Travel Guide: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is easily one of the most evolving cities in the world. This metropolis city is a luxurious getaway into the future. Always boasting its best, tallest, and largest infrastructures, it’s become one of the more popular cities to visit lately. Here are some helpful tips to help prepare for your trip.
Before you go
IT’S HOT: Temperatures can go up to 105 F/ 41 C. The air can vary between feeling very dry or humid. The best way I can explain the heat is like constantly standing in front of an exhaust pipe. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, white or light colored scarves to cover yourself, a hat, rechargeable portable fan, and be sure to hydrate! I also recommend wearing natural hues to reflect the sun.
CASH VS CREDIT: Almost all places take credit cards (be sure your card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees) with the exception of those who do not take American Express, so be sure to bring a back up card. I recommend bringing cash to use at the souks (shopping plaza), for tipping, and any other small purchases.
IT’S EXPENSIVE: Although the U.S. dollar is strong in Dubai (1 USD = ~3.67 AED. Check current rates here), everything is expensive! This says a lot considering I work and live in New York City, one of the more expensive cities in the U.S. For example, our breakfast buffet at our hotel was $35 USD per person. A cocktail would average at $20 USD. We actually ordered Uber Eats on two occasions when we were craving food late at night (mostly because we visited during Ramadan). Uber Eats works just like in the states, although the menu will vary if you’re ordering from a fast food restaurant. You can also bring snacks (nuts, chips, fruits) during the day to help you save money if you’re on a budget.
TIPPING: A service charge is included in most bills, otherwise tipping is not required but if you feel you want to 10% is perfectly acceptable. Locals will accept USD as tips due to the favorable exchange rate.
ATTIRE FOR WOMEN: While it’s a mostly Muslim city and local women dress conservatively, I noticed most tourists dressed casually (tank tops, shorts). Dubai is catered to tourists, so dressing conservatively is not strictly enforced in public areas like other Muslin nations but out of respect for their religion and culture I dressed conservatively (short sleeved tops, long linen pants, culottes - clothes that covered my knees and shoulders). I recommend carrying a scarf with you to cover up in case you are asked to in public areas. Attire at your hotel pool/beach is casual.
VISITING DURING RAMADAN: My trip to Dubai took place toward the end of Ramadan. Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims by fasting and practicing prayer during daylight hours. Most restaurants remained open during the Ramadan fasting hours, but appeared to be closed due to curtaining for discretion. Non-Muslims are asked to be respectful while visiting during the holiday by dressing conservatively and not eating in public. I was walking around with an iced coffee (not knowing the rule beforehand) and was politely asked to throw it away by a security guard at the mall. Learn more about Ramadan here.
DRY DUBAI: Some restaurants don’t serve alcohol, due to strict liquor license laws. Only some restaurants and all clubs, bars and hotels serve alcohol. You can, however, purchase liquor bottles at the Duty Free shop at the airport upon arrival. Note: public intoxication is illegal, don’t ruin your trip and go to jail by drinking in public.
LADIES NIGHT: Every Tuesday is ladies night in Dubai. On Tuesdays, women get free drink vouchers and entrance for participating bars, lounges, and nightclubs. There’s usually a set list of available drinks, similar to a happy hour menu.
Getting around
Uber vs Taxi
Ubers are most times cheaper than taxis since taxis are metered. You also don’t want to risk not knowing what you’ll pay for a taxi in such an expensive city. Uber in Dubai only offers the “Uber Select” option with higher end cars, however the pricing equivalent to an Uber X. There is no Uber XL option (SUVs, trucks), so if you’re traveling with a group, order separate cars.
Walking/Driving
The city is walkable depending on what area you stay in. Otherwise there are a lot of highways with litmited sidewalks for pedestrians, making it a good idea to rent a car. The roads are paved very well, are easy to navigate and it’s very safe to drive.
Dubai metro
Metro/Tram
Dubai is steadily adding to the thriving city with efficient and speedy public transportation. The metro is a rapid transit rail system with two lines (Red and Green) that have 49 stations combined. View the metro map here.
The tram is another way to get around the city, covering 11 stations. Learn more here.
Where to stay
The top popular locations within Dubai with easy access to the popular sights, restaurants and bars are the Palm Islands, Downtown Dubai, JBR Beach, and the Dubai Marina.
This helpful map from the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tours shows where all the top sights are located to help you better figure out where you want to stay.
My group stood at The Five at the Palm Jumeirah, located at the base of the Palm Islands. The Five is a trendy, luxury resort hotel. Rates for this hotel are on the higher end but we got really lucky with a lower rate during Ramadan. If you’re looking to splurge on your trip to Dubai, I highly recommend staying at The Five. This resort hotel has numerous restaurants, a trendy rooftop bar, luxe pools, private beach with a beach club, and a cigar lounge.
Things to do
Ride ATVs and camels in the desert
Before you go:
HYDRATE! It’s HOT AF in the desert, don’t ruin the fun and be the one who passes out.
DRESS COMFORTABLY: Wear sneakers and breathable clothing. Sand gets everywhereeee.
BRING A SCARF & SUNGLASSES: The scarf will help the sand from getting in your mouth. The helmet they provide covers your eyes but with not a cloud in sight, and the sun beaming - sunglasses will be your savior.
PACK LIGHT: You’ll be moving around a lot all day so don’t over pack and bring just the essentials.
If you don’t ride camels and ATVs in the desert, did you even go to Dubai? As cliché as it seems, it’s a fun-filled activity with a great opportunity to experience the Dubai desert.
The excursion my group went on was a full day of a lot of great activities. We started the day with a hotel pick up and drove straight to the desert to ride ATVs. They give everyone a quick rundown on how to operate the ATV and off you go! There’s a photographer riding along taking great pics for purchase later. If you don’t want to purchase photos, just hand the guide/photographer your phone/camera and they’re more than happy to take pics on your device. After the ATVs, you climb into a 4x4 for a bumpy, but fun ride through the dunes. Then you make your way over to the desert camp where you’ll enjoy a full course meal, watch a dinner show, get a henna tattoo, smoke hookah, and ride a camel while watching the sunset.
Visit the Burj Khalifa
While it’s a very touristy thing to do, visiting the tallest building in the world should be on your list. The building is home to office and residential spaces and has over 1,000 works of art. Head to the observation deck 160 stories up for sprawling views of the city and if you’re looking to blow some cash, have lunch at the highest restaurant in the world, At.mosphere.
Shop at the Dubai Mall
If you haven’t noticed by now, Dubai is all about being the biggest, tallest, and best. The Dubai mall is no different being the largest mall in the world, with over 1,200 retail stores. Featuring an aquarium, an indoor ice rink, a movie theatre, and more - there’s no way you will be bored here.
Day trip to Abu Dhabi
Only 1 hour away, Abu Dhabi makes for a good day trip from Dubai if you’re looking to explore the capital of the UAE.
See the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque
Go on a yacht cruise around the Palm
Restaurants and Bars in The Five Hotel
BLVD ON ONE: Poolside all-day eatery serving an array of cuisines buffet style.
QUATTRO PASSI: Poolside upscale Italian food with happy hour available. Try the bruschetta.
MAIDEN SHANGHAI: Asian inspired menu with delicious handcrafted cocktails.
THE PENTHOUSE: Rooftop lounge serving small bites and drinks. Amazing views of the Dubai skyline.
ABOVE 21: Cigar and cocktail lounge with floor to ceiling windows for great city views.
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