Sky-highBurj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
Ride to the At the Top observation deck of the world's tallest building, then shop, skate, and catch the Dubai Fountain show below.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Record-breaking skyscrapers & desert-edge glamour · Direct flights from Canada
4.9 · 6,600+ Dubai city breaks booked by Canadians
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Dubai
Dubai turns superlatives into sightseeing: the 828-metre Burj Khalifa towers over Downtown, the Dubai Mall and its dancing fountains anchor the modern core, and the palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah reaches out into the Gulf. Cross Dubai Creek to old Deira and Bur Dubai and the pace changes — abra water taxis, the Gold and Spice Souks, and the wind-tower lanes of Al Fahidi tell the city's trading-port story. Fast, air-conditioned Metro lines link it all, English is spoken everywhere, and the desert and Abu Dhabi are both an easy day trip away.
Dubai, United Arab EmiratesClimate
Climate
Desert · warm winters, very hot summers
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Pleasant 24°C days from November to March; searing 40°C-plus heat and humidity from June to September.
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
1 CAD ≈ 2.7 AED · cards accepted almost everywhere
Entry
Visa on arrival
Free 30-day visa on arrival for Canadians
Top Experiences in Dubai
Sky-high
Old DubaiDeira Souks & Al Fahidi
Cross Dubai Creek by abra to the Gold and Spice Souks, then wander the wind-tower lanes of the historic Al Fahidi quarter.
Beach & diningPalm Jumeirah & JBR
Stroll The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, ride the Palm monorail to Atlantis, and dine waterside as the sun sets over the Gulf.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A Canadian passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date is required to enter the UAE.
Visa: Canadian citizens receive a free visa on arrival valid for 30 days, which can usually be extended. No advance application is needed for tourism.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans don't cover care in the UAE. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, and proof of cover can be requested on entry.
Power & plugs: Dubai uses 230V/50Hz with the Type G three-pin British plug — bring a plug adapter and check that devices are dual-voltage.
Time zone: Dubai runs on Gulf Standard Time (GST, UTC+4) — about eight hours ahead of Toronto, with no daylight saving.
Best time to visit Dubai
Nov – MarPeak season
Warm, sunny days and cool evenings — ideal for the city, beaches, and desert. Busiest and priciest.
Apr – MayShoulder season
Heat builds but crowds and rates ease — good value before the peak summer temperatures arrive.
Jun – AugOff season
Extreme 40°C-plus heat and humidity; best for indoor malls, spas, and deep hotel discounts.
Sep – OctShoulder season
Cooling down through October — pleasant late-season weather with fewer crowds than winter.
Where to stay
Dubai districts & neighbourhoods
Dubai stretches for miles along the Gulf coast, but the Metro, tram, and taxis make getting between districts easy. Here's how to choose your base.
Downtown Dubai
City centre
The heart of new Dubai around the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Fountain — walkable, buzzing, and on the Metro.
Best for
- First-timers
- Sightseeing
- Shopping
Dubai Marina & JBR
West coast
A high-rise marina district with a beachfront promenade at JBR, waterside restaurants, and the tram linking it all.
Best for
- Beach & dining
- Couples
- Nightlife
Palm Jumeirah
Man-made island
The palm-shaped island of beach resorts, from Rixos to Atlantis, wrapped in private sand and served by its own monorail.
Best for
- Resort stays
- Beaches
- Views
Deira & Bur Dubai
Around the Creek
Old Dubai on either side of the Creek — the Gold and Spice Souks, abra crossings, and the Al Fahidi heritage lanes.
Best for
- Value
- Culture
- Markets
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Dubai
Dubai is a superb base for the desert, the mountains, and the wider Emirates. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.
Signature ExperienceRed Dunes Desert Safari
Half day · 6 hrs~50 km southeast · 45 min by 4x4
Dune-bash across the red sands, sandboard the ridges, and finish with a camel ride and a BBQ dinner under the stars at a desert camp.
Insider tips
- Choose an evening departure to skip the heat
- Sit up front if you're prone to motion sickness
Capital Day TripAbu Dhabi & the Grand Mosque
Full day · 11 hrs~140 km southwest · 1h 30m by coach
Tour the dazzling Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and stop at the Corniche in the UAE capital.
Insider tips
- Dress modestly — long sleeves and covered legs for the mosque
- Women should bring a headscarf
Nature & AdventureHatta Mountains & Kayaking
Full day · 9 hrs~130 km east · 1h 45m by coach
Trade the skyscrapers for the Hajar Mountains — kayak the turquoise Hatta Dam, explore the heritage village, and take in the peaks.
Insider tips
- Bring swimwear and a change of clothes
- Cooler than the city — pack a light layer
Culture Half-DaySharjah Heritage & Arts
Half day · 5 hrs~30 km northeast · 45 min by coach
Explore the UAE's cultural capital — the Blue Souk, the Museum of Islamic Civilization, and the restored Heart of Sharjah district.
Insider tips
- Sharjah is dry — no alcohol is served
- Great as a relaxed morning out
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Dubai travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Dubai?
Not in advance. Canadian citizens receive a free visa on arrival valid for 30 days, which can usually be extended. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival.
How long is the flight from Canada to Dubai?
Direct flights from Toronto to Dubai (DXB) take about 13h 20m with Emirates and Air Canada. One-stop options via European or Gulf hubs are available from other Canadian cities.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March offers warm, sunny days and cool evenings — the best weather for sightseeing, beaches, and the desert. June to September is extremely hot but brings the deepest hotel discounts.
Is Dubai safe for tourists?
Very. Dubai consistently ranks among the world's safest large cities. Dress and behave modestly in public, especially at mosques and during Ramadan, and respect local laws around alcohol and public conduct.
What currency does Dubai use?
The UAE Dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US dollar at roughly 3.67. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep small notes for souks, taxis, and tips.
How do I get around Dubai?
The driverless Metro is fast, cheap, and air-conditioned, with the tram serving the Marina and JBR. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem are plentiful, and abra water taxis cross the Creek in old Dubai.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended and can be requested on entry. Provincial health plans don't cover medical care in the UAE, and private treatment can be expensive.
Can I book day trips through ShopTravel?
Yes. You can add excursions like a red-dunes desert safari or an Abu Dhabi day trip to your booking at checkout.