Dubai Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

Dubai is truly the jewel of the United Arab Emirates - big on flashy architecture, shopping, and luxury, it's quickly become the must-visit destination for anyone looking to live large for a week or two. However, it's important to keep a few Dubai travel tips in mind if you're heading here from, say, the other side of the world. Not only because of the cultural differences, but also because of the heat!

Thankfully, a few of the SIMOVO crew have visited Dubai several times before, and with their advice, we've put together this helpful guide to support you on your next trip to the UAE. Whether you're a returning tourist or are jetting out to Dubai for the first time, we're certain you'll find some useful pointers below.

Dubai travel tips overview

Alongside researching the best Dubai attractions before you travel, we recommend checking national travel advice set by your government. While Dubai is considered a holiday destination for many, some advisory warnings - such as FCDO travel notes - suggest that “all but essential travel to UAE” is recommended due to conflicts in the region.

Beyond this, always make sure you're ready to withstand the heat! At its hottest, the region reaches absolutely scorching temperatures of 50 C or 122 F - meaning you might want to travel in winter or spring rather than the intense summer!

Essential Dubai travel tips

Some of the most essential Dubai travel tips we have to offer include making sure you pay attention to local customs and etiquette, carefully managing transport, finding somewhere affordable and reputable to stay, and keeping you and your travel companions safe at all times.

Let's dive into these tips and break down why they're so important.

Local customs and etiquette

As a predominantly Muslim region, it's important to dress modestly in Dubai no matter your gender. Respecting local customs and etiquette ensures you can still access certain sites and avoid offending local people - dress in loose but modern clothing, for example, in most areas.

If you visit areas of worship or religious importance in Dubai, you must always make sure to cover your skin and dress as modestly as possible. In some locations, such as nightclubs, you may find that modesty rules are relaxed somewhat, but it is important to be as respectful as possible, no matter where you go.

You may also drink alcohol in Dubai if you are a non-Muslim over the age of 21, but public intoxication is illegal. 

Transport in Dubai

Despite Dubai's reputation for being a fairly luxurious getaway, the transport around the area tends to be fairly affordable. For example, the Dubai Metro is replete with ways for you to get around the city's different locations, and it's easy to budget for.

Just remember that, while there are taxi services available, they can end up being quite expensive. You'll also find that there are water buses across the region, and in fact, it's one of the cheapest ways to get around if you're trying to budget (more on visiting Dubai on a budget shortly).

Best areas to stay in Dubai

Dubai's sliding scale of accommodation availability and costs means you can expect to spend up to $130+ per night per person here, but you don't have to stay downtown unless you really want to.

Areas such as Palm Jumeirah are very popular thanks to centrality, and there are a couple of hotels and resorts close by that ensure you have easy connections to local bars. The Dubai Marina, too, is also very popular in terms of accommodation options, though it does tend to be a little more expensive.

Sheikh Zayed Road, meanwhile, appears to be a popular choice with travelers due to it being more affordable and in a less tourist-centric zone.

Safety tips in Dubai

Here's a quick lightning round of essential safety tips to keep in mind when visiting Dubai:

• Dubai isn't just modest about clothing, but also about public displays of affection - even hand-holding may cause concern. Keep affection behind closed doors, at least for a little while.
• The above tip especially applies to LGBTQ+ travelers. Dubai remains a very conservative region, and with Islamic law forbidding homosexual relationships, it can be dangerous to show your affections in public.
• Always travel with others if you can - safety in numbers is a must. While Dubai's crime rate isn't particularly high, it pays to be vigilant.
• Always take time to dip inside buildings during high heat, and to always ensure you stay hydrated. Otherwise, prioritize a winter vacation!

Best time to visit Dubai

Dubai's desert climate makes it absolutely scorching for many people (depending on where they are traveling from) - but we recommend heading across either mid-fall/autumn or mid-winter to early spring.

At these times of year, you can expect the mildest weather, and while the area will still be fairly popular, you won't expect the huge crowds that flock to enjoy the heat later in the year. Just keep in mind that the hotter times of year also tend to be the cheapest to travel!

Dubai budget tips

If you're looking to save some money on a getaway to the UAE this year, start by checking out our complete Dubai cost guide. As a quick preview or summary, however, here are the main tips we recommend you keep in mind.

• Prioritize traveling by water bus wherever possible for the lowest rates
• Search for flights and accommodation months in advance for the best advance prices
• Come during the summer for the low cost but absolutely scorching vacations
• Drink tap water at any restaurants you visit
• Prioritize free events such as exploring the beaches, going window shopping, and watching local fountain shows

Dubai travel planning tips

Not everyone likes to plan, but when it comes to making the most of your time in Dubai, we seriously recommend doing at least a little bit of forward thinking. So, regardless of whether you're a proactive planner or a born procrastinator, here are some must-do travel planning tips before you visit Dubai.

• If you're interested in Dubai sunshine but don't fancy the arid heat, consider similar destinations that are just as sunny elsewhere - such as, based on our linked guide, the Maldives!
• Download a SIMOVO eSIM for UAE and make sure your mobile data is completely covered before you travel. You can pay for as much data as you need upfront, and as soon as you land, you'll connect to the best available mobile network.
• Remember that dressing modestly is key, but don't pack your bags full of stuffy clothes. Think lightweight, breathable, and easy to accessorize.
• Cards tend to be accepted widely across Dubai, but if you're taking boats and tipping people as you travel, it's a good idea to take some AED.
• Try to use Careem rather than Uber if you're hailing taxis - it's a local alternative that might give you better rates. It pays to compare the two!
• Build your itinerary however you see fit - there are tons of things to see out here, but remember to explore at your own pace and to know your limits, especially in the blazing hot sun! Plan routes around finding drinking water if you can!