Dubai, UAE

Dubai

The winter-sun hub

A warm, easy base for the northern winter, with everything close and connections to almost anywhere.

Modern residential amenities, international connections, and a contrasting climate and lifestyle model.

The Dubai skyline at sunset seen from a lit apartment balcony

Best months: Nov–Mar
Suggested stay: 1–4 months in winter
Long-stay homes: Strong
Private arrival: Al Maktoum International (DWC)

Mondetto Sensory

A sense of Dubai

Sensory details you won’t experience anywhere else, and only really notice when you stay awhile.

Taste

Dates and cardamom coffeeThe welcome in nearly every Emirati home and majlis.

LuqaimatSmall fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup.

Camel-milk chocolateA Dubai original, and better than it sounds.

See

Abras crossing the CreekWooden water taxis between Deira and Bur Dubai.

Dunes changing color at sunsetGold to copper to rose, just outside the city.

The skyline lighting up at duskFrom a balcony, with the heat finally easing.

Hear

The call to prayer across the CreekFive times a day, echoing between minarets.

An abra’s putt-putt engineThe sound of the old city’s commute.

Desert silenceA short drive and the city disappears.

Feel

Warm Gulf water in winterA swim in January that feels like early summer elsewhere.

The shamal windThe northwesterly that sweeps in and stirs the sand.

Cool marble after middayThe relief of stepping indoors.

Smell

Oud and bakhoorIncense drifting from shops in the Deira souks.

The Spice SoukSaffron, dried lime and frankincense in open sacks.

Rain on hot groundRare, and the whole city notices.

Best time to go

BestGoodBetter avoided

75°F

59°F0.7 inJan

77°F

61°F1.0 inFeb

82°F

64°F0.9 inMar

91°F

72°F0.3 inApr

100°F

79°F0.0 inMay

104°F

82°F0.0 inJun

106°F

88°F0.0 inJul

106°F

88°F0.0 inAug

102°F

82°F0.0 inSep

95°F

75°F0.0 inOct

86°F

68°F0.1 inNov

79°F

63°F0.6 inDec

Bars show the typical daily high; beneath each are the typical low and monthly rain. Climate figures are approximate monthly averages.

Through the year

Dubai Shopping FestivalDecember to January

Art DubaiSpring

RamadanDates vary each year

Recurring events. Confirm exact dates with official calendars before you book.

Better avoided

Jun–Sep

Summer heat makes outdoor life very difficult from June to September.

Where to base yourself

The base you choose shapes the whole stay. Three we would consider for a long stay, and what you trade for each.

Downtown Dubai

High-rise living beside the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

Suits: Convenience and amenities
The trade-off: Busy, and built for cars

Dubai Marina

Waterfront towers with a promenade and beaches nearby.

Suits: Beach and walkable evenings
The trade-off: Dense and busy

Jumeirah

Low-rise villas close to the beach.

Suits: Families wanting a house and garden
The trade-off: You will rely on a car

Find a home in Dubai

Our homes in Dubai are coming soon.We’re preparing a small collection of homes suited to weeks and months here: room for your people, a place to work, and minimum stays that fit a long stay. Until then, you can browse long-stay homes on Plum Guide.

Browse homes on Plum Guide

Getting there

The right arrival airport makes the first day of a long stay easier. Private aviation is worth it for a long stay with more people and more luggage.

Plan the journey to Dubai

Main international: Dubai International (DXB)
Private aviation: Al Maktoum International (DWC)
Worth knowing: DWC has a dedicated business-aviation terminal; DXB also handles private flights.