Dos and Donts when in Dubai

Dos and Donts when in Dubai

Dubai is an amazing destination and so is its culture. But there are few things you might wanna consider before visiting this megacity. Whenever traveling to Dubai there are few questions which everyone has in mind. How should you dress? Can you drink alcohol? Are there any fines for misconduct etc. To make your traveling worry-free, here are 10 Dos and Donts when in Dubai.

1. Visit between November and February

Dubai only has two seasons — hot and hotter. But, the months between November and February are the most pleasant one bringing blue skies and perfect beach weather to the city. It’s also the rainy season but typically rains showers don’t last too long so don’t let this factor affect your travel dates.

2. Look at flights six months ahead

International airlines generally release their cheapest seats about six months prior to departure dates. This doesn’t mean you necessarily need to buy your tickets that far ahead of time, but it’s a good idea to start looking and comparing prices. At the latest, you should buy your tickets at least one month in advance.

3. Book your hotel months in advance

Because Dubai is becoming such a popular vacation spot, and because November through March is the prime time for tourists to visit, you want to be sure you have a nice place to stay before your arrival. In order to do so, make your Dubai hotel reservation a good two to three months in advance.

4. Show respect during Ramadan

If you visit during the holy month of Ramadan, celebrated during the ninth month of the 12-month Islamic calendar, respect the Muslims and their practice of fasting. This means you can’t eat, drink or smoke in public in front of them between sunrise and sunset.

5. Dress modestly

As you pack your vacation wardrobe, think conservative over revealing and flashy. Women’s clothing is considered indecent if it’s too short, tight or transparent, while men should never walk around without a shirt on. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. But as compared to other countries in Middle East, Dubai is most liberal in terms of dressing. So you should also be not that conservative.

6. Ask permission before taking pictures

Never take a picture of or with a stranger without their permission, unless you’re taking a scenic shot in a major touristy area. But never take a picture of a Muslim woman without her permission, and don’t take photos of any government buildings, airports, military installations, etc.

7. Should you tip?

Tipping isn’t really expected in Dubai, but it’s a common practice. Most restaurants will add a tip to your bill. Taxi drivers don’t expect to receive a tip, but luggage carriers and supermarket baggers are normally given a small tip for their services.

8. Don’t just give your taxi driver an address

Taxis are great for getting around the city; there are plenty of them and they’re a fairly cheap mode of transportation. But, don’t assume your taxi driver knows every street and restaurant in Dubai. They don’t always know the city as well as you think they should, so to make sure you end up where you want to be, give them references to big city landmarks, as they should know these.

9. Be careful where you consume alcohol

Alcohol is legal in Dubai; however, you can’t drink in public as public drunkenness and drinking and driving are prohibited. Also, you can’t buy alcohol for your own use without a permit, and you have to buy it from an establishment that has a license. Purchasing drinks at a bar or restaurant is no problem, just don’t try and leave drunk.

10. Stay away from PDA

Public displays of affection are very offensive in the UAE. Many Dubai visitors have been arrested and imprisoned for showing PDA. To be on the safe side, refrain from holding hands or kissing your significant other while in public.

Considering all above points, you shouldn’t hesitate to visit Dubai if you get the chance. It’s a unique destination, and one completely worth seeing by yourself, with your significant other or with your entire family. Kindky take a look at Dos and Donts when in Dubai.

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