Get ready to visit a city of huge extremes. Dubai has the tallest building in the world, the biggest indoor ski slope and the most gigantic mall. You will find restaurants from all the country in the world, enormous empty deserts and packed urban backstreets to walk around.
Dubai’s culture can be very precise. You should know how to dress in various occasions. Here are certain things that you need to know before you visit Dubai.
Go to Dubai between October and April
Dubai is always hot. Between October and April, the sky is blue and brings ideal beach weather. It is the winter and the rainy season as well, but usually downpours do not last long and so this should not come in the way of your planning.
Look for flights ahead
Global airlines normally release their inexpensive seating about 6 months before to departure dates. However, this does not denote that you need to purchase your tickets this much earlier, but it is still a good idea to look for seats and compare prices. You must book tickets 1 month earlier, at least.
Book hotel accommodation beforehand
Since Dubai is turning into a popular holiday spot, and since these months are the prime time for the travellers to visit, you should ensure that you have a cosy and nice accommodation to stay in before you arrive in the city. It is suggested that you make your reservation 2-3 months beforehand.
Where to stay
The city is renowned for its lavish hotels and beach resorts; however, there is a nice choice of apartments and hotels to suit any budget. Dubai is approximately divided into 2 parts; the old Dubai that encompasses the Bur Dubai and Deira districts surrounding Dubai Creek; and the New Dubai in the direction of south, incorporating the Downtown Dubai’s modern skyscrapers, Dubai Marina and DIFC. It is a small city that can be easily seen no matter where you stay. Luxury resorts such as Bab Al Shams and Al Maha are the perfect destinations that are situated near the city centre and can be reached in just an hour’s drive.
Downtown Dubai possesses some of the posh and classy city hotels that include The Palace Downtown and the Armani Hotel. The nearby Al Habtoor City and Business Bay situated transversely to the Dubai Canal provide the best hotels with good access to various famous tourist spots as well. Beach resorts are present around Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Palm Jumeirah [man-made beaches] and Umm Suqeim.
Where to eat
Dubai has a diverse dining scene that is multicultural and ranges from fine-dining restaurants to the shawarma joints. Famous dining districts comprise the City Walk and Dubai International Financial Centre for posh restaurants; The Walk at JBR and The Beach at JBR for mid-range restaurants; Deira for inexpensive eateries [visit the Al Rigga Road and Al Muraqqabat Road]. The Mall of the Emirates and the Dubai Mall possess a wide range of unlicensed cafes, restaurants and fast-food stores.
Water parks
No matter your age, the water parks in Dubai are a must-visit. Aquaventure located in the Atlantis resort at the Palm Jumeirah’s end and Wild Wadi, situated opposite the Burj Al Arab are the two most famous water parks. They have adrenaline-pumping slides, sluggish river rapids and excellent kids’ areas. The Legoland Water Park situated at Dubai Parks & Resorts is made particularly for the kids and preteens.
Show regards to Muslims during Ramadan
If you happen to visit the city during Ramadan [holy month], honoured during the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, have a high regard for Muslims and their fasting practice. In simple words, you cannot drink, smoke or eat in public in the presence of them starting from dawn to dusk.
Dress humbly
When you pack your travel wardrobe, think traditional over flashy and revealing clothes. Women’s attire is believed to be improper if it is very tight, short or transparent, and men should not travel around without putting on a shirt. Dress humbly to prevent unnecessary attention and show consideration for the Muslim culture.
Ask consent prior to taking pictures
Do not take pictures with or of a stranger without asking their consent, except you are clicking a scenic shot in a tourist area. Also do not take a Muslim woman picture without her consent, and never take pictures of any airports, government buildings, military installations etc.
Should you tip?
Tipping is not expected in this city; however, it is a general practice. The majority of the restaurants will attach a tip to the bill. The taxi drivers do not anticipate \getting a tip, but the baggage carriers and supermarket baggers are given a little tip for providing their services.
Getting around Dubai
The metro system in the city is excellent and inexpensive. It links the airport with several key spots of the city. You have to purchase a Nol pre-paid card to use in the tram, metro and bus network. You can buy the card at metro stations.
You will find an abundance of taxis, reasonably priced and metered. Taxi stands can be found in hotels and malls, or you can wave to a cab while you are on the street as well. They help you get around the city quickly, of course, with the exception of heavy traffics when it is suggested to take the metro instead. You can book an Uber or Careem [a local cab service].
You can rent a bike with Byky, the public hire scheme in Dubai. You will see stations dotted in tourist hubs like Downtown and Dubai Marina. The 11 km long ride surrounding the Palm Jumeirah’s crescent is the simple route.
Do not just give away your address
Taxis are good for exploring the city. There are numerous taxi services and they are cheap as well. However, do not assume that the driver might know all the restaurant and street in the city. They do not at all times know Dubai as you expect them to, so to ensure that you visit the place where you wish to be, provide them with references to city landmarks since they know these places.
Be cautious where you drink alcohol
Drinking alcohol is legal in the city, but you cannot drink in the open as drunk and drive and public drunkenness are prohibited. You cannot also purchase alcohol for your use without authorization. You must buy alcohol only from an enterprise that possesses a license. Buying drinks at a restaurant or a bar is no issue, but just don’t attempt to drink and leave the place drunk.
Steer clear of PDA
PDA [Public displays of affection] are considered offensive in the entire UAE. Several Dubai visitors have got arrested and sent to prison for this. To stay on the safer side, do not hold hands or kiss your partner in public.
Even with these strict laws, you must not hesitate to visit the city. Dubai is a distinctive destination that is worth seeing on your own, with your spouse or your family.
Pickyourtrail helps you to customize your Dubai trip. They help you personalise your holidays and travel at your own pace. You can easily book your Dubai Tour Packages with them and pay later as well. Also check out our Dubai Honeymoon Packages.
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