 200-250 (AED 100 credit). Iconic white decor, swim-up bar, live DJs, and a gorgeous stretch on Pearl Jumeira. Gets lively on weekends.  
• DRIFT Beach - Entry: AED 150-250. One&Only Royal Mirage's chic, minimalist club with a kilometre of private beach and an infinity pool. Adults-only, elegant, serene.  
• O Beach - Entry: AED 100-200 (2 drinks included). Glamorous poolside vibes, DJs, and a stylish crowd at Habtoor Grand Hotel. Perfect for a special occasion.  
• Sirene by GAIA - Beach bed: AED 200, pool bed: AED 300. Greek Aegean-style haven at J1 Beach with sun loungers and Mediterranean flavours. Private cabanas also available.
• Cove Beach - Entry: AED 200-300 (fully redeemable). Now at La Vie JBR, this Mediterranean-inspired club offers soft music, seaside terraces, and a relaxed chic vibe.  
• Playa Pacha - Ladies AED 200, gents AED 300 (fully redeemable). Four pools at FIVE LUXE JBR, upbeat music, and a fashionable scene. Arrive before noon for beds.  
• S?N Beach - Entry: AED 250-300 (non-redeemable). Minimalist elegance on Palm West Beach with a lengthy pool, swim-up bar, and mellow grown-up vibe.  
• Tagomago - Entry: AED 150-250 (non-redeemable). Ibiza-style minimalist club on the Palm with orange accents, calm beach, and Balearic island feel. Family-friendly.  
• Aura Skypool - From AED 250-300 (non-redeemable). World's highest 360° infinity pool at The Palm Tower. Two sessions: morning or afternoon. Book weeks ahead. 
• Address Beach Resort Pool - Minimum spend AED 577. A stunning infinity pool at 294 metres, with amazing Asian-inspired dishes and staggering skyline views.  
• Zero Gravity - Ladies free some days, gents AED 200-300. Beach club meets festival vibes in Dubai Marina with pools, music, and the famous 'Drunch' on weekends.  
• Riva Beach Club - Entry: AED 150-175 (fully redeemable). Family-friendly spot on the Palm's trunk with relaxed restaurant, shaded loungers, and great value.  
• Azure Beach - Entry: AED 200-300 (AED 100-150 credit). Rixos Premium JBR's buzzy spot with live performances, massive pool, and VIP 'island' seating.
• Bvlgari Yacht Club - Cabana: AED 750-1,500 (half redeemable). Mediterranean elegance on Jumeirah Bay Island. White loungers, harbour views, and pure sophistication.

Let's be honest, Irish tourists don't usually come to Dubai to learn about ancient traditions and culture. They come for the spectacle, the sunshine, the sheer audacity of a city that built ski slopes in a desert. They come for the escape from the forgettable Irish weather, the great food, the shopping, and the fun.  

That's fair enough, but here's the thing - once you scratch the surface of Dubai, you'll find a cultural scene that has quietly evolved into one of the region's most interesting.  

Food first, because that's where Dubai really shows off. The city eats like it's hosting an international food festival every single day. You'll find roadside shawarma joints that cost a fiver and rooftop tasting menus that'll set you back a week's wages. But, both are valid and both belong here.  

The Friday brunch is a genuine institution in Dubai, hotels and restaurants roll out buffets without limits, with DJs spinning the tunes, and every cuisine you can imagine, all before 3pm. But, be sure to book ahead as the most popular ones sell out weeks in advance.  

For something genuinely local, you're going to want to try machboos (spiced rice with meat) or luqaimat (sweet dumplings drizzled with deliciously runny date syrup). The Al Fanar and Arabian Tea House do them properly, in settings that feel like old Dubai rather than glass-and-steel Dubai .  

If you're in the Karama or Satwa districts, just follow your nose - the street food stalls there serve some of the best shawarma and falafel you'll ever eat. You'll see how many locals eat here - that means it has to be good.  

The Dubai nightlife scene has grown up considerably in the past few years. It's no longer just hotel bars and cover bands that rule the scene, there's a abundance of clubs, bars (even Irish bars), and live music options.  

25 Jump Street, a new pedestrian-friendly strip in the One Central business district, now offers a dozen venues in one place - restaurants, bars, live music, even a comedy club. You can wander from a Lebanese-Latin fusion spot to an underground techno club without hailing a taxi.  

B018, imported from Beirut's legendary club scene, brings proper rave culture to the 42nd floor of the Media One hotel, with international DJs and a 7am closing time on weekends . For something grittier, BASE Dubai offers Berlin-style techno with none of the VIP pretence - just real bass, a diverse crowd, and desert views .  

Meanwhile the Dubai arts and culture scene has also quietly exploded.  

Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz is the creative hub everyone forgets to mention: art galleries, concept stores, food trucks, open mic' nights, outdoor cinema, even workshops for kids. It's pet-friendly, genuinely relaxed, and a world away from the huge mall experience.  

The DIFC Sculpture Park is well worth checking out, where international artists display their works, and the best part is that it's free.  

The city's cultural calendar is packed to bursting all year round: Sikka Art and Design Festival, Quoz Arts Fest, Art Dubai, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature - the list goes on and on.  

