Compared to most destinations, Dubai is a relatively new tourist destination, and is gaining popularity. Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is rather like an independent city-state and is the most modern and progressive emirate in the UAE, developing at an unbelievable pace in the tourist and trade sectors especially.
Dubai is very liberal, but it’s still a Muslim city.
What to Wear in Dubai
What you wear depends on where you going.
Men should not wear shorts unless they are at the beach. Long, light trousers and t-shirts/shirts with collar are appropriate for malls, museums, souks, etc.
For Woman things are abit more complicated. When dining/partying at clubs & Western restaurants: Pretty much anything goes.
In malls & “Western” areas: knee-length skirts & tops that cover the shoulders (and stomach) & are not too deep-cut are fine.
When visiting souks, mosques or the museum: it’s best to wear long skirts or trousers & loose tops to cover down to the elbows as not to offend anyone & not to attract any unwanted attention.
Electricity
220V, 50Hz .
Plugs/Socket: 3 rectangular pins (exactly the same as in the UK)
Climate
The city of Dubai is situated on a coastal strip bordered by desert and gets very hot. It is dry on the hottest days and humid during the cooler days in the summer. Cooler, more pleasant weather lasts from the end of September to beginning of May (although note that pleasant is relative, with daily temperatures from October to January and March to May still being 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F), but be prepared for cold night temperatures. In winter the temperature at night is usually from 10°C-16°C (50°F-60°F). From May to September, the sun is intense and temperatures can touch 45°C (113°F) in the city and even higher in the desert. The heat, coupled with a humidity of 60%-70% near the coast, effectively precludes most activity outdoors for the daylight hours during summer.
December to April generally produces the highest precipitation, which at 10 cm (5 in), still is little. Some years yield no more than a few minutes of shower in Dubai. November 2006 brought record rains up to 50 cm (25 in) of rain, with temperatures at record lows.
Currency
The local currency is the UAE Dirham, or otherwise referred to as the Arab Emirate Dirham AED, or DHS. The value of the dirham is pegged to the US dollar at the rate of $1 to AED 3.67. Exchange centres, and local and international banks can be easily located in the city and will likely have the best rates. Banks operate from around 8 am to 1 pm Saturday through Thursday. Exchange houses are generally open from 8 am to 7 pm Saturday through Thursday. The weekend falls on a Friday in Dubai and therefore all banks will be closed on this day and exchange houses are likely to only be open for a portion of the day.
Language
Arabic is the official language although English is widely spoken and used.
Vaccinations
None required
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory, but is considered general practice. At restaurants and bars, a 10% tip is usually added. Tips to porters, bellboys, valet service and others in the hotel industry is generally between 5 or 10 dirhams.
Shopping
Normal shopping hours at the souqs are from 9 am – 1 pm and 4 pm – 9 pm. Most major shopping centres however are open from 10 am to 10 pm. Supermarkets are generally open all day. Shopping centres and most shops are open on Friday, but shops in the souqs all close for Friday prayers from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm.
Visa Regulations for Visitors to Dubai
General Information
There are several types of visas for visitors to Dubai.
Nationals of the following Countries do not require Visas to enter the UAE:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican.
Should your country not be listed above please check with your nearest UAE Embassy/Consulate for any updates.
WARNING
The United Arab Emirates might seem to have more relaxed laws than their other Arab counterparts, but the laws are still very different from most Western countries, and their laws are strictly enforced. A simple kiss in a public place, having an alcoholic drink in the wrong place or even losing your temper could land you a month or more in jail. Please exercise extreme caution when visiting and make sure you are aware of all their laws, or expect severe consequences that could seriously ruin your vacation.
Please find below a list of do’s and dont’s for Dubai
Alchohol
Alcohol is widely available at bars, restaurants, hotels, and leisure clubs. You cannot purchase alcohol from a supermarket. It is against the law to walk in the street drinking alcohol or to be drunk in a public place. You are not allowed to drink and drive; and this means a total ban on the consumption of alcohol whilst in charge of a motor vehicle; this includes the day after the night before. If you are caught drinking and driving you will face a prison sentence, if you are in doubt about the alcohol limits in your blood take a taxi.
Note: Alcohol is banned in Sharjah.
Drugs
There is a zero tolerance in Dubai in relation to drugs and illegal substances. The penalties are extremely harsh and should you be found with the slightest amount of any substance you could face the death penalty. Passenger baggage is screened quite throughly when entering Dubai.Bringing drugs into the country, even ones you have a prescription for or bought over the counter in your country can lead to jail time. A full list of banned medication can be found here.
Homosexuality
Gay and lesbian travelers 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.
Photography
When taking a photograph in Dubai, please bear in mind local people wearing national dress may take exception if photographed without their permission. Please avoid taking pictures especially of women wearing national dress.
Nudity
Topless sunbathing is not permitted on the beaches.
Women
Women should dress sensibly and avoid wearing revealing outfits when in busy areas. This is especially true when traveling to districts like Karama, Deira and Bur-Dubai where the streets are packed with men, especially on evenings and weekends. While swimsuits and bikini’s are a common sight on Dubai beaches, avoid sunbathing topless or wearing micro bikinis – even in the private beach of a hotel. Note: Women are not allowed to wear swimwear on public beaches in Sharjah.
Sex
Public display of affection are frowned upon and public sexual acts can lead to jail time followed by deportation.