For anyone planning a visit my Dubai travel guide is packed with Dubai travel tips and information that’s worth knowing before you go. There is so much more to Dubai than just shopping. Peel back the layers and you will find a rich history, gorgeous beaches, luxury hotels, delicious food, first-class international restaurants, old-world souks like those in Marrakech and ultra-modern architecture. Tourism is booming in Dubai with no signs of slowing down in the near future.

The official Dubai Tourism Strategy was to attract 20 million visitors a year by 2020 and by the end of 2019 they were not far from reaching their goal. The city has done a great job of enticing all types of travellers from around the globe.

Easy Reference Guide

DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE

Travelling to Dubai – How to visit Dubai

Did you know that Dubai has 2 airports? Most people arrive at the Dubai International Airport which is not far from the city centre in the Deira district. The second airport is closer to Abu Dhabi and is called Al Maktoum International.

Dubai travel guide – Travel guide to Dubai, #traveltips #dubai #uae #emirates #gastrotravelogue #wheretostay — Dubai Skyline

Getting From the Airport to Dubai

The Metro

From the airport, it is easy to take the metro into town which is around a 20-minute trip. If you want more space for your luggage buy a gold class ticket (more about this later).

Taxi

You can naturally grab a taxi or an Uber, but this is not recommended in peak hours as the traffic is a nightmare. Book a taxi by calling (+971 (0) 4 208 0808) or make your way to the official taxi desks on arrival. If you travelling as a solo female you may prefer a female driver so look out for the taxis with the pink trim.

Getting around Dubai

Travel in Dubai is a breeze. Dubai’s public transport network is excellent so it is easy to get around the city.

The Metro

The metro will give you access to most of the tourist sites and shopping malls in the city. The stations are linked to the malls and the walkways are airconditioned so you don’t have to brave the heat. You can buy single or return trip tickets in silver or gold class as you need to at the stations or you can buy a NOL card, like an Oyster card in London, which you can top up. Ticket prices vary by zone. Here’s a link that explains the details.

The Dubai Metro has 3 different classes: Gold, Silver and Women and Children

Silver is a regular service
Gold is more like first-class and has more space and has more space for luggage. There is also a large window where you are able to take some great shots of the famous skyline.
Women and Children – women can use any of the carriages, but men are not permitted in the carriage reserved for women and children. This is strictly controlled. I have seen men asked to leave the carriage on a number of occasions so don’t think you can get away with it because the carriage is not as busy. There is also a risk of a fine which is just a pointless waste of money.

The metro can get crowded at rush hour so avoid it if you can.

Don’t eat or drink on the metro. It is not allowed

The service only runs until 22h00 on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

Busses in Dubai

This is not an ideal choice as the busses are extremely slow because of traffic and are often late so you can’t rely on them. I have never used the bus in Dubai. If you want to see the city by bus then why not book the hop on hop off bus that will allow you to see most of the main attractions.

Another great tour offers you a 5-day flexible sightseeing bus ticket that includes access to the Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, Arabian Creek Dhow Cruise & a Desert Sunset Adventure. This tour can end up saving you money rather than booking each activity individually. You can book your tickets here.

Taxis in Dubai

Taxis are cheap to use but don’t use them in rush-hour unless you have no choice. The minimum fare is 12 AED or $3.20 or £ 2.50.

Uber is another option as well as a local version Careem

PRO TIP: LOOK OUT FOR THIS TAXI SCAM

You should always pay taxis in Dubai in Dirham. If you are asked if you want to pay in dollars get out of the car, make a note of the taxi number and report it to the police. If a taxi is charging you in dollars the only thing that changes on the meter is the currency sign, so instead of paying 25 AED ( £5.20 or $6.80) you will end up paying $25.

Beware of unofficial taxis. Legitimate taxis should have a yellow sign and a registered number inside.

Boats

Many attractions are close to or on the water. Hop on a water taxi, called and Abra, at Dubai Creek. It inexpensive and a fun way to see the city.

Bikes

You can rent a BYKY bike at a number of places around the city. There are even family bikes or double bikes to choose from.

ESSENTIAL DUBAI

Language

Arabic is the official language in the UAE, but English is spoken by almost everyone

Currency

Dirham – The official abbreviation is AED but unofficially you will see Dhs used. The dirham is divided into 100 fils. At the time of writing the exchange rate is GBP 1 = AED 4.63, USD 1 = AED 3.67 and the € 1 = 4.15

Credit cards and Banks

While most places will accept credit, debit and travel cards cash is the preferred method of payment so it is a good idea to have some handy for smaller items you may want to purchase.

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

Dubai is always hot and then it becomes even hotter! The months of October to April are “winter” with blue skies and great beach weather.

Hottest month – August (36 °C average temp)
Coolest Month – January ( 20 °C average temp)
Rainy month – March (0.2 mm average rainfall)
Windiest month – July (14 km per hour average speed)

Respect the dress code

Although it is not written anywhere there is a standard of dress that is unacceptable in Dubai. Basically, it is anything that is considered revealing like short skirts, see-through clothing and strappy tops. You will see tourists walking around dressed like this in the shopping malls, but if you are sightseeing around the town don’t be disrespectful to Emirati culture. Rather wear something that touches the knee and a top that covers your shoulders. It’s not a difficult thing to do.

When it comes to beaches you can more or less wear what you like. I don’t think that G strings bikinis are not permitted on public beaches, but I am not 100 percent certain of this.

