It’s not easy finding the time to get the info on your chosen holiday destination, so here are some insider tips for your Dubai holiday.
Nights out:
Dubai has an excellent nightlife to enjoy with a large choice of nightclubs and bars. It is important to remember that Islam is the official religion of the UAE; therefor bars permitted to serve alcohol will be located within hotel premises (although there is a small exception). Dubai law states that all clubs must close at 3am; you must be 21 to drink alcohol and you have to be 25 years of age to enter clubs and bars. So remember your ID if you feel your age may be called into question.
How’s the shopping?
If you’re travelling in the months of January and February make sure you don’t miss out on the Dubai Shopping Festival. Shops offer profound city-wide discounts on their produce, crazy promotions and raffles with amazing car prizes. There’s also entertainment for the children, from food stalls, to street fairs and fireworks.
Food and drink:
Dubai serves every type of cuisine possible but you will find the majority of the finest restaurants are situated inside the hotels. Catering to all budgets and tastes you will find an abundance of restaurants outside the hotels but remember most of them, especially the cheaper ones, will not hold a licence to serve alcohol.
10% sales tax is added to all bills and a service charge at 10-15% are also frequently added. If the service charged is not added, a 10% tip is expected.
Pork is the priciest meat in Dubai and will be difficult to come by as it’s off-limits in the Muslim faith.
Eating in public during the holy month of Ramadan is forbidden from sunrise till sunset and tourists should eat meals in the privacy of their hotel.
Alcohol cannot be purchased in shops or liquor stores here unless you are a local with an alcohol license. Don’t worry; alcohol is readily available in most hotels, bars, nightclubs and hotel restaurants. Make sure you check the dates of your booking as some public holidays in Dubai restrict alcohol from being served in public places. You cannot drink alcohol on the streets and remember there is zero tolerance on drinking and driving. Consequences can range from hefty fines, imprisonment and even lashings and deportation.
What to wear:
Although Dubai is considered one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East, it is expected that you wear conservative and suitable clothes at all times. It is not appropriate for men to walk along the street with no top on and they should only wear shorts at the beach. It is very advisable that females avoid wearing very short skirts or revealing tops as you may attract unwanted attention. Try to wear knee length to long skirts, tops that cover the shoulders, elbows and chest area as well as a loose overall fit to clothing.
Beaches:
While swimwear is a common sight on Dubai beaches; lowcostholidays.com recommend you avoid sunbathing topless or wearing insignificant bikinis; even in the private beach of a hotel. Please note that women are not allowed to wear swimwear on public beaches in Sharjah. Remember public acts of nudity, kissing and holding hands are not permitted in Dubai.
Don’t forget your sun cream: the hottest months are between July and September, with the temperature typically around highs of 45°C, the humidity is also very high. Temperatures are slightly more moderate for the rest of the year, but sun cream is still needed. As sun lotion is only used by tourists and western emigrants the price can be quite high. Bring your own from home to save a few dirhams.
How do I get around?
Most tourists take taxis around the car orientated city. Metered cabs from Dubai Transport Corporation, can be recognised by their cream colour, they are efficient and have well-trained, courteous drivers. If you want to experience Dubai’s public transport system, why not take the metro?
Possibly the finest transport system in the Middle East, Dubai’s metro system is reliable, safe and affordable.
Money:
The unit of currency in Dubai is the UAE dirham and the dirham is divided into units of 100 fils.
The exchange rate at airports can generally be quite poor so try and use a local international bank. Banks are easily located in and around the city; remember that the weekend falls on a Friday in Dubai and therefore all banks will be closed on this day.
ATM’s are common in Dubai, situated in most hotels, shopping centres and banks; they’re a cost effective and convenient option.
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are also widely accepted.
Holiday snaps:
Tourists taking photos is generally okay but be careful as it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also polite to ask permission before photographing men. Overall, photographs of government and military buildings should not be taken.
Can I drink the water?
Tap water is safe to drink but if you prefer bottled water, you can purchase mineral water from local convenient stores, hotels and restaurants.
Useful Tips:
- The laws are very different to Western rules, do not jaywalk or cross where there are no clear pedestrian markings.
- Public display of affection is frowned upon and public sexual acts can lead to jail time followed by deportation.
- Gay and lesbian travellers should be particularly careful, as homosexuality is a criminal offense with possible deportation, and should also avoid any public displays of affection or cross dressing.
- Make sure your travel insurance completely covers you for medical treatment. Although pharmacies do provide medicines quite conveniently, treatment and hospitalization can add up to a bulky amount.
- The British three-pin electrical plug is fine to take with you, so you don’t need to worry about finding adapters.
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