Top Tips for Travelling to Dubai
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, Dubai is quickly becoming a highly sought-after travel destination. A city comprised of glittering skyscrapers and ultra-modern architecture rising out of the desert, its impressive buildings dominate the arid landscape for miles around. Thanks to its significant wealth born primarily from the area’s booming oil industry, Dubai’s status and opulence is clear to see throughout the city.
For those looking to visit Dubai, there are plenty of awe-inspiring sights and exciting attractions to keep you busy throughout your stay. Add to this the city’s world-class shopping opportunities, a stroll through the traditional souks (markets) and a chance to taste some of the delicious local cuisine, and it’s no surprise why so many holidaymakers are packing their bags and heading off to Dubai.
However, as with any travel destination, Dubai has its own unique set of cultural traditions, customs, and laws. Tourists and holidaymakers must be sure to adhere to these rules, yet it is also important to be culturally aware while you are travelling in order to have the most positive travel experience possible.
Here are some top tips and handy pointers to help you stay safe and comfortable while visiting Dubai.
Plan Ahead
Dubai is one of the most expensive cities on the planet, so it is important to plan ahead and ensure that you are prepared for your trip. Depending on the nature of your visit and the duration of your trip, it may be advisable to pre-book essentials like accommodation and, if necessary, airport transfers, taxis or onward travel arrangements.
Similarly, there are many exciting things to do and sights to see in this diverse city. To ensure you don’t miss anything off your must-see list, it could be a good idea to create a rough itinerary for your visit. Write down the places you want to go to, where they are, how to get to them from where you will be staying and, if applicable, the approximate cost. This will help you to stay organised and in control during your trip, also helping to keep your spending under control.
Stay Safe in the Heat
Thanks to its desert surroundings, Dubai’s climate is extremely warm, with temperatures barely dipping below 30⁰c throughout the year. In the summer months (June – August), the average temperature is a sweltering 40-43⁰c – unbearable heat for many holidaymakers. Temperature-wise, the best time to visit Dubai is December – February, when the average temperature is a comparatively manageable 24-26⁰c.
Despite this, it is important to stay safe in the sun and the heat whenever you visit Dubai. Where possible, try to stay out of direct sunlight, especially during the peak of the day. If you are planning outdoor activities or excursions, try to get an early start and make the most of the time before the worst heat of the day hits. It’s also important to apply sunscreen, wear sensible clothing and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Stay on the Right Side of the Law
Many laws and regulations in Dubai and the UAE will vary from those you are familiar with in your home country, so it is essential to ensure that you are fully clued up before you travel.
Here are some of the most important points to keep in mind:
- Women must dress modestly in public areas, with clothing keeping the tops of their arms and legs covered
- Public displays of affection such as hugging or kissing should be avoided
- Taking photos of some official government and military buildings is prohibited
- Posting culturally insensitive material on social media is a punishable crime
- You may require a licence to use equipment/technology such as binoculars and powerful cameras
Of course, these are just a handful of the laws you need to keep in mind when visiting Dubai. This site has more detailed information on the local laws and customs in Dubai and the UAE.
Be Respectful to Locals
Dubai has a rich local culture and a strong history and heritage. The UAE follows the Islamic faith, with almost 80% of the total population identifying as Muslims. Therefore, it is important to be respectful of the locals’ faith and refrain from participating in any activities or behaviour which could be considered insulting or inflammatory.
While Dubai is relatively open-minded when compared to certain other parts of the UAE, it is still good practice to be mindful of the local religion and think twice before you act. This is particularly important if you will be travelling to Dubai during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, as eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is prohibited, and there are several other points worth making sure that you know. It may also be a good idea to brush up on your knowledge of Islam before you travel – discover the Five Pillars of Islam and allow yourself a basic introduction to the faith.
By following these top tips, you should be well on the way to a wonderful travel experience in the unique surroundings of Dubai. – Travel Feeder
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
