Travel Tips for Dubai

Essential information and practical advice for your Dubai adventure

💰 Money & Currency

UAE Dirham (AED)

The official currency is the UAE Dirham (AED or Dhs). Current exchange rates:

  • 1 USD = AED 3.67 (pegged rate)
  • 1 EUR = AED 4.00
  • 1 GBP = AED 4.65
  • 100 JPY = AED 2.45
  • 1 CNY = AED 0.51
  • 1 AUD = AED 2.40
  • 1 SGD = AED 2.73

Payment Methods

  • Credit Cards: Widely accepted everywhere (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
  • Contactless Payment: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay very common
  • Cash: Still useful for taxis, small vendors, and tips
  • ATMs: Abundant throughout Dubai (most accept international cards)
  • Currency Exchange: Available at airports, malls, and exchange houses

Money Tips

  • No need to exchange large amounts - credit cards work everywhere
  • ATMs give better rates than exchange counters
  • Dubai Mall and airports have 24/7 exchange services
  • Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants (often included as service charge)
  • Bargaining acceptable in souks, not in malls
  • VAT is 5% on most goods and services

🎫 Nol Card - Your Dubai Transport Pass

What is a Nol Card?

The Nol Card is Dubai's rechargeable smart card for all public transportation including Metro, buses, trams, and water buses. It's essential for getting around Dubai efficiently and affordably.

Types of Nol Cards

  • Red Ticket: Single-use paper ticket (AED 2 card + fare). Good for 1-10 journeys
  • Silver Card: AED 25 (AED 19 credit + AED 6 card). Best for tourists - refundable
  • Gold Card: AED 25. For Gold Class Metro travel
  • Blue Card: Personalized for residents only

Metro Fares (Silver Card)

  • Regular Zone: AED 3-8.50 depending on distance
  • Airport Supplement: Additional AED 5 for trips to/from airport
  • Daily Pass: AED 20 (unlimited Metro & tram for 1 day)
  • Weekly Pass: AED 100 (unlimited for 7 days)

Where to Buy

  • All Metro stations (ticket machines and customer service)
  • Dubai International Airport arrivals
  • Major bus stations and RTA offices
  • Many convenience stores (7-Eleven, etc.)

How to Use

  1. Tap card on reader when entering Metro/bus
  2. Tap again when exiting (fare calculated automatically)
  3. Top up at ticket machines or customer service
  4. Keep minimum balance of AED 7.50

Pro Tips

  • Buy Silver Card at airport arrival for instant use
  • Top up at ticket machines (accept cash and cards)
  • Metro runs 5 AM - midnight (until 1 AM Thu-Fri)
  • Women & Children-only carriages available
  • Get refund for unused balance at customer service

📱 Staying Connected

Mobile Networks

Two main providers:

  • du: Tourist SIM at airport - AED 55 (5GB data, 60 mins calls)
  • Etisalat: Visitor Line - AED 100 (9GB data, 90 mins calls)
  • eSIM: Available for compatible phones via apps
  • SIM cards available at airport arrivals 24/7
  • Valid passport required for registration
  • 4G/5G coverage excellent throughout Dubai

Free WiFi Hotspots

  • Dubai Metro & Tram: Free WiFi (DU WiFi)
  • Shopping Malls: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, etc.
  • Dubai Airport: Free unlimited WiFi
  • Beaches: Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, La Mer
  • Parks: Dubai Parks and public gardens
  • Hotels & Cafes: Starbucks, Costa, most restaurants

Essential Apps

  • Careem/Uber: Taxi/ride-hailing (essential!)
  • RTA Dubai: Metro/bus routes and timing
  • Google Maps: Navigation (works perfectly)
  • Talabat/Deliveroo: Food delivery
  • The Entertainer: Restaurant discounts (BOGO deals)
  • Zomato: Restaurant reviews and reservations
  • WhatsApp: Primary messaging (everyone uses it)

🕌 Cultural Etiquette & Islamic Customs

Dress Code

  • Malls & Public Areas: Shoulders and knees covered (signs posted)
  • Beaches: Swimwear OK at beaches, cover up when leaving
  • Restaurants: Smart casual; upscale venues may require long pants
  • Mosques: Full coverage; women must wear headscarf
  • Women: No need for hijab unless visiting mosques
  • Men: Avoid shorts in government buildings and mosques

