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Planning Your Trip at The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre
Planning Your Trip
While Dubai's temperatures can be high, especially in the summer, air conditioning is widespread indoors. Bring a lightweight layer to stay comfortable when transitioning from the heat outside to the cool indoor environments.
While temperatures are high, particularly in summer, air conditioning is plentiful. Bring a lightweight layer to ward off any chill when you come in from the heat outdoors.
Business Travel
Business Attire: Despite the sweltering summer heat, men are expected to wear formal business suits and ties.
Women should dress conservatively; jackets and trousers are recommended, and short skirts or low necklines should be avoided.
Business Cards: Carry your business cards with you at all times. They are an essential part of your professional uniform and should be readily available for meetings and networking opportunities.
Exploring the City
Dubai offers a diverse range of activities, and packing for all possibilities can be a challenge. Here are a few must-have items:
Lightweight Trousers: While jeans are common in the city, lighter-weight trousers are generally more comfortable given the high temperatures.
Flip-Flops: Ideal for the beach and casual city strolls, flip-flops are a practical choice for Dubai’s warm climate.
Dressier Outfits: Dubai is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous restaurants and clubs. Pack a few smart outfits—such as dressy slacks and shirts for men, and Western-style attire for women. For women, consider bringing a pashmina to cover shoulders or lower necklines when transitioning to and from clubs.
Cultural Considerations
Dubai’s dress code reflects respect for the culture and religion of the UAE. In public areas such as malls, markets, cinemas, or while walking outdoors, it is important to dress modestly:
Women: Wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and upper arms, such as trousers or longer skirts, and avoid low-cut or midriff-baring tops.
Swimwear: At the pool or beach, swimsuits and bikinis are appropriate. However, women should cover up with a cover-up when moving to and from these areas.
Shawl: A lightweight shawl is a versatile item to carry, especially if you plan to visit mosques where women are required to cover their heads.
The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC is ideally located in Dubai’s vibrant district, offering easy access to premier dining, nightlife, shopping, and cultural experiences. For those who prefer to unwind without leaving the property, the hotel provides an array of amenities, including exceptional restaurants and a luxurious spa. To make the most of your visit, consider making a few arrangements in advance.
Connect with the concierge to arrange special adventures during your stay. Explore the city from the sea with a show cruise or enjoy a romantic dinner on the water. Book a round at the Middle East’s first all-grass championship golf course, which uniquely offers night golf. For a thrilling experience, try dune bashing or embark on a desert safari, and consider spending a night stargazing from a sand dune. For a refreshing escape from the heat, visit the Mall of the Emirates to go skiing indoors and meet playful penguins.
There’s quite a vibrant dining and clubbing scene in Dubai, with DJs flocking to the city from around the globe to perform. But in addition, art lovers should make a point of taking advantage of the wide variety of performing arts in the city. La Perle by Dragone is a performance featuring 65 artists acting and performing acrobatics as well as aquatic and aerial stunts. For more traditional offerings, the stunning, modern Dubai Opera offers opera, musicals, ballets and theater throughout the year.
Escape the bustle of the city with a rejuvenating experience at the spa. Book one of the signature treatments like the Maroc Maroc Massage, which includes a black soap full-body exfoliation, application of body balm, massage and a scalp massage using argan oil. Or try the Desert Reviver, a full-body sand exfoliation followed by a hot stone massage and concluded with a cooling body moisturizer. Arrange to arrive early at the spa to take advantage of the steam rooms and, after your appointment, linger in the sumptuous relaxation room.
Enjoy some of the best cuisines Dubai has to offer by arranging for tables at some of the exclusive restaurants at the hotel. Center Cut offers the finest cuts of U.S. and Australian beef and a premium wine selection. Le Cirque Dubai — the Middle Eastern offshoot of the famed New York eatery — offers French cuisine with an Italian flair. Café Belge takes its inspiration from 1920s Brussels with dishes like moules served with frites and Belgian mayonnaise, chicken vol-au-vent and fresh oysters. To cap off the evening, reserve a table in the Sunken Garden for modern Arabic tapas, drinks and the best shisha in town with more than 30 flavors on offer.
Dubai, a futuristic metropolis rising from the Arabian Desert, is a city like no other. Beyond its glittering skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and world-class dining options, Dubai also celebrates its rich heritage and history. Explore the historic gold and spice souks, ascend to the top of the world’s tallest building, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant art scene. Discovering both its past and its future will give you a deeper appreciation of this dynamic city.
Culinary Tour
In Dubai, everything from glittering skyscrapers to resort-like malls is taken to the extreme, and its gastronomy is no exception. Dining in Dubai often involves lavish, multi-hour affairs with decadent spreads of food. Yet, beyond the glitz and glamour of four-star dining and high-end restaurants, the city proudly showcases its rich culinary heritage. You’ll find a wealth of authentic and diverse fare that reflects both traditional and modern influences.
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Morning
Good Morning, Dubai. Start your day with a lavish breakfast at Social House. Delight in regional flavors with a twist, such as shakshouka with labneh and za’atar pita bread, or scrambled eggs adorned with black truffle shavings.
A Bird’s-Eye View. Ascend to the 148th-floor observation deck of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Bask in panoramic views of Dubai's futuristic skyline, man-made islands, and surrounding natural beauty, including the Dubai desert and the Arabian Sea.
Midday
Brunch It Up. Fridays in Dubai mean it’s time for brunch — an extravagant affair rather than just a meal. Join the chic crowd at Baikingu Brunch at Zuma, where you can savor an array of Japanese delicacies from sushi and sashimi to gyoza and yakitori.
