City tours across Dubai and the UAE

Dubai is a city of two halves, and a good city tour connects them. On the modern side you have Downtown Dubai with the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the Atlantis, plus photo stops at the Burj Al Arab and the Dubai Frame. On the heritage side sits Old Dubai - Al Fahidi historical district, the Dubai Museum, the abra crossing over Dubai Creek and the gold and spice souks of Deira. Half-day tours usually cover one side; full-day tours cover both with a lunch break in between.

Most city tours run 4 to 8 hours with air-conditioned transport and a licensed English-speaking guide; Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Russian and Chinese guides can be requested on private tours. Shared tours pick up from central Dubai hotels on a rotation, so allow 20-30 minutes either side of your stated pickup time. Private tours start at your door, let you swap or extend stops, and are usually the better value from three guests upward.

Beyond Dubai, day tours run to Abu Dhabi for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan and the Corniche, and to Sharjah for the Blue Souk and Al Noor Mosque. If your trip is short, pair a morning city tour with an evening dhow cruise or desert safari - the pickup windows rarely clash. Entry tickets for the Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future and Dubai Frame are sold separately on most sightseeing tours, so check the inclusions on the tour page before booking. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required at mosques, and women should carry a scarf.