Ramadan Observance

  • Fasting Hours: No eating/drinking in public during daylight
  • Restaurants: Most closed during day, open after sunset
  • Malls: Food courts screened or closed until Iftar
  • Dress Code: More conservative during Ramadan
  • Alcohol: Not served in most venues during daylight
  • Iftar: Special evening meals - great experience for tourists

Public Behavior

  • PDA: Holding hands OK, kissing/hugging not acceptable
  • Photography: Ask permission before photographing locals (especially women)
  • Alcohol: Only in licensed venues (hotels, restaurants with license)
  • Drugs: Zero tolerance - severe penalties including death penalty
  • Language: No swearing or offensive gestures in public
  • Friday: Holy day - some businesses closed or shorter hours

Mosque Etiquette

  • Jumeirah Mosque: Open to non-Muslims (guided tours available)
  • Shoes: Remove before entering
  • Women: Cover hair, arms, legs; abaya usually provided
  • Men: Long pants and shirts required
  • Prayer Times: Respect silence during prayers (5 times daily)
  • Photography: Ask permission first

🗣️ Language & Communication

Languages Spoken

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood throughout Dubai. You'll have no problem communicating in English in hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist areas.

Useful Arabic Phrases

  • As-salamu alaykum - Hello (Peace be upon you)
  • Wa alaykumu s-salam - Reply to greeting
  • Shukran - Thank you
  • Afwan - You're welcome
  • Min fadlak/fadlik - Please (m/f)
  • Ma'a salama - Goodbye
  • Inshallah - God willing (very common!)
  • Yalla - Let's go / Hurry up
  • Marhaba - Welcome
  • Habibi/Habibti - My dear (m/f) - term of endearment

Communication Tips

  • English signage everywhere (roads, Metro, malls)
  • Most locals speak English fluently
  • Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog widely spoken (large expat population)
  • Translation apps work well (Google Translate)
  • Restaurant menus usually in English and Arabic
  • Taxi drivers may have varying English levels

Numbers in Arabic

  • ١ = 1 (wahid)
  • ٢ = 2 (ithnain)
  • ٣ = 3 (thalatha)
  • ٤ = 4 (arba'a)
  • ٥ = 5 (khamsa)
  • ١٠ = 10 (ashara)

Cultural Notes

  • Right hand for greetings and eating (left hand considered unclean)
  • "Inshallah" used frequently - don't interpret as uncertainty
  • Patience appreciated - relationship-building valued
  • Small talk before business is customary

🏥 Safety & Health

Safety in Dubai

  • Very Safe: One of the world's safest cities - extremely low crime rate
  • Women Travelers: Safe to travel solo; respectful behavior expected
  • Scams: Rare, but be cautious with unofficial taxis and street vendors
  • Emergency Number: 999 (police), 998 (ambulance), 997 (fire)
  • Tourist Police: 901 (multilingual support)
  • Valuables: Generally safe, but use hotel safes

Healthcare

  • Standards: World-class private and public hospitals
  • Insurance: Essential - healthcare is expensive for non-residents
  • Pharmacies: Widely available; many 24-hour locations
  • Prescriptions: Bring copies for chronic medications
  • Water: Tap water safe (desalinated), but most drink bottled
  • Hospitals: American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic, Emirates Hospital

Heat Safety

  • Summer Heat: 40-50°C (104-122°F) June-September
  • Hydration: Drink water constantly - dehydration risk very high
  • Sunscreen: SPF 50+ essential - UV levels extreme
  • Outdoor Activities: Early morning or evening only in summer
  • AC Everywhere: Malls, Metro, taxis heavily air-conditioned
  • Warning Signs: Dizziness, headache - seek shade immediately

💡 Practical Tips

Electricity

  • Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
  • Plug Type: UK-style (Type G - 3 rectangular pins)
  • Adapters: Bring UK adapter if coming from US/EU/Asia
  • Available: Adapters sold at airport, electronics shops, supermarkets
  • Hotels usually have universal sockets or provide adapters

