Essential Tips for First-Time Travelers to Dubai; How to Make it a Cherished Experience
Planning a holiday to Dubai for the first time is nothing less than exciting! Visitors to Dubai will find the emirate brimming with innumerable attractions, thrilling activities, and unique experiences. The city has something for everyone, whether a family, a group of friends, or a couple on their honeymoon. However, simply booking a Dubai tour package or preparing your itinerary is not enough. You need to be aware of several other things to ensure a hassle-free, memorable time in Dubai. This article has been formulated with first-time travelers’ questions and requirements in mind. Here is everything you need to know as a first-time traveler to Dubai!
Dubai Visa Requirements
All foreign nationals need a Dubai visa to visit the emirate, except those from the UAE visa waiver countries. Citizens of the USA, the UK, Singapore, Australia, and several GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, among others, can enter the UAE or Dubai without a visa. A few other countries are eligible for a visa-on-arrival. If you are not from a visa-waiver country, you need to apply for a Dubai e-visa, available for 30 or 60 days. Both these visas are available in single-and multiple-entry options. To get a Dubai visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Local Culture and Etiquette
Dubai may look like a modern city straight out of the West, but at its heart, the emirate is rooted in its traditions and culture. As a first-time traveler to Dubai, you should know some local customs and etiquette.
- Public display of affection is illegal, and indulging in it can get you in trouble with the law.
- Modest clothing, covering your shoulders and knees, is expected in public places (especially religious places).
- Drinking in public and drinking and driving are inappropriate and illegal. These can cause legal issues.
- Do not take photos of locals, especially women, without permission.
Getting Around Dubai
If you have booked Dubai holiday packages, you do not have to worry about transportation, as it is included in the package cost. If you are exploring the place on your own, you have multiple transportation options in Dubai. Public transportation, such as buses and taxis, is reliable, but the most efficient way to travel across the city is the metro. You will find a metro station at almost all the major attractions in the city. If you are looking for a comfortable way of traveling around the city, you can also rent a private car.
Accommodation Options in Dubai
Dubai is synonymous with luxury hotels and resorts, and there are plenty here, including Burj Al Arab, considered the world’s only seven-star hotel. But Dubai also offers accommodation options for mid-range and budget travelers. Budget hotels are available in Bur Dubai, Deira, and Al Barsha, while mid-range and luxury resorts are available in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, JBR, and Palm Jumeirah. Dubai also offers boutique and heritage hotels for those seeking a unique holiday experience.
Clothing Guidelines in Dubai
To maximise your experience as a first-time traveler to Dubai, plan for warm days, even during the winter, from December to March. So, it is best to wear lightweight, cotton or linen clothes for your outings. However, since all indoor attractions have air conditioning, it is essential to carry a light jacket, sweater, or a stole to stay warm. These clothing items are required for the cooler evenings or nights during the winter season, especially if you are visiting the desert area. Another vital thing to remember is to wear modest clothing (covering your knees and shoulders) when visiting the old city and religious places. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches and pool areas. You can wear all kinds of clothes while visiting high-end restaurants, bars, lounges, and nightclubs. But covering up while traveling to and fro is absolutely mandatory.
Shopping Tips in Dubai
Dubai is a haven for shoppers—the city’s gigantic malls house stores from almost all renowned international and local brands. Moreover, for an authentic shopping experience, you must visit the traditional souks. Some of the best things to buy in Dubai include gold (cheaper than in other countries), spices, herbs, dry fruits, dates, perfumes, traditional fragrances, electronics, gadgets, carpets, pashminas, and traditional souvenirs. The advantage of shopping in the souks is that you can indulge in a little polite bargaining.
Food, Drinking, and Dining – essential tips for first-time travelers to Dubai
Apart from shopping, Dubai is also renowned for its food scene. You will find cuisines from all over the world here.
- Emirati, Mediterranean, Italian, American, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, African, etc., are a few cuisines you will find here.
- While there are numerous cuisines to try, do not forget to taste Emirati cuisine with traditional dishes like Machboos, Al Harees, Balaleet, Luqaimat, Arabic coffee, dates, and more.
- You will find plenty of vegetarian restaurants as well as restaurants that serve vegetarian and vegan dishes. Almost all the restaurants here are Halal-friendly.
- There are casual eateries, quaint cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and fine dining restaurants here.
- You may find that eating in public during the day may be restricted during Ramadan.
Money Related Tips
Dubai and the UAE use the United Arab Dirham (AED), also known as Dirham (Dhs) currency. Convert your money at the airport, hotels, or malls (the latter offer better conversion rates). Most hotels, restaurants, and stores accept credit cards and debit cards. However, when shopping at souks, it is best to use cash, and you may sometimes get an extra discount. Also, as a first-time traveler to Dubai, it’s essential to know that vendors in the souks expect polite bargaining.
Conclusion
Traveling to Dubai for the first time can be overwhelming. These Dubai travel tips will ensure you know what to expect and how to conduct yourself in the emirate, so your Dubai holiday becomes nothing short of a cherished experience.
Guest Writer
Nishita Khanwani is an avid blogger who writes engaging blogs on travel, food, adventures, and cultural experiences. She travels to various cultural hotspots worldwide, including India, the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey, to experience their rich history and culture.
