Dubai Tourist Tips & Things to Know Before you Go to Dubai
Dubai really is an amazing place to visit and to most, a completely new experience. To make your trip to Dubai hassle free and as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, we have created this section which includes lots of valuable and interesting information on Dubai’s culture, Dubai’s people and also Dubai’s customs and traditions.
Dubai Traditions
Dubai is one of the world’s most pioneering destinations and a cosmopolitan home to over 150 nationalities. However, it also has a rich Arabian heritage. The Emiratis are friendly, welcoming people who demonstrate an open-minded and tolerant approach to over 8 million international visitors annually. But their interesting Dubai culture, local customs, traditions and values should always be understood and respected to ensure that you get the most out of your visit to Dubai and enjoy a trouble-free, experience rich holiday, along with the vast majority of other visitors.
What to Wear in Dubai
If you are planning a visit to Dubai then you may be wondering what the customs, traditions and rules are with regards to what clothes you can wear in Dubai. Tourists and visitors alike should wear respectful clothing at all times. Awareness that you are visiting an Islamic country means that you will feel much more comfortable in this very tolerant environment by wearing appropriate clothing in Dubai. While swimwear in Dubai is entirely appropriate by the pool or on the beach, this would be frowned on by the conservatively dressed local population in more public locations such as in the streets or malls, where more modest clothing is more suitable.
Drinking in Dubai
Dubai literally has hundreds of licensed restaurants, pubs and clubs where having a drink in Dubai and dancing is enjoyed. Dubai is home to some of the world’s most recognisable names in dining and entertainment, as well as other authentic, local venues. Remember that you need to be 21 or over to drink legally in Dubai and alcohol abuse, drinking in non-licensed areas or being drunk in Dubai in public are not tolerated, making it altogether a very enjoyable night out for all!
Dubai Health & Medicines
It is always advisable to check your medication before your trip to Dubai like most countries, please be aware that narcotic drugs are illegal in Dubai. The emirate of Dubai has a clear policy helping it retain an unrivalled reputation with one of the world’s lowest crime rates. Guidelines in Dubai exist to ensure visitors and residents safety. Some medicines do appear on the Government of the United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Health’s list of restricted and controlled medicines in Dubai. This includes various over the counter medicines such as those containing Codeine. For a trouble-free visit to Dubai, if you are travelling with any of the listed medications, carry a doctor’s note or prescription, keep medicines in original packaging and only take an appropriate quantity for the duration of your trip to Dubai. For further information visit: www.moh.gov.ae
Dubai Public Laws
As you would expect in any other part of the world Dubai wants every visitor to enjoy their stay so always make sure you behave yourself in public and make yourself familiar with Dubai’s laws, customs & traditions. Of the millions of people who visit Dubai each year, the vast majority have a troublefree stay and thoroughly enjoy themselves. Dubai’s culture and laws promote modesty and respect so offensive language, spitting, aggressive behaviour and public displays of affection such as holding hands or kissing won’t be tolerated. Unfortunately the actions of a few can affect the experience for others, so please make sure you treat the destination of Dubai with the respect it deserves. Similarly you will find the streets in Dubai are safe and pleasantly free of litter and grafitti.
Holy Month of Ramadan in Dubai
We recommend that you make the most of Dubai during the Holy Month of Ramadan in Dubai as it offers a genuine year round cultural getaway. In Dubai During Ramadan while Muslims are fasting from dawn to dusk, the majority of activities run normally during the day with slightly shorter opening hours. Non-Muslims in Dubai can easily eat and drink in many hotels and restaurants and often by the pool or on the beach too. Out of respect for those who are fasting in Dubai, these areas are screened off during the day. Alcohol in Dubai can be purchased after sunset and there is also a host of culturally interesting activities for visitors to participate in and enjoy, including the magnificent Iftar feasts at sunset to celebrate the daily breaking of the fast. Experiencing Ramadan in Dubai is a great opportunity to sample Dubai’s rich and authentic cultural offering, which is still to be discovered by many visitors to the Emirate. Clothing in Dubai should considerately be kept more modest at this time of year.
Dubai Culture
Tourists in Dubai should discover the cultural depths to Dubai with the heritage and culture of Dubai at the heart of its appeal, from its origins as a pearl fishing port, to today’s pioneering city which is home to the world’s most iconic skyline, it is a true land of contrasts. Visitors to Dubai should embrace all that it has to offer. To help uncover this, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) introduces visitors to the traditions, values and culture of the United Arab Emirates. A range of interesting activities can be arranged through the centre including guided tours of Jumeirah Mosque with opportunities to ask questions about Islam, traditional meals prepared and hosted by local Emiratis, walking tours of the historic Bastakiya district, Arabic classes and even Iftar feasts during Ramadan. Why not visit SMCCU, located in Bastakiya, Bur Dubai or for more information visit: www.cultures.ae
Tourists visiting Dubai can go to the fascinating Dubai Museum for a look at how Dubai has developed over the decades. Or why not take a wander through the authentic gold and spice souks in Dubai for a spot of haggling and to see where Dubai started out! For around 20 pence you could get there by taking a traditional abra (wooden water taxi) through the hustle and bustle of the traders on the Creek.
Dubai Experience
Dubai is so much more than just a city break destination. Visitors should make the most of their trip to Dubai by seeing all four corners of the emirate, including the expansive desert which is home to traditional nomadic communities. You can also experience desert safaris showcasing local food and authentic entertainment alongside adrenaline fuelled sand-sports, while the stunning coastline offers a whole host of refreshing watersports and views of the breathtaking Palm Jumeirah. For a full list of tours in Dubai visit our section on Dubai Tours
Dubai Travel Tips & Suggestions
We recommend that you organise a trip to Dubai without worrying about inoculations. You can travel to Dubai safe in the knowledge that you do not require any specific vaccines, jabs or health checks. If you are travelling to Dubai with friends, advise your Dubai hotel in advance if you are travelling as an unmarried couple and they will make all the necessary arrangements to ensure you have an enjoyable stay in Dubai. It is always recommended to take out travel insurance before you leave. We want you to enjoy your trip to Dubai knowing that you are completely covered. Therefore we recommend you take out sufficient travel insurance for Dubai dependent on your holiday needs before you depart from home. We hope you have fun and enjoy your trip to Dubai…!