01. What's Included in a Dubai Tour Package

Most packages from India cover the basics of the trip. Exact inclusions differ by operator, so always confirm them before booking.

• Accommodation: Hotel stays for the chosen nights, usually 3-star to 5-star, often with daily breakfast.
• Airport transfers: Pick-up and drop-off between the airport and your hotel.
• Sightseeing: A Dubai city tour covering landmarks such as Jumeirah Beach, Burj Al Arab views, Dubai Frame or Palm Jumeirah, depending on the itinerary.
• Desert safari: Most packages include dune bashing, a camel ride and a BBQ dinner with live entertainment.
• Visa assistance: Many agencies include the visa or help you apply for it.

02. What Costs Extra

This is where many travellers get surprised. These items are usually not part of the base package price:

• Airfare: Land-only packages do not include flights from India.
• Attraction tickets: Burj Khalifa observation decks, theme parks, Dubai Aquarium and the Museum of the Future often cost extra unless they are listed in the itinerary.
• Lunches and dinners: If only breakfast is included, budget for other meals. Dubai has options for every budget, from local eateries to fine dining.
• Tourism Dirham fee: Hotels in Dubai charge a per-room, per-night fee, which is often paid at check-in.
• Travel insurance: It is optional but strongly recommended.
• Shopping and personal spending: Malls, gold souks and perfume shops are hard to resist, so keep a buffer.
• Optional add-ons: An Abu Dhabi day trip, a yacht cruise, a hot air balloon ride or skydiving are usually paid extras.

Tip: Ask for a written inclusions and exclusions list before you pay anything. A trustworthy agency will share it upfront.

03. Best Time to Visit Dubai

November to March is the best time. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, the evenings are cool, and outdoor activities like the desert safari, beaches and city walks are comfortable. It is also peak season, so hotels and flights cost more, and you should book 3-4 weeks ahead or earlier.

April and October are the shoulder months. It is warmer, but crowds thin out and prices are often better.

May to September is the off-season. Temperatures can be very high, so most activities shift indoors to malls, aquariums and air-conditioned attractions. Hotel rates and packages are at their lowest, which suits budget travellers who can handle the heat.

Travelling in December or January? The Dubai Shopping Festival usually runs around this time, with big discounts and events, though hotel prices rise with demand.

04. Tips Before You Book

1. Check your passport validity. Most countries require at least six months.
2. Apply for the visa early. Do not leave it to the last week.
3. Match the itinerary to your group. Families with children, couples and senior travellers need different paces.
4. Compare inclusions, not just price. A cheaper package may leave out things you would pay for anyway.
5. Keep some free time. Do not pack every hour with sightseeing.