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
- Follow our Dubai travel tips
- Find out what you need to know if traveling to Dubai as a couple
- Read our guide on how to score the cheapest flights
- Book your flight to Dubai
- Arrange your rental car, airport pickup, and/or hop-on hop-off tourist bus pass
- Search for discounted hotel stay or vacation rental
- Protect your travel plans with trip insurance
- Check phone plan for international data or get SIM cards for Dubai
- Review our carry-on packing list
- Learn everything you need to know about traveling through airport security
- Pack the right travel cameras and comfortable travel clothes
Contents
- Things to Know Before Going to Dubai
- Different Laws and Customs
- Modern Metro and Taxis for Women
- Most People are Foreigners
- Unique Vending Machines
- Imposing Luxurious Sites
- Unique Attractions
- Man-made Islands
- Extreme Weather
- More Things to Know Before Going to Dubai
- Dubai Hotels
- Like this post?
- You Might Also Appreciate…
- What do you want to experience most when you visit Dubai?
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.
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.
Photo 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
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What do you want to experience most when you visit Dubai?
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