The Ultimate Dubai Travel Guide For First Time Traveler
Dubai is a popular tourist destination in Middle East Asia. This populous city is located on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula and is known as the business hub of this region along the coast of the Persian Gulf.
Do You Need a Visa to Go to Dubai?
A visa is essential for visiting Dubai from any country in the world. If a person decides to drop in here while traveling elsewhere, he/she can apply for a Transit visa. This visa is free and allows a tourist to stay for 96 hours in this city. A Visitor visa enables a tourist to stay for a month or lesser time in Dubai and it is also available for free. If someone intends to stay more than a month here, then a visa should be obtained from the local UAE Embassy for a cost of $51. If you need to move there, you can contact a local lawyer and discuss the possibilities of obtaining a residence permit in the UAE.
When is it best to visit Dubai?
The peak tourist season in Dubai is the winter months from November to March when the temperature remains mildly cool. The weather is most comfortable during this time, for which most festivals of Dubai are held in the months of January and February. Summer months are so hot here that most outdoor activity cannot be enjoyed at that time and thus, usually avoided by tourists.
What to Pack for Traveling in Dubai
Tourists need to packs clothes of conservative style to wear in Dubai, which show the least amount of skin. They should choose attires that cover their shoulders and knees, as well as comfortable to wear. They should also carry well-fitted shoes or sandals or flip-flops. They may also carry light cardigans or jackets to wear in the evenings. Toiletries including tissues, moisturizers, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, shaving kit, mosquito repellant, deodorant, sunscreen, and other makeup products should be carried in the travel bag. No one should forget to pack sunglasses, hats or scarves, essential documents, a first-aid kit, and a mobile charger for visiting Dubai.
How to travel to Dubai?
Plenty of flights are available from all prime cities in the world to Dubai International Airport. Renowned airlines, like Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Flyadeal, Gulf Air, Flynas, and Ethiopian Airlines operate regular flights to Dubai. So tourists can buy flight tickets at affordable prices for their scheduled dates for visiting Dubai.
Do They Speak English in Dubai?
Though Arabic is the official language of UAE, local people can speak English fluently in Dubai. It may sound friendlier to greet local Arabs in common Arabic phrases but tourists can comfortably communicate with them in English in this city.
Getting Around Dubai (Transportation in Dubai)
Tourists find it very easy to go around Dubai and the surrounding areas for sightseeing and shopping. There are plenty of public buses running all over the city at an interval of 15 – 20 minutes. Big Bus sightseeing tour is an economical option for tourists. People can also ride taxis, water buses, and Metro rail for reaching their destinations in this city.
Culture in Dubai
Since UAE is an Islamic country, Muslim culture is strictly observed in Dubai. However, tourists do not need to maintain these cultural rules all the time. Arabic culture is observed in the architectural style, music, local cuisine, and general lifestyle of people. Religious Muslims pray 5 times a day and flock to the local mosques on Fridays. They are very friendly towards foreign tourists and help them readily if needed.
What to wear in Dubai?
Dubai is a liberal city regarding the dress of foreign tourists, unlike other Islamic countries of Arabian land. However, tourists should not wear too short dresses that can be embarrassing to the conservative culture of this city. Bikinis and short skirts should be avoided in public places and modest attires are preferred here. Light and loosely-fitted dresses of cotton are comfortable in the warm weather of this land. No one should wear too tightly fitted dresses here.
Most popular attractions in Dubai
Burj Khalifa is the tallest tower in the world, with a height of 828 meters that attracts every tourist visiting Dubai. Palm Jumeirah is a manmade island with lots of tourist attractions and exciting activities for them. Dubai Museum is located in Al Fahidi Fort, where underground sections display various artifacts associated with the history of this city. Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Miracle Garden, Safa Park, and Creekside Park are some of the other tourist attractions of Dubai. Ferrari World is the largest theme park and KidZania is an entertainment zone for children. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Heritage House, Dubai Heritage Village, Children’s City, and Dubai Desert Conservation Centre are other popular places for sightseeing around Dubai.
Where to Eat in Dubai
Dubai has plenty of restaurants where the cuisines of many countries are available for tourists. Al Ustad Special Kabab is an ideal place for non-vegetarians whereas Beach Canteen is famous for the Dubai Food Festival. Al Fanar and Aseelah are restaurants where tourists can taste the best local cuisines of Dubai. Logma is a café where people can enjoy traditional Emirati breakfast items. Dinner in the Sky, Hala Organic, Dubai Café Museum, Nikki Beach, and Hell’s Kitchen Dubai are other places for dining in Dubai.
Markets and Shopping in Dubai
Dubai is known as the shopping hub, with numerous traditional souks and shopping malls. Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the world, with several branded shops, cafes, restaurants, and cinema halls. Mall of the Emirates is fun for shoppers, due to the presence of Ski Dubai. Wafi Mall is known for its wonderful architectural artworks while Deira Gold Souk is the best place for buying gold jewelry. Bur Dubai Souk, Burjuman Centre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, and Karama Shopping Complex are other places for extensive shopping in Dubai.
Where to stay in Dubai
Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are some posh areas where foreign tourists can stay in luxury hotels and resorts. JA Ocean View Hotel, Jannah Marina Bay Suites, and Pearl Marina Hotel offer affordable accommodations to tourists visiting this city. Al Barsha is a popular neighborhood in Dubai where tourists find suitable hotels for staying comfortably.
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