Dubai, a Middle Eastern city of extravagance, is a city of tall buildings, upmarket shopping centers, international cuisine, and a multicultural lifestyle. Be it to bask in the luxury binge, gold beaches, or desert expedition of adventure. Dubai offers something for each kind of holidaymaker for a vacation of a lifetime. Should you be heading to this magnificent city, the tips and information presented below will make your Dubai vacation a memory to last.
1. Optimum Time to Visit Dubai
Dubai’s weather is excessively hot, with summer being well above 40°C (104°F) average temperature. The optimum time to visit is when the temperature is around 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), which is perfect for stepping out, sightseeing, desert safari, and beach tours. You can even take part in the Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February in general) and benefit from world-class entertainment festivals.
2. Travel in Dubai
Dubai prides itself on having well-designed and well-planned transportation, hence, it is easy to maneuver the city. Some of them are:
Dubai Metro: Metro is the most affordable and quickest means of transport in the city. It reaches even the remotest part of the city, like the airport, city center, and Dubai Marina. It’s also a good option for avoiding traffic jams, especially during rush hour.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and fairly cheap. Be prepared to pay a premium during the peak rush hour, though.
Public Transportation: Dubai has an incredibly extensive public transportation bus system, which is cheap but perhaps not quite as effective as the metro.
Car Rentals: Take a car on hire if you have to go beyond city limits or to the remote areas like the desert. Learn the traffic rules of the location before taking a car on hire.
Water Taxis: Another one of the unique means of traveling over Dubai Creek is by utilization of the “Abra” water taxi system.
4. Money and Payments
The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit cards are accepted everywhere: restaurants, malls, and hotels. But it will be pleasant to have some money in hand to go to small restaurants, to take a taxi, or to buy something from street vendors. ATMs are available everywhere, and it is not too hard to get cash with your international debit/credit card.
5. Top Attractions in Dubai
Dubai hosts the world’s most iconic landmarks and tourist attractions. They are some of the best places to visit:
Burj Khalifa: The World’s tallest building, whose observation deck provides one with views of cityscapes.
Palm Jumeirah: Palm-shaped manmade island that has luxury resorts, restaurants, and the mythical Atlantis The Palm.
Dubai Mall: This is one of the largest in the world, with good shopping experiences and some other attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and Ice Rink.
Dubai Marina: Waterfront promenade looking over water lined with super yachts and eateries.
Dubai Desert Safari: Dubai tourism is incomplete without taking a desert tour of the endless stretch of the desert. A safari involves dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and exposure to Arabic traditional culture in a desert camp.
Dubai Creek: Live the essence of old Dubai on a ride down the Dubai Creek and witness the past and present blend. Take an abra, a wooden water bus, to the Gold and Spice Souks and experience it yourself.
6. Food and Dining
Dubai is the true melting pot of cuisine, with just about anything one would want under the sun- all from good old-fashioned Middle Eastern comfort food to foreign cuisine. Don’t miss:
Shawarma: Middle Eastern street food heaven made up of spiced meat served wrapped in flatbread.
Hummus and Falafel: Both are readily available all over Dubai and are excellent fast food.
Arabic Coffee and Dates: Arabian coffee and dates are an Arabic welcome ritual to be enjoyed by guests in Emirati society.
Luxury Dining: Enough Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury are eating at all of the venues in Dubai, most with fantastic skyline or Arabian Gulf vistas.
7. Shopping
Dubai is also a shopper’s haven, with luxury malls such as the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates and traditional souks where you’ll bargain for gold, spices, and fabrics. Don’t miss Dubai Gold Souk, the largest gold souk in the world.
8. Health and Safety
Dubai is a very safe city with barely any crime rates and world-class standards of medicine. It is always better to travel with accident, health, and trip cancellation insurance under travel insurance. The UAE laws are extremely strict about drinking and holding alcohol, so it is better to be extremely cautious about the local laws. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially in the summer.
9. Handy Hints
SIM Cards: Buy an airport or city center local SIM for low-cost calls and data.
Language: The most widely used language is English, though the official one is Arabic. Signs will be mainly bilingual.
Tipping: Tipping in Dubai is not obligatory but will be appreciated. The standard restaurant tip will be 10-15% of the meal.
Respect for Religion: Refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking cigarettes in public areas during the day during the entire month of Ramadan as a sign of respect.
Dubai is a city of boundless potential, dazzling newness and cultural richness. Remembering these tips for travel, you’ll be ready to plunge yourself into the golden magic of Dubai. Luxury, adventure, or culture. Dubai offers it all to you and promises an experience that will last a lifetime and leave you in its wonder and majesty.