Afternoon
Quench Your Thirst. Experience Juice World’s impressive array of 200 fresh juices and smoothies. For a refreshing treat, try a falooda — a rose-flavored dessert with vermicelli and sweet basil seeds.
The Spice of Life. Explore the Spice Souk in Deira, Dubai’s oldest neighborhood. Wander through narrow alleys lined with vibrant spices, incense, traditional medicine, and dried flowers, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich culture.
Evening
A Relaxing Apéritif. Unwind after a busy day at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre. Enjoy a soothing cup of tea at the Lobby Lounge, a glass of wine at Café Belge, or explore the lush Sunken Garden, where you can sample from 30 exotic shisha flavors.
A Meal to Remember. Indulge in classic French cuisine with an Italian twist at Le Cirque, the famed New York restaurant now gracing the Middle East with its presence.
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Dubai Coffee Museum in Al Fahidi, one of the city’s historic districts. This private museum, showcasing antiques and artifacts from Ethiopia—where coffee originated—and Egypt. Before you leave, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee from the museum’s custom bar.
Next, enjoy a creek-side breakfast at Creekside Café, located along Dubai Creek. Watch the traditional wooden boats, or abras, glide by as you savor Emirati-inspired dishes. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby textile souk, where you can immerse yourself in a truly cultural shopping experience.
Midday
If your visit falls between November and April, be sure to check out the Global Village. This annual event celebrates cultures from over 65 countries, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment, shopping, and food. From Egyptian to Italian, and Vietnamese to Omani, you’ll have the chance to sample a wide variety of regional cuisines.
Afternoon
Explore Jumeirah Mosque, a remarkable blend of Dubai’s modern glamour and traditional roots. As the only mosque in the city open to non-Muslim visitors, it provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into the culture and religion of the United Arab Emirates.
For lunch, head to Al Nafoorah, a well-regarded restaurant renowned for its authentic Lebanese cuisine. Indulge in traditional dishes like grilled lamb and shawarma, accompanied by impeccable service and generous portions.
Evening
A Sunset Stroll. Before dinner, wander along the Palm Jumeirah boardwalk, the world’s largest artificial island. Enjoy the serene views of the Arabian Sea, explore shops, cafés, and restaurants, and catch a spectacular sunset. Take the monorail back to the mainland for a unique perspective of the island.
A Picture-perfect Meal. Dress up for a special evening at Pierchic, renowned for its seafood and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Located at the end of a wooden pier, the restaurant offers exquisite dishes like tuna carpaccio, fresh oysters, and sea bass, all served with breathtaking vistas.
12 Hours In
One day in Dubai may not be much time, but it’s enough to get a taste of everything this city has to offer. This ever-evolving metropolis always has an eye toward the future — what’s bigger, better and faster. But don’t judge a city solely on its glittering skyscrapers and man-made islands, because behind Dubai’s shiny veneer is a culture built on tradition, heritage and history. From traditional souks to sky-high buildings to a burgeoning art scene, to truly understand Dubai, you have to explore its past, present and future. Short on time? Spend your day exploring the best the city has to offer or indulge in a day of relaxation.
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If You Want to Relax
- Stroll by the Sea. Before it gets too hot, wake up and enjoy the lower temperatures with a walk on one of Dubai’s beaches. Admire the glistening Arabian Sea, spot the skyscraping Burj Khalifa and sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and even witness a camel ambling by. After, stop by one of the many cafés or restaurants along the beach for coffee and a bite to eat.
- Find Serenity. The treatment menu at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dubai International Financial Centre features massages, facials and body therapies with techniques and ingredients from around the world, but for a true sense of place, opt for a Dubai-inspired treatment, like the Desert Reviver, which includes a hot stone massage followed by a revitalizing cooling balm.
- Start at the Sunken Garden. Stop by the Sunken Garden for an evening cocktail before heading out for the evening. Take the short walk to the largest mall in the world, Dubai Mall, and marvel at its 1.1 million square feet of retail space, then find a good spot to watch the choreographed water fountain show right outside.
- Leave on a High. Zoom to the 122nd floor of the towering Burj Khalifa, for dinner at At.mosphere. Opt for the multi-course tasting menu or order a la carte from selections of seafood, pasta and Wagyu beef. Ask for a table by the window, because at 1,450 feet above the ground, the views are simply spectacular.
If You Want to Explore
- Sail Around Palm Jumeirah. One of Dubai’s most well-known sights is the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made archipelago that adds 320 miles to the city’s shoreline. Choose your vehicle — speedboat, luxury yacht, catamaran — and glide around the palm-shaped coastline for spectacular views of the Dubai skyline.
- Art Walk. Regain your land legs by spending a few hours exploring Dubai’s most artistic street. In the industrial district of Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue is a cluster of art galleries, museums, workshops, cafés and shops. Housed in former warehouses, it may not look like much from the outside, but once you step inside, you’ll be greeted with a vibrant and energetic art scene. If you’re short on time, make sure to stop by the Salsali Private Museum and Carbon 12.
- Cross Dubai Creek. Now that you’ve had a taste of modern Dubai, it’s time to explore Old Dubai. Hop on an abra, a traditional wooden boat, and cross the creek from Bur Dubai to Deira. Public abras are docked along the creek, but it’s more fun to hire a private one for a leisurely one-hour ride.
- A Golden Opportunity. When you cross into Deira, head straight to the Gold Souk, a must-see for any visitor. Walk up and down its narrow alleyways and marvel at the more than 100 shops that offer wide selections of gold jewelry: necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings. Choose from 18-karat gold from Italy or 21-karat gold from India and Singapore. The prices are already fair, but bargaining is expected.