Brazilians have been able to enter Dubai without a visa since 2018, with up to 90 days per 12-month period — but here’s the heads-up: the visa exemption doesn’t guarantee automatic entry, as the final decision rests with immigration officers upon arrival. It’s a detail that catches many people off guard, since most destinations in this guide don’t have this explicit caveat.
Once that’s sorted, Dubai delivers an itinerary that blends engineering marvels — the world’s tallest building, artificial islands, malls the size of neighborhoods — with the desert literally at the city’s edges. It’s a destination that seems pricey at first glance, but it can be visited on a controlled budget if you know where to save.
This guide covers the tickets worth booking in advance, airport logistics, and the neighborhoods that make sense for a short visit.
Burj Khalifa: Tickets to the Top of the World’s Tallest Building
The “At the Top” ticket for floors 124 and 125 of the Burj Khalifa starts at around US$53 when purchased online in advance — at the physical box office without a reservation, the price can exceed US$300 or simply have no availability. There’s also the “At the Top SKY,” which includes floor 148 and costs significantly more, around €130.
Prices vary considerably between peak hours (4 PM to 7 PM, when sunset draws the biggest crowds) and off-peak times. In 2026, booking a sunset slot 7 to 10 days in advance is already recommended, as these times sell out fast on weekends.
Right next to the Burj Khalifa, it’s also worth considering the Museum of the Future, with its curved facade and Arabic calligraphy that has become another recent symbol of the city — the interior content leans more toward technology and innovation than history, so it works better for those who enjoy that kind of immersive experience than for those seeking a traditional museum.
Desert Safari: The Tour That Takes You Out of the City
The classic desert safari — late-afternoon pickup, dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding, camel rides, and dinner with a dance show in the middle of the desert — starts at around 150 AED (roughly US$41) for simpler shared packages, and can go much higher for private or luxury versions. The tour lasts about six hours.
It’s worth booking a few days in advance, especially during high season (October to March) when demand peaks. Travelers with sensitive stomachs when it comes to rough motion should notify the operator before the dune bashing — you can request a driver who takes it easier on the dunes.
Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, and the Marina: Modern Dubai
The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers, sits right next to the Burj Khalifa and houses the Dubai Aquarium, an ice rink, and hundreds of stores — you could easily spend a full day there without buying a thing. In front of the mall, the Dubai Fountain puts on water and light shows synchronized to music, free of charge, at set times throughout the day and evening.
The Dubai Marina area, further south, has a different vibe: residential towers lining an artificial canal, a waterfront promenade for walking, and a nighttime view that rivals downtown. It’s a great lodging option for those who prefer a less touristy atmosphere than the area around the Burj Khalifa.
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | Modern, luxurious, central | First-time visitors, near the Burj Khalifa | Higher hotel rates |
| Dubai Marina | Residential, waterfront | Those seeking a less touristy vibe | Farther from the historic center |
| Deira / Bur Dubai | Historic, commercial, lively | Those wanting to see old, more affordable Dubai | Less modern charm |
| Jumeirah Beach | Beach, resorts | Those prioritizing beach and pool time | Resort prices, more isolated |
Palm Jumeirah: The Palm-Shaped Artificial Island
Visible even from space, Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island built in the shape of a palm tree, now home to luxury resorts, residential communities, and the Atlantis hotel, with its own water park and aquarium. You don’t need to stay there to visit — several beaches and restaurants on the island welcome outside visitors, and you can get there by taxi or monorail from Dubai Marina.
The most common outing for non-guests is strolling the island’s central boardwalk at sunset, with views of the Atlantis hotel on one side and the open sea on the other. Those who want to enter the Atlantis water park or aquarium pay a separate admission, with prices that vary quite a bit depending on the season and access type.
Not far from Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Miracle Garden brings together millions of flowers arranged in themed shapes — hearts, cars, even airplane replicas covered in petals. It’s more of a photo-op outing than a history or culture stop, but it works well as a half-day activity between bigger attractions, especially during the cooler months of the year when the garden tends to be in full bloom.
Deira and Bur Dubai: Before the Skyscrapers
On the other side of Dubai Creek, the neighborhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai show the city before the real estate boom: the Spice Souk, the Gold Souk, and the Abra — a traditional wooden boat that crosses the creek for a symbolic fare — still operate as they have for decades. It’s quite a contrast to the luxury malls on the other side.