GOOD TO KNOW – DO AND DONT’S IN DUBAI

In Dubai, Weekends start on Friday

Although I knew that this was normal in Dubai it still took me a while to get used to it so I had to mention it in my Dubai travel guide so that you don’t get caught out with your plans. Weekends in Dubai are Friday and Saturday while Sunday is a normal working day.

Check your medication

Medicine or drugs containing codeine or opiate ingredients are not allowed in Dubai and this is strictly enforced. However, the UAE embassy advice says: “Individuals may bring medicine into the country for their personal use. Up to three months’ supply of a prescription item can be brought into the country by a visitor but you need to have a doctor’s letter or a copy of the original prescription.

Drugs

Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy toward the use of recreational drugs. Even if you have taken then in another country use of marijuana, for example, can be detected by a blood test is illegal to have it in your system and you may end up in prison.

Electronic cigarettes are also illegal in the UAE and can be confiscated when you arrive so instead leave them at home. Many things that are legal in other countries are not in Dubai.

Alcohol in Dubai

Alcohol is available in most clubs, restaurants and hotels. Drinks in Dubai are expensive so take advantage of the specials at Happy Hour.

Public displays of affection

This is a no-no in Dubai and is considered offensive. Don’t hold hands, kiss or touch your significant other in public. If you are in a crowded area be aware of others and don’t push your way through, rather say excuse me.

Taking Photos of People

I always say that you should not take photos of people anywhere in the world without their permission, but this is particularly important in Dubai. Obviously taking touristy photos on your travels around the city is acceptable, but don’t focus on anyone you don’t know.

Never take photos of government buildings or women in abayas which is the black overgarment worn in the Emirates.

Dubai loves Brunch

I have already mentioned that alcohol is expensive in Dubai. If you go to brunch you pay a flat rate which includes unlimited drinks and food. You can choose a package that has either soft drinks or alcohol and even champagne packages.

Most of the hotels offer brunch on Friday so if you have dreamed of dining in one of the fancy hotels then this a great way of having a fabulous meal that doesn’t cost the earth.

Check the calendar for local public holidays

When you are planning your Dubai vacation check the dates carefully. Over holidays like Eid and Ramadan the city slows down and many places may even be shut. During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. During this time no eating, smoking or chewing gum is allowed in public. This rule applies to everyone, but to be on the safe side eat at your hotel.

Dubai Shopping

Dubai has a fantastic selection of shopping malls and all the big brands can be found there and a vacation to Dubai will usually include a bit of retail therapy. I didn’t find it a particularly cheap destination because of fairly high import taxes that are in place. However, if you are a shopper then the best time to come to the city is during the 2 big sales of the year where you will find some great bargains. The Dubai Shopping Festival takes place in January and the Dubai Summer Surprises is in July.

The Dubai Mall has loads to offer even if you are not planning on shopping. There is a huge aquarium as well as an Olympic sized skating rink and a virtual reality park.

If you want to try your hand at skiing the Mall of the Emirates is the place to go to hit the slopes.

Is Dubai Safe for single females?

In 2019 Dubai was ranked the sixth safest city in the world by Time Magazine. Security in Dubai is taken seriously and is monitored. On your Dubai trip be aware for scams and pickpockets just like you would be on the lookout anywhere else in the world.

Tipping in Dubai

Tipping in Dubai is not the norm, but many people do leave a tip. Taxi drivers don’t expect to receive a tip, but anyone helping you with your luggage does. Most restaurants will add a service charge on your bill so check it carefully. If you are tipping staff and paying with a card check with them if they will receive it. Often, if you add a tip onto your card payment, they do not get it, so it is better to tip in cash.

Fun things to do in Dubai

TOAP THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI

Book your hotels early

Because Dubai is a popular destination, especially during the “winter months” accommodation is not only expensive during this time, but fills up quickly. If you are prepared to brave the heat you can find some excellent deals during the “summer months” when prices drop significantly. When planning your trip to Dubai it is best to book 2- 3 months in advance to avoid paying a premium.

Where to stay in Dubai

When you visit Dubai you will soon realise that each of the districts in Dubai is unique and depending on what you plan to do staying in the right part of town is important or else you will spend most of your time crisscrossing the city.

Downtown is where you will find the main attractions
Jebel Ali is the Dubai Marina area and ideal if you want to stay in a quieter part of town.
Jumeirah Beach will give you easy access to the beautiful beaches and has a huge boardwalk filled with restaurants and smart hotels.
Deira is a more affordable part of town if you are on a budget and is the part of the city.
Bur Dubai is home to a number of historical sites as well as the Grand Mosque and the blue tiled Iranian Mosque.

Fabulous Hotels in Dubai

Rove Downtown is a centrally located modern hotel close to the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. It offers an outdoor pool, a late checkout which is a huge plus as well as free shuttle busses to many of the main attractions. Some of the rooms even offer a view of the Burj al-Khalifa. You won’t go wrong if you book a stay here and the price is excellent for the location.

Location: Downtown / Price: ££

Hampton by Hilton Dubai is a fun, trendy hotel and is an ideal base for exploring. Some rooms have a view of the city which is usually my choice because I don’t like rooms without a view. That being said, if you don’t mind a courtyard view it is slightly cheaper. There is a desk as well as tea and coffee making facilities in all the rooms. If you want to exercise there is a gym onsite or an outdoor pool to help you cool off.

Location: Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai / Price ££

We loved the opulent One and Only at the Palm. Everything about it is luxurious and it is designed along the lines of a Moorish palace. The views are spectacular and the private beach is a perfect spot to unwind. Choose a private beach villa or a Manor House room for your stay.

Location: Jumeirah / Price £££