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Dubai Travel Tips: What you should know before you go

Dubai, the Venice of UAE, is the most modernized, captivating city and a centre for tourism and trade in the United Arab Emirates. A Dubai travel guide is the perfect way for tourists travelling to Dubai for the first time to make the most of their trip.

Plan your Dubai tour package and explore like a pro with these Dubai travel trips to ensure you have the best experience without being a rule breaker!

Escape the Scorching Heat: Visit in Winter

Woman drinking water on the riverbank in Dubai
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Like the scorching heat in India, Dubai is one of the warmest places on the planet. Toss away your thick jackets and warm gloves, as you’ll need none here since the temperature falls between 12° C to 30° C in the winter, continuing from November to March. The winter season is the best time to visit Dubai.

These months are sometimes tortured by sudden downpours, so one of the major Dubai travel tips is to pack an umbrella. The hot and humid weather from April to October is unbearable, with the heat hitting almost 45° C, and not ideal for prolonged hours of exploration. It’s also the best time of the year for shopaholics to explore the annual Dubai Shopping Festival to win incredible prizes and take home the best souvenirs!

Bus, Metro, or Taxi in Dubai?

Dubai Metro System
Image credit: frantic00/Shutterstock

Travelling to Dubai is pretty easy; all you have to do is hop on affordable India to Dubai flights and get ready to explore. But what about travelling around the city? Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the Middle East. If you’re navigating the city by taxi, one of the most crucial Dubai travel tips is to have cash in hand at all times.

While tourists prefer using taxis or renting out their vehicles to navigate the streets, the city also offers affordable public transportation options for those planning a solo trip to Dubai, like metros, trams, and buses. The cheapest way to navigate Dubai is by the metros, but buses offer better connectivity. One of the most excellent Dubai travel tips is to get an NOL Travel Card so you don’t have to carry cash around. UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, so you need not worry about theft.

Avoid planning to explore Dubai on foot as there are no reserved footpaths for pedestrians since it is not a walkable city.

Packing Essentials: Items to Toss Out of Your Suitcase

A woman packing her suitcase for an adventure
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When travelling to Dubai, you must pack while following these Dubai travel tips on luggage guidelines, or you might be detained at the Airport. Here is a list of items to avoid packing when flying to Dubai:

Tools: Construction tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, drills, and nails.
Liquids: A total liquid quantity of 1 litre is allowed.
Alcohol: Beverages with a volume of less than 70% and over 24% alcohol.
Medication & Thermometers: A prescription for medications is needed. Oxygen and gas cylinders need approval. Thermometers must be packed in leak-proof bags and will be allowed only after approval.
Batteries and Battery-Powered Items: Lithium batteries over 100-watt hours.
Firearms and Weapons: Explosive weapons, electro-shock defence weapons, and pepper spray. Replicas and toys of such items must be avoided as well.
Cigarette lighter and matches: Lighter fuel, refill, and matches.
Motorized vehicles: Items like hoverboards, self-balancing wheels, etc.
Battery-operated cash boxes: Unless authorized

Other items requiring approval before you get them in the city are those that produce heat, dry ice, fuel containers, and stoves. When exploring Dubai, ensure you have your passport, visa, and return ticket accessible at all times. You must also have insurance.

Find Money Exchange Points in Stores all over the city

Handing over a Dirham note
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The currency used in Dubai is the UAE Dirham, which converts to ₹22.89 in India. One of the most exciting things to know before travelling to Dubai from India is that you can use Indian currency to purchase duty-free items at the Al Maktoum Airport without exchange!

If you are exploring the city and the currency you exchanged at the Airport falls short, you can easily exchange more at local stores in Dubai. One of the quickest money-related Dubai travel tips is to pay with your international credit cards in Dubai; however, a transaction fee will apply.

Also read: Top 6 Tips you should know before buying Forex

Dubai Travel Tips on Choosing Your Accommodation Wisely

The Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah
Image credit: Harsh – S/Shutterstock

Finding accommodation in Dubai can be challenging, but don’t just pick the first one. Some famous accommodation Dubai travel tips are that the rates are higher for hotels on Palm Jumeirah Island or Downtown Dubai, within walking distance from Burj Khalifa.

As per local Dubai travel tips, you can save money on booking, as the hotels away from these attractions are equally lavish and offer similar facilities. You can find cheap hotels in Dubai and stay on a budget to spend more on exploration and trying the mouth-watering cuisine!

Don’t know Arabic? No Worries!

A group of people shaking hands and talking
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Most of the population of Dubai consists of people from other Asian countries, so it’s perfectly fine if you cannot converse in Arabic. You’ll be surprised to know that English is the most commonly spoken language in the city, and a few people also know Hindi, Urdu, Chinese, Tagalog, and Persian. One of the best Dubai travel hacks is to learn a few common phrases and responses. One of the best Dubai travel tips is to learn these phrases and a few others:

Inshallah: meaning God has willed. You can repeat the same word back or say Alhamdulillah, meaning to thank God.
Shukran: Thank you. Aafwan, you’re welcome in response.
Laa: No
Naaam: Yes
Min Fadlik: Please
Ismi: My name
Ma Aismuk?: What is your name
Arjuu Almadhiraa: I’m sorry

Dubai Travel Tips for Foodies to Ace a Dubai Stay

Tourists buying spices in Dubai
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Dubai travel tips? No, a complete look at the food scene of Dubai to blow your mind with an exciting mixture of Persian, Asian, and Arab flavours! Dubai for first-time visitors, is usually about the attractions; however, you’re missing out if you don’t try the food. Here are some flavourful, traditional dishes you must try in Dubai:

Harees: The finest and most popular meal in Dubai, made of minced meat, onions, wheat, and cumin powder. It is one of the must-try local dishes.

