Dubai — the Burj Khalifa

Dubai Guide 2026

Everything you need to know before you fly — visa, prices, attractions and recommended hotels

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Flight time
~3.5 hours
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Visa for Israelis
Not required
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Currency
Dirham (AED)
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Best season
Nov — Mar
💡 Price transparency: the price ranges mentioned on this page (flights, hotels, food, attractions) are estimates based on Booking, Kiwi and a review of public pricing. Actual prices vary by date, demand and promotions. Check the current price via the links on this page before booking.

Why fly to Dubai?

Dubai is the world's greatest city of contrasts — traditional markets beside massive skyscrapers, desert beside an international beachfront. It offers an experience that doesn't exist anywhere else: tax-free shopping, seven-star hotels, world-class amusement parks and food from every corner of the globe.

For Israelis, Dubai is a perfect destination — no visa required, a short 3.5-hour flight, and a warm, welcoming attitude. Since the Abraham Accords, Israelis have been among the most common tourists in the Emirates.

10 attractions you shouldn't miss

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world — 828 meters

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall

The world's largest mall + fountain show

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah

The iconic artificial island

  • 🏺 The gold souk and spice souk — a genuine traditional experience
  • 🏄 Ski Dubai — an indoor ski slope at 40°C outside!
  • 🌅 Desert Safari — quad bikes, camels and Arabic food
  • 🎡 Global Village — an international festival (October–April)
  • 🚡 Dubai Frame — a 150-meter glass bridge in the sky
  • 🐬 Aquaventure — the water park at Atlantis
  • 🏛️ Al Fahidi Historical — Dubai's old neighborhood

Flights to Dubai from Tel Aviv

Several airlines fly direct from Ben Gurion Airport to Dubai (DXB):

  • El Al — daily direct flights, high safety standards
  • Emirates — Dubai's flagship carrier, excellent comfort
  • flydubai — low cost, lower prices
  • Wizz Air Abu Dhabi — a cheap option for nearby Abu Dhabi

Prices: vary a lot by season and date. As of a check on 02/06/2026, round-trip flights from Tel Aviv appeared from about $300 (per Skyscanner/Expedia — skyscanner.co.il). Booking early helps. Check a live price before booking.

When to fly to Dubai?

The different seasons strongly affect both flight prices and the quality of your stay:

SeasonMonthsWeatherFlight pricesRecommended?
🌟 PeakNovember–March22–28°C, perfect sunHigh (peak season)✅ Perfect
🍂 ShoulderSeptember–October30–38°C, hotMedium⚠️ Hot but bearable
💰 LowMay–August40–45°C, humidLow (off-season)🥵 Heat-tolerant travelers only
🌸 SpringApril28–35°C, pleasantMedium✅ Worth trying

Food and restaurants

Dubai is a culinary paradise. You'll find restaurants from all over the world, including many kosher restaurants, ranging from street food to fine dining. Prices vary — it's a good idea to check local menus close to your visit.

  • 🍖 Must try: authentic Arabic shawarma
  • 🥙 Fresh hummus and fattoush
  • ☕ Arabic coffee with cardamom and dates

Entry, visa and documents

Holders of a valid biometric Israeli passport enjoy visa-free entry to the United Arab Emirates (as of a September 2020 update). A passport valid for at least six months is required, and entry with a laissez-passer travel document is not possible. That said, conflicting information has sometimes been published by visa service providers, and requirements may change — so it's advisable to confirm the current status with the official source before every trip. Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates, and can easily be combined with nearby Abu Dhabi.

Getting around and transport

Dubai offers modern, convenient public transport. The Dubai Metro connects the airport, the major malls and the main tourist areas along the Red and Green lines. Alongside it, buses, a tram in the Marina area and licensed taxis operate. Familiar ride-hailing apps are active in the city and especially convenient in the evening. For those planning to head outside the city (to Abu Dhabi or the desert), a rental car offers flexibility — but remember driving is on the right and the roads are fast. A Nol card is used for public-transport payment.

Where to stay — Dubai neighborhoods

  • Downtown — next to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, central and lively.
  • Marina and JBR — a promenade, beach and restaurants, a resort atmosphere.
  • Deira and Bur Dubai (the old city) — more authentic and cheaper, near the souks and the Creek.
  • Palm Jumeirah — the luxury island with resort hotels.

Choosing an area depends on your vacation style and budget; all areas are well connected by metro or taxi.

How many days and a recommended itinerary

Three to four days are enough for Dubai alone, covering the essentials: the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Old Dubai and the souks, a desert safari, and a beach or marina day. If you also want to combine Abu Dhabi (about a ninety-minute drive) or water and amusement parks, set aside five days or more. A general suggestion: day one for Downtown, day two for Old Dubai and the souks, day three for a desert safari and an evening in the desert, and day four for the beach, marina or a day trip.

