I know a lot of people who have no interest whatsoever in visiting Dubai but then some who absolutely love it. I have been there on several occasions: as a stopover, for a week-long holiday and once to go to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (which was amazing).
There are some things I love about the UAE city but some things I don’t like so much. Whenever I think of a negative thing about Dubai, there always seems to be a positive to counter it. Here are my five pros and cons of visiting Dubai.
Dubai is a ‘bit fake’
Cons
I hear people saying this a lot and yes, it is a bit fake. Dubai is a very modern city which has rapidly expanded over the past 50 years following the discovery of oil.
The UAE Emirate is essentially a desert which has been developed on – in epic proportions – with an ever-expanding skyline of towering skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa, the largest building in the world (read about our trip to the Burj Khalifa).
Everything has been done to excess, with no expense spared. From the opulent hotels to the oversized malls (where you have the option to ski), man-made waterways and islands, huge cascading water features, and immaculately kept golf courses and green gardens. You name it, they will mimic it and they seem to pride themselves on doing it bigger and better than ever before. It is a very glitzy city without a huge amount of natural beauty. It certainly lacks the idillic setting of tropical places like the Maldives and Caribbean, especially with building work ongoing (see point 2).
Pros
Dubai is a vibrant city where people from all over the world come to work. It has got some great hotels and restaurants with some of the top chefs from around the world clamouring to set up restaurants so you have your pick of fine dining. As it’s all rather glad, there’s good excuse to put your glad rags on.
Some of the beaches may not be completely natural (like those on ‘The Palm’) but the golden sand is real and the beaches are large and wide with few rocks and stones. The sea is deliciously warm and calm so perfect for children (and people like me who aren’t keen on freezing cold water and large waves). Oh, and the (very natural) sunsets are pretty spectacular too.
Noise Pollution
Dubai Cons
There is a lot of construction work still going on in Dubai. You’d think the building boom would have eased off a bit, certainly after the 2008 property crash but it continues. The massive land reclaim project, The Palm, is still being developed on (although work on another such project ‘The World’ has halted).
We stayed at the One&Only Royal Mirage one year and our view across the sea was a construction site – with all the noise which comes with it too. Not massively relaxing. In addition, there were aeroplane and helicopters taking off overhead, jet skis and speedboats. Many of the hotels are very big too so this can be one of the disadvantages of Dubai. There can be quite a lot of people around you – depending on where you stay and the time of year. It does mean there are plenty of facilities available there though. 
Pros
Newer hotels and better transport links are being built to make the city easier to navigate for those who live there and boost business and tourism. Although big, the hotels have excellent facilities. From water sports to volleyball, mini golf, massages or just plain sunbathing – there’s something for everyone. For the children, there’s water parks and kids clubs and the service is tip top too. Cold towel and fruit anyone?
Dubai lacks culture?
Cons
Dubai is a hugely diverse city where lots of different cultures converge so it’s very cosmopolitan but, as it’s so new, there isn’t a great deal of history. For culture, visit the docks and explore the gold and spice souks. Or you could indulge in a desert safari or camel racing for a slight taste of Emirati life. Of course, there’s the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world but overall, Dubai it is very much a hotel resort type place.
Some hotels are so huge they are like a mini city of its own – with everything provided for you. There are no little shops to nip out and get some water or cute towns to have a mooch around like you get in Europe. The hotels have been designed so you don’t even have to leave during your stay (and I suspect a lot of people do this).
Dubai Pros
As much as I like adventure and exploration, sometimes it’s good to relax and not have the pressure of cramming in loads of sightseeing (especially if you are visiting on a short stopover). Not having the option to do loads can be a pro and you don’t feel so guilty about chilling by the beach/pool.
Although Dubai lacks culture, it’s still an interesting country to visit where you can learn lots from the people, of all different cultures, who live there. The ostentatious buildings are a wonder to marvel at – as well as the beautiful hotels, designed with incredible attention to detail channelling Arabian architecture and decor. Then there are the (nicely air-conditioned) malls like Dubai Mall which have every activity you can imagine at your disposal, particularly for children. You have to see it to believe it.
How Expensive is Dubai to go on holiday?
Cons
Dubai can be an expensive place to stay, with prices pretty much on a par with London (although certain things, like taxis, are cheaper). As it is a Muslim county, alcohol is particularly expensive.
Pros
You get what you pay for. In the luxury five star hotels the staff are friendly, welcoming and cater for (almost) every whim allowing you to relax. The beaches are private so you don’t get hassled and many of the children’s activities are free at the large resorts so you have the option to leave your little ones at the kids club while you chill.There are also some great deals which you can book, click here to find latest deals on hotels.
