What do you need to know before going to Dubai

Dubai has become one of the most famous holiday destinations these days.  The Dubai government is investing millions of dollars to bring Dubai up to a world-class tourist destination.  Dubai is truly a fantastic place to spend a memorable holiday.

The purpose of this blog is to provide you with useful information about Dubai, such as what you should know before going there, when is the best time to visit Dubai, where to go and what to do in Dubai etc. 

 

Unlike other countries, Dubai has its own rules and regulations, which can impact your holiday.  Also there are certain things you MUST know about Dubai before going there. Read on…

 

·         Best time to visit Dubai

Dubai is extremely hot during summer (May – Oct).  The temperature varies from 35C – 45C. Therefore the best time to visit Dubai is Nov – April period, which is the Dubai winter season.  The temperature is around 25C in November and gradually decreases to 15-20C in December/January period before it starts increasing again.

 

Rain is a rare thing.  Bright sunshine is guaranteed almost every day of the year, so carry plenty of sunscreen with you.

·         Avoid Ramadan

The Holy month of Ramadan is a religious practice of Muslims.  During this month Muslims do not eat or drink between  5:00am – 5:00pm. NO ONE (including tourists) can eat, drink or even smoke in public places during this time.  Restaurants are closed and no food or drinks are publicly available to buy.  There are heavy fines and jail terms if you break this law. Life becomes normal after the fasting break for the day around 5:00pm and the fasting starts again around 5:00 am on the next day.  Usually Ramadan falls in October-November period depending on the appearance of the moon.

·         Dubai Visa

Dubai has strict visa regulations and changes the regulations quite often, therefore it is always better to check the current visa requirements with your travel agent before booking your holiday.  Dubai visa regulations were as follows at the time of writing this document (Jan 07’) 

 

Nationals from Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman do NOT need a visa to enter Dubai. 

 

The other nationalities have to apply for a visit or tourist visa prior to arriving Dubai. There are four ways to apply for Dubai visa.

 

1. Fly with Emirates Airline and ask them to provide visa.

 
2. Directly apply from the UAE embassy in your country.

 
3.  Request the hotel that you are planning to stay to get visa for you.

 
4.   Request a relative or a friend to apply a sponsored visit visa. 

 

·         Liquor policy in Dubai

Visitors cannot buy liquor from liquor shops in Dubai.  Only residence visa holders with a liquor permit can buy them.  Visitors have to go to a bar in a hotel or to a nightclub to get liquor.

 

Tip: Buy liquor from the Dubai Duty Free shop on arrival.

 

·         Best way to travel around

Taxis are expensive in Dubai.  Renting a car is the best option.  This will give you the flexibility of visiting many places in Dubai. The other option is to use the shuttle service of the hotel where you are staying - though this limits the locations you can visit. 

 
Dubai is a left hand drive state; that means the driving seat is on the left side of the vehicle.  The road signs and traffic systems are very similar to those in the US.

And last but not least you don’t have to miss to arrange your place of accommodation in Dubai. There are so many accommodation options in Dubai, you just need to choose the best hotel in Dubai in advance so that your reservation will be guaranteed.