Time Zone

  • GST: Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4)
  • No DST: Dubai doesn't use daylight saving time
  • 4 hours ahead of London (winter) / 3 hours (summer)
  • 12-13 hours ahead of US East Coast
  • 4 hours behind Hong Kong / Singapore

Business Hours

  • Malls: 10 AM - 10 PM (until midnight Thu-Sat)
  • Supermarkets: Many 24/7, others 8 AM - midnight
  • Offices: Sunday-Thursday 9 AM - 6 PM
  • Friday: Holy day - reduced hours or closed
  • Saturday: Normal business day
  • Restaurants: Generally 12 PM - midnight or later

Useful Services

  • Free WiFi: Malls, Metro, beaches, parks
  • Public Toilets: Very clean, available in malls/stations
  • Drinking Water: Fountains in malls and public areas
  • Prayer Rooms: Available in all malls and public venues
  • Luggage Storage: Available at airports and some malls

🛍️ Shopping Tips

Shopping Culture

Dubai is a shopper's paradise with everything from traditional souks to ultra-modern mega-malls. Understanding local shopping customs will enhance your experience.

Where to Shop

  • Malls: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Walk - fixed prices
  • Gold Souk (Deira): Traditional gold market - bargaining expected
  • Spice Souk (Deira): Spices, nuts, dried fruits - bargaining expected
  • Textile Souk (Bur Dubai): Fabrics, scarves, clothing - bargaining expected
  • Dubai Outlet Mall: Designer brands at discounts

Bargaining Tips

  • Souks Only: Bargain in traditional markets, never in malls
  • Starting Price: Expect to pay 50-70% of initial asking price
  • Be Polite: Smile and be respectful throughout negotiation
  • Walk Away: Often works - seller may call you back with better price
  • Cash: Better deals when paying cash vs. card
  • Gold: Priced by weight + small making charges - less room to bargain

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

When: January-February annually

What: City-wide sales, up to 75% discounts, raffles, prizes, entertainment

  • Best time for shopping deals
  • Massive discounts on electronics, fashion, gold
  • Daily raffle draws (gold, cars, cash prizes)
  • Extended mall hours
  • Special events and concerts

VAT Refund for Tourists

  • Eligible: Purchases over AED 250 per store
  • Process: Ask for tax refund form when shopping
  • Refund: Get 5% VAT refund at airport before departure
  • Required: Original receipts, passport, boarding pass
  • Location: Tax refund counters at DXB airport departures

What to Buy

  • Gold: No import duties - often cheaper than home country
  • Perfumes: Arabic attars and designer fragrances
  • Dates: Bateel, Al Nassma chocolate-covered dates
  • Electronics: Competitive prices, latest models
  • Textiles: Pashminas, carpets, traditional fabrics

📌 Additional Tips

Best Time to Visit

  • Nov-March: Best weather 20-30°C (68-86°F)
  • Dec-Jan: Peak season - higher prices, crowded
  • Apr-May, Oct: Shoulder season - good deals, pleasant
  • Jun-Sep: Very hot 40-50°C, lowest prices, indoor activities
  • Ramadan: Changes vary yearly - unique experience but restrictions

Accommodation Tips

  • Downtown Dubai: Near Burj Khalifa - expensive but central
  • Dubai Marina: Beach access, nightlife, good Metro connection
  • Deira/Bur Dubai: Budget-friendly, near souks, authentic feel
  • Jumeirah: Beach resorts, family-friendly, more relaxed
  • Book Early: Better deals, especially peak season

Getting Around

  • Dubai Metro: Fast, cheap, connects major areas
  • Taxis: Abundant, metered, affordable (starting AED 5)
  • Careem/Uber: Cheaper than taxis, very convenient
  • Rental Car: Good for exploring UAE, parking free at malls
  • Walking: Not practical due to heat and distances

Money-Saving Tips

  • Visit during summer for 50% off hotel rates (but very hot!)
  • Use The Entertainer app for BOGO restaurant deals
  • Metro much cheaper than taxis for tourist areas
  • Free attractions: Dubai Fountain, beaches, souks, markets
  • Supermarket food courts cheaper than restaurants
  • Friday brunches offer great value (all-you-can-eat)

Ready to Explore Dubai?

Armed with these essential tips, you're ready to make the most of your Dubai adventure!

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