The food is of a very high quality so a great place for foodies. As it is a Muslim country, there are restrictions on licensed premises and bars have to be attached to the hotels. Wine and champagne is particularly pricey but we often get a bottle at duty free when we land to enjoy in our hotel room.
What about the heat in Dubai?
Cons
In the summer months it can get incredibly hot and humid so avoid June, July and August, especially if you have young children. We once went en route to South Africa for our honeymoon in August. We struggled to sit outside even in the evening when temperatures are still 40 degrees. The humidity is crazy too. Every time we walked out of the hotel our sunglasses steamed up. It’s like one big sauna.
Pros
Dubai can provide a great winter break in the sun – when the UK temperatures plummet! January was one of the best times of year we have visited Dubai!
Dubai Pros and Cons
There’s certainly a number of reasons why the Emirate keeps drawing us back. Dubai is also a great stopover before going to explore countries further east.
We went before children and enjoyed going out to fancy restaurants, bars and chilling out on the beach but now we have little ones, I can see why Dubai is a great family holiday too. There’s so much to keep kids entertained from waterparks, giant fish tanks, large swimming pools, theme parks and much more. .
I know we will go back at some point, for as many negative things about Dubai, there are many good things about Dubai. It ticks a lot of boxes and it is somewhere you should experience at some point in your life. Click here to find top deals on where to stay in Dubai.
Have you been to Dubai? Would like to go? Do you love or hate Dubai or are you like me? I’d love to know your thoughts. Please comment below.
Other posts you may enjoy reading
Review: One&Only Royal Mirage
10 Things To Do At Dubai Mall (Other Than Shop)
Going Up The Burj Khalifa
10 Reasons To Visit Dubai?
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I haven’t been to Dubai, but I have so nearly booked a trip many times! Each time though those “cons” win out and I decide it’s just not for me. I think you’ve summed up pretty much how I feel about it and I’m coming around to many of the “pros” such as enjoying the lack of culture and just chilling out rather than manically sightseeing the whole holiday which is what we tend to do.
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted…Silent Sunday – 24 May 2015
Ha, same. It can be a bit of a relief. I think a lot of people are put off a bit but, like so many things/places, it’s what you make it and there are things to see if you want and like I say, is worth seeing at some point… Maybe a stop off? X
coming back to comment from #citytripping and reckon you’re right that it’s a good stop off place, ideally on the way to Australia….now there’s a dream (my 10 yo is Austrlalian but has never been there!!!) Thanks for picking my Budapest post as a favourite last week 🙂
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted…Silent Sunday – 29 November 2015
Hope you get to go to Australia soon! Dubai would be a fab stop off. Thanks for linking to #citytripping – really enjoyed your Budapest post x
Ohhhh I am so rubbish! I’ve just realised that I wrote the reply to your email and never pressed send (its sat in my drafts, I wrote it night feeding!!) so sorry I missed you!
I love a good pros and cons list about places I know, Dubai is definitely all about bigger and better. There are some hidden gems though that people don’t know about, like the culture and history, if you go down to the old town you can find the history museum where it explains about how originally Dubai was all about the pearl diving and the old abra rides are incredible.
And yes. It’s too hot. Hot hot hot in summer. And you need to watch when you come as Ramadan is probably not the best time to visit! #mondayescapes
Laura @ Life with Baby Kicks recently posted…The Toddler-o’s Daddy (the Mummy Alternative to The Gruffalos Child)
Ah, shame I missed you! (Although Im sure we’ll be back at some point). Hope all going well with baby boy. Was interested in your thoughts on this post…can imagine it’s pretty different living there but I bet it’s a fab place to be for a couple of years… Although tough in the summer! We once went in August during Ramadan… Double whammy! Haha. Need to do the museum at some point! Xx
I’ve never been to Dubai, but I may go sometime in the future for work and I already have mixed feelings about the city. You described perfectly all my concerns. I guess I’ll have to wait and see for myself 🙂 (found you through the #MondayEscapes linkup)
Vlad recently posted…How to Plan the Perfect Holiday in Malta
It’s funny how it can be a bit polarising but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Just embrace it for what it is and go along with the ride. X
You know, you’ve summed up perfectly in your ‘cons’ why I haven’t yet been to Dubai and I have several friends who have lived and worked out there! Now that you’ve counteracted my cons – mainly the expense, the ‘fakeness’ I think you’ve actually made me have a rethink. Plus, it’s not far and you’re guaranteed sunshine! Great and insightful post. Thanks for linking up with the very first #MondayEscapes x
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Reviewed: The Trunki BoostApak
Thanks Ting! Dubai is a funny one – and glad I’ve helped you rethink it. I’m still pretty split but there must be a reason why we’ve been back a few times. You can’t beat the sunshine (especially in winter over here) and the service is brilliant. Plus the children love it. Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes great idea xx
We went to Dubai for the first time last year with our then two year old and I was pregnant. I was a bit dubious about going as it sounded so fake and OTT and I must admit it definitely was 🙂
But, it was also pretty interesting and I quite admired how proud the people of Dubai were of what they had achieved. Us Brits are always bashful about stuff and ridicule things we achieve but over there they loved having the biggest buildings and the bluest sea, whitest sand, even if it was man-made. I sort of thought, good on them.
