Audi
Cadillac
Genesis
Kia
MG
Nissan
Suzuki
BMW
Changan
Honda
Lamborghini
Mazda
Polaris
Tesla
Bentley
Dodge
Hyundai
Lexus
McLaren
Porsche
Toyota
Bugatti
Ford
Infiniti
Land Rover
Mitsubishi
Peugeot
Haval
Chrysler
Ferrari
Jaguar
Lincoln
Mercedes
Rolls Royce
Hongqi
Chevrolet
GMC
Jetour
Maserati
Mini
Renault
Jeep
People call it the “City of Gold,” but it only shines due to its achievements. While it is home to some of the richest and most powerful individuals, it is also one of the most visited places on Earth. The alluring Dubai fantasy city now has a new home as one of the top travel spots globally. The redesigned shape and range of the 5-star hotels add even more style and attractiveness to the well-known Dubai skyline. The city is a perfect place to visit among young travelers who would like to experience the pulsating nightlife and desire to perform numerous activities.
For Entry Requirements and Visa
Check if your citizenship requires you the need to obtain a visa or if you have to meet specific conditions before planning your trip to Dubai. The website of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) embassy is the best source for sure. For a detailed discussion on visa application forms, the UAE has some agreements on visa exemptions for its citizens. This means that certain nationals are allowed to stay in Dubai for a number of days without a visa.
Visa Types
Dubai has an array of visa types based on your visit’s reason and the length of your stay. It consists of tourist visas, business visas, transit visas, and employment visas. Out of them, the tourist visa is in high demand amongst the visitors and it usually allows a maximum stay of 30 days. Then, the tourist can apply for an extension of 30 additional days.
Necessary Documents
When you apply for a visa, the documentation you need to submit is generally:
- Passports that are valid for at least six months.
- Complete a visa application form.
- Passport-size photographs.
- Travel arrangements proof i.e return ticket.
- Evidence of accommodation in Dubai such as hotel reservations.
- Provision of financial resources for your stay in Dubai.
Best Season for Travels
November to March is the favorite time for many people to go on a trip to Dubai when the winter season is prevalent in the region. These days have got a very comfortable weather with mild temperature and are the ideal ones to have outdoor activities and see the city too. The temperatures in these months range between 20 °C (68 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F). You can enjoy the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Food Festival taking place. The Dubai International Film Festival is also held in the month of December.
Quite on the contrary, it will be more appropriate to seek alternative sources of entertainment rather than travelling to Dubai when the weather is very hot and summer is in full force. This is, as a rule, in June-September. Dubai is hot with temperatures as high as 40 °C (104 °F) at some times. A combination of extreme temperatures with so much humidity can leave one very uncomfortable when it is out in the open. Having said that, at least, you still might tend to go on vacation during the summer period; you will still have the pleasure to greet the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival.
Staying Over
Dubai’s offerings are diverse in terms of paying less or more for accommodation. The city has a plethora of options that range from luxurious resorts to budget hotels which may also serve as your resting places.
Guaranteed Areas to Find Good Accommodation
The most popular places to get decent accommodations are listed below: Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina and Deira.
As you make up your mind consider some of the features such as the closeness to attraction as well as options of transport such as a train or bus and your budget. It is also recommended to make your reservations in advance, particularly when it comes to the period of peak travelling. This will contribute towards getting optimum rates and availability.
Transporting
With the unbeatable organization and the effective public transportation network, it is easy to get around Dubai.
Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro is the most widespread type of transportation which is both used by the locals and visitors. It is an entirely automated metro system made out of 2 lines: the Red Line and the Green Line. The metro includes a substantial number of hotspots and locations all around Dubai. It comprises the business centers, shopping centers, shopping malls and residential regions. It is an excellent means of transport within the city and it is also cheap.
Buses
Striding on with regard to the Dubai bus system is an extensive one and is also the most cost-effective option of transport in the city. Buses operate from a variety of locations, and it is possible to use one that will take you where you want without having to rely on the metro. It is a trustworthy means of transport.
Renting Cars
The alternative for interested parties to opt for travelling by car in Dubai is to rent a cheap car. There are numerous car rental companies throughout the Emirates with the latest models on offer for the customers.
Booking a car for a day, week, or month is possible based on your needs and budgets.
Ride-Hailing Apps and Taxis
Uber and Careem are the two ride-hailing applications that operate in the city alongside Plus taxis which provide a safer and more convenient method for the riders. Feel free to choose the service and book the vehicle through your smartphone.
Currency and Money Matter
The currency in Dubai is UAE Dirham (AED), and it is for sure the best currency in the region. You are always advised to change your currency to Dirhams when you arrive at Dubai. Currency exchange services are found at Dubai airports and also at banks. Credit cards can be very handy while in Dubai because they are accepted almost all over the place. The internet for hotel reservations, dining at the restaurant, shopping and entertainment is much easier with the use of credit cards. Cash-dispensing machines are found all around the city and you are likely to come across them in banks, shopping malls, and even at the petrol stations.
