Transport
Transport
The Dubai Metro, taxis and ride-hailing apps cover most business districts efficiently, with the Red Line linking the airport, Downtown and DIFC.
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Delegate City Guide
Welcome to Dubai
A global hub for trade, finance and logistics linking Europe, Asia and Africa.
Getting Around
Dubai Essentials
Everything you need to know before you step out the door.
5-day forecastForecast by Open-Meteo
Airports
Airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main gateway, roughly 20 minutes from Downtown, with Al Maktoum International (DWC) serving some carriers further from the centre.
Currency
Currency
The UAE Dirham (AED) is used throughout, with cards widely accepted and currency exchange available at airports and malls.
Weather
Weather
Summers bring high temperatures exceeding 40°C, making October to April more comfortable for daytime meetings and outdoor events.
Safety & Emergency
Safety & Emergency
Dubai has a low crime rate and strict enforcement of public order laws; the emergency number is 999.
Wi-Fi & SIM
Wi-Fi & SIM
Tourist SIM cards are available at the airport from Etisalat and du, and most hotels and business venues provide reliable Wi-Fi.
Where to Eat
Dining in Dubai
From fine dining to neighbourhood classics. Filter by dietary preference.
Al Ustad Special Kabab
A long-established grill house known for straightforward Persian kebabs popular with local business crowds.
- Fully Halal
Ravi Restaurant
A well-known no-frills Pakistani restaurant offering curries and grilled meats at modest prices.
- Fully Halal
- Vegetarian Options
Zaroob
A casual chain serving Levantine street food, convenient for quick meals between meetings.
- Fully Halal
- Vegetarian Options
Al Mallah
A long-standing shawarma and grill spot popular for informal lunches.
- Fully Halal
- Vegetarian Options
Bu Qtair
A well-known seafood shack where fresh catch is cooked to order, a common choice for informal client dinners.
- Halal Meat
Automatic Restaurant
A reliable Lebanese chain suited to group dinners with a broad mezze selection.
- Fully Halal
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
Recreates 1960s Emirati dining, useful for introducing overseas visitors to local cuisine.
- Fully Halal
- Vegetarian Options
Karam Beirut
A modern Lebanese restaurant with a business-appropriate setting suited to client entertaining.
- Fully Halal
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
Zuma Dubai
A contemporary Japanese restaurant in the financial district, frequently used for client dinners.
- Gluten-free Options
Nobu Dubai
An upscale Japanese-Peruvian restaurant within Atlantis, suited to formal corporate entertaining.
- Gluten-free Options
La Petite Maison
A Mediterranean-French restaurant in the financial district favoured for executive lunches.
- Vegetarian Options
Pierchic
An overwater seafood restaurant often used for higher-end client dinners with a formal tone.
- Gluten-free Options
Trattoria Toscana
A straightforward Italian option popular for informal team dinners.
- Vegetarian Options
Ninive
A varied menu in a heritage-styled waterfront setting, suitable for mixed-group dining.
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
Please note: Please confirm specific dietary requirements with the restaurant directly as their menu is subject to change.
Retail & Markets
Shopping in Dubai
Shopping Mall
The Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest malls, combining retail with dining and meeting venues adjacent to Burj Khalifa.
Visit →Shopping Mall
Mall of the Emirates
A major retail complex with a broad mix of international brands and business-friendly amenities.
Visit →Luxury
Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue
A dedicated wing for luxury and designer flagship stores within the Dubai Mall complex.
Visit →Souq
Gold Souq
A traditional market long associated with gold and jewellery trade, reflecting Dubai's historical commercial roots.
Visit →Market
Spice Souq
A compact market of spice and dried goods traders, illustrating the city's trading heritage.
Visit →Concept Store
City Walk
An open-air retail district mixing contemporary architecture with international and regional fashion brands.
Visit →Shopping Mall
Ibn Battuta Mall
A themed mall reflecting the travels of the historical explorer, with a wide retail and dining offer.
Visit →Outlet
Dubai Outlet Mall
A discount retail centre offering reduced prices on international brands, located outside the main business districts.
Visit →Landmarks & Culture
Must-See Attractions
Landmark
Burj Khalifa
The 828-metre tower anchors Dubai's financial and hospitality district and offers observation decks with views over the city and coastline.
Museum
Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Fort
Housed in the city's oldest surviving building, the museum traces Dubai's development from a trading port to a global business hub.
Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque
One of the few mosques in the UAE open to non-Muslim visitors, offering guided tours that explain Islamic customs and architecture.
Viewpoint
Dubai Frame
A 150-metre architectural landmark providing simultaneous views of old Dubai and the modern skyline from its elevated bridge.
Gallery
Alserkal Avenue
A converted industrial complex housing contemporary art galleries and creative studios, reflecting Dubai's growing cultural economy.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Business District
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
The region's leading financial free zone, home to international banks, law firms and regulatory bodies operating under English common law.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Heritage Site
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Restored wind-tower architecture and narrow lanes illustrate Dubai's pre-oil trading past along the Dubai Creek.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Innovation & Tech
Museum of the Future
A government-backed institution exploring emerging technologies and future industries, frequently used as a reference point in policy and innovation discussions.
Waterfront
Dubai Marina Walk
A promenade lined with commercial towers and hospitality venues, illustrating the scale of Dubai's private-sector real estate development.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Theatre & Shows
Dubai Opera
A multi-format performance venue hosting opera, concerts and business events, positioned within the Opera District's mixed-use development.
Insider Knowledge
Delegate Tips
Confirm halal status directly
Menus and signage can change, so confirm halal certification directly with the restaurant before a booking.
Dress modestly in public areas
Business attire is standard, and modest dress is expected in malls, mosques and government buildings.
Business hours shift for Ramadan
Working hours are typically reduced during Ramadan, and some restaurants restrict daytime service.
Weekends run Saturday to Sunday
The official working week is Monday to Friday, so schedule meetings accordingly.
Alcohol is licensed and restricted
Alcohol is served only in licensed venues such as hotels, and public intoxication is a legal offence.
Carry identification
UAE authorities may request identification, so carrying a passport copy or Emirates ID is advisable.
Explore the City
Key Areas
DIFC
The principal financial district, home to major banks, law firms and regulatory bodies.
Downtown Dubai
The commercial and hospitality core, anchored by Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
Business Bay
A dense cluster of corporate towers and hotels adjoining Downtown.
Deira
The historic trading district, still linked to the city's commercial origins.
Jumeirah
A coastal residential and hospitality area with several diplomatic and cultural sites.
Al Barsha
A mixed commercial and retail district anchored by Mall of the Emirates.
Jebel Ali
Home to Jebel Ali Free Zone and one of the region's major ports, key to Dubai's logistics economy.
Al Quoz
An industrial and creative district housing galleries, warehouses and business premises.
Book Your Experiences
Things to Do in Dubai
Browse tours, attraction tickets and curated experiences. Book in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Dubai City Guide
Prepared for delegates by London Training for Excellence
All information was correct at the time this guide was prepared. Opening hours, prices and services change, so please confirm details directly before you travel or book. London Training for Excellence has no control over the content of external websites; some links are affiliate links through which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.