Dubai vs Singapore are among the top travel destinations in the world. Both cities offer luxury and variety in food the infrastructure is top quality, the streets are clean. But they have very different vibes and identities. Dubai is in the desert. It is a city of towers in a golden glow. Singapore is a garden city.
This travel guide will help you figure out how to separate them in your travel plans. Each city has its own great attraction. We consider travel, food, and culture. Whether you are taking a vacation or a short holiday, you will have reasonable expectations, which will give you the best opportunity to decide what blossoming itself can look like.
Here is a recap of the comparison for Dubai vs. Singapore in a few differently key areas. Both cities are easy to experience and enjoy! Now… let’s take a look at Dubai vs. Singapore tourism.
Dubai vs Singapore: Which Is Better for Your Honeymoon?
The answer to the best honeymoon ultimately depends on the couple and what they are interested in taking in on their honeymoon. For couples interested in a romantic, luxurious and culturally enriching honeymoon, Dubai is a fantasy come true. Just picture it. Desert safaris by night, romance under a blanket of stars, shopping in a mall that is as extravagant as the hotels, private yacht rides gliding on the Persian Gulf, staying in over-the-top ultra-luxurious resorts like the Burj Al Arab. Dubai uniquely captures old Arabian culture while enveloped in future-esque architecture. The backdrop of it all allows for an atmosphere of romance every minute of the day.
On the flip side, Singapore provides a cleaner, greener, and more cosmopolitan honeymoon option. If you’re into modern attractions, lush gardens, cultural diversity and clean, amazing food scenes; then these three days in Singapore, you won’t be sorry. Taking a stroll with your partner through Gardens by the Bay, exploring Sentosa Island, eating Michelin star street food, and watching the skyline light up at Marina Bay Sands… Singapore is fun, safe, organized and energetic.
Read Also= Dubai vs Sharjah Find the Best UAE Destination for You
Dubai vs Singapore: Which Is Best For Your Family Holiday?
Deciding whether to visit Dubai or Singapore for a family holiday is a challenging decision because they are both vibrant destinations with a wealth of family-friendly activities. Dubai is a fantastic option if you enjoy vast spaces, loud sounds, ridiculous photo ops, and excitement. With attractions such as IMG Worlds of Adventure, the Dubai Aquarium, LEGOLAND and kids-friendly beaches – the choices for your kids (and you!) to get bored are endless. You will be entertained for endless hours, and likely days! From the shopping, entertainment, and food – there is something to do for every age. Weather in Dubai is hot, but there are lots of indoor attractions, many of which are comfortable.
On the other hand, Singapore is arguably more accessible and practical for families, especially if you are traveling with younger kids and/or seniors. It is a clean and safe place, with great public transport that makes it easy to travel smoothly, and the kid-friendly tourist places are limitless. Attractions for families are in abundance with Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and the dynamic Science Centre. The mix of green spaces, education and a nice tropical environment provides insight to the country. The weather would almost always be the same day-to-day with the only variable being rain, which can be unpredictable.
Dubai vs Singapore: Best Attractions and Unique Experiences
With its Burj Khalifa and desert camps, Dubai has a lot in its repertoire. With skiing indoors! – while introducing new recreation, the city still pays homage to its desert traditions.
Singapore possesses Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, has a night zoo, and you can walk through Little India. Contrary to Dubai, Singapore is rich in nature and culture.
Both cities offer unique attractions to visitors although Dubai may offer more extremes and drama while Singapore is more sensible and straightforward. Whatever you enjoy more, select your city – either way, you won’t run out of things to do any time soon.
Read About Burj Khalif =Why Burj Khalifa Should Be Part of Your Dubai Itinerary
City Vibe – Modern Glamour or Urban Green
Dubai can certainly give you a spectacular, larger-than-life experience with stunning power in the volume of bold sights. The malls are enormous and it is all built for effect.
Singapore presents a quiet, clean living space that feels organized with planned streets and parks. Modern, but calmer and quieter. Even in the center of the city you still have greenery and quiet corners. You feel refreshed and engaged.
Dubai is all about big and memorable experiences. Singapore is all about calm and balance. If you are most passionate about the primary aspects of big sights and memorable experiences, go with Dubai. If you are looking for excitement and peace, while enjoying nature and order, go with Singapore.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Dubai is warm most of the year. The local heat can be extreme from May to September. The best time for outdoor trips is November to March, because the weather is cool and clear.
Singapore has a tropical climate. It is warm year-round. You can plan your trips in Singapore around the seasons, but you probably do not need to. Just bring an umbrella. Winter is the best season for a trip to Dubai; however if you do not like the heat, summer in Dubai may be a problem.
Cost of Travel – Budget, Mid, or Luxury
Both cities can be pricey, but your options heavily impact the cost of your decision. In Dubai, luxury hotels and fine dining will add up fast. Fortunately, there is cheap accommodation in nice areas and food options for less money.
Singapore is known to be clean and expensive. Hotels in some central areas can be pricey. However, there are clean hostels and hawker stalls that provide a great meal for a lower price.
Dubai has more luxe for less dollar, while Singapore provides quality and cleanliness. Overall, based on a cost of living battle between Dubai vs Singapore, Dubai is the clear winner.
Transport and Getting Around
Singapore has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, and the MRT trains are fast and easy to navigate. Buses in Singapore are prompt and reliable, and you will not have any issues getting to anywhere across the city.
