10 Things to Know Before You Visit Dubai
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Guest post written by Neha of Dubai Wikia
Attracting millions of visitors every year, Dubai is one place that everyone wants to strike off from their bucket list. If you can’t wait to do so, make sure that you check out this guide with some cool Dubai travel tips and information. This helps to make your Dubai travel planning a lot more stress-free and smooth.
Ain Dubai | Photo Credit: Dubai Wikia
1. KNOW WHEN TO VISIT
Given its arid desert climate with plenty of sunshine year-round, it’s ideal to visit Dubai during any part of the year. But if you’re an outdoorsy person, it’s perfect to travel here in the winter season (November to March.) A pleasant climate with a cool breeze in these months brings along many striking events and attractions, such as Dubai Miracle Garden, Global Village, Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), and Christmas as well as New Year’s Eve festivities.
It may be unbearably hot in the summer months, but Dubai is still rife with fun and entertainment in these months. Dubai Summer Surprises, Eid festivities, etc are a few to mention. Apart from these, you’ll get to enjoy unbelievable price-cuts on almost everything from accommodation, dining, and sightseeing to even visas where kids under 18 years can enjoy visa-free entry to Dubai (applicable for only those traveling between July 15th and September 15th.)
Ski Dubai | Photo credit: Dubai Wikia
2. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Visa: While some nationalities enjoy visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival, it’s mandatory for certain nationalities to get a pre-approved visa before traveling to Dubai. Depending on the purpose and number of days you prefer to stay here, you can apply for a single entry visit/tourist visa or multiple-entry visa valid for 30 days or 90 days.
Ok to Board: This is an airline requirement that should be abided by visitors traveling to Dubai from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. It’s conducted to ensure the authenticity of your travel documents such as your visa. Without this, your airlines have the right to deny you boarding. Your visa or travel service provider or airline can complete this for a small fee.
3. PACKING ESSENTIALS
Carry comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
Shawls, cardigan, light jacket, etc – you can use them when you travel to religious places or intensely air-conditioned indoor attractions
A pair of flip-flops/sandals or comfy sneakers
Sunscreen
Hats and sunglasses
All chargers of your gadgets such as camera, smartphone, laptop, tab, etc
External battery pack recommended
And of course, good quality hand-sanitizers, wipes, and masks
Burj Khalifa | Photo Credit: Dubai Wikia
4. MUST-VISIT DUBAI ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES
Burj Khalifa: It’s the world’s tallest building (828 meters high); you’ll find this in Downtown Dubai. For a glance into it, go to the observation deck on the 124th or 148th level on a super-speed elevator. Add dining experiences at Atmosphere or Café Treat to jazz up your Burj Khalifa visit.
The Dubai Mall: The world’s biggest shopping mall is next to Burj Khalifa. Over 1200 outlets, 200 plus dining options, and tons of activities and attractions await you here, such as Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, KidZania Dubai, Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Dino, VR Park, and Ekaart Zabeel. The final treat is the breathtakingly choreographed water performance at the Dubai Fountain show at Burj Lake.
Burj Al Arab: This sail-shaped hotel is likely the region’s most luxurious hotel. It’s okay if you don’t have ant intention to stretch your wallet here. A feasible alternative is to reserve a table at one of its refined dining venues. Need an alternative for this as well? Simply capture a shot against this sail-shaped structure that sits on its own island.
Al Bastakiya Quarter | Photo Credit: Dubai Wikia
Al Bastakiya Quarter: For those who want to revisit Dubai’s past, this is the place to go! Also called Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, this 19th century quarter with its ancient sand-colored structures topped by traditional wooden wind towers are still preserved to its original state. A stroll along this unhurried part of Dubai will introduce you to some of the region’s hidden gems like Dubai Museum (inside Dubai’s oldest fort), Coffee Museum, Arabian Tea House Café, and Mawaheb Art Gallery.
Dubai Parks and Resorts: Theme park lovers will never run out of options in Dubai. The largest of its kind IMG Worlds of Adventure and gaming-themed Hub Zero, among others. If you want to hop from one theme park to another in no time, visit Dubai Parks and Resorts. This is the Middle East’s first integrated resort where you’ll enjoy four parks in a single day, such as Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai, and LEGOLAND Water Park.
