Main highlights:
- All you must know about Dubai
- Basic knowledge about rules to be followed
- Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates is a vast country filled with cities and settlements of all kinds. The capital of Abu Dhabi, the modern metropolis of Dubai, and other smaller towns and villages are all part of this fascinating country. If you’re planning on visiting the UAE in the near future, you’ll want to know what to expect before you go. These top 10 things to know before visiting Dubai will help prepare you for your trip. Read on to learn more about what you should know before visiting Dubai. These tips will help ensure that your trip is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable from start to finish.
Basics to Know Before Visiting Dubai
The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates. Just be aware of common scams and pickpockets in crowded areas. Dubai has strict laws against drugs, and travellers should be aware that buying, possessing, or using drugs, even in small amounts, could lead to a prison sentence. Alcohol is widely available in Dubai, but do note that it is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public. It is also against the law to drink alcohol or be under the influence of drugs on private beaches in Dubai. As the UAE is a Muslim country, visitors should be respectful of Islamic culture and customs while they are there. It is important to dress conservatively when visiting the UAE. Most women will want to wear a long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and a head scarf when they are out in public to respect the culture. Men should also wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outside.
Currency and Language
The UAE has its own currency, the UAE Dirham. While you can use Western Union ATMs to withdraw cash in Dubai, credit cards are widely accepted. You can also use cash in Dubai, but be aware that it may be difficult to break large bills. Most stores and restaurants will not give you change for 1000 Dirham bills. If you do need to break a large bill, you can go to a large bank. Arabic is the official language in the UAE, although English is widely spoken as well.
Dress Code
As mentioned above, most women will want to wear a head scarf and long-sleeved shirt when they are out in public in the UAE. However, these rules aren’t enforced as strictly in Dubai compared to the rest of the UAE. Still, it is best to be respectful and follow these guidelines while in Dubai. Men should wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outside. In Dubai, shorts and sandals are acceptable in most places, but it is best to avoid these in Abu Dhabi. Shorts are not allowed in public places like malls, and may even get you thrown out of Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Transportation
Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, so you can expect crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can try to fly into or out of Dubai at odd hours. Schedule your flight for early morning or late at night to avoid rush hour traffic. If you are flying into Dubai, you will have the option to be picked up in a luxury car or a shared taxi to get to your hotel. If you are departing, you can book the same service to get to the airport. Dubai Metro is the cheapest and most efficient way to get around Dubai, but it is not very extensive and there are few English signs. Taxis are also plentiful and inexpensive, but driving in Dubai can be a crazy experience as taxis and other drivers do not always follow the rules of the road.
Hotel Tips
Finally, when choosing a hotel in Dubai, don’t just book the first one you see online. Take the time to read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family who have visited Dubai recently. You can also check out hotel amenities and prices on TripAdvisor.com. This website has lots of helpful information, such as average prices, amenities, and user reviews for hotels in Dubai. It’s a great way to find the best hotel deal without having to spend hours searching through different booking websites. Finally, don’t forget that hotels in Dubai often offer significant discounts on their websites or via third-party booking websites like Expedia.com or Orbitz.com. It’s a good idea to search for deals a few weeks before you travel to see if you can save a little money on your trip.
Safety Information
Dubai is a very safe city, but you should be aware of pickpockets and scammers who target tourists. You should keep your valuables hidden and be careful about wearing expensive jewellery or watches in public. Avoid wearing expensive brand-name clothing or accessories, as these might also attract attention. Dubai has strict laws against drugs, and travellers should be aware that buying, possessing, or using drugs, even in small amounts, could lead to a prison sentence. Alcohol is widely available in Dubai, but do note that it is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public. It is also against the law to drink alcohol or be under the influence of drugs on private beaches in Dubai.
Food and Drinks
Dubai has a wide selection of different ethnic cuisines, but it is also common to see Western chain restaurants, including McDonald’s and Burger King, around the city. There are also lots of food options at the Dubai International Airport. Dubai also has a few unique food options, including shawarma, kabobs, and dates. Drinking alcohol in Dubai is legal and common. However, you should note that it is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in public. It is also against the law to drink alcohol or be under the influence of drugs on private beaches in Dubai. You may be fined or even arrested for this.
Activities in Dubai
Dubai is known for being an exciting and luxurious city, so you should expect lots of activities to be expensive. There are plenty of free things to do in Dubai, though, including visiting the Dubai Museum, going to the Jumeirah Mosque, or exploring the Creek on a dhow cruise. If you want to do something more active, you can go skydiving, scuba diving, or sandboarding. It’s also a great city for shopping. If you’d rather explore the surrounding area, visit Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital city, or head to the desert or mountains outside of Dubai.
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates is an amazing destination with something to offer every traveller. Dubai is a great starting point to explore this country, as it is the most modern and Western city in the UAE. However, even if you don’t see everything you want in Dubai, you can easily hop on a plane and visit the other cities in the UAE as well. These top 10 things to know before visiting Dubai will help prepare you for your trip. From knowing the currency and language to dressing appropriately and understanding the culture, these tips will help ensure that your trip is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable from start to finish.