Budget — a general framework

Dubai suits a wide range of budgets — from hostels and boutique hotels to luxury chains — but it's considered pricier than other destinations in the region, mainly at hotels and Western restaurants. Flight, hotel and attraction prices vary a lot by season and demand, so we don't quote fixed figures: check a live price via the links on this page. Principles for saving: visiting during shoulder months, using free attractions (the Dubai Fountain, public beaches, markets), eating at local restaurants, and using public transport instead of taxis.

Safety and codes of conduct

Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world, with a particularly low crime rate, and suits families and solo travelers alike. That said, it is a Muslim country with codes of conduct worth respecting: avoid public displays of affection, dress modestly outside beaches and pools, and ask permission before photographing local people. During Ramadan, avoid eating and drinking in public during fasting hours, and alcohol is only permitted at licensed venues. Following these simple rules ensures a pleasant, smooth vacation.

Unique experiences in Dubai

Beyond the main sites, Dubai offers experiences hard to find elsewhere. A desert safari is a must — dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and sometimes dinner and shows at a Bedouin camp under the stars. Thrill-seekers can try Ski Dubai — an indoor ski resort with real snow inside a mall, even when it's forty degrees outside. A traditional dhow cruise along the marina or the Creek combines a meal and a night view, and in the cooler season Global Village opens — a culture-and-entertainment park with pavilions from around the world. Families will find many water and amusement parks, including Aquaventure on the Palm.

Shopping and markets

Dubai is one of the world's leading shopping destinations. Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are among the largest malls in the world, with international brands, entertainment and restaurants. Alongside the modern malls it's worth visiting the traditional markets of Old Dubai: the famous Gold Souk, the spice souk and the perfume souk in Deira, reached by crossing the Creek on an abra. Haggling in the markets is customary. Watch for seasonal sale periods (like the Dubai Shopping Festival), when the selection is especially large.

Kosher and the Jewish community

Since the Abraham Accords, a visible Jewish community and services for Israeli travelers have developed in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai has a synagogue, a community center and kosher services, including local supervision bodies, restaurants and some hotels offering kosher food on request. The offering is still developing and changing, so it's advisable to confirm and pre-book with the hotel or provider. Religious travelers should arrange kosher, prayer and Shabbat matters in advance.

Weather and climate

Dubai enjoys sunshine almost all year. The peak season is November–March, with pleasant weather (about 22–28°C) suited to beaches, pools and outdoor activity — and it's also the most expensive and crowded period. Summer (June–September) is very hot and humid, sometimes above forty degrees, but suits travelers planning a hotel-and-mall vacation with air-conditioned water parks, and typically offers lower prices. In any season, it's worth carrying sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle, and scheduling outdoor activities for the morning or evening in summer.

Final tips before your trip

  • Electricity: UK-style plug (Type G), 230V — bring an adapter.
  • Currency: UAE Dirham (AED), pegged to the dollar; credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
  • Weekend: the weekend in the country is Saturday–Sunday, and the work week is Sunday through Thursday.
  • Internet: a local eSIM package saves on roaming costs and is convenient for navigation and bookings.
  • Planning: book tickets in advance for popular attractions at sunset time.

A little advance planning — visa, accommodation by area, and tickets for major attractions — will save time and money and make your vacation smooth and pleasant.

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Frequently asked questions

Do Israelis need a visa for Dubai?
No! Since September 2020, Israeli citizens enter the UAE without a visa. A passport valid for at least 6 months is enough. Stays of up to 30 days are allowed.
Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?
Yes, alcohol is permitted at licensed hotels, restaurants and bars. Drinking in public streets is forbidden. Minimum age: 21.
What's the appropriate dress in Dubai?
At the beach and hotel — regular clothing. In malls and public places — cover shoulders and knees. At a mosque — modest dress is required.
How much money to bring to Dubai for 5 days?
Depends a lot on your travel style — Dubai is relatively expensive, mainly at luxury hotels and Western restaurants. It's advisable to price flights, accommodation and activities in real time before budgeting.
How many days should you set aside for Dubai?
Three to four days are enough for Dubai alone. To also combine Abu Dhabi or amusement parks, five days or more is a good idea.
Is Dubai suitable for families?
Very much so. The city is safe and clean, with water parks, amusement parks, beaches and many attractions for children, and excellent infrastructure.
How do you get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
About a ninety-minute drive on the highway — by rental car, taxi or intercity bus. Many travelers combine both cities in one trip. See the site's Abu Dhabi guide.
Is there kosher food in Dubai?
Yes. Since the Abraham Accords, a kosher food scene has developed in Dubai, including supervision bodies, restaurants and some hotels offering kosher food on request. The offering varies — it's advisable to confirm and pre-book.
Is Dubai expensive?
Dubai suits a wide range of budgets, but is considered pricier than other destinations in the region, mainly at hotels and Western restaurants. Check a live price for flights, hotels and attractions for your dates.
What language is spoken in Dubai?
Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken almost everywhere — at the airport, hotels, restaurants and attractions — so you'll get by easily even without Arabic.

Planning your trip to Dubai

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Last updated: June 2026 · Information may change — check entry requirements, visa, flight and price details with official sources before booking.

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