Dubai
United Arab Emirates · DXB
How to get from DXB to your hotel, which district to stay in, what the Metro, taxis and the Creek abra cost, and the entry rules for GCC citizens and residents.
Quick answer
GCC citizens enter the UAE without a visa. From DXB, the Metro Red Line runs from Terminals 1 and 3, a taxi starts at AED 20 from the airport, and an abra across the Creek costs AED 1. Pick your district first, because Downtown, the Marina and old Deira are far apart.
Districts, Metro and the Creek
- The souks of Deira and Bur Dubai, on either side of the Creek
- Downtown Dubai’s landmarks and the Dubai Marina waterfront
- The Metro Red Line from DXB Terminals 1 and 3
Plan a visit to Dubai
- Group nearby sights into the same day. Dubai is spread across districts, so a short map distance does not always mean a quick transfer.
- Check the nearest Metro station and the current RTA journey planner for each stop; routes and operating details can change.
- For outdoor plans, build in shade and water breaks and keep an indoor alternative for the hotter part of the day.
From DXB to your hotel
The Dubai Metro Red Line connects to DXB Terminals 1 and 3, and Metro passes are sold at ticket offices and vending machines in both terminals. The airport’s own page does not mention Terminal 2, so check your route in RTA’s s’hail app if you arrive there.
Metro hours listed by the airport: Monday to Thursday 5 am to midnight, Friday 5 am to 1 am, Saturday 5 am to midnight and Sunday 8 am to midnight, with possible extensions on public holidays. You can carry up to two pieces of luggage, hand luggage included.
Taxis from the airport start at AED 20 (AED 25 for a van), against AED 5 for a taxi hailed on the road between 6 am and 10 pm. The final fare adds a distance charge, waiting time and any Salik toll, so it depends on where you are going.
Dubai Airports: getting to and from the airportRTA: taxi fares in DubaiPick the district first
Visit Dubai describes Deira and Bur Dubai, the two sides of the Creek, as the parts of the city for heritage and traditional souks. It places the iconic landmarks, shopping and promenades in Downtown Dubai, and describes Dubai Marina as a high-rise waterfront district with watersports and family activities.
- Deira and Bur Dubai: traditional souks and old-city character, on either side of the Creek and linked by abra boats.
- Downtown Dubai: landmarks, shopping and promenades close together, which suits a short first visit built around the main sights.
- Dubai Marina: a waterfront high-rise district with water activities and a family focus. It is a long way from the old city, so allow transfer time if you want to visit the souks.
Metro, taxi and abra
Public-transport fares are set by zone. Within one zone a Silver nol card costs AED 3, a Gold card AED 6 and a Red Ticket AED 4. The same zone fares apply on the Metro, Tram and buses, and Gold passengers pay an extra surcharge on the Metro and Tram.
- A taxi booked through an authorised app starts at AED 9, 10 or 13 depending on the day and time. The AED 13 rate applies in the peaks, for example 8 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 8 pm from Monday to Thursday.
- Crossing the Creek by abra between Bur Dubai and Deira costs AED 1 per passenger per trip, cash only. Route CR2, between Dubai Old Souq and Al Sabkha, is listed as a 24-hour service.
Entry rules for Dubai
The UAE government’s entry page says GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE. It does not describe the rules for people who live in a GCC country without being citizens, and it links a separate service called “Apply for eVisa from GCC countries”. If you are a resident rather than a citizen, check that service and your airline’s entry rules before you book.
The same page says passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and that the lists of eligible countries can change.
UAE Government: check if you need a visa to enter the UAE (updated 13 Jul 2026)Details that change the plan
- The Metro starts at 8 am on Sundays, so for an early-morning Sunday landing, plan on a taxi.
- RTA’s taxi page gives starting fares only, with no minimum fare or per-kilometre rate, so treat any total as an estimate.
When to visit Dubai
As general seasonal guidance, outdoor plans are often more comfortable from November through March than during Dubai’s hot summer. Conditions vary by date; check the official month-by-month weather guide before you travel.
Check Visit Dubai’s monthly weather guidePublic-transport fare examples
RTA’s published Silver nol-card table lists AED 3 within one fare zone, AED 5 across two adjacent zones, and AED 7.50 for more than two zones. This is public-transport guidance, not a whole-trip budget; accommodation and attraction prices vary by date and choice.
Check the current RTA fare tableDubai questions
Which months are more comfortable for outdoor plans?
November through March is a general seasonal guide, not a forecast. Check Visit Dubai’s monthly weather information close to your travel date.
How much does a Metro trip cost?
RTA lists Silver nol-card fares of AED 3 within one zone, AED 5 for two adjacent zones, and AED 7.50 for more than two zones. Check the current fare table for updates and ticket type.
Do I need a car to get around Dubai?
That depends on your itinerary. The Metro serves some districts, but the city is spread out; check station access for each stop and allow transfer time.
Which airport should I use for Dubai?
This guide uses DXB, Dubai International Airport. Always check the airport code printed on your ticket because the wider city has more than one airport.
Can I take the Metro from Dubai airport?
Yes, the Red Line connects to DXB Terminals 1 and 3, where passes are sold at ticket offices and vending machines. The airport’s page does not mention Terminal 2.
What time does the Dubai Metro run?
Monday to Thursday 5 am to midnight, Friday 5 am to 1 am, Saturday 5 am to midnight and Sunday 8 am to midnight. Hours may be extended on public holidays and for citywide celebrations.
How much does a taxi from the airport start at?
RTA lists a starting fare of AED 20 at Dubai Airports, or AED 25 for a van. The total adds distance, waiting time and any Salik toll.
Do GCC citizens need a visa for Dubai?
The UAE government’s page says GCC citizens do not need a visa. It does not describe the rules for non-citizen residents of GCC countries, so check the eVisa service it links to before you book.
How much is the abra across Dubai Creek?
RTA lists AED 1 per passenger per trip, cash only. Route CR1 between Bur Dubai and Deira Old Souq runs from 6 am to midnight.
Sources and official links for Dubai
- Visit Dubai: monthly weather guide
- Dubai RTA: nol fares
- Dubai Airports: getting to and from the airport
- UAE Government: check if you need a visa
Last checked: 14 Oct 2026
Checked by Anas Ismail on 14 October 2026. We check entry rules, fares and opening details against the official pages listed in the sources, and note the date we checked them.