Luquamat: A sweet pastry made using flour, milk, sugar, sesame seeds, turmeric, and salt, fried in oil and then dipped in honey syrup.

Samboosa: You won’t miss India’s delicious samosas, as the UAE Samboosa is an updated version of the same snack filled with meats, vegetables, and cheese.

Knafeh: Show your support for Palestine by trying the delicious sweet Knafeh made by combining flour and sour cheese, dipped in sugar syrup. It is a popular Ramadan treat.

Jasheed: Shark fish or other small fishes are boiled to perfection and spiced with many masalas before being shredded and served with white rice.

Ensure you tip at restaurants out of common courtesy. Tipping in taxis is not required.

Now that you know most of the Dubai travel tips and information needed to navigate the city with ease, here are some dos and don’ts to avoid, as there are strict Dubai rules for tourists.

Do: Say No to PDA

Women shaking hands
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UAE, including Dubai, follows strict rules that must be maintained in public at all times. Sadly, you cannot lean over and peck your loved one on the cheek or hold their hand on the street. Such rules are mainly because of the religious following of the Sharia Law in Dubai. You’re also requested to avoid using obscene language loudly on the street.

Even though Dubai tourism is quickly growing, the city is still not accessible enough for members of the LGBTQAI+ community. You might have to leave immediately on suspicion of not having a heterosexual relationship. Some hotels in Dubai are strict on this rule, so booking a single room for two people of the same gender might be difficult.

However, there are gay clubs all around Dubai, and people are supportive if displays of affection are avoided outside certain areas.

Do: Ask before Capturing Pictures

Woman clicking pictures in Downtown Dubai
Image credit: frantic00/Shutterstock

Dubai has strict photography rules, so no one can capture pictures without permission in private and public spaces. You also need permission to share such photographs.

Don’t: Eat or Drink Alcohol on the Streets

Woman eating salad in a restaurant
Image credit: kitzcorner/Shutterstock

You can enjoy a drink or two in any bar or restaurant if you’re above 21 years old; however, drinking in public is forbidden. During the season of Ramadan, you won’t find alcoholic beverages anywhere in Dubai.

Eating on the streets and public transport is considered offensive in Dubai. During Ramadan, you can pay reverence to the religion by avoiding drinking water in public. It is one of the most necessary Dubai travel tips, as you can get fined if spotted eating in public during Ramadan.

Don’t: Wear Revealing Clothing

Streets of Dubai with Tourists
Image credit: frantic00/Shutterstock

With the praise of Dubai Fashion Week in 2024, it’s obvious that the city is a hub for fashion. However, as it is an Islamic city, clothing that reveals your knees and shoulders is considered inappropriate to wear in public. Such rules can be forgotten on the beach, so feel free to flaunt your swimsuits and bikinis there.

Planning your trip to Dubai in 2024? Apply for your Dubai Visa online to visit during the best time and season before the year ends! Tell us how these Dubai travel tips helped you in the comments when you return.

FAQs – Dubai Travel Tips

What is illegal in Dubai for tourists?
Tourists cannot perform public displays of affection, like holding hands, hugging, or kissing. Avoid wearing clothes that display your knees or shoulders in Dubai.

What do I need to know before traveling to Dubai?
You must have your passport, visa, and return tickets on you at all times. Follow the strict dress code by covering your knees and shoulders and avoid capturing photos without permission.

How to go to Dubai for the first time?
When visiting Dubai for the first time, plan a trip between November and March to enjoy the best experience. All you need to do is book your tickets and stay in advance.

What should you not miss when visiting Dubai?
Some of the most magnificent attractions to add to your bucket list when visiting Dubai are the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al-Arab, Dubai Fountain, Gold Souks, Dubai Mall, and the Underwater Aquarium and Zoo.

Is 1 lakh enough for Dubai trip?
If you budget your expenses well, by booking cheap hotels away from the Dubai Downtown area and taking only public transportation, you can explore comfortably with a budget of INR 1 lakh. However, consider increasing the budget for a one-of-a-kind Dubai experience.

Can I visit Dubai in 50000 rupees?
You might be able to book a flight and arrive in Dubai to explore a bit, but with a budget of 50,000 rupees, finding good accommodation will be challenging.

How much cash should I carry to Dubai?
Dubai Airports will allow you to carry 100,000 Dirhams of cash without declaring it. It’s better to stick to this amount to avoid being the target of theft. You can exchange money later for Dirhams from any store in the city.

Is Indian rupee accepted in Dubai?
The Indian currency is accepted to purchase duty-free items all over the Al Maktoum Airport.

Can we use UPI in Dubai?
Whether you’re a tourist or a resident with a bank account in India, you can use UPI services in Dubai.

Do I need 3,000 dirhams to enter Dubai?
Yes, the minimum amount you require to enter the city is 3,000 Dirhams.

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