Five Things that All First-Time Visitors to Dubai Must Know
Heading to Dubai for the first time? Not sure what to expect from this glitzy city? Here’s a primer on what you must know before you board your flight to Dubai.
Flying to Dubai for the first time? Excited and a wee bit nervous? Well, that is expected as the internet is full of false, horror stories about Dubai. You must have heard that Dubai is as strict as a school headmaster, and even putting a toe out of line could land you in jail.
Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and is a world away from the image you have created in your head. You must experience it first-hand to savour it.
With that said, there are some laws that you need to be aware of. At times breaking the law may not land you in jail, but you could face some serious trouble with disrespecting or breaking the rules, knowingly or unknowingly. Above all, as a tourist, you must abide by the laws and regulations of the place you’re visiting.
Before you start searching for Delhi to Dubai flights, Mumbai to Dubai flights, or from any other city, spare some time on what to do and what not to do, once you land in the city.
- Know the Culture Well
The laws and culture are very different from what you may have been used to. While the country is quite liberal, there are few things you must know.
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- Avoid PDA in public. Respect the local culture, do not cause discomfort to anyone while on your vacation.
- During the holy month of Ramadan, all Dubaites and visitors must practice, or at least respect fast. No eating, drinking or even chewing gum in public until sunset. If you’re uncomfortable not eating during the day, then schedule your visit apart from Ramadan. However, once the sun sets, the feast begins, and Dubai takes part in a food spree.
- Follow pedestrian and traffic rules strictly. Use only the Zebra crossing and wait for the green signal to cross the road. You could be fined if you cross when the pedestrian sign is still red or for not using the Zebra crossing.
- Summer is extremely HOT
This one’s a no-brainer. Lying in the desert sands, Dubai reaches extreme temperatures during the summer months from June to August. While nearly all indoor places, including malls and even swimming pools, are cooled, braving outdoors during the summer months can be extremely unpleasant. If possible, try to schedule your holiday away from the summer. Any time apart from June to August is an excellent time to visit Dubai.
- Use the Dubai Metro
Launched in 2009, the Dubai Metro is perfect for tourists who don’t want to pay exorbitant taxi fares. There are currently two lines connecting the top tourist spots of the city. The red line connects the international airport with the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall. The green line branches from the red line and takes you to the Dubai Museum and the souks and other old parts of the city.
Purchase a “Red Nol Card” available for tourists and load it up with credit as required.
- Accommodation
There is no dearth of places to stay in Dubai. From swanky luxury hotels to one-roomed AirBnB apartments, Dubai has it all. If you want to stay in a centralised location, look for hotels around the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. If you’re looking for properties closer to the beach, then opt for places near the Marina, the Burj Al Arab, or the Palm Jumeirah. The other end of Dubai houses the airport, the old town centres, and souks.
Choose an accommodation spot based on your preferences.
- Getting There
Dubai has excellent connectivity with all major Indian cities. What more, several air India flight booking offer you cheap flight tickets to Dubai when you book ahead. Both premium airlines like air India, go air, budget carriers like Spice Jet fly to Dubai from India. So, booking a ticket is now easier and pocket-friendly.
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Dubai for once-in-a-lifetime experience and let the desert city charm you!
