About Dubai travel tips

Dubai is an alluring getaway destination, with various opulent attractions, immersive culture, breathtaking architecture, and pleasant weather. Beyond the skyscrapers and luxurious stay, the city offers Bedouin villages, Dubai desert safari, mosques, ancient forts and more. With so much to offer, the beautiful desert city can be explored in an easy and hassle free manner if you keep in mind some Dubai travel tips. To make your trip a little more fun, it is recommended to know about the prominent advice, rules and laws to go on smooth exploration of the city. Being aware of Islamic events is also crucial when traveling to Dubai, because some customs may seem rigid, but they are an essential part of the local culture and should be respected.

Tips to Travel Dubai

Best Time to visit
Best Time to visit
  • As per the best recommended Dubai travel tips, winter months from November to February are the best time to visit in city of Dubai, because of the pleasant weather. In this time you can partake in various adventures, and outdoor sports like desert safari, water sports and more.
  • The summer months from May to September are uncomfortably hot, because of the location of the city, but various indoor and water sports can be enjoyed during this time.
Things to Pack?
Things to Pack?
  • Light and comfortable clothing: One of the Dubai travel tips is to pack lightweight and breathable clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Modest clothing: While Dubai is a modern and cosmopolitan city, it's important to dress modestly in public places, especially if visiting religious sites or attending cultural events.
  • Sun protection: With its high temperatures and soaring sun, it's essential to save yourself from the scorching sun. 
  • Cash and credit cards: Dubai is a city that caters to luxury and high-end spending, so it's best to bring both cash and credit cards for shopping, dining, and other activities.
  • Scarf or shawl: Women visiting Dubai should carry a scarf or shawl to cover their heads when visiting religious sites or entering a mosque.
What to Wear?
What to Wear?
  • The modern, liberal, and progressive city of Dubai holds its culture and traditions in high regard. Thus it's essential to keep in mind some key Dubai travel tips by picking some moderate clothing for the city tour. 
  • It is recommended to cover your shoulders and knees in public areas. 
  • You can wear swimsuits, shorts, or bikinis when visiting beaches; but it's advised to dress according to the occasion and the place you're visiting. 
  • When visiting a religious place, especially a mosque, it's important to dress modestly. You can pick loose-fitting, full-length clothing and cover your head as followed by the traditional Muslim men and women of the region or wear an abaya, kandura, or dishdasha.


Recommended Read: What to Wear in Dubai

Important Documents to Carry
Important Documents to Carry
  • Passport: You will need a passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
  • Visa: Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa to enter Dubai after a due consultation from the embassy. 
  • Flight tickets: Carry your returning tickets as well, either printed or on your phone.
  • Hotel booking confirmation: If you have pre-booked your accommodation, carry the confirmation details.
  • Travel insurance: It's always wise to carry travel insurance, which covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen events.
  • Credit/debit cards: Carry your credit/debit cards for cashless transactions, as well as some local currency for emergencies.
How to Pay?
How to Pay?
  • Cash: The best Dubai travel tip is to carry some cash for small transactions and emergencies to buy from local shops. You can visit the various ATMs as well that are widely available in Dubai, for the withdrawal of the local currency (UAE dirhams). 
  • Debit/Credit cards: You can use your debit or credit card, smoothly along with the online mode of transactions.
How to Travel on a Budget?
How to Travel on a Budget?

Buses: By being aware of some of the useful Dubai travel tips, you can save some Dirhams during your trip. Buses are some of the cheapest public transportation available which accurately connects all the major attractions of the city. 

Metros: The most comfortable, inexpensive and readily available public transport of Dubai is the metros. One of the largest driverless train systems in the world, the metro runs from Rashidiya Station to the south of Dubai International Airport. 

Tram: One of the cheapest forms of transportation is through the populated residential and commercial areas. The tram connects the areas of Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Media City.

Where to Eat?
Where to Eat?
  • Make sure to have the Arabic coffee, Gahwa and dates one of the highlights of Dubai. 
  • You can savor the delicious dishes at Downtown Dubai like Zuma for Japanese and Baker and Spice for international cuisine.
  • Visit Global Village to relish the alfresco and distinctive international cuisine from all over the world. 
  • It is highly recommended to try the local delicacies like shawarma, Harees, Majboos, Luqaymat and Madrouba.
  • Avoid eating near the famous tourist attractions, as they offer expensive prices for local dishes.
Souvenir Shopping
Souvenir Shopping
  • For luxurious shopping: The shoppers paradise, Dubai is a city immersed in luxury and quality products. You can visit Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest malls with more than 1,200 stores.  
  • Budgeted shopping: Though bargaining is a common practice in souks, you can easily negotiate for a better price at the local markets like Dubai Outlet Mall or the Global Village.
  • Traditional shopping: You can go to the traditional souks like Gold Souk and Spice Souk, some of the popular traditional markets in the region.
Plan to visit to the popular attractions at the best hours
Plan to visit to the popular attractions at the best hours
  • Keep in mind the operating hours of the various attractions before visiting. 
  • It is recommended to visit the popular places of Dubai, during the non-peak hours, to avoid large crowds. 
  • Rather than going by the typical recommendation, you can even visit Burj Khalifa, during the sunset hours or later to fully appreciate the stunning panoramic views of the cityscape.
  • If you are following the Dubai travel tips, you must visit the Dubai Frame, Dubai Mall, Miracle Garden and Palm Jumeirah. These popular tourist spots can be well explored during weekdays, especially in the morning hours for easy accessibility.

Know the laws and regulations established by the nation, in advance

Public Display of Affection
Public Display of Affection
  • During your amazing tour with your loved ones, you must keep in check the display of your affection.
  • One of the key Dubai travel tips is to avoid PDA, especially kissing, which is strictly prohibited, even if it's just a peck on the cheek.
  • As per the Sharia Law followed in the UAE, it is recommended to book individual accommodations for unmarried couples.
Clicking the photographs
Clicking the photographs
  • Before going on the dubai city tour, you must be well aware of the Dubai travel tips, such as asking permission before taking someone's photo.
  • It is recommended to avoid taking pictures of Muslim women. 
  • Avoid capturing pictures of government buildings, airports, docks, military or industrial installations etc.
Alcohol and Liquor Mandates
Alcohol and Liquor Mandates
  • Dubai offers a diverse range of alcoholic beverages, from inexpensive beer and spirits to luxurious champagne, which can be enjoyed in world-class restaurants. 
  • Please note that the minimum age for drinking, as specified by the Ministry of Tourism is 21 years old. 
  • During the holy month of Ramadan, alcohol is not available at most places due to religious customs. As a predominantly Islamic nation, the UAE adheres closely to religious decrees, including the prohibition of public intoxication.
  • Additionally, it's essential to remember that drug use is illegal in Dubai and carries severe consequences.

FAQ's

How long should you stay in Dubai to make the best of your visit?

    It takes approximately 5 days to explore the vibrant city of Dubai. The dynamic and exciting city offers various beautiful attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai frame, Miracle garden and more. 

What are the things I should avoid doing in Dubai?

Is Dubai safe for solo women travelers?

What are nightlife tips and hacks in Dubai?

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