10 Things to Remember When You Travel to Dubai
Dubai, the most beautiful city in the United Arab Emirates, houses the tallest skyscraper in the world, the Burj Khalifa and the world’s only seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab.
Not just this, Dubai is still expanding to become one of the most elegantly structured cities in the world, known for its rich cultural diversity and its popular fiestas. However, Dubai is so, so much more than its sky-touching superstructures and fancy malls. Planning a trip for the first time to this Middle Eastern Emirate and a bit anxious? Not to worry! Here are a few tips to ensure that your visit to the Gulf city is one which you can forever cherish:
November to March is the best time to visit Dubai when the temperature ranges from 30° C to 12° C, and the weather is reasonably comfortable. Moreover, Dubai Shopping Festival is held during December, which is exquisite, and you get every product from brands across the world.
First, we need to remember that Dubai, no matter how modern, liberal or progressive it is, is an Islamic country where locals respect their culture and traditional values. You can dress up as much as you would like because well, the city is quite fashionable, but be sure not to hurt the sentiments of your host city. It is better to cover your shoulder and knees. Dubai is a tourist place, and you need not dress traditionally in an abaya or a kandora, but revealing too much skin in public places is generally frowned upon. Of course, it would be weird to not wear a swimsuit, shorts or a bikini on a beach and you can dress the way you would on any other beach. Blend in, rather than offend someone’s sentiments, and dress according to the occasion and the place you are visiting. Moreover, most of the times, the temperature is scorching. So, unless you would like your skin burned with the harmful UV rays, you better cover-up.
As for women, Dubai is a city where women are respected. Rid your head of the misnomer that women are ill-treated in Dubai. But there are certain unsaid rules you should keep in mind while you are in an unfamiliar environment where there are certain etiquettes. Do not offer your hand for a shake to a man you have just met, or any, for that matter, as it is scorned upon unless he does. It is better to nod or smile to show your respect or acknowledgement. If you are below 25 years, let someone you know accompany you while you go out. Yes, the independence of women is necessary, but life and safety is a priority.
1. When To Visit?
Best Time
November to March is the best time to visit Dubai when the temperature ranges from 30° C to 12° C, and the weather is reasonably comfortable. Moreover, Dubai Shopping Festival is held during December, which is exquisite, and you get every product from brands across the world.
Avoid
However, it is better to avoid visiting in February due to torrential downpour during this month.Extreme Conditions
Visiting Dubai in the month of April-October would be an uninformed decision as it would be almost impossible to go outside due to the hot and humid weather and you would be stuck to air-conditioned malls and fancy spas.2. What To Pack?
For your luggage, whatever you forget, do not forget to pack large bottles of sunscreen. Dubai weather is unforgiving, and it is recommended to carry sunscreen with the highest SPF formula you can find. Carry deodorants and body/face wipes, sunglasses, hats, water bottle, mosquito repellant etc.3. Essential Documents
Well, this is the most important part. Double-check and triple check your documents, make photocopies of them and carry the photocopies with you at all times while keeping the original documents locked in your hotel. Be sure to check with your local embassy for visa requirement which is prone to changes. Money, however, is pretty safe to carry in the UAE. The official currency of the country is AED or United Arab Emirates Dirham, commonly shortened to DH. You can get your currency exchanged from many local shops which actually, tend to offer a better exchange rate. International credit and debit cards are widely accepted too. Stealing is hardly a problem in the country due to its strict legislation. However, it is better to be safe than sorry.5. Track Electricity and Emergency
Make sure that you have your list of emergency contacts and an emergency number list of Dubai. UAE accommodates 220V electricity. Thus, be sure to carry a universal adapter and travel charger.6. Accommodation Research
Do does not just jump into booking an expensive hotel. Read and research about your stay options keeping your budget in mind, for Dubai has something to offer to every traveller. However, book in advance to avoid chaos. Flight tickets and hotels are exclusively cheap during summer, but you would practically boil should you choose that season to visit Dubai.7. Dress Up, but Be Modest
First, we need to remember that Dubai, no matter how modern, liberal or progressive it is, is an Islamic country where locals respect their culture and traditional values. You can dress up as much as you would like because well, the city is quite fashionable, but be sure not to hurt the sentiments of your host city. It is better to cover your shoulder and knees. Dubai is a tourist place, and you need not dress traditionally in an abaya or a kandora, but revealing too much skin in public places is generally frowned upon. Of course, it would be weird to not wear a swimsuit, shorts or a bikini on a beach and you can dress the way you would on any other beach. Blend in, rather than offend someone’s sentiments, and dress according to the occasion and the place you are visiting. Moreover, most of the times, the temperature is scorching. So, unless you would like your skin burned with the harmful UV rays, you better cover-up.
8. Observe and Note Local Etiquette
Dubai, being one of the largest Emirates and a tourist place is relatively modern in its outlook as compared to its neighbour Sharjah or any other Middle Eastern city. However, there are a few basic rules you need to keep in mind if you don’t want to make a tour to the prison, being handcuffed. Remember the movie, ‘Sex and the City’? Well, the situation is not too unrealistic. First and foremost, kissing in public is an uncompromising no-no, even if it is a peck on the cheek, let alone snogging. Since Sharia Law is observed in UAE, unmarried couples are advised to book different accommodations. Last, but not the least, swearing in public would earn you a ticket behind bars. The “F” word is unappreciated, and it is better not to make any references to religious entities.9. Equality is Dubai
As for women, Dubai is a city where women are respected. Rid your head of the misnomer that women are ill-treated in Dubai. But there are certain unsaid rules you should keep in mind while you are in an unfamiliar environment where there are certain etiquettes. Do not offer your hand for a shake to a man you have just met, or any, for that matter, as it is scorned upon unless he does. It is better to nod or smile to show your respect or acknowledgement. If you are below 25 years, let someone you know accompany you while you go out. Yes, the independence of women is necessary, but life and safety is a priority.
10. The Middle East and Alcohol
“Adventure is a path. Real adventure, self-determined, self-motivated, often risky, forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world.”
Mark Jenkins
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