I do appreciate though that what most of us tourists see isn’t the reality for a lot of people who live there and that still does make me feel slightly ashamed that I enjoyed our 10 days there.
Mrs ATWWAH recently posted…One Little Word, Unicorn Theatre Ticket Comp
I totally know what you mean -hahaha – I always seem to have a good time there too. As tourists we do see a bit of a fake version of Dubai but it does tick a lot of boxes! And when I talk to all the workers who come from all over, they seem pretty happy to be over there and working. You are right, they are very proud of it all and I think good on them too…they are playing a bit of catch up but doing it to the extreme. It is my guilty pleasure. Glad you had a great time there!! Thanks for stopping by xx
We’re going in a few weeks (albeit for a 2 night layover en route to Phuket) but I’m really looking forward to it. We’ve been before for a proper holiday and I totally loved it. I thik there is something for everyone so why not? Hubby has been to the Abu Dhabi grand prix too – soooo jealous!! #thelist
Rebecca U recently posted…The Appealing Rabbit Alphabet Cards | Review
Have a fab time! It really is a fab stopover. Perfect for some pre-sun fun. Enjoy Thailand! Love that country! Oh, you have to go to that Grand Prix at some point it’s pretty spesh! X
We went to Dubai in December for 2 weeks and really enjoyed it. I agree with all your cons but the pros make up for it. I fell really ill while we were there though so we didn’t get to see and do everything I’d planned. Will def. have to go back soon…there is so much to see and do and they just keep adding to it! I first went there in December 1999 and it’s truly spectacular to see how an entire city has been developed in just 15 years. Mindblowing! #TheList
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Wow – how fascinating to have seen that change. We went for the first time in 2008 and even since then it has grown enormously. Shame you got ill… Sounds like a return trip is defo in order! Thanks for stopping by xx
I have been to Dubai before and I couldn’t agree more with all your points!! I am glad I am not the only one who things like that about Dubai 😀 even with the cons, I still had fun there and would love to go back and do things I didn’t do the first time around!
Thank you for linking up to #MondayEscapes 😀
Packing my Suitcase recently posted…Reviewed: P. Korn
Thank you! I’m glad I’m not the only one too but it does tick a lot of boxes too and is lots of fun. Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes x
Despite the cons id still love to go – without my kids though! Then I can truly enjoy the resturants, shopping and lazing around in peace #thelist
Doctomum recently posted…I’m off for a Sussex #NoMummyGuilt Day Out
Yes! Do it. It is worth seeing and the restaurants, bars, shopping – it’s all good- just submit to the glitz and opulence! Xxx
It’s definitely worth seeing! Just make sure you emphasise the pros to the other half
Excellent article. Dubai is on my to do list – like Vegas a place I think I must do once.
Wilbur recently posted…Shaun The Sheep V – London Calling
Thank you so much. Yes! You’re right. I have yet to do Vegas but probably will next year… It has to done!! Thanks for stopping by x
Funnily I wrote a post about Dubai this morning and found your post on the link up. Totally agree with your points above but I really snjoyes Dubai. It does have a lot of cons but the pros definitely outweigh them 🙂 great post!
