The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, as well as the world’s only seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, are located in Dubai, the most attractive city in the United Arab Emirates. Not only that, but Dubai continues to develop into one of the world’s most attractively designed cities, noted for its rich cultural diversity and popular fiestas. Dubai, on the other hand, is much more than its sky-high buildings and posh shopping complexes.
Are you nervous about taking your first vacation to this Middle Eastern Emirate? You need not be concerned. Before visiting the Gulf city, so here are some things you should be aware of:
1. When should one visit?
Between November to March, when temperatures vary from 30° C to 12° C and the weather is pleasant, is the greatest season to visit Dubai. Furthermore, the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place in December, and it is spectacular, with products from all over the world available.
Even so, due to the torrential downpours that occur throughout the month, it is best to avoid visiting in February.
Visiting Dubai between April and October would be a poor option because it would be nearly impossible to go outside owing to the hot and humid weather, so you would be confined to air-conditioned malls and luxurious spas.
2. It can be extremely warm
Dubai has only two seasons: hot and hotter. Dubai is exceptionally hot, dry, and humid throughout the summer, with temperatures reaching 113 degrees for many days. The greatest time to visit Dubai is between November and March when the city offers lovely clear blue skies and the best beach weather. During the same months, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai’s most popular beach featuring white sand and beautiful waves, will be packed with tourists and people. If you visit during the summer, you will avoid all of the visitors, but just be prepared for the extreme heat.
3. Typical financial issues
Money, on either hand, is quite safe to transport in the UAE. The country’s official currency is the AED, or United Arab Emirates Dirham, which is usually abbreviated to DH. Several local shops could exchange the currency for you, and they usually provide a better exchange rate. Credit and debit cards from other countries are also generally accepted. Due to the country’s strong rules, thievery is rarely a problem. It is, nonetheless, preferable to be safe than sorry.
4. Good accommodation research
Do not make the mistake of booking a high-priced hotel. Read and explore your lodging options while keeping your budget in mind, because Dubai provides something for everyone. Nevertheless, if you want to prevent a snafu, make a reservation ahead of time. Summer is the cheapest season for flights and hotels, but you will boil if you travel to Dubai during most of that time.
5. Dubai represents equality
Women are valued in Dubai. Remove the false impression that women in Dubai are mistreated. However, if you’re in a foreign setting with certain etiquettes, there are some unspoken standards that you that keep in mind. Do not extend your hand to a man you have just met, or any male for that matter, for a shake, as it is frowned upon unless he does. To express your respect or recognition, a nod or grin is preferable. Allow somebody you know to accompany you out if you are under 25 years old. Women’s independence is important, but their lives and safety must come first.
6. There is alcohol though
When it comes to alcohol, restaurants, hotels, and bars will provide you with the widest selection of drinks, ranging from the cheapest beer or spirits to the most opulent champagne. Even though the legal drinking age is 21, a few bars will not serve anyone under the age of 25. To acquire alcohol within the city, you must first obtain a liquor license, which is costly. However, you can buy duty-free booze at the airport shop, but there is a purchase limit that will be examined at the customs office. If you’re a tourist or a non-Muslim, practically any restaurant or bar will serve you alcohol in Ramadan.
7. Beyond the skyscraper, there’s life
If you scratch beneath the surface of all of that gold, Dubai has a rich history and culture. Wasn’t that something you were just not expecting to hear?
Visit the souks that line the banks of Dubai Creek, the city’s historic core, where vendors from all around the Middle East gather to sell their wares. Turquoise trinkets from Iran, silver treasures from Oman, and Saudi Arabian dates can all be found here for bargaining. Even though you’re not looking to buy, there’s a stunning gold souk worth visiting.
8. The food is amazing
The majority of restaurants in Dubai are inspired by Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, so you’ll find anything from Indian to Korean cuisine. Camel is a famous fish in Dubai, and many Emirati cuisines contain the animal. Although hotels will have a variety of restaurants with wonderful food, nothing beats experiencing some local cuisine and sampling street food. Don’t miss out on trying a real Shawarma, which is created with thinly sliced chicken, lamb, or beef rolled inside a soft flatbread with veggies, onions, and a delicious spicy cream sauce.
9. There’s no need to change bathing suits
Because of composition up to 85% of Dubai’s population, you don’t need to cover your hair, and t-shirts and shorts are also acceptable. So no need to cover yourself at a private beach. On the beach or beside the pool, you can wear a bikini. Because most of the well-known beaches are owned by hotels, you are free to dress as you normally would for a day at the beach when at home. If you’re going to a public beach, you should either avoid wearing a bikini or cover it up. One can wear their bikini to the many other beachside restaurants, but it’s best to cover it up with shorts and a shirt or a beach dress.
10. Dubai is a safe place to visit
In comparison to other larger cities across the world, Dubai is a highly safe city, and it is possibly even safer than where you live! Pickpocketing is by far the most common risk, according to SafeAround.com. Street crime is uncommon, mugging is improbable, and taking cabs late at night is safe. Other another travellers should be aware of is crossing the road because many automobiles disobey pedestrian crossings, so make sure to look both ways several times before crossing. Despite regional tensions, the UAE is one of the safest Middle Eastern countries for travellers due to its tougher restrictions.