Things to know before travelling to Dubai: Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Best travel period: November to March offers ideal weather (20-30°C) but higher prices; book 6 months ahead.
• Cultural respect: Cover shoulders and knees in public areas; modest dress is required for mosques and traditional areas.
• Transportation: Dubai Metro is the fastest and cheapest; the NOL card works across all public transport
• Visa process: Indians get tourist visas easily; most nationalities can apply online or get a visa-on-arrival
• Safety: Dubai has one of the world's lowest crime rates with excellent infrastructure and cleanliness standards.

Dubai Visa for Indian Citizens

There are various ways through which Indian passport holders can acquire Dubai tourist visas. The procedure includes 3 to 5 business days, and mandatory paperwork such as a valid Indian Passport, photos and flight details are required.

Dubai Visa for Other Nationalities

Citizens holding a valid residency visa from countries like the USA, UK or certain European nations receive a free visa-on-arrival.

• Bring light and breathable cotton garments that can be worn during the hot weather. 
• Carry dignified attire that covers the shoulders and knees to wear while visiting cultural sites and public places. 
• High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses for sun protection throughout the year.
• Comfortable walking shoes for visiting the malls and attractions.
• Light jacket to wear in air-conditioned indoors and on winter evenings.
• Swimwear is acceptable in designated areas only.

Dubai Metro System

The Dubai Metro consists of two main lines, the Red Line and the Green Line. It is a convenient and efficient means of transportation in Dubai that links the major residential, commercial and the best tourist places. The train operates daily from 5:00 AM to midnight on weekdays and extends to 1:00 AM on Friday.

NOL Card Benefits

Get an NOL card that will facilitate easy access to all the public transport facilities in Dubai. The card provides discounted fares when compared to buying individual tickets.

Alternative Transportation

• Taxis: Taxis are available around the clock and are metered as per the government regulations. Women passengers may order pink taxis with female drivers to feel more comfortable.
• Ride-sharing Apps: Uber and Careem are available in Dubai with fair service prices. These services offer convenient online booking through mobile apps.
• Car Rentals: You can use an international driving license when visiting the country temporarily.

Public Behaviour Guidelines

• Although Dubai has an international environment, concepts of conservative attitudes to public behaviour are still kept. 
• Avoid holding hands or kissing in the streets, as it may lead to a fine or a legal problem. 
• Follow local traditions by greeting and shaking hands using the right hand and receiving items with the right hand.

Dubai Dress Code

• When you are travelling to mosques and public areas, be sure to cover your shoulders and knees with elegant attire. 
• Most religious sites offer covering garments to the visitors who come in unacceptable dress.
• Swimming suits are allowed at the beaches and hotel swimming pools, but cover yourself while moving between these places or going into other public places.

Dubai Photography Rules: Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists

• Never photograph a local person without permission. 
• Photography of government buildings and military areas should be avoided.
• It is usually permitted to take photos in a lot of attractions. However, in some museums and cultural places, the use of the camera is prohibited.

Dubai Shopping Festival

The Dubai Shopping Festival is an annual retail and entertainment event held between December and January. The festival offers massive discounts in malls and retail stores. 

Prime Shopping Destinations

• Dubai Mall: The largest shopping mall in the world, encompassing over 1,200 retail outlets, an aquarium, ice rink and many restaurants.
• Karama Market: This is a traditional market where you can buy souvenirs, textiles and the local handicraft items at a very cheap price.
• Gold Souk: Ancient market dealing in items of gold jewellery, precious stones and vintage Arabic designs with competitive rates.

Dubai Shopping Tips

• International luxury products in Dubai are not tax-free, and credit card payments could attract extra charges. It is wise to compare prices with your home country before buying things at high prices.
• Electronics can also be a good bargain during the sales and festivals.

Explore More: Shopping in Dubai

Dining Diversity

The Dubai food scene is a reflection of more than 200 nationalities, with street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Experience the local Emirati foods such as Machboos, luqaimat, and camel meat. The city also organises various food festivals during the year, which include international cuisines and local dishes.

Nightlife Options

Dubai nightlife continues into the early hours of the morning, with many bars, clubs and lounges dotted throughout the city. The minimum drinking age is 21, and alcohol is sold freely in licensed bars, hotels and designated restaurants.

Currency and Exchange

The currency used is the UAE Dirham (AED), whose current exchange rate is around 1 AED for Rs. 24. Competitive rates are found at airport exchange counters and shopping malls exchange points. The use of international credit and debit cards is accepted in most places, and ATMs are in common use across the country.

Budgeting Guidelines

Budget tourists can manage within Rs. 4,700 to Rs. 7,000 (AED 200-300) a day with food and local transportation. Middle-end travellers are advised to set aside Rs. 11,700 to Rs. 18,800 (AED 500-800) per person daily, and luxury tourists can spend over Rs. 23,500 (AED 1,000) per day.

Online booking discounts are available on many attractions, and multi-attraction tickets are more economically priced than purchasing single tickets.

ALSO READ: How to plan a Budget trip to Dubai

• Dubai enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and the city is excellently covered by police and a system of surveillance. 
• There is a very low exposure to violent crime against tourists.
• Dubai follows very strict laws of hygiene and cleanliness in all areas.
• The hospitals and clinics are focused on international standards and accept international insurance.

English is used as a common language across Dubai's tourism, hospitality and business sectors. Most signs, menus and official papers contain both English translations and Arabic. International visitors can easily communicate with hotel employees, tour guides and staff in the service industry as they mostly speak fluent English.

Dubai presents a surreal combination of modern-day technology and traditional heritage that leaves millions of tourists with unforgettable experiences. However, the things to know before travelling to Dubai will make you aware of the local customs and climate conditions, which will help you plan your trip depending on your interests and finances. Book your customised itinerary through our Dubai Tour Package or Dubai Honeymoon Package to experience unique facilities at an offer price.