Looking forward to travelling to a city with a modern and luxurious lifestyle? Grab your passport and pack your things to travel to the city of superlatives. The metropolis has risen from the sands to a fishing village to the present cityscape. You will be amazed to find people from different places residing in this city and each carrying a unique piece of culture with them, reducing cultural barriers and promoting a diversified cultural environment.
In this blog, we have covered some essential travel tips that will help you explore various places and experience a plethora of things, especially if you are travelling to Dubai for the first time. Scroll down below to take a good look at the travel tips to know about the do’s and don’ts, before visiting Dubai.
Information on Dubai
| Time Zone | GMT+4 |
| National Language | Arabic |
| Currency | United Arab Emirates Dirham |
| Population | 3,094,640 (as of 2025) |
| Official Religion | Islam |
| Nick Name | City of Superlatives |
| National Dish | Khuzi |
10 Travel Tips to Dubai
Dubai is a globally renowned destination that attracts tourists from different corners of the planet throughout the year. The city boasts its luxurious stature, backed by its rich history and culture. Below are some travel tips that you should consider to have a pleasant holiday experience when travelling to Dubai for the first time.
Visit Dubai between October and April
It is best to visit Dubai between October and April as the weather stays pleasant, allowing tourists to indulge in various outdoor activities. Visiting during other seasons may impact their tour, due to intense heat, as it prohibits one from indulging in outdoor activities during the daytime. You may experience mild cold weather after sunset, so it’s a good idea to carry warm clothes.
Plan Your Stay for at least 5 Days
Dubai offers a myriad of unique experiences that cater to the tastes and preferences of a number of people. In order to explore the different places dotted around the city, you must plan your itinerary for at least five days in Dubai. It will help you unfurl a tapestry of new experiences, making your holiday more memorable.
Make Advance Bookings
Make sure to book in advance when travelling to Dubai, especially when travelling during the peak season. Get your bookings for your hotels, flights and if possible, the points of interest and Michelin star restaurants. It will easily save a great deal of effort and skip the long queue. Advance reservation will help you to save your time and follow your itinerary with the least expected disruptions.
Dress Modestly
The United Arab Emirates, being an Islamic country, follows certain customs and traditions. So while travelling to Dubai, one must be aware of these customs. One of them is dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious places. Wear a dress that covers your knees and shoulders. Again, you are allowed to wear swimsuits on beaches or by the pool, but at the time of leaving the area, make sure you cover your body.
Avoid Public Display of Affection
Be mindful of your public displays of affection, as expressing them in public places may lead to a fine and even arrest. As Dubai is a part of an Islamic country and one must pay heed to their local customs and practices. Again, married couples holding hands are seen as more acceptable, except for when visiting a religious or cultural site.
Adhere to Restrictions in Public Photography
Around Dubai, you will find numerous spots to click pictures, but make sure to follow the restrictions while capturing photos. Be cautious to avoid taking pictures of mosques and government buildings, as well as clicking random images of pedestrians, especially children and women. Uploading photos or videos of a person without their consent on social media is treated as an illegal act in Dubai.
Respect Islamic traditions
Make sure you follow the Islamic traditions during your Dubai trip, as it is important to follow the traditions, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Also, learn a few phrases of Arabic, which is appreciated by the locals. Make sure to follow a fast during the daytime, even if you are not a Muslim during the Ramadan period.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
When planning on visiting Dubai, make sure to stay hydrated. During the day, the intensity of the sun’s rays can be high, which drains your energy and makes you dehydrated. Hence, make sure to carry around a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated, which will reduce your chances of falling ill. If you are unsure about drinking tap water, you can easily find bottled water in grocery stores and restaurants.
Rely on Public Transportation
In case you are a budget traveller, then you can rely on this tip for travelling in Dubai by public transportation such as buses, metros and taxis. Except for some parts of the city, you cannot rely on the metro and thus need to travel there either by bus or by taxi. You can also download apps that can be used to hire a car to reach your destination.
Avoid Carrying Abusive Substances
It is strictly prohibited to carry any abusive substances, even medicines, without a valid prescription. If you are caught carrying any abusive substances or unprescribed medicines, then you may face severe penalties.
Must-Try Dishes in Dubai
As per this Dubai travel guide for first-time visitors, they must relish the iconic dishes to carry back more sweet and savoury memories. Experience the rich taste and aroma of some of Dubai’s most popular dishes.
- Khuzi
- Harees
- Lokma
- Madrouba
- Tharid
- Machboos
- Khafeh
- Margoogat
- Manakish
- Fattoush
Must-Have Experiences in Dubai
Whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure, Dubai offers you a plethora of things to experience. Here are some of the must-have experiences, as per this Dubai travel guide for first-time visitors, that one should have during their vacation.
- Take the elevator to the observation deck of Burj Khalifa and witness the spectacular panoramic vista of Dubai city.
- Go shopping at the largest mall in Dubai, where you also get to indulge in a wide array of activities or dine at popular restaurants.
- Enjoy a romantic dinner with your partner at a Dhow cruise, while gazing at the stunning skyline.
- Taste adventure while taking a ride on Ain Dubai, the world’s largest Ferris wheel, offering breathtaking views from the top.
- Take a traditional tour of Dubai and visit the souks, where you can purchase spices, exotic herbs, Arabic fragrances, gold, clothing and many more.
- Take a walk down the lane of Al Fahidi, an area that dates back to the 19th century and reflects the well-preserved architecture and local culture.
- Spend a fantastic beach time at the Jumeirah beach, allowing you to take a break from the bustling chores of city life.
- Explore the Dubai Miracle Garden and witness a wide variety of flowers in the world’s largest natural garden.
- If you are a thrill seeker, then do not forget to try out the world’s longest urban zipline at the XLine.
- Get fascinated by the prototypes and future innovation at the Museum of the Future, ideal for kids and families.
Things to Avoid on Your Dubai Trip
On your trip to Dubai, certain points must be avoided to ensure a hassle-free holiday experience for first-time visitors. Check out the things to avoid on your Dubai trip.
- Avoid using your left hand for greeting people you meet.
- Do not eat or drink in public.
- Do not disrespect the Royal Family.
- Do not capture photographs of a random person without their consent.
- Do not indulge in public displays of affection.
- Avoid carrying drugs and alcohol to Dubai.
- Avoid carrying medicines that are not permitted in Dubai.
- Avoid cussing or using rude gestures in public.
- Avoid staying together in a hotel if you are unmarried.
- Do not dress short when visiting religious sites.
Conclusion
Get ready to embrace the magical allure of Dubai, offering a wide array of attractions, ranging from sun-kissed beaches to vibrant city life. The tips for first-time travel to Dubai shall help you enjoy a pleasant holiday experience. You get to explore different places, carry the essentials and reduce the chances of fines and other penalties. Some of these rules can also be considered as Dubai rules for tourists that they must heed.
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FAQs
How to travel in Dubai as a tourist?
Dubai offers you a varied range of transport facilities, comprising buses, metro and taxis.
What is illegal in Dubai for tourists?
Regarding tourists visiting Dubai, things considered illegal can be public display of affection, consuming alcohol, carrying abusive substances and many more.
Do's and don'ts when visiting Dubai?
Do stay hydrated during the daytime. Do visit the iconic attractions around Dubai.
Do not show displays of affection in public places. Do not drink alcohol in public.