Palm Fountain Show: Whether it’s your debut Dubai visit or not, you can rest assured that this show will never fail to charm and excite you. One of the latest and most unmissable among them is Palm Fountain show at the Pointe. Located on the legendary palm-tree-shaped Palm Island, it the worlds’ biggest fountain and the region’s only colored show of its kind.
Desert Safari | Photo credit: Dubai Wikia
Desert Safari: To break from the ordinary in Dubai, this extraordinary off-road adventure should be high on your priority list. Pick the right slot with morning desert safari, evening desert safari, or overnight desert safari. All are more or less the same with 4X4 dune bash, camel ride, and cultural pastimes like henna tattooing, Shisha smoking, falconry, etc included in most desert safaris. But those safaris that kick off in the afternoon and last till dusk or the next day morning offer an full package including dining and traditional performances (such as belly dance and Tanura show.)
Dhow Cruise: Sail aboard a traditional Arabian dhow whose main purpose in the pre-oil era was fishing and pearl farming. They are now converted into a floating restaurant with delightful dining, entertainment, and sightseeing onboard.
Ski Dubai: This snow-themed park inside the Mall of the Emirates is timeless. Come here any part of the year – you’ll be welcomed by heaps of snow in an ambiance that is nothing short of a wintry wonderland. From skiing and snowboarding to tobogganing and throwing snow, this allows you to try all your favorite winter activities in the middle of the snow.
Bluewaters Island: This is one of Dubai’s newest neighborhoods, where its major attractions are still work-in-progress. But, it’s still worth a trip for its stylish waterfront settings and awe-inspiring views. The largest Ferris wheel (Ain Dubai), the Middle East’s first Madame Tussauds Museum, and the world’s largest 3D Art Museum, among others, are getting ready here.
Burj Al Arab | Photo Credit: Dubai Wikia
5. BOOK IN ADVANCE
This is applicable to all aspects of your holiday planning. From airline tickets and accommodation to sightseeing and entry tickets to important landmarks, make sure that you plan every element of your Dubai trip in advance. This is particularly a must during peak season. It’s ideal to zero in on your accommodation and reserve it for at least three to four months before visiting Dubai. For city tours, desert safaris, cruises, etc, it’s highly prudent to book through a reliable travel company with several years of experience in the industry. Be sure to book your airport transfer in advance of arrival.
6. GETTING AROUND
If you’re in Dubai for a very limited time, it’s recommended to consider a private transfer with or rent a cat. An international driving license is a must if you wish to get behind the wheel. Alternatively, for those who have ample time or looking for cost-effective options to get around in the city, the city’s public transport system is equally efficient, spotless, and swift.
Dubai Mall | Photo Credit: Dubai Wikia
7. ENDLESS DINING OPTIONS
Food is everywhere in Dubai, but what makes its dining scene extra special is the amount and smorgasbord of foods at your disposal. You’ll get to sink your teeth into whatever your taste buds demand. Be it Chinese, Continental, classic American, or authentic British fare, you can savor all and beyond in Dubai. The bonus is that dining options come here at every price point.
8. SHOPPING OPTIONS
Shopping choices in Dubai are so vast that you can’t get away from here without a session of retail therapy. Yes, it compels even the most skeptical to do a bit of shopping. For upscale or premium shopping experiences, there are over 70 malls across the city. These range from the biggest of its kind Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates to the distinctly themed Ibn Battuta Mall, Burjuman Centre, and Wafi Mall. Looking for unique Dubai souvenirs and other merchandise at cheaper rates? The region’s traditional bazaars or souks like Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk, etc will cater to every budget.
Dhow Cruise | Photo credit: Dubai Wikia
9. LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol in a public place
Avoid any kind of Public Display of Affection (PDA)
Refrain from eating or drinking in public during the holy month of Ramadan
Dubai is an Islamic destination means it’s expected to dress conservatively, especially in public places and religious/cultural landmarks.
Be mindful while capturing pictures. In other words, don’t hesitate to get prior permission for taking images of important government structures.
10. PRICE
Dubai may be an expensive city where entry to the majority of its attractions may set you back quite a good amount. That said, there are many attractions which you can enjoy for almost free. An abra ride across Dubai Creek will cost you just AED 1, while you can watch iconic attractions like Palm Fountain and Dubai Fountain show free of cost.
That’s it; we’re sure that this collection of tips, suggestions, and attractions would not only help you to create your Dubai checklist at ease but also lets you tremendously save your money and time, allowing for one of the most unforgettable holidays in the UAE.
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