What you'll soon realise is the that Dubai's art and culture scene is bold, bright, and beautifully excessive (just like the city). One minute you're dune-bashing in the desert, the next you're sipping a cocktail 500 feet up with the Burj Khalifa glittering in the distance.  

The souks after dark have their own kind of magic - less touristy than you'd expect, more authentic than you'd imagine . And somewhere between the spectacle and the shopping, you'll realise this city has a pulse of its own. It's not trying to be anywhere else. It's perfectly comfortable being exactly what it is - Dubai, the oasis in the desert. 

Dubai is a wonderful holiday destination, especially for Irish tourists. However, as Dubai is an Islamic region, some people may not be aware of how they should behave in a new environment.  Ok, that's understandable, and if you've never visited an Islamic country before, there are a few things might feel unfamiliar at first. None of them are difficult; they're just different.  

First things first, before we look a little deeper into planning your Dubai holiday.  

Visas and entry to Dubai. The great news for Irish passport holders is that you don't need to arrange anything in advance. You'll receive a 30-day visa on arrival completely free of charge. Just walk through immigration, get the stamp, and you're in. Your passport needs at least six months' validity from your arrival date - be sure to check this before you travel.  

Emirates fly direct from Dublin to Dubai International (DXB) - up to twenty times per week, in just under seven and a half hours. The time difference is +4hours GMT, but nothing to worry about when it comes to jet lag. 

The best time for holiday-friendly weather is November to March - average temperatures are in the mid-20s, sunny, and super pleasant for being outside. April and October are warm but manageable. Summer (June to August) is way too hot for most Irish people: 40°C plus, humid, and genuinely uncomfortable for any outdoor activity (including just standing). Having said that, hotel rates plummet and the malls are blissfully air-conditioned, and you'll have the pools to yourself.  

For getting around, the Dubai Metro is spotless, driverless, and connects the airport to the city centre in about 25 minutes. Buy a Nol Card from any station - it works on the Metro, trams, buses, and even for access to some hotel pools. Taxis are plentiful and metered, though you can expect price increases during peak hours.  

Uber and Careem work exactly as they do at home. One thing to note: Dubai is spread out, designed for cars and air conditioning. Walking between nearby places often isn't possible, despite what the map may say. Use the Metro, use taxis, and don't assume that the place on the map is walkable.  

The local currency is the Dirham (AED), and works out at approximately 4.5 dirhams to the euro. Cards are accepted absolutely everywhere, but like on most travels, carry some cash for souks, small eateries, and tipping. ATMs are plentiful, but make sure to avoid independent exchange kiosks at the airport.  

For first-timers to Dubai, staying near the Metro line is smart - it opens up the whole city. Jumeirah Beach and Dubai Marina are prime tourist areas with plenty of restaurants and that classic Dubai vibe. For better value and a glimpse of old Dubai, consider Bur Dubai or Deira. The shopping is cheaper, the food is more authentic, and you're still connected by Metro.  

When it comes to making cultural mistakes, this is the bit people worry about unnecessarily.  

Dubai is genuinely relaxed compared to other parts of the region, but it helps to know a few small things. Dress codes are common sense. In malls, hotels, and beaches, wear what you'd wear at home. Swimwear stays at the pool or the beach - cover up when you leave either area, even if only going back to your room to get some more sunscreen.  

For visiting mosques, women need headscarves and everyone needs to cover their shoulders and knees. Yes, everyone.  

Public behaviour matters seriously in this part of the world. Holding hands is fine; passionate kissing isn't. Public intoxication is taken very seriously, so know your limits and look out for your friends.  

Ramadan - the holiest month of the Islamic calendar - changes the entire rhythm of Dubai and the surrounding regions. If you visit during this holy month, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is disrespectful (and technically illegal). Most hotels screen off restaurant areas for guests, so you're covered there - just be mindful once your outside; eating a burger on the street in front of someone who hasn't eaten since sunrise... You work it out!·  

Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and bars, but not in supermarkets or public spaces. NEVER carry it openly. Dubai is a great place to have fun and have some drinks with family and friends, but be totally respectful to the local religion and culture which go hand in hand. 

When it comes to money, Dubai can be eye-wateringly expensive. But there are also some areas where you can make your money go further. The trick is knowing which version you want.  

Street food in Old Dubai can cost you next to nothing, however if you're planning on a Michelin star restaurant or coffee in the Burj Al Arab, be prepared for a shock. But don't worry, you'll always find a place that offers reasonable value for the quality and service you receive. 

Free beaches do exist (Kite Beach, JBR Beach) in Dubai, and the fountain show outside Dubai Mall costs nothing. To save even more money (and time) book the main attraction tickets online in advance for discounts, and be sure to look for combo deals.  

One honest piece of advice from travellers who've been there is that Dubai is remarkably safe. A solo female traveller wrote about taking a taxi alone at 3am from the airport and feeling completely comfortable. That's not unusual here. However, it's still good to use normal city sense, but you can generally relax once you're in Dubai.  

And finally, another good note for Irish tourists in Dubai, the electricity outlets work on the same principle as in Ireland. Dubai uses Type G power outlets, which are the same as in Ireland, three-rectangular-pin sockets. That means no messing with adaptors or power convertors, just plug and your ready to go. 

If you have any other questions about a holiday in Dubai, our destination experts in Cassidy Travel will be more than happy to help you out.