10 things you must know BEFORE you travel to the UAE

10 things you must know BEFORE you travel to the UAE

The UAE, specifically Dubai, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world today. People from all over the world flock here throughout the year and Dubai Airport hosts more than 12 million tourists a year.

Although predominantly Islamic, the UAE is very different from most of its neighbours. There are a lot of misconceptions and fallacies that exist about this country. Here are 10 things that you must know BEFORE you travel to the UAE. I hope this answers most of the questions that you might have.


#1 It is NOT as conservative as many of you might think

Although malls usually have a dress code displayed right at the entrance, I have rarely seen people follow it. You will often find women (and men) in shorts and t-shirts or even short dresses. Yes, other emirates like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are a lot more conservative than Dubai and while entering a holy place like the mosque, you’re definitely expected to cover your arms and legs fully. But feel free to wear whatever you feel like at the beach or while dining out / partying in Dubai.


#2 Public display of affection is frowned upon

Although holding hands is acceptable, do not get cosy in public places and kissing is not okay. You won't get arrested for it but if you make a lot of people uncomfortable, you might get a warning from the cops.


#3 Alcohol is expensive!

It is not very easily available (only hotels are allowed to serve) and emirates like Sharjah are completely dry. Although you do have licensed shops that sell alcohol in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, many do not let you buy unless you have a license yourself. For cheap alcohol, duty-free shops at the airport might be your best bet.


#4 Driving in the UAE

If you plan to rent a car and drive, be careful of the rowdy drivers in the fastest lane. Although the driving is a lot more organised here than many other parts of the world, at speeds of 140 kmph, you need to be a very confident and calm driver to be able to not get intimidated by constantly tailgating boisterous drivers out there. Stay in the slower lanes if not too comfortable, and do NOT drink and drive. There is a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Alternatively, the city is well connected by the metro and taxis are easy to find.

Click here to book your car.

Suggested budget hotel stay in Dubai: Citymax Bur Dubai


#5 Do not worry about safety

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world and the nightlife is amazing. Places are well connected with the metro as well as ample taxis, which are available through the night. Crime is not one of the things that should be of concern while travelling here. Having said that, no matter where you are in the world, it always helps to be aware of your surroundings and follow common sense.


 #6 Make bookings in advance

Book your visit to ‘At the Top’ Burj Khalifa in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak season (Nov – Mar). Last minute tickets at the counter are not only more expensive but might also be sold out.


#7 Beware of what materials you carry in your baggage

Any sort of drugs (weed, marijuana) is absolutely NOT ACCEPTABLE as is pornographic material, sex toys, etc. Read a complete list here.


#8 Tipping

Tipping, although a custom, is not mandatory. On an average, a 10-15% tip is considered good but unlike the US or Canada, nobody will come asking you why you didn’t tip if you don’t!


#9 Travelling during Ramadan

If you’re travelling during Ramadan (I would NOT recommend you to), you must know what to expect. You cannot eat or drink in public places during the daytime, until the prayers in the evening at sunset. Most restaurants are closed (or only deliver). Entertainment such as loud music, dancing, etc is prohibited throughout the month so clubs usually stay shut. Alcohol is served after the sunset prayers in most bars, but no music and parties happen. You’re also expected to be dressed conservatively during this period.

Read in detail about What to expect if you visit Dubai during Ramadan.


#10 Weather

Although the weather is warm throughout the year, May – September can get particularly hot. Luckily all malls and indoor places are air conditioned. December – January can have chilly evenings, so bring lightly warm clothing along.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me in the below comments section.

Suggested read: How to experience 15 world records in 4 days

Comments:

  • Badal

    March 9, 2021

    Great article, it’s very helpful information. Thanks for sharing this informative post.

    reply...
  • Elan Blaski

    August 8, 2020

    Dear Medha,

    Great to see your article. Dubai is the most wonderful place to visit, to explore the most amazing places that will be a part of your memory. But I have a question It will be a pleasure for me if you will reply to it. The Question is that in Deserty places temperature is very high and people who are wearing shots and half sleeves or sleeveless outfits than how can they bear the heat ?? What is your point of view?

    Thanks and Regards

    reply...
  • Navneet

    March 9, 2020

    Thank you for posting a great article. I really loved the way you explained it here. keep posting this type of post. Information like this is needed to make people more aware of the world.

    reply...
  • Vipin Sharma

    May 15, 2019

    If you have better plans for your honeymoon, have a blast or if you’re going to make it now, without a second thought opt to visit Dubai to enjoy your honeymoon which would be the best days of your life. Dining, diving, shopping, sight-seeing, fun and adventuring, desert, beach and much more at Dubai with your spouse would be a dream come true or more than an expected honeymoon for you.

    reply...
  • Vipin Sharma

    April 17, 2019

    This is a great list! I like how you put emphasis on the occasion like the RAMADAN. It’s for the tourists to respect the culture in the area during those days.

    reply...
  • December 23, 2018

    You have enlisted extremely useful tips. I really used to think that the Middle East got to be very conservative. Plus as you have mentioned the situation during Ramadan, I would surely plan my visit excluding that time period. My partner and I prefer renting a car and drive down places, so your driving tip is also very useful to us.

    reply...
  • Aayaan Viz

    June 18, 2018

    UAE is indeed a wonderful place to be, Dubai in particular has now became one of the best tourist destinations around the world. It is indeed a fabulous place. I have once visited Dubai with my family and it was such a delightful experience I would never forget. This blog is indeed useful for people planning to visit Dubai in recent times. Thanks to the author for sharing this.

    reply...
  • April 3, 2018

    If you are planning to visit UAE for numerous reasons then you must be aware of certain things. There are a lot of fallacies and misconceptions found regarding the country, so try to know about the place before you travel.