Dubai metro is clean and very modern but is limited in its coverage, and taxi’s are common, safe and reliable. There are buses, but not all destinations are connected well by bus. You also have the option to rent a vehicle if you do not wish to completely rely on public transportation.
If easy public transportation is of importance to you, then Singapore is the clear winner. If taking taxis or renting a car are options, then Dubai is just as easy.
Dubai Metro = Dubai Metro Map Your Complete Guide
Food Scene – Global or Local Cuisine
There’s food of every type, form, and variety from all over the world in Dubai including Lebanese, Indian, and Japanese. Fine dining is very much in vogue, while street eats are making a comeback. There are endless food options.
Singapore is the “foodies” paradise. Hawker centres provide authentic local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and satay, which are rich and full-bodied.
Both cities do very well in food; however, Dubai is best known for global food right now. Singapore is best known for its local food right now. If you are looking for street food and tastes, Singapore is at the top of that game. Or, if you are looking to locate flavours from around the globe, Dubai will ask if you want one of three different first class ways to explore flavourful options. Here again, endless food options are there for all types of people.
Shopping – Malls, Markets and More
Singapore versus Dubai development is always a great debate.
Dubai is a shopper’s dream. The malls are massive and filled with brands. For example, Dubai Mall has an aquarium. There are souks for gold and spices.
Singapore has lots of malls on Orchard Road, but it is the independent shops that add to the local flavour. Bugis Street is good for bargains, and Chinatown is like Asia.
Dubai is about size and choice. Singapore is about mix and detail. If you want the big brand stores, then Dubai is for you. If you want to explore and find local treasures, then Singapore is the place.
Safety and Cleanliness
Both are pretty safe cities for you to walk around at night alone. In terms of crime, low rates are found in Dubai and Singapore. Singapore is also fairly clean, as it is one of the more clean cities in the world. Little litter, many rules. Dubai is also pretty clean – in the tourist areas.
If clean streets are your thing, Singapore is better, marginally, and it has more laws about litter. In terms of basic safety, both Singapore and Dubai are totally safe, clean streets and safe roads just make the trip better.
Cultural Landmarks and Local Customs
Dubai demonstrates both old and new, displaying the Emirati source of both mosques and souks. Dubai is new as only expats can make it new. It matters what you wear here. But what you need to really understand is the local customs.
Singapore, in both food and festivals shows a little bit of Chinese culture and a little bit of Indian culture. It may feel open, but it is also heavily laced in its own culture and traditions.
To some degree, Dubai is Arab culture presented in a modern way, while Singapore is a mish mash of Asian cultures. Is one better than the other? Each has their own richness, and life appears warm and vibrant.
Nightlife & Entertainment Scene
Dubai is lively by night with beach clubs and lounges to enjoy. There are licensed places to serve alcohol, and there are also shows and concerts to attend. Singapore has bars at Clarke Quay and rooftop spots to admire the view. Singapore also has live music and theater.
Both cities offer wonderful night time options. Dubai is more glamorous than Singapore. Singapore is more relaxed. Ultimately, it’s your own personal choice! Both nights out are fun and safe.
Child-Friendly Fun and Activities
Dubai offers many family friendly options with indoor ski slopes and large water parks. Dubai Parks and Resorts has its theme park rides and rides based on movies. The local beaches are clean, shallow, patrolled and fine for the little ones to be playing in the sea.
Singapore has recommended attractions for children with the likes of the Science Centre, interactive Sentosa Island, to lovely play areas in the airport to keep your younger “guests” entertained while waiting for flights.
Both destinations are child focused. Dubai offers pulse quickening attractions, while Singapore favours curiosity lead exploration. Either option guarantees playful days and exhausted smiles by bedtime.
Sustainability and Green Spaces
Singapore is leading in green design. There are parks and tree-lined roadways. The city does planning with nature.
Dubai is in this area too; it is adding greens in its new development. Already has some garden (not a lot) in the desert and some larger parks.
If nature is important to you, Singapore is ahead of the game. But Dubai is creating a new city and this new city has green ideas at its beginning.
Which One Should You Pick?
If you are looking for a little WOW moment with grand sights and luxury, then Dubai is for you. It is perfect for a short trip with lots of memorable moments.
If you are looking for greenery, then Singapore is the choice. It is good for family, and great for foodies.
Both cities are very clean and beautiful. Your selection comes down to what you enjoy. They are each unique and have a cosmopolitan qualities with their own cultural diversities.
FAQ
1. Which is more expensive to visit, Dubai vs Singapore?
Both cities are costly, but Singapore generally has higher food and accommodation costs, while Dubai can be pricey for luxury activities.
2. Which city is better for shopping, Dubai or Singapore?
Dubai is famous for luxury malls and tax-free shopping, while Singapore excels in street markets and international brands.
3. Is Dubai or Singapore better for family vacations?
Both are family-friendly, but Dubai offers desert safaris, theme parks, and beaches, while Singapore has Sentosa, zoos, and kid-friendly attractions.
4. Which destination has better nightlife, Dubai or Singapore?
Singapore is known for vibrant nightlife and rooftop bars, while Dubai offers glamorous clubs and unique desert experiences.
5. Which city is easier to get around as a tourist?
Singapore has one of the world’s best public transport systems. Dubai is more spread out but offers metro, taxis, and buses.
6. Which is safer for travelers, Dubai or Singapore?
Both are very safe, with low crime rates and strong law enforcement.