Five Adventurers recently posted…Top Ten things to do in Dubai with children
Thanks! Just been reading your post actually! It is a great place and we still have so much to explore there…you have given me some fab tips. Every time I think of a con the pros outweigh it and it’s so good for kids. Xx
I’ve always had mix feelings about Dubai without giving it much thoughts. Thanks for mentioning pro and cons, I think it was useful ! After reading that… I don’t think I’ll ever go there, but I appreciate the information 🙂
Gin recently posted…Enjoying London when on a budget
Well I am glad I helped you make a decision… It’s a bit of a marmite place and I get that it isn’t for everyone. Thanks for stopping by. X
I enjoyed that post as with a plane phobic wife i will never get the chance to visit! Thanks for sharing it and linking up to #bigfatlinky
al recently posted…Dad Terms & Conditions
Oh no! Such a shame you can’t go exploring – well together anyway. Thanks for hosting #bigfatlinky
I would love to visit Dubai. Please can we come see you?! I know it has a bad rep in some instances but as you say, there are pros to every con and I feel like I just need to see it for myself! Thanks for linking up to #TheList xx
Hannah Mums’ Days recently posted…Goal setting and Getting started
Yes, you should definitely go see it at some point. It’s somewhere you have see. Thanks for hosting #thelist xx
I recently traveled to Dubai and the heat was unbelievable (and it was only the end of June). I can only imagine what it would be like in the middle of summer!
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer recently posted…Jetsetter Roundups: Summer Vacation Ideas
I know! It’s ridiculous later on in the summer. We went in May and it was 42 degrees x
I just moved back to the UK after having lived in Dubai for the last 8 years. There are many great (& not so great) things about the place and lots of things to do with kids. My family and I spent our final night in Dubai watching the fountains at the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa.
Wow! That’s a long time over there. How did you find it? From what I have seen, it is a great place for children! still need to see the fountains! Welcome back to the UK. Xx
Your list certainly made me giggle – and certainly things I have heard people moan about before (mostly my own parents…) But especially things like culture and history, I think people just need to look a little harder to find it – the big cities don’t do themselves many favours in promoting this much in their tourism brochures…
But there are museums and heritage centres in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain – in fact in all the Emirates, and throughout the year there are huge cultural celebrations. The biggest one is National Day which will be celebrated on 2 December and all the schools hold big celebrations in the weeks before. Another one I love is the Al Dhafra festival – coincidentally just posted my visitor guide on that today!
I do hope people aren’t entirely put off visiting just because of the glitz, glamour, high rises and construction – this city – and country have so much more to offer.
Keri from Baby Globetrotters recently posted…Al Dhafra Festival – 10 tips for taking kids
Hey Keri, I will have to check out your Al Dhafra festival post. It would be great to see the more cultural side of the UAE so next I will I go I’ll make sure I do that… then I can write a whole other post about its cultural side!! Even so, I do like Dubai, there is certainly something which keeps drawing us back! Thanks for the tips. Enjoy National Day – sounds fun! x
I’ve just never fancied Dubai but a friend recently returned from a break with her two tots and the photos were incredible – I loved her photos in the sea with her babies! There is definitely more to Dubai then meets the eye. Stunning sunset pics! #CityTripping
North East Family Fun recently posted…Cobra Attack – Our new favourite game plus win a Megableu game bundle worth £100+
Thank you! I love sunsets! Yes, there is – lots more than meets the eye x
Some great tips – I admit Dubai is not somewhere which has ever been top of my wishlist, for a lot of the reasons you mention. But now I’m travelling with my daughter, the thought of a few days relaxing in the sun with great kids’ facilities and a bit of pampering is tempting, so perhaps a stopover… #citytripping
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #4
Dubai is so, so perfect for a stopover. Kids LOVE it and it’s perfect for some pampering x
I really agree with you. Dubai isn’t somewhere I’d rush back to but I’m glad I’ve been. It is a fascinating place and the hotels are amazing. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton and loved it. I think if I was going back I might be tempted to combine it with something else, like a jeep safari into the desert.
Ooh yes! I really want to do to a jeep safari and do a night in the desert too. X
I hadn’t really thought about the cons to be honest but we’ve had a great time each we visit. I guess the biggest negative is the construction and noise – just research if it will be near your hotel and then it’ll be fine #citytripping
Rebecca U recently posted…California Prunes Stuffed with Walnuts | Recipe
Yes, good shout. The construction work was annoying but you sort of got used to it.
I have read a lot about Dubai but this post is really helpful as it is so honest, giving me a clear idea of what to expect. I have never been but this has given me some food for thought.
Trish – Mum’s Gone To recently posted…Rhine Cruise with Emerald Waterways: Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim
Thanks Trish – glad you have found it helpful. It’s a bit of a marmite place but great for a few days to recharge.
