Dubai United Arab Emirates

9 Things to Know Before Going to Dubai UAE: A Dubai Trip Guide

From vending machines to taxis for women, here are 9 ESSENTIAL things to know before going to Dubai UAE to ensure you have the best Dubai trip!

Looking to visit Dubai? Television of Nomads has already explored the top things to do in Dubai, the best restaurants in Dubai for families, and offered up some Dubai travel tips for couples, but now it’s time to delve into the things you should know if you want to visit Dubai. This guide will help you learn the things to know before going to Dubai to ensure you have a smooth-sailing visit!

 

Before You Go

Things to Know Before Going to Dubai

This fascinating Middle Eastern metropolis has experienced drastic changes over the last century, and learning all about the things that make Dubai so special will help to enrich your Dubai trip.

For starters, Dubai UAE went from a “one-car” town in 1968 to about two million registered cars to date and it took them only 50 years. A striking percentage of them are luxury vehicles, including police cars. There are more than 900 high rises in Dubai. Five decades ago there were zero. Dubai is truly a spectacle.

Here is a fun list of 9 things to know before going to Dubai, with some extra bonus facts included!


This is a guest post by Diego Garzón of All the Rooms.


Photo Above: Steven Straiton

Photo Credit: Florian Martys

Different Laws and Customs

When you decide to visit Dubai UAE, get ready to adapt to local laws and customs. The local laws and customs are some of the most important things to know before going to Dubai

One of the important things to know before going to Dubai is that you are not allowed to display affection publicly. Things such as kissing and hugging, even is it’s your spouse, are punishable by law with fines, jail, and deportation.

Also, if you like to party a bit, make some adjustments to your habits since alcohol is prohibited. However, some hotels and other establishments are allowed to sell alcohol. Nevertheless, don’t get caught inebriated in the street.

Finally, be sure to cover up and dress modestly. Even remotely revealing clothing is often frowned upon, so certainly prepare for what to wear in Dubai.

Check out Television of Nomads‘ Dubai City Guide for more UAE travel tips.

 

 


Don’t miss out on the 6 Best Restaurants in Dubai for Families!


Photo Credit: Raihan S.R. Bakhsh

Modern Metro and Taxis for Women

Get ready for a few cultural nuances from the moment you arrive at the airport whenever you choose to visit Dubai.

Shocking at first, your adventure into Dubai UAE culture will soon become a fun ride as you get to live and learn in their ways.

You’ll soon notice there are many well-organized transportation methods like registered taxis with colored roofs and even special taxis for female passengers.

Also, with a crime rate so low (it’s almost non-existent), any method of transportation is safe.



Booking.com

 

Photo Credit: Milos Milosevic

 

Most People are Foreigners

Dubai is a mecca that attracts people from all over the world.

As soon as you land whenever you choose to visit Dubai, you realize that most inhabitants of Dubai UAE are foreign.

Only 10 to 15 percent of the Dubai population are Emiratis, as nationals are known. Most of the people living in Dubai are Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Filipino.

 


Learn why travel bloggers chose Dubai as one of the Top Winter Travel Destinations!


Unique Vending Machines 

Another interesting thing you’ll find when you visit Dubai UAE is the readily available vending machines that sell everything from your classic soda cans or snacks to more surprising products like cell phones, computers, tablets, and even gold coins. These vending machines even adjust prices as the market flows in real time.

 

 


Photo Credit: Laurent Gass

Imposing Luxurious Sites

Built in just fifty years, Dubai UAE is home to some of the world’s most imposing, magnificent, and record-breaking buildings and structures in the world, and visiting them are an essential part of any Dubai travel guide.

There are a few particular sights you MUST add to your Dubai itinerary. One of them is the Burj Khalifa.

The Burj Khalifa rises to 2,722 feet and is part of a development project called Downtown Dubai.

The building has two outdoor observation decks, one of which is the highest outdoor observation deck in the world at 1,821 feet.

Photo Credit: Maher Najm

Unique Attractions

A city of extremes, Dubai UAE is also home to unique places you’ll only find here. Here are some of the interesting things to know before going to Dubai about their unique attractions!

For example, when you choose to visit Dubai, you should start with the biggest indoor skiing facility in the world, the Ski Dubai ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates, which is one of the biggest in the world.

Another example is the Chillout Ice Lounge, where patrons have to wear full weather clothing and drinks are served in ice glasses. Fight the cold by ordering hot food like sandwiches, cakes, and even hot chocolate.

There’s also plenty to do nearby! If you’re heading to Dubai, you might consider a visit to Dammam. If you do, here’s all you need to know while visiting Dammam.

 

Photo Credit: EL_KAB0NG

 

Man-made Islands

If you’re looking for interesting things to know before going to Dubai, look to their luxury culture, particularly their mind-blowing man-made islands.

Unique in Dubai UAE are the immense man-made islands called Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and The World. The World is composed of islands made in the shapes of the countries of the world.

If you get the chance to experience one of these luxury islands for yourself, consider yourself lucky! These islands are home to luxury homes, villas, and hotels, many of which are owned and visited by world famous celebrities.

 

Photo Credit: The Dead Pixel

Extreme Weather

Finally, be prepared to experience the desert — the Arabian Desert, that is.

The climate in Dubai UAE brings about 350 sunny days per year, with only about 3.5 inches of rainfall. If the plan is to visit Dubai during summer, expect extremely hot, windy, and humid temperatures which frequently break 100 °F.

The windy conditions are caused by the Western Hajar Mountains, which allow for slightly cooler winters.

No matter when you visit Dubai, be prepared for some extreme weather! With an extreme spectrum of weather conditions, the weather during your expected time of visit is one of the most important things to know before going to Dubai.

You might choose to aim for the months of November to March for a cooler climate.

 

More Things to Know Before Going to Dubai

Be prepared for your trip to Dubai! Here are some more important guides you should look at as you prepare for your trip to the United Arab Emirates.

Don’t miss our guide for Things to Do in Dubai and other UAE Travel Tips.

If you plan to visit as a couple, be sure to check out our Couples Dubai Travel Tips.

Find out the best restaurants in Dubai for families.

Learn why Dubai was chosen as one of the top winter travel destinations by travel bloggers.

 

 

 

things to know before going to DubaiPhoto Credit: Brandon Price

Dubai Hotels

Looking for the best Dubai hotels? Don’t miss out on the top hotel Dubai deals or the top desert Dubai hotel deals!

 


A B O U T  T H E  A U T H O R

Diego Garzón Diego is a writer by day at AllTheRooms and a reader by night. He is also the author of the first Screenwriting Manual in Spanish. He has been a creative consultant for television series and films. He lives with “the wife”, ”the dog”, and “the other dog”.

 

 

Like this post?

Share it on Pinterest by hovering over one of the pictures below and clicking the red “Pin It” button!

From vending machines to taxis for women, here are 9 ESSENTIAL things to know before going to Dubai UAE to ensure you have the best Dubai trip! Photo Credit: Andrew Moore
From vending machines to taxis for women, here are 9 ESSENTIAL things to know before going to Dubai UAE to ensure you have the best Dubai trip! Photo Credit: Rod Waddington

You Might Also Appreciate…

Travel Tips

More Travel Posts


What do you want to experience most when you visit Dubai?

Share in a comment below!

 

 

You Might Also Like

1 Comment

  • Reply
    Television of Nomads
    at 2:45 pm

    […] miss 9 Things to Know Before You Visit Dubai UAE, and other essential Dubai travel […]

  • Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Follow

    Get the latest posts delivered to your mailbox:

    198 Shares
    Share8
    Pin190
    Tweet
    Share