Essential tips to plan your first trip to Dubai like a pro!
Planning your first trip to Dubai can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Dubai seamlessly blends modern marvels with rich traditions. We’ve compiled a simple yet comprehensive guide to Dubai travel tips for first-timers. From choosing the best time to visit to navigating the emirate and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll find all the essential guidelines here. Let’s get started on planning a memorable adventure to one of the world’s most vibrant places.
What you need to know before your first trip to Dubai
What is the Best Time to Visit Dubai
Dubai is a hot travel destination; both figuratively and literally. Not only is it in vogue right now, but the temperatures in summer are totally off the charts, especially from May to August. Picking the right time is one of the best Dubai travel tips for first-timers.
The perfect time to visit Dubai is between November and March. But if you want to make your first trip to Dubai extra special, plan your first trip between December and February to enjoy the renowned Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). Since this is the peak tourist season, expect an increase in airfares and hotel prices.
Apply for a Visit Visa
When it comes to applying for a travel visa to the UAE, you will fall under one of the three categories:
- Visa Exempt Travellers
- Visa On Arrival Travellers
- Visa Required Travellers
You can learn about the tourist visa requirements to travel to the UAE on the official UAE Government website. For instance, citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa or permit before they travel to the UAE.
Citizens of certain countries are eligible for visa on arrival to the UAE. Depending on the country, these travellers can get a 30-day or 90-day visit visa, single or multiple entries.
However, those who require a visa before arrival must apply before they depart for the UAE. Travellers can apply for these visas through tour agencies, hotels or UAE-based airlines such as:
- Etihad
- Emirates
- FlyDubai
- Air Arabia
Book your flight tickets
Next on Dubai travel tips for first-timers is to book your travels in advance to save up cash. Don’t expect to get any great deals if you are purchasing a ticket for same-day-departure. To book your tickets, consider UAE-based airlines like Emirates and Etihad that have now earned global recognition!
Looking for a more affordable alternative? FlyDubai and AirArabia are budget airlines that will let you travel to the UAE without breaking the bank. Make sure you book your airline tickets at least four to six weeks in advance to land the best rates.
One of the top tips for travelling to Dubai for the first time is to find tickets and accommodation on a budget. Check out websites such as Skyscanner, Musafir.com and Momondo to book your airline tickets online. Make sure to check for promo codes that can discount your airfare further or give you an increased baggage allowance (because you may need it on the way back!).
Book your accommodation
Avoid any hiccups during your trip by booking your accommodation a couple of weeks in advance, as hotels can be fully booked during peak tourist seasons. It is one of the top Dubai travel tips for first-timers.
Dubai is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts, although there are options available for every budget! Go the easy route and book one of the hotels near the Dubai International Airport. You could also stay in Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai, the city’s popular hubs that are also favourite with tourists.
Looking for a more homely feel? Short-term apartment rentals in Dubai are also common with visitors planning for a longer stay. You can find daily or weekly rental apartments in Dubai that suit your needs and are near Dubai’s attractions.
What not to bring to Dubai
Understanding the laws and regulations is next on our list of Dubai travel tips for first-timers. Before you start packing, you need to understand that Dubai has strict laws against drugs brought into the country from overseas. If you are on medication, make sure to only take the required amount.
Keep your prescription handy to verify that the medicines have been prescribed to you. Recreational drugs, however, are forbidden and carry strict legal penalties.
There are a few other banned items that you should keep in mind when coming to Dubai. To avoid any trouble, take a look at the official website of Dubai Customs for the whole list.
How should you Dress in Dubai?
Dubai is famous for its hot weather, so for most of the year, light summer clothing is the ideal option. But bring along a cardigan or jacket for the cool and breezy evenings of Dubai in winter. Respect the local culture and dress modestly during your visit to Dubai.
Exchange currency
The official currency used in Dubai and the rest of the UAE is Dirham, abbreviated officially as AED. You can either exchange your currency to Dirhams in your home country or at the Dubai International Airport.
It’s handy to have some cash on you as soon as you arrive to purchase SIM cards and pay for transport. If you’re not keen to exchange currency at the airport, you can do so at hotels and exchange centres around the city.
Most places will accept debit and credit cards from major providers such as Visa or MasterCard. But it’s best to always have some local currency on hand as not all stores (especially smaller ones) will accept cards.
Get a SIM card at the airport
You’ll need your phone active soon after you land and not only for the #JustArrived selfies. Roaming charges can be expensive, so get a local SIM card. You’ll encounter options right beyond the customs area at the airport.
In Dubai, the main cellular service providers are Etisalat, du and Virgin Mobile. Some of these offer prepaid plans exclusively for tourists that include phone, SMS and mobile data. Take a look at the additional discounts and offers available with the SIM card before selecting a carrier.
Getting around Dubai
You’ll be happy to know that there are many modes of transport to get around on your first trip to Dubai. You can choose to ride the bus, take a taxi or experience the Dubai Metro.
The Dubai Metro is the best and most affordable option for those looking to get around the city while saving on transport costs. While it connects to most major landmarks and hubs, expect to use a taxi to get to some areas.
Luckily, taxis are easily available in Dubai and are a quick way to get about the city, although you will pay a higher fare.
You can also use the Dubai public transport apps which include ride-hailing services such as Uber and the UAE-based Careem to travel within the city. Or consider the hop-on hop-off bus tours that take you to all the major attractions in the city with multiple routes to choose from!
For the RTA buses and Dubai Metro, you’ll need an NOL card (Nol means Fare in Arabic). You can get a Prepaid NOL card from RTA customer service centres, ticket offices, authorized sales agents, bus and metro stations. Once you’ve purchased your NOL card, you can top it up online, at Dubai Metro stations and even certain bus stations.
Plan your itinerary
Start exploring Dubai from the moment you touch down in the city by hiring a tour guide right from the airport. Some of these tours are structured for transit passengers, but they’re a great way to check out the major attractions of the city.
Dubai contains scores of swanky shopping centres, restaurants, theme parks, souks and museums. Whether you’re looking for a slice of culture and history or the latest in entertainment and technology, Dubai has it all.
Let your inner shopaholic run wild at the best malls in Dubai that combine shopping, entertainment and dining into a thrilling experience. If you’re bringing the kids, they’ll love the city’s massive theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts, where oodles of fun await!
And when you’re tired from the exhilarating adventure, head to the old souks of Dubai for a glimpse of the city’s history and to pick up the perfect memento!
And if you end up being a bit short on cash after your splurge, don’t worry, we’ve also got a list of free places to visit in Dubai.
Brush up on local values
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures that is respectful and tolerant to all, but it’s still traditional at heart. As a visitor, it’s best to read up on the local cultural and religious values and know what’s acceptable. Brush up on Dubai laws for tourists so you don’t accidentally find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
FAQs
What are some of the best things to do in Dubai for free?
There are countless free things to do in Dubai when you visit the vibrant emirate. Some of these activities include visiting the old souks, public beaches and parks like Al Barsha Pond Park and Burj Park. Or if you love to see nature and local wildlife explore the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOP SELFIE SPOTS IN DUBAI?
For those perfect Insta-moments or capturing and sharing flawless snaps visit the Dubai Mall, J1 Beach, Dubai Miracle Garden, Museum of the Future, JBR Beach Dubai Marina and Al Seef. These areas are counted among the best places for selfies in Dubai.
And those are some of the most important tips for first time visitors in Dubai! This will help you plan your dream vacation to the UAE’s most thrilling city.
Cover image credit: Visit Dubai official website