I haven’t been to Dubai so this was really interesting reading. I have friends who love it as well and make any excuse to return. I think that as long as you know what to expect you can forgive a destination for not having some of the things you might otherwise enjoy. Culture and history are some of my top requirements from a foreign holiday but if I know that I’m going to get great food and places to relax then I think I could cope 🙂 #citytripping
Claire at Tin Box Traveller recently posted…10 reasons to visit Southampton a part from cruising
You are so right – know what to expect and you won’t be disappointed! If we go to Dubai again I’m going to explore its cultural side a bit deeper…I’m sure it’s there! X
I want to visit even if it is for a stop over. I know people talk a lot about the cons but I am happy you have shared your perspective in here. I think I will enjoy the food and architecture.
Ruth recently posted…Valencia: Old Town
Hi Ruth, I think you’ll really enjoy it too.
I’m a bit like those people you mentioned – it’s never been on my list. But I love that this blog post gives both sides so well and can see why some people love it.
Sarah Ebner recently posted…The Best Family Travel Games to Take on Holiday
Thanks Sarah! I’m still pretty divided on it but you can’t beat it for winter sun.
I know I’ve commented previously, but my sister has just got back from a stay at the Atlantis and she loved it. Her son is only 7 months old, but he seemed very entertained. It certainly is on my radar for some winter sun, although it’s quite expensive! Thanks for hosting #citytripping
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Reviewed: Lamington Apartments in London
Glad your sister had a good time. We stayed at the Atlantis once before but during a really busy time of year – was a bit hectic – but tons of stuff for the kids! So good for winter sun and there are deals out there. X
I think, if you’re looking for a city with long history and in a mild climate, then, of course, Dubai is not for you. But Dubai doesn’t claim to be an old European city, it’s a glamorous destination in the middle of the desert, and if you see it for what it is, then you can just enjoy the pros 🙂
TinyExpats recently posted…Bad Hofgestein – winter fun
Very true! You do just have to embrace the glitz, sun and shiny new buildings. X
It is certainly a city that has huge amounts to offer but for me, personally, I prefer small and quirky over large and larger still. That said, if some-one offered me a free trip to Dubai I’d not say no! #CityTripping
Rosie @Eco-Gites of Lenault recently posted…18 December Gardening Tips
Haha! Indeed not! X
My friends who recently returned from Dubai had the same pro & con arguments why visit / not visit Dubai. 🙂
#CityTripping
That’s interesting- glad I’m not alone with it. It’s definitely a bit marmite! X
Thanks for this very balanced post. We have passed through Dubai airport and couldn’t make up our minds whether it would be somewhere that would suit us or not. Your post sums up the pros and cons perfectly. The short flight time and great weather appeal but the construction work does put me off -I like a nice view! Appreciate your insights.
Wherejogoes recently posted…JANUARY ROUND UP – WHEREJOGOES.COM
Thank you so much Jo! There are so many pros but ultimately it is a city that’s still in development so there will be construction noise although some areas are definitely better than others!
Kind of like Las Vegas with humidity and a beach?
You’re not far off!
It was very great to read such an informative post! Great post about Dubai!
Thank you so much.
Wow.. love the way you’ve listed out the good and bad! Cheers!! 🙂
Thank you. It’s a bit of a marmite place!
I can understand all these pros and cons but I think if I got the chance to go I’d still jump at the chance! I mean, hot weather, swimming pools, amazing hotels. Yes please!
Hehe – very true. The positives are very alluring. The do hotels very well!!
I’ve been super intrigued by Dubai, but I must admit I’ve been a bit nervous to go. This is a very informative article, I’ll have to reevaluate and visit sometime with all of this in mind! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thanks Jessica, glad you found it helpful!
I lived in the UAE for 6 years, and then made regular business trips to Dubai to see clients for the next 10 years, so feel I know it pretty well. I agree with your pros and cons, but would add a couple. On the Pro side: if you want to see Arabia, then take the short taxi ride up to Sharjah which still has lots of old buildings and some wonderful museums. Sharjah also has a large Shiite population with links to Iran, and there are a couple of beautiful Iranian-style mosques with beautiful blue and green tilework, well worth a look. On the Con side: do not forget you are in a Muslim country with very strict laws. Be careful what you do in public. One of our friends worked as a lawyer and tried to help numerous Brits who fell foul of local laws. Some of his clients’ stories were very sad. Read the blog “Banged up in Dubai” for some eye-opening true stories.
Hi Fiona, thanks so much for those added pros and cons! I’d love to explore more of the country – great recommendations. Yes, I think it’s easy for some people to forget the local customs and laws. A cautionary tale!