What You Need to Know before traveling to Dubai

Dubai is modern, safe, and easy to get around. The city is friendly to tourists, but you should take off your shoes at cultural sites and dress modestly in traditional areas or other emirates. Fridays are prayer days, so mornings can be slower near mosques. Some calling apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype might not work. Book restaurants, tours, and popular attractions in advance, especially during busy times.

Currency: The UAE Dirham (AED) is used. Credit cards work almost everywhere, but carry some cash for small shops or markets. Tipping 10-15% is usual in restaurants and services.
Languages: Arabic is official, but English is common. Locals are friendly, and using polite greetings and basic Arabic words is appreciated.
Key phrases:

Thank you: shukran
Please: min fadlak (male) / min fadlik (female)
Yes / No: na'am / la
Excuse me / Sorry: afwan / asif
How are you?: kaifa haluk?
I don’t speak Arabic: ana la atakallam al-‘Arabiyya

Airports: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports globally and a key hub for Emirates. It offers direct flights from major US cities and nonstop flights from Europe, Asia, and more. You can also fly into Abu Dhabi (AUH), about an hour away, and then drive or take a transfer.

Transportation: Most luxury hotels provide easy pickups. Booking a private transfer is comfortable and convenient, especially after a long flight. Taxis can be cheaper and as reliable as Uber. Prices change by area. Dubai isn’t walk-friendly, but the metro is efficient and air-conditioned.

Best time to visit: From October to April, the weather is warