Just a few decades ago, almost nobody talked about it on the world travel map. Today, Dubai is so popular that many people start planning their winter holidays by first checking flights to the Emirates. Why did this happen? What makes this city such a real “wow effect” for so many people – and is Dubai really a perfect place for a holiday?
Below, we calmly break down why Dubai attracts tourists, which attractions make the biggest impression, and how to plan your trip so you can get the most out of all of this.
1. A city that grew out of the desert – where does Dubai’s phenomenon come from?
Dubai is not the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but it is their largest city and most famous showcase. In just a few decades, it has gone from a small port town to a place most people associate with phrases like: city of the future, glass and steel, skyscrapers, luxury hotels and huge shopping malls.
This fast and spectacular story of Dubai is fascinating in itself. For many people, a trip here is a chance to:
see from the inside what the most famous city in the Emirates really looks like,
get to know everyday life in the United Arab Emirates better,
touch modernity, but at the same time hear stories about old merchants, boats and pearl divers.
If you want to go deeper into numbers, records and fun facts, a great complement is the article “20 fun facts about Dubai” – perfect for understanding exactly what stands behind this phenomenon.
2. Icons of Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah
The second reason why Dubai’s popularity grows year after year is its symbols – places you recognize from photos long before you even buy your ticket.
Burj Khalifa and the modern Downtown district
The most obvious example is, of course, Burj Khalifa. This tallest skyscraper in the world is an absolute must in every “what to see in Dubai” plan. Burj Khalifa is located in the modern Downtown Dubai district, right next to the huge Dubai Mall and on the shores of the artificial Burj Lake, where the famous dancing fountain shows take place in the evenings.
If you want to see for yourself what the beautiful views of the whole city and the desert in the background look like from above, you can book a ticket to the Burj Khalifa observation deck on the 124th & 125th floors.
Dubai Mall and “souk al” – shopping and traditional markets side by side
Right next door is Dubai Mall – one of the largest shopping centres in the world. It’s not just shops, but also an ice rink, a huge aquarium, dozens of restaurants and relaxation zones. A few steps further you can walk into Souk Al Bahar, styled as a traditional bazaar. In one moment you have a modern mall, and right next to it the atmosphere of traditional markets – perfect for feeling the contrast between the new and old Dubai.
Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah – symbols of luxury
When we say that Dubai is a luxury city, we mainly have two places in mind:
Burj Al Arab – the sail-shaped hotel that has long been a symbol of “7-star” opulence,
Palm Jumeirah – the famous artificial island lined with hotels and villas, with views of the city skyline.
At the end of the Palm stands Atlantis – a hotel combined with a huge waterpark, private beach and attractions for both children and adults. If you’re curious what such a place looks like “behind the scenes”, check out the article “Hotel Atlantis in Dubai – fun facts” – it perfectly shows where the impression comes from that Dubai is a real paradise for fans of water fun.
3. Desert, sea and adrenaline – attractions that draw tourists in
Skyscrapers alone wouldn’t be enough to explain why Dubai attracts tourists from all over the world. The second pillar of this success is outdoor experiences.
Desert safari
The classic answer to the question of what makes Dubai special is: the desert.
A desert safari includes:
off-road driving over dunes,
sunset over the sand,
dinner in an atmospheric camp,
music and dance performances.
It’s an excellent opportunity to escape the city for a moment, see a completely different world and touch the more “raw” side of the Emirates. No wonder many people believe that without this attraction, you can’t really say you’ve “checked Dubai off your list”.
If you want everything organized from A to Z, you can take a look at desert safari tours in Dubai.
Beaches, jet skis and waterparks
On the other hand, you have the Persian Gulf, plenty of sandy beaches, warm water and a ton of activities: jet skis, kayaks, boards, cruises. The combination of city, beach and sunshine makes Dubai a true winter holiday paradise for many.
On top of that, there are waterparks – from the gigantic Aquaventure by Atlantis to other complexes scattered across the city. For families with children but also for adults who love slides, these are a big reason why Dubai as a holiday destination beats many other places.
Dubai from the water – yacht cruise
Another interesting way to get to know the city is to see it from the water. A cruise along Dubai Marina and around the Palm lets you feel different proportions: the skyline becomes a backdrop, the sun sets behind the skyscrapers and the city looks a bit like a movie set.
If you dream of peaceful hours on deck and beautiful views, you might consider a yacht cruise in Dubai with a Polish host/guide.
4. History, tradition and regional culture – not just glass and steel
To truly understand Dubai’s global phenomenon, it’s worth spending some time not only in the modern districts but also in the older parts of the city. For many people, the biggest surprise comes exactly when the city suddenly stops being “futuristic” and starts feeling very human.
Historic districts and Al Fahidi
Among the places that let you feel the atmosphere of old Dubai, these stand out in particular:
historical districts on both sides of Dubai Creek,
the area around Al Fahidi, where you can stroll among traditional houses with wind towers, visit small museums and cafés.
This is a great moment to learn more about the region’s culture, about old trade routes and what Dubai looked like before the glass towers appeared.
Traditional souks and organized tours with a Polish guide
Around the Creek you’ll also find traditional markets – the gold souk, spice souk, and on the other side Souk Al Bahar and other “souk al…” where the air smells of spices, incense and cardamom coffee. It’s a completely different experience from strolling around an air-conditioned shopping mall.
If you prefer someone to tie it all together for you in a logical way, organized tours with a Polish-speaking guide are a good idea. It’s a great opportunity to see both the historical districts and the modern parts of the city in just a few hours, while hearing stories you won’t find in a standard brochure.
5. Is Dubai expensive – and for whom is it a perfect opportunity?
For many people, Dubai is associated only with luxury, which immediately raises the question: is Dubai an expensive city for a holiday?
The answer is a bit more nuanced:
yes, you can spend a lot here – if you choose only luxury hotels, the most expensive restaurants and private transfers;
but thanks to the huge choice of accommodations and attractions, you can also plan a trip “like a normal person”, with a few high-impact highlights and calmer days at the beach.
For many, a trip here is simply a great opportunity to see at least once in their life what this kind of world looks like up close, to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a city of the future and at the same time relax on a sandy beach.
6. Why do tourists keep coming back to Dubai?
Finally, there’s the question that says the most about the city: what makes tourists come back to Dubai instead of just “ticking it off” once in their life?
Most often, it comes down to three things:
Reliable weather and safety – in winter it really is an excellent holiday destination.
Variety – every time you can build a different mix: more desert, more city, more beach or more culture.
The feeling of difference – Dubai constantly reminds you that you’re far from home, but at the same time everything works smoothly and predictably.
Because of this, some people come back for the beaches, others for the waterparks, and others simply to see how much the city has changed again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is Dubai so popular among tourists?
Because it combines several worlds at once: futuristic skyscrapers, luxury hotels, huge shopping malls, desert, sea, traditional markets and historic districts. On top of that you get great winter weather, convenient flights and a strong sense of safety.
2. What makes Dubai unique?
Above all, the scale and pace of change. Few cities show so clearly how, in a short time, you can go from a small port to a global icon. On one side you see Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and on the other – Al Fahidi, souks and the old port, which remind you where it all started.
3. Is Dubai an expensive city for a holiday?
It can be, if you choose only the most expensive options. But thanks to the wide range of accommodation, cheaper local eateries and the possibility of mixing paid attractions with free walks or beach time, you can plan a trip with very different budgets.
4. Is Dubai safe for tourists?
Yes, this is one of the advantages most often highlighted by travellers. The city is well organized, the streets are monitored and the level of crime against tourists is low. Of course, it’s still worth using common sense, but the overall feeling of safety here is very high.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting Dubai, the answer is: yes – especially if you dream of combining a modern city, desert adventure, beautiful views and a touch of luxury. Dubai may not be the place you go every single year, but as a “once in a lifetime” destination, it really makes a lot of sense.