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  • February 12, 2018

    This was super informative! I have never been to this part of the world before, but you hear so much stuff around that it is hard to identify what is true and what is not. Thank you very much for all your suggestions. If I visit at some point I’ll make sure to book in advance and to avoid the Ramadan season!

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  • January 26, 2018

    This is a great list! I like how you put emphasis on the occasion like the RAMADAN. It’s for the tourists to respect the culture in the area during those days.

    reply...
  • Matilda

    January 26, 2018

    Very useful tips, will be handy for when I visit the UAE.  Luckily I don’t drink so don’t have to deal with the high price of alcohol.

    reply...
  • January 25, 2018

    140kmh for a national speed limit – wowsers! We only have 80-100kmh here in NZ, with just two stretches of roads at 110kmh and that’s only just been introduced. If it’s anything like the driving in Doha, then I’ll catch a cab, thanks! Great tips here though – so important to know all these things BEFORE arriving in Dubai too.

    reply...
  • January 25, 2018

    These are useful tips for those who don’t know much about Dubai. I totally agree with you regarding dressing in Dubai. Dubai is like other foreign cities where we can walk in shorts, short skirts, frocks and wear swim dresses even on public beaches. It is really very safe even in midnight and there is no concern regarding theft or pick-pocketing. I admire the driving rules as it has created discipline among people. Also serving alcohol though expensive makes it a cosmopolitan city with broad outlook.

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  • January 25, 2018

    Everything you mentioned are very useful! I’m surprised about the clothing. If ever I’m going to visit UAE, I want to try wearing their traditional outfits too.

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  • Iulia

    January 24, 2018

    This is very useful information for those who want to travel to Dubai! It is particularly interesting the fact about alcohol. I did not know that you can drink at all in the emirates, so it is a great surprise to me that you can do it, albeit only in several places. Great read!

    reply...
  • January 24, 2018

    Nice post! I visited Dubai two years back and I can completely relate to this. I agree its completely safe and there isn’t much ado about the dress code except for some religious places. We pre-booked our tickets for all the activities and I’m glad we did that. There were long queues for buying tickets.

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  • January 24, 2018

    We visited Dubai for the first time last July and wow was it hot! I have lived in hot countries but Dubai was hotter!! I would go back but in December as I really want to visit the miracle gardens!

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  • January 24, 2018

    I agree with all the tips you have shared here. While many of us assume that UAE has strict dress codes for ladies, they are totally ok with western outfits. This will give every new traveller visiting UAE a fair idea of what to expect in the country.

    reply...
  • January 24, 2018

    Good list! Definitely useful for someone who is planning a trip there.
    Do you know if there are any rules regarding photography there?

    reply...
  • Jen

    January 24, 2018

    This list certainly made it easier to visit Dubai! You have answered a lot of my questions. I was not quite sure how to dress appropriately and it’s reassuring to know that it is lenient. Thanks also on the tips about tipping, safety, driving and most importantly, booking in advance! It’s frustrating not to go to a famous attraction because tickets are already sold out. Oh, and I have already crossed out the dates of Ramadan and summer!

    reply...
  • January 23, 2018

    Great tips. I have been really struggling with the idea of visiting Dubai. Though I have friends who live there for work and love it, it kind of reminds me of a Las Vegas of the Middle East.
    With that said, it may be a great starting point to get my feet wet with an Islamic Country.

    reply...
  • January 23, 2018

    I have been to Dubai once, we went to the sand dune bashing and usual touristy spots. I am glad to read the essential information here which is very helpful for travelers. I appreciate that the rules are stricter there and you have shared important points, it’s important to respect the rules as you travel.

    reply...
  • Ada

    January 23, 2018

    I visited Dubai last year and I can agree with everything here! Its definitely not as bad as some people might think and less strict than any other muslim city! I remember walking on the beach ( btw it was November and its sooooo hot) and I saw girls in bikinis, then I went to restaurant and had a cold beer ( although you right, you cant get them everywhere, it made me laugh when I went to one of American restaurants and ive got separate cocktail menu of … virgin cocktails 😀 like whats the point haha ) . It was an amazing city and I hope ill get to go back there one day to explore more!

