As a child in Dubai, I saw the city grow from a little fishing and business center to the huge city it is now. Here are my top tips for anybody going to Dubai: Follow the rules and customs of the area, dress modestly, and show an interest in the culture.

Dubai is known for its creativity and beauty. The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is here, as are several man-made islands, such as Palm Jumeirah and The World. But the city is more than just pretty. The city’s diverse population, which comes from more than 200 countries, is intimately tied to its lively culture and friendly attitude.

Dubai is a beautiful city, but it could be hard to understand if you’re not ready. You can dodge it like a pro if you know how. These are the most crucial things to know before you travel to Dubai if you want to have a stress-free and fun holiday, whether you’re interested in the Museum of the Future’s stunning architecture or Old Dubai’s rich cultural history.

1. Go on a vacation between October and April.

Dubai’s summer temperatures regularly go beyond 40°C (104°F), which makes the weather bad. The best times to visit are in the winter and spring when the weather is nice and there are plenty of things to do outside, such the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Design Week. From October to April, the evenings will be cold. Take a shawl, a sweater, and a light jacket with you.

2. Plan to spend at least five days in Dubai.

There is so much to do in Dubai that a vacation there might easily last five days or more. The Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain are just a few of the interesting places to see in Downtown Dubai. After enjoying a traditional abra boat ride over Dubai Creek, you can haggle over gold, textiles, and spices in the lively souqs of Deira and Bur Dubai at night. Have a supper by the sea at Dubai Marina, which is known for its stunning skyline and windy plazas. As the week goes on, relax on the beautiful beaches of Jumeirah. You can find Dubai’s hidden gems and enjoy its modern attractions by touring the city at your own pace.

3. Get out of the city.

Dubai’s skyline is indeed breathtaking, but there are a lot of other interesting places to visit outside of the city. There are hiking and canoeing trails in the Hatta Mountains, and the Hatta Heritage Village shows what life was like for Emiratis before the oil boom. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve sits in the desert and is about an hour’s drive from the city center. This huge reserve, which is 225 square kilometers and takes up more than 5% of Dubai’s total land area, is the best place to witness the peacefulness of the desert and its rare animals, such the Arabian oryx.

4. Make reservations for restaurants and events ahead of time.

One of the wisest things you can do before going to Dubai is to book everything from Michelin-starred meals to desert trips and dhow cruises ahead of time. It might help you save time and get the greatest deals, especially if you want to see famous places like the Burj Khalifa at sunset. Tickets go fast at the busiest travel time.

5. Use public transit to save money.

Dubai’s public transit system is a cheap and useful way to get about. If you’re not acclimated to the busy traffic in Dubai, you shouldn’t drive there. The buses, trams, and metro are all clean, air-conditioned, and easy to use. Compared to other big cities, cabs are cheap and easy to get for long travels.

6. To show respect for local customs, dress modestly.

You’re not the only one who doesn’t know what to wear to Dubai. Because the UAE is a Muslim country, it’s important to follow local customs by wearing modestly. This is quite important, even if the city is more liberal than other emirates. When you go to museums and cultural places like Dubai Creek House and the Etihad Museum, it’s crucial to wear clothes that protect your knees and shoulders. It’s OK to wear a swimsuit or bikini to the beach or pool, but always remember to cover up after you’re done. If you wish to go to Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques that lets non-Muslims in, wear loose, modest clothes that cover your arms and legs. Women should also wear a scarf over their heads.

7. When you take pictures in public, follow the guidelines.

There are a lot of places in Dubai that would look great on Instagram, but be careful since certain mosques and government buildings may not let you take pictures. Taking pictures of people is a sensitive issue in the area. Never take images of someone without their permission, especially women and children. In the United Arab Emirates, it is against the law to take images or films of someone without their consent and post them on social media.

8. Don’t display affection in public.

If you kiss or hug someone in public in Dubai, you might be punished or even sent to jail for it. Holding hands is normal for married couples, but be careful in certain circumstances. You may do it in a mall or restaurant, but not at a house of worship or a cultural monument.

9. Look over your prescription again and don’t take any drugs.

Dubai has very strict rules around drugs. Even using a little quantity of marijuana, CBD oil, or prescription drugs may have serious effects, such as going to jail. Before you go, make sure you have a current prescription for any medications you may need. Also, read the UAE’s official rules on medicines that are not allowed. Only places with a license may sell alcohol, therefore don’t drink on public beaches. If you drive while drunk, even a little amount of alcohol might get you fined, put in jail, or even sent back to your home country. Also, it is against the law to be drunk in public. You may go to jail for swearing or being loud and rude.

10. Follow Islamic rules throughout the month of Ramadan.

Even though Dubai is home to people from many different cultures, it’s important to follow Islamic norms. For example, non-Muslims don’t have to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. However, it’s best to avoid eating, drinking (including water), chewing gum, and smoking in public throughout the day. Even if you mostly speak English, it won’t harm to learn a few simple Arabic words out of respect.

11. When it’s hot, drink a lot of water.

If you go to Dubai in the summer, you might become dehydrated because of the high heat. To stay hydrated, always have a water bottle that you can refill with you when you go out. There are a number of water stations throughout town where you may fill up your bottle as part of an initiative to reduce the city’s waste from single-use plastic water bottles. Bottled water is also often available at grocery stores and restaurants, even though tap water is typically safe to drink.

12. Can you go to Dubai?

Because of the government’s strong commitment to programs like Dubai Disability Strategy 2020, the city is slowly becoming easier for people with disabilities, often known as people of determination, to get about. This commitment makes sure that accessibility is more than just a goal; it’s something that people are actively working toward. Many modern public places, hotels, and public transit include ramps, elevators, tactile floor paths, and other important accessible features. But there are still certain things that need to be taken care of. For instance, older neighborhoods like Bur Dubai and Satwa often don’t have drop-down curbs, which may make it hard for those with disabilities to get about.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or travel advice. Readers are advised to check official sources and local laws before traveling. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of the information provided. Please consult relevant authorities for current regulations and requirements.