Are you traveling to Dubai for the first time.. Here are 7 useful tips

When travelers think of tourism in Dubai , things that come to mind may include stunning skyscrapers and luxurious developments amid Arab heritage and authenticity. If you are planning a close visit to Dubai, find out with us in the following report a set of useful tips before traveling there.

Topic content

  • Tips before traveling to Dubai
    • Best time to visit Dubai
    • Getting around Dubai
    • Choose a place to stay
    • Make the most of your visit with a day trip to Abu Dhabi
    •  Be aware of local etiquette and customs
    • Immersion in Emirati culture through SMCCU activities
    • Buy local souvenirs

Tips before traveling to Dubai

Best time to visit Dubai

Dubai

Located in the Arabian Desert, Dubai is often known for its hot weather, but did you know that the city has two distinct seasons, summer and winter? The summer months are really hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 45°C during the peak months of July and August. Indeed, tourists tend to avoid this period, as it can become very uncomfortable during the day.

While winter in the emirate starts in November and lasts until early April, and average temperatures reach the mid-twenties from December to February, often making it a fun time to visit the city, this peak time means airfare and hotel prices may be higher. If you plan to visit during this time, book flights and hotels well in advance for better rates.

Getting around Dubai

Dubai

Besides famous skyscrapers such as the Burj Khalifa and luxury resorts such as the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai also has a great infrastructure, including convenient transportation. But also all over the world.

And given Dubai’s position as a major hub, there’s no shortage of Emirates flights to the city, and depending on where you live in Dubai, the airport is anywhere between a 15-30 minute drive. There are also a number of options available to get you from the airport to where you will be staying.

Dubai has a metro operating on two lines (red and green) throughout the city, and from the airport, there are two stations available (in Terminals 1 and 3 respectively) on the red line that runs directly into the downtown area. Tours usually cost around AED 8.50 per person to get to Downtown Dubai.

Dubai

There are also public buses that you can take from the airport, and although this option is cheaper (from around 5 dirhams), depending on where you are going, this may require making changes to different buses and it will take longer. You can plan your route and see which buses you will need via the trip planner available on the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority website. And be sure to buy a NOL card (a prepaid card used for public transportation services).

Similar to getting from Dubai Airport to your hotel, you can use the metro, buses, and taxis to get around the city. The Dubai Metro has stops at some of the major attractions (such as the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, and the Old Dubai district. Bus and metro use requires a NOL card, and there are a few different types of NOL cards you can buy, depending on the length of your stay and how often you plan to use the train.

Taxis are probably the most popular way for tourists and visitors to get around Dubai (especially to places not served by the metro). Taxis are plentiful especially in hotels and tourist attractions.

Choose a place to stay

Dubai is a relatively small city, however the main areas frequented by tourists stretch from Dubai Creek all the way to the coast of Palm Jumeirah, and getting to and from various attractions takes between 10 to 40 minutes by car, so choosing where to stay in Dubai depends on what going to do during your stay.

Make the most of your visit with a day trip to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is only an hour and 20 minutes drive from downtown Dubai and dedicating one day of your trip to visit Abu Dhabi is definitely a great way to enrich your Dubai adventure. There are many attractions in Abu Dhabi, but the most famous so far is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest and most impressive mosque in the country, as well as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Museum of Art and Civilization

 Be aware of local etiquette and customs

One of the questions that often arise when visiting Dubai is the local customs and whether there are things visitors should know. Although Dubai is known to be quite cosmopolitan, there are some things to keep in mind; Including not taking pictures of local residents (including staff of tourist attractions) without their permission.

Immersion in Emirati culture through SMCCU activities

 Through a non-profit organization called the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). Which aims to promote awareness about the emirate’s traditions by hosting cultural events open to expats or other visitors to Dubai.

Going to an event hosted by SMCCU is a unique and easy way to learn more about the Emirati people that will definitely enhance your visit to Dubai.

Buy local souvenirs

In this beautiful emirate, you will be able to buy many wonderful souvenirs, especially when visiting the souks in Old Dubai in particular, where you will have a lot of options to choose from; Including spices available in the spice market, nuts (such as pistachios, almonds, or cashews), or dates covered in chocolate.

Just be vigilant when shopping in the markets, there are many incidents reported on Tripadvisor to shopkeepers trying to increase the price, make sure you are clear about the price you are negotiating with the shopkeepers and avoid buying if the prices are inflated, it is best to visit Market with a travel buddy and choose to pay with cash instead of credit card.

Moreover, Naif Souk is located in old Dubai, which contains an impressive collection of abayas in a variety of designs from simple embroidered to luxurious, just don’t miss bargaining to get the product at a reasonable price.

Mohamed SAKHRI
Mohamed SAKHRI

I am Mohamed SAKHRI, the creator and editor-in-chief of this blog, 'Discover the World – The Blog for Curious Travelers.' Join me as we embark on a journey around the world, uncovering beautiful places, diverse cultures, and captivating stories. Additionally, we will delve into mysterious and, at times, even bizarre destinations.

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