Local Customs and Dress Code
Dubai is a vibrant city of religion. Therefore, you need to be fully aware of the religious customs and to respect the local dress code. It is highly advisable to avoid wearing clothes which are not generally accepted when visiting public areas and sacred places. The dress code for men is to wear sleeved clothes and for women, it is to wear either dresses or long pants to camouflaged their knees and shoulders. Tops with low cuts or very short skirts are also prohibited for women. Ideal men’s dress code includes no sleeveless shirts and shorts that go above knees.
Plan Your Itinerary Carefully
Make a list of your dream destinations before planning your holiday to Dubai. A visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, should be your starting point. The massive Dubai Mall which is full of shops, entertainment options, and the splendid Dubai Aquarium should be next on your list. You should also consider having some relaxing time on the luxurious Palm Jumeirah and riding a yacht on the Dubai Marina. Take these suggestions into consideration and plan the itinerary like this one to see all these interesting places.
Adventure and Entertainment
Desert Safari
Get ready to start an adventure deep in the desert. It is possible to add spices of dune bashing, camel riding as well as the practice of sandboarding. Be mesmerized listening to traditional music like belly dancing and Tanoura dance. You will have a BBQ supper in the desert camp under stars that is designed to resemble the Bedouin camps, a romantic experience, to say the least.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Visit Dubai Parks and Resorts which is a brand-new entertainment complex that consists of different parks where you can spend time on rides and amusements. Motiongate Dubai is a place for rides and attractions based on popular Hollywood movies whereas Bollywood Parks Dubai lets you be a part of Indian cinema. LEGOLAND© Dubai is built particularly for kids having interactive LEGO-themed experiences and rides.
Ski Dubai
Get out of the sun-scorched desert and make it snow at the Ski Dubai Resort, an indoor ski complex that is a component of Mall of the Emirates. This attraction allows you to go skiing, snowboarding or, even, just have fun in the snow. At Ski Dubai you can also play with penguins, go tobogganing, and engage yourself in a snow park where children and adults can play as well.
Food and Dining
Dubai is a foodie’s heaven featuring a sumptuous range of dishes from different parts of the world. You can also try local Emirati cuisine before offloading stuffing Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian delicacies.
You should also make space in your stomach to embrace a food journey with such must-try foods as these:
Shawarma
Shawarma is one of the delicious Middle Eastern street food dishes. It has succulent marinated meat, usually chicken or lamb, that wraps in pita bread with veggies of one’s choice.
Hummus and Falafel
Hummus which is made of chickpeas and a very creamy dip is the star of the show served with freshly baked bread. Do not forget to eat falafel which is made of chickpeas or fava beans and it is deep-fried balls of chocolate served with tahini sauce.
Arabic Sweets
Baklava is the sweet desert made by layering of the sheets of filo pastry and mixed with nuts and sprinkled with honey syrup which goes superbly with your food. It is also a good idea to make another effort at other sweets like Kunafa, Luqaimat (sweet balls made of fried dough dipped in date syrup) and Umm Ali (bread pudding, creamy, rich).
Stay Safe and be Polite
The degree of safety makes it possible to consider that Dubai is one of the very safe places in the world. However, an individual must ensure that he or she has to undertake the precautions necessary in order to be able to have a pleasant and comfortable time of the stay. Therefore, observe the given safety and etiquette-cultural conduct:
Personal Safety
The overall level of safety in Dubai and the people traveling in it is quite high and, as a result, the cases of stolen objects or violent crimes are almost absent. Observing common sense such as not going to an unlit or a secluded place especially at night still remains advisable. One should also apply due vigilance and awareness in one environment. One should be careful to avoid pickpockets in busy areas, as well as with their personal belongings.
The Local Customs Respect
The city of Dubai is a Muslim city that is quite harsh on culture and religion. Therefore, it is important to follow local law, culture, and dressing code. There is also the need to dress decently whether one is in an area where they are going to be viewed by people or even whichever religious setting. Do not wear something revealing or not appropriate. In addition, no display of affection like kissing or hugging should be done.
Photography
It is a rule of thumb to be polite and not take pictures of people without their permission while taking photographs. Also, do not photograph restricted areas which include military bases, government facilities, and airports.
Prohibited Items to Carry in Dubai
Check the following items that are not allowed in Dubai:
- Recreational drugs, including narcotics and marijuana
- Alcohol without licenses
- Anything offensive or immoral publications;
- Any type of weapon or explosive materials without permission or
- Restricted medicines without permission or documentation
End Note
The readers of this Dubai travel guide will get the relevant information necessary for a smooth visit to the city. They will also come across a detailed explanation of visas and entry requirements, the best time to visit, as well as other pertinent pieces of information. This will make them comfortable making their reservation. Tourists are also told to observe the culture and way of life of the community. Be healthy by observing the proper precautions and savour the variety of food that the city has to offer. Dubai is the place that unites the benefits of the newest modernity, culture and the hospitality of the people. There are numerous memorable experiences one cannot forget in a lifetime that can be experienced in the place. Therefore, take your suitcases out and get ready to the mad journey of your life to the shining city of Dubai.
