You say Dubai, I say hello
Located beside the Persian Gulf, Dubai is a cosmopolitan oasis in the Arabian Desert. A paradise for the international jet set, the city is famous for the innovative architecture of its many luxe resorts and hotels, as well as white-sand beaches, upscale shopping, and buzzy restaurant scene. It's home to a number of water parks, indoor skiing centers, and amusement parks, and you can find everything from ancient mosques to contemporary galleries. A centrally located Dubai vacation rental will put you right in the middle of local landmarks like the Gold Souk, the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, and the sprawling Mall of the Emirates.
Going above and beyond in Dubai
No trip to Dubai would be complete without a visit to the Burj Khalifa _ the soaring, 160-story tower features 2 observation decks on the 125th and 148th floors. It also hosts exhibits that will take you through the local history of Dubai, from its earliest days through the present. At the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, you can get an in-depth look at Emirati culture. You can join one of the center's many walking or dining tours, or even enroll in an immersive language class for a crash course on the Arabic language.
Dubai _ the gold standard of the Middle East
Looking for that unique Dubai shopping experience? Skip the lavish malls and check out the even more lavish Gold Souk. In this dazzling, open-air shopping area, you'll find more than 300 vendors hawking jewelry, gems, and _ of course _ gold. Fair warning, though: be ready to haggle if you want to walk away with the real bargains. For a sunnier day out, head to Kite beach _ the gentle breezes and immaculate white-sand beach make it the ideal spot for activities like kayaking and kite surfing, and you'll also find beach volleyball and tennis courts.
Dubai _ hot fun in the summertime
Unsurprisingly, Dubai has a hot desert climate, which means warm winters and hot summers with plenty of wind. Summer highs average in the triple digits from May through September, and, despite the humidity, there's very little rainfall this time of year. It's also your best bet for lower rates on Dubai vacation rentals, since the blistering temperatures keep all but the most avid sun-seekers away until the cooler fall and winter months. The winters are still warm, with highs in the upper 70s in December, January, and February.
Get your just deserts in scenic Dubai
Flanked by the sands of the Arabian Desert and the waves of the Persian Gulf, Dubai occupies a unique ecosystem where sea and desert meet. While the city of Dubai is densely urban, you can enjoy safaris, off-roading excursions, or luxury camping in the surrounding desert and mountains, and you can even spot desert-adapted wildlife like oryx, desert fox, and hyenas. The sparkling waters and white-sand beaches of the Persian Gulf offer plenty of fish, as well as dolphins, dugongs, and sharks. A Dubai vacation rental puts you just a hop, skip, and a jump from some of the world's most undeveloped wilderness.
Transportation options to and around Dubai
The nearest airport is in Dubai Intl. Airport (DXB), located 9.9 mi (16 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Al Maktoum Intl. Airport (DWC), which is 21.4 mi (34.5 km) away.
You can get around Dubai by catching a ride on the metro at Creek Station, Rashidiya Station or Centrepoint Station.
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