It’s worth setting aside at least one morning for this area, especially if you’re interested in understanding what Dubai was like before it became the showcase it is today. Lodging and food prices also tend to be significantly lower around here.
Pair your souk visit with an Abra crossing between Deira and Bur Dubai — the short trip across Dubai Creek costs pennies in dirhams and offers a perspective of the city completely different from what you see from the top of the Burj Khalifa, with fishing boats and traditional dhows still working the same waterway.
Getting from the Airport and Getting Around Town
The metro connects the airport (DXB) to downtown in about 25 minutes, with fares starting at 3 AED depending on distance — Terminals 1 and 3 have direct metro stations, but Terminal 2 doesn’t, requiring a bus or taxi. You’ll need a Nol card to use the metro: the paper version costs 2 AED for occasional use, while the rechargeable Silver version (valid for 5 years) costs 25 AED, with 19 AED of credit included.
Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap by big-city standards, with a low flag-drop and affordable per-kilometer rates — a practical option for groups or those hauling luggage.
The local currency is the dirham (AED), and US dollars are also accepted at most tourist establishments, though paying in dirhams usually works out cheaper due to the exchange rate. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, even though Arabic is the official language — a large portion of Dubai’s population is actually made up of foreign workers.
Best Time to Visit Dubai
Winter, from November to March, is by far the most pleasant period: temperatures between 20°C and 28°C, ideal for outdoor sightseeing and desert activities. It’s also high season, with higher hotel prices and more competition for tour slots.
Summer (June through September) easily hits 104°F, making it impractical to walk around outside for much of the day — the upside is that luxury hotels get significantly cheaper during this period, perfect for anyone who doesn’t mind spending their days in air-conditioned spaces.
Where to Eat: From Street Food to Fine Dining
Dubai brings together a mix of cuisines rarely found in a single place — the city has a strong presence of Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, and Lebanese communities, and that shows up directly on the street food scene. The simplest restaurants in Deira serve up Indian and Pakistani dishes at rock-bottom prices, while the malls pack everything from international fast food to Michelin-starred restaurants.
We can’t skip the weekend brunch, a tradition imported from the local expat culture: many luxury hotels offer buffets with open bar on Fridays and Saturdays for a fixed price that seems steep on its own, but pays off if you want to sample a bunch of dishes in one go.
About alcohol: it’s only served inside hotels, licensed bars, and specific restaurants — you won’t find it in regular grocery stores like in most of the world. Drinking or being visibly intoxicated in public spaces outside those venues can land you in trouble with local law, so it’s best to keep your consumption to licensed spots.
Before You Go
- Visa: Waived for Brazilians on stays up to 90 days within a 12-month period — final decision is up to local immigration.
- Best time to visit: November through March for pleasant weather; summer (June–September) for cheaper hotels, with extreme heat.
- How long to stay: 4 to 5 days covers the essentials, including one day for a desert safari.
- Getting from the airport: Metro in about 25 minutes (Terminals 1 and 3), starting at 3 AED with a Nol card.
- Book ahead: Burj Khalifa at sunset time and desert safari during high season.
- Cultural tip: More modest clothing in public spaces outside hotels and private beaches is well received.
Quick Questions
Is the Burj Khalifa worth going up? Yes, but book ahead and avoid peak hours to pay less and skip the long lines.
Is Dubai safe for tourists? Yes, it’s considered one of the safest cities in the world when it comes to street crime — the bigger concern is cultural, not physical safety.
Can you visit Dubai on a moderate budget? Yes, especially outside high season and by prioritizing neighborhoods like Deira for lodging and food — costs climb fast if your itinerary is all luxury malls and resorts.
Dubai Rewards Those Who Mix the Modern with the Desert
Between the top of the Burj Khalifa, a night of dune bashing, and the historic souks of Deira, Dubai delivers contrasts few destinations can pack into a short itinerary. The city keeps pouring money into records and new attractions, but it’s still the desert around it that gives it its most unique character.
Book the Burj Khalifa for sunset, set aside a full evening for the desert safari, and leave at least one morning free to cross Dubai Creek on an Abra — that’s where the city shows the face it had before the records.