    reply...
  • January 23, 2018

    I dont know why we havent been to UAE before even though we have gotten all the chances. Perhaps because of the wrong perception about the countries like Dubai being very conservative? But now I know it is not! I dont need to wear a headscarf as I first thought! And imagine the disappointement when arriving and everything is close for the Ramadan! I am glad I stumble upon your post before heading there because I feel somehow ready to visit UAE!

    reply...
  • January 23, 2018

    Driving for any tourist is quite not recommended haha. People drive way too fast here and not much of the western respect in space, etc, so def would recommend taxi and public transport too! Would also recommend people to avoid Ramadan to travel to the UAE, can be not as enjoyable of an experience when you don’t live there to know how to go by it!

    reply...
  • Abhinav Singh

    January 23, 2018

    I visited Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai last year. I agree with you, UAE is not very conservative, but it is not liberal either. I was surprised to discover that alcohol is banned in Sharjah. I didn’t know that you cannot carry pornographic material.

    reply...
  • Ella

    January 23, 2018

    Great read and very informational for first time travelers! I recently traveler to UAE for the firt time back in October of this past year year (2017) and it was amazing to experience their culture. I did think it was very conservative though – us as tourist we do not need to follow their religion rules but I noticed how conservative they were when I would engage in conversation with a local. As of clothing – anything not too reavealing is ok! 🙂 Safe travels! – Ella

    reply...
  • January 23, 2018

    This is great advice, especially because Dubai is not representative of the entire UAE. It’s always important to be respectful of a culture and understand what their customs are before you go. You’re right about making reservations in advance. It would be terrible not to get to visit the top if you’re only there on a once in a lifetime trip!

    reply...
  • Lisa

    January 22, 2018

    This was a very useful post, as I’ve never been to the UAE. I’ve heard about the public displays of affection, and it’s good to know it’s safe here! Thanks about the tip on travelling during Ramadan; this is something us foreigners wouldn’t be aware of!

    reply...
  • Abigail Sinsona

    January 22, 2018

    I don’t have any immediate plans to travel to the UAE but I’ve always wanted to. Thanks for the practical tips that you shared. I didn’t know a few of these including tips and the safety!

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  • January 22, 2018

    I visited the UAE in December and this is a good round-up of what people need to know before visiting. I love that it is one of the safest places in the world. What I do regret though is not visiting “At the Top” at Burj Khalifa, due to lack of time.

    reply...
  • Ami

    January 22, 2018

    Glad you dispelled a few of those myths about UAE. It is possibly one of the most tolerant of all Islamic cities. I have lived a lifetime here and absolutely enjoyed it. Good tips about Ramazan for that is the one thing a lot of people are not aware. Cheers

    reply...
  • Halley Wright

    July 11, 2017

    These tips help a lot, definitely will consider these when I visit. Thank you!!

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  • July 10, 2017

    These are some important must-knows before visiting UAE. Its good to know that UAE is safe.

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  • July 8, 2017

    These are some really helpful tips. UAE is pretty much a mandatory stop-over on the way to Europe from Australia, so that’s how most Australians end up visiting it en-route. Have you been to other Middle Eastern countries, and if so, how do they compare in terms of conservatism?

    reply...
  • July 7, 2017

    Although you mentioned that anyone is free to wear whatever they want at the beach or while out partying, I personally still feel uncomfortable wearing less conservative clothing and feel like I’m going to get in trouble anytime.

    As for accommodation (since you tackled public display of affection and this is somewhat related), did you have a partner when you travelled there? Where did you guys stay? I’ve heard that only married couples are allowed to stay in the same hotel room?

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  • July 7, 2017

    These are some really great tips! I’d heard about the no PDA rule, but honestly thought everyone dressed conservatively in Dubai. I also never knew about travelling during Ramadan or the tipping tip, so many thanks!

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  • July 7, 2017

    UAE is definitely on this list of places to go to, I’ve had a lot of friends who have been there and they same, that it’s not as conservative as you may think. It’s funny how some countries are perceived to be a certain but once you’re there you see it’s not like that.

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  • July 7, 2017

    This is such a great post full of useful information. Really good advice about buying alcohol in the duty free before hand

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  • July 7, 2017

    Great! a very informative post. happy travels!

    reply...
  • July 7, 2017

    I’ve not been to an UAE state yet, though was considering Dubai for my 30th country as part of my 30 before 30. It was during Ramadan though, so after reading your post I’m quite glad I didn’t. I did go to Jordan during Ramadan though, but seems that country is a lot more relaxed x

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  • May 10, 2017

    Fantastic blog, covering somewhere that is on my list for this year. While I HOPE I already knew most of the cultural sensitivity stuff, I’m glad that you posted your tip to get tickets in advance. Would’ve hated getting there and not being able to go up the tower.

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  • May 9, 2017

    It’s good to know UAE isn’t as conservative as it’s made out to be. My mum and step dad are heading to Dubai next week so I’ll be sure to pass these tips on to them. Thanks

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  • May 7, 2017

    The beaches look nice, not sure I would like the price of alcohol?

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  • Deepak Verma

    April 10, 2017

    What are the traffic/driving/parking rules or restrictions in Dubai ? How costly are the cabs ?

    reply...

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