Dubai: Why I Keep Going Back
And I Have Been Twelve Times
Twelve times. I have been to Dubai twelve times and I am already thinking about the next one. I know what some of you are thinking because I have heard it before, and I am going to address it briefly and then move on. Yes Dubai has complexities. Yes there are conversations to be had. But this is my honest travel experience and the honest truth is that Dubai is one of my favourite places on earth and I have no plans to stop going.
The Vibe
The best way I can describe Dubai is that it feels like someone took the best parts of America and the best parts of the UK and built an entirely new city from scratch. You have all the familiar brands, all the convenience, all the scale of America, but with a cleanliness and an order that frankly puts both countries to shame. Dubai is immaculate in a way that is genuinely striking when you first arrive and then becomes something you quietly miss when you leave.
Safety
This is the thing I always come back to and it genuinely matters to me. I have been to Dubai alone, with friends, and with family, and every single time I have felt completely safe. As a woman travelling solo this is not something I take for granted. Dubai is one of the places in the world where I have walked around at night, taken taxis alone, and explored without once feeling uncomfortable or unsafe. That counts for a lot.
The Food and the Views
I have had many great meals in Dubai but two places that I keep coming back to are Asia Asia and Pier Seven. Pier Seven in particular is one of my favourites anywhere in the world. It sits right on the marina with views that are genuinely unfair in their beauty, the kind of view where you look out and think this does not feel real. The service matches the setting and the food gives the view a serious run for its money. If you go to Dubai and do not eat somewhere with a marina view you have done yourself a disservice.
The Weather
Hot. Always hot. Which for someone who genuinely thrives in warm weather is basically the dream. I will say this though. January 2024 taught me that even Dubai is not entirely immune to chaos. The cloud seeding combined with some genuinely extreme weather conditions led to flooding that I absolutely did not see coming. So while the weather is reliably brilliant for most of the year, always check before you go.
The One Thing Nobody Warns You About
Everything is far apart. I cannot stress this enough. Dubai is enormous and spread out in a way that does not always communicate itself when you are looking at a map. You will be getting in taxis constantly. I do not drive abroad so for me this is just the reality of navigating Dubai, and the taxis are excellent and very affordable by London standards. But if you are planning a day where you want to hit multiple areas, build in travel time and budget for it.
Dubai is not for everyone and I understand that. But for me it is a city that delivers every single time. Twelve visits in and it still surprises me. That is not something I can say about many places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubai safe for solo female travellers?
In my experience across multiple solo trips, yes. Dubai has a very low crime rate and I have consistently felt safe travelling there alone. Standard travel precautions apply as they would anywhere.
What is the best time of year to visit Dubai?
October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures. The summer months from June to September are extremely hot and humid.
Is Dubai expensive?
It depends entirely on how you travel. Taxis are very affordable by London standards. Dining ranges from budget friendly to high end. With planning it is possible to do Dubai on a range of budgets.
Do you need a visa to visit Dubai from the UK?
UK passport holders can visit Dubai visa free for up to 30 days. Always check the latest entry requirements before travelling as these can change.
