Mysore International Travels logo
📞 +91 96119 57301 Get a Quote
Destination Guide

Dubai Tour Packages & Travel Guide

Plan a Dubai trip with MIT — Burj Khalifa, desert safari, Dubai Mall and the creek, with visa assistance. Get a customised Dubai package quote.

Get a Free Quote WhatsApp Us
Dubai — travel guide by Mysore International Travels

Dubai is the most-booked international destination for Indian travellers, and the reasons are practical as much as aspirational: a short flight, no jet lag, familiar food, and a city built around the idea that visitors should be entertained. It holds the world's tallest building, one of its largest malls, a genuine desert an hour from the centre, and an old quarter around the creek that predates all of it.

A first Dubai trip usually covers the Burj Khalifa observation decks, the Dubai Mall and its fountain show, a desert safari with dune bashing and a camp dinner, the Palm Jumeirah, and a dhow cruise on the creek or marina. Beyond that, Old Dubai's gold and spice souks, the Al Fahidi historic district, and an abra crossing show the city that existed before the skyline.

Dubai also works well as a hub — Abu Dhabi with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a comfortable day trip. MIT arranges Dubai itineraries including flights from Bangalore, Kochi, or Chennai, visa assistance, hotels, and attraction bookings. Our proprietor has represented South India at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, so our contacts there are working trade relationships rather than a booking portal.

Best Time to Visit

November to March is the season, with pleasant daytime temperatures suited to outdoor attractions, the desert, and the beaches — this window also holds the Dubai Shopping Festival, usually from late December into January. October and April are shoulder months, warmer but manageable. May to September is extremely hot, frequently above 40°C, which pushes almost all activity indoors; hotel rates fall sharply, which suits travellers who mainly want malls, indoor attractions, and pools.

Weather

Dubai has a hot desert climate. Summers (May-September) are severe, regularly exceeding 40°C with high humidity near the coast, and daytime outdoor activity becomes genuinely uncomfortable. Winters (November-March) are warm and pleasant, typically 20-30°C, with cool evenings that suit desert camps and outdoor dining. Rainfall is minimal and irregular, concentrated in winter. Air conditioning is universal, so indoor and outdoor temperatures differ sharply — carry a light layer.

Ideal Duration

4 to 5 days covers Dubai's main attractions at a comfortable pace, including a desert safari and an Abu Dhabi day trip. Three days is enough for a first look at the headline sights. Six to seven days suits travellers who want to add Abu Dhabi properly, a beach or waterpark day, or a trip out to Ras Al Khaimah or Hatta.

Budget

Dubai spans an unusually wide range. Accommodation runs from budget hotels in Deira and Bur Dubai through mid-range business hotels to some of the world's best-known luxury properties, and rates swing dramatically by season — summer rates can be a fraction of winter ones. Attractions are individually ticketed and add up quickly; the Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, and waterparks are each a meaningful line item. Food ranges from inexpensive Indian restaurants to fine dining. MIT quotes each Dubai trip including flights, visa, hotel, and the attractions you actually want.

Must-see

Top attractions in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

The world's tallest building at 828 metres, with observation decks on levels 124/125 and the higher level 148, best booked in advance for a sunset slot.

Desert Safari

A half-day excursion into the dunes with dune bashing by 4x4, camel rides, sandboarding, and a camp dinner with traditional performances.

The Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain

One of the world's largest malls, with an aquarium and ice rink, and the choreographed fountain show on the lake outside running through the evening.

Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis

The artificial palm-shaped island, with the Atlantis resort, Aquaventure waterpark, The Lost Chambers aquarium, and The View observation deck.

Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, the Souks & Abra Ride

The historic quarter with wind-tower architecture, the gold and spice souks across the creek, and the traditional abra boat crossing.

Dubai Frame

A 150-metre picture-frame structure in Zabeel Park, positioned to look out over old Dubai on one side and the modern city on the other.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

About 90 minutes away in the capital, a white marble mosque with the world's largest hand-knotted carpet — the standard Dubai day trip.

Museum of the Future & Miracle Garden

The distinctive calligraphy-clad museum on Sheikh Zayed Road, and the seasonal flower garden open roughly November to May.

Getting there

How to reach Dubai

By Air
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the world's busiest hubs, with direct flights from Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and most major Indian cities. Flight time from Bangalore is roughly 4 hours. Al Maktoum International (DWC) handles some additional services.
Visa
Indian passport holders require a visa for the UAE. Tourist visas of various durations are available, and holders of certain other valid visas or residencies may qualify for visa-on-arrival — rules change, so current requirements must be confirmed at the time of booking. MIT provides visa assistance as part of the itinerary.
Getting Around
The Dubai Metro is clean, cheap, and covers most tourist areas along two main lines; a Nol card also covers tram and bus. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are plentiful and reasonably priced. Distances are large, so plan around the Metro corridor rather than assuming things are walkable.
Make the most of it

Things to do

  • Go up the Burj Khalifa, ideally booking a sunset slot well in advance
  • Take a desert safari with dune bashing, sandboarding, and a camp dinner under the stars
  • Watch the Dubai Fountain show from the lakeside promenade at the Dubai Mall
  • Cross the creek by abra and walk the gold and spice souks in Deira
  • Explore the Al Fahidi historic district's wind-tower lanes and courtyard museums
  • Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi
  • Spend a day at Aquaventure or Wild Wadi if you are travelling with children
  • Ride the Palm Monorail and take in the view from The View at the Palm
  • Have dinner on a dhow cruise along the creek or the marina
  • Visit the Miracle Garden or the Museum of the Future for something beyond the standard circuit
Where to stay

Hotels in Dubai

Location shapes the trip. Downtown Dubai puts you next to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall and is the most convenient first-visit base. Dubai Marina and JBR suit beach and waterfront stays. Deira and Bur Dubai are the older, more affordable districts, close to the souks and well served by the Metro. Palm Jumeirah has the resort properties. Almost everything is Metro-accessible, which matters more than raw proximity in a city this spread out — MIT books to the itinerary rather than to a postcode.

Where to eat

Restaurants & local food

Dubai is exceptionally easy for Indian travellers — restaurants covering every regional Indian cuisine are everywhere, including South Indian and pure-vegetarian options, many of them both good and inexpensive. Beyond that the city has Emirati and wider Middle Eastern food (shawarma, mezze, machboos, and the date-and-coffee tradition) plus essentially every world cuisine at every price point. Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and restaurants rather than freely. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is restricted, which is worth planning around.

Before you go

Travel tips

  • Book Burj Khalifa tickets in advance — sunset slots sell out days ahead and same-day tickets cost considerably more
  • Travel November to March if you want to use the outdoors; May to September regularly exceeds 40°C and pushes everything indoors
  • Dress modestly in public areas and malls, and especially at mosques and heritage sites, where covered shoulders and knees are expected
  • Public displays of affection, drinking alcohol outside licensed venues, and photographing people without permission can all cause real problems — local laws are enforced
  • During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is restricted; the city is still very visitable but plan around it
  • Use the Metro where you can — it is cheap and efficient, and Dubai road traffic at peak times is heavy
  • Carry a light jacket: air conditioning indoors is aggressive even when it is 40°C outside
  • Confirm current UAE visa requirements at the time of booking, since rules change; we handle the application as part of the trip
Nearby

Nearby attractions

  • Abu Dhabi – the UAE capital with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Ferrari World, about 90 minutes away
  • Sharjah – the cultural emirate with strong museums and heritage areas, roughly 30 minutes from Dubai
  • Ras Al Khaimah – mountains, the Jebel Jais zipline, and quieter beaches, about 90 minutes north
  • Hatta – a mountain enclave with a dam, kayaking, and a heritage village, roughly 90 minutes from the city
  • Fujairah – the UAE's east coast on the Gulf of Oman, known for diving and a calmer pace
FAQs

Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a visa for Dubai?
Yes, Indian passport holders require a UAE visa. Tourist visas of various durations are available, and holders of certain valid visas or residencies from some countries may qualify for visa-on-arrival. Rules change, so requirements must be confirmed at booking — MIT handles the application as part of the itinerary.
What is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March, when daytime temperatures are pleasant and outdoor attractions, the desert, and beaches are comfortable. This window also holds the Dubai Shopping Festival. May to September exceeds 40°C and pushes almost everything indoors, though hotel rates drop sharply.
How many days do I need in Dubai?
Four to five days covers the main attractions at a comfortable pace, including a desert safari and an Abu Dhabi day trip. Three days is enough for a first look at the headline sights; six to seven allows beaches, waterparks, and trips further afield.
How long is the flight from Bangalore to Dubai?
Roughly 4 hours direct. There are also direct flights from Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and most major Indian cities. The absence of jet lag is one reason Dubai works so well as a short international break from South India.
Is Dubai expensive?
It can be, but it spans a very wide range. Budget hotels in Deira and Bur Dubai, inexpensive Indian restaurants, and the Metro keep costs manageable, while luxury hotels and individually ticketed attractions add up fast. Summer rates are a fraction of winter ones if you can tolerate the heat.
What is a desert safari like?
Typically a half-day trip: afternoon pickup, dune bashing by 4x4 across the sand, then a camp with camel rides, sandboarding, henna, a buffet dinner, and traditional performances, returning late evening. Options range from basic shared vehicles to private and premium camps.
Is Dubai good for families with children?
Exceptionally. Waterparks, the aquarium, IMG Worlds, Global Village, and the malls' indoor attractions all cater to children, and the city is safe and well organised. The main constraint is summer heat, which makes outdoor activity impractical from May to September.
Is vegetarian and Indian food easy to find in Dubai?
Very. Indian restaurants covering every regional cuisine, including South Indian and pure-vegetarian, are widespread and often inexpensive. This is one reason Dubai is such a comfortable first international trip for Indian families.
What should I wear in Dubai?
Ordinary summer clothing is fine in tourist areas, hotels, and malls, but modest dress is expected in public — covered shoulders and knees, particularly at mosques and heritage sites, where women are usually asked to cover their hair. Beachwear belongs at beaches and pools only.
Are there laws I should be careful about?
Yes. Public displays of affection, drinking alcohol outside licensed venues, being drunk in public, photographing people without permission, and rude gestures can all lead to real legal consequences. Dubai is very welcoming to visitors, but local laws are enforced and ignorance is not accepted as a defence.
Can I visit Dubai during Ramadan?
Yes, and it can be a rewarding time to see the city, but eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is restricted and some venues have altered hours. Iftar buffets in the evening are a genuine highlight. Plan the itinerary around the restrictions rather than ignoring them.
How do I get around Dubai?
The Metro is clean, cheap, and covers most tourist areas along two lines, with a Nol card also valid on trams and buses. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are plentiful and reasonably priced. Distances are large and walking between attractions is rarely practical, especially in the heat.
Is the Burj Khalifa worth it, and which level should I book?
Yes, for most first-time visitors. Level 124/125 is the standard deck and adequate for the view; level 148 is higher, less crowded, and considerably pricier. Book a sunset slot well ahead — they sell out days in advance and same-day tickets cost more.
Can I do a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
Yes, and it is the standard add-on. Abu Dhabi is about 90 minutes away by road, and a day trip typically covers the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche, and either Louvre Abu Dhabi or Ferrari World. Dress requirements at the mosque are strict and enforced.
What should I buy in Dubai?
Gold and jewellery at the Deira gold souk, spices and dry fruits, dates, perfumes and oud, and electronics — though electronics are not always cheaper than in India, so compare before buying. The Dubai Shopping Festival from late December into January brings significant discounts.
Is Dubai safe for solo and female travellers?
Dubai has very low rates of street crime and is generally regarded as one of the safer major cities for solo and female travellers. Standard precautions still apply. Being aware of local legal and cultural norms around dress and public behaviour matters more here than personal safety concerns.
What is the Dubai Shopping Festival?
An annual retail event usually running from late December into January, with citywide discounts, raffles, concerts, and fireworks. It coincides with the best weather of the year, which makes that window both the most attractive and the most heavily booked.
Can I drink alcohol in Dubai?
Yes, in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars. It is not sold in ordinary shops to tourists, and drinking or being intoxicated in public is illegal. There is no tolerance at all for drink-driving. Treat alcohol as something confined to licensed venues.
Is Dubai good for a honeymoon?
Yes — the combination of luxury hotels, beach resorts, fine dining, desert camps, and easy logistics makes it a popular honeymoon choice from India, particularly for couples wanting a short international trip without long-haul travel.
How much does a Dubai tour package cost?
It depends on your dates, flights, hotel category, and which attractions you include — season alone can double or halve the hotel component. MIT quotes the complete trip including flights, visa, hotels, transfers, and attraction bookings; contact us for current rates.
Does MIT arrange Dubai tour packages?
Yes. MIT arranges Dubai itineraries including flights from South India, UAE visa assistance, hotels, transfers, desert safaris, and attraction tickets. Our proprietor has represented South India at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, so our ground contacts are working trade relationships. Call or WhatsApp +91 96119 57301.
Plan your trip

Get a custom Dubai itinerary

Tell us your dates and group size — we'll build a Dubai plan around you.

Fill in your details once, then choose how you'd like to reach us — either way we'll call you back. Prefer to talk now? Call +91 96119 57301.