There is no doubt that Dubai is beautiful enough to make it grace the top of the bucket list of almost every seasoned traveler in the world. But, popular as it is among tourists, Dubai does have a culture that is stricter than most others. So, if you have recently acquired a Dubai tourist visa and plan on making the trip of a lifetime, here is a list of a few things you should keep in mind before visiting Dubai:
- Mind the sun
Dubai’s temperature runs sizzling hot almost throughout the year. So, if you want to visit the country, you should visit it at a time when the temperatures are more bearable. It’s best to, thus, visit Dubai during its winter months i.e. between October and April. The “winter” here is characterized by the warm, golden sun and shimmering blue skies – perfect for visits to the beach and getting some good ol’ tan going. And definitely remember to pack oodles of sunscreen!
- Do your bookings early
Visiting Dubai is not a cheap affair. So, if you are traveling on a budget or just want to save money on tickets so you can enjoy later, book your air tickets at least a few months in advance. The flight fares are cheapest if you book them 6 months before your actual travel date.
Most people visit Dubai between October to April, hotels tend to get overbooked with fellow eager tourists. So, it is definitely a good idea to book your hotel room 2-3 months in advance.
- Respect Ramadan traditions
Being an Islamic country, Ramadan is obviously a big deal in Dubai. So, if you are planning on visiting the country during the month of Ramadan, remember to be respectful of the traditions of the people of the country. Most people will fast from sunrise till sunset during this month. So, you should not smoke, eat, or drink outside during that time.
- Cover yourself
Dubai has a rather strict view of how decent people dress. This means that men should not roam shirtless while women should not wear short, overly sparkly, and/or revealing clothes when in Dubai. While this rule may not always be easy to stomach, especially since the weather can run hot all the time, it’s the best way to show respect towards their culture and to not attract unwanted attention.
- Don’t click pictures without permission
Of course, that does not mean you have to go the entire trip without clicking a single insta worthy picture for your feed. You can click images of food, restaurants, touristy places, and the general scenery. But, if you are planning on clicking a picture of a person, remember to ask for their permission first. People may especially take offense if you click pictures of a woman randomly. Also avoid clicking pictures of airports, government buildings, and other such high-security areas to avoid suspicion.
- Do you tip?
Yes, tipping is okay. While tipping is not always expected, it is definitely appreciated. Restaurants usually add the tip amount to your bill itself. Other than that, it is a popular habit to tip hotel servers, luggage carriers, etc.
- Keep displays of affection private
As we keep saying, Dubai has a strict culture that places a high value on modesty. So, while you may be used to making public displays of affection with your boo where you live, you should definitely avoid kissing and even holding hands here. If you display any PDA, you will offend a lot of people at best and may get imprisoned at worst.
- Party but carefully
Drinking alcohol is of course legal in Dubai. But drinking outside — and behaving drunkenly in public — is strictly prohibited here. You also need a permit to buy alcohol for yourself and you can only buy from places that have an alcohol license. So, if you are drinking in Dubai, remember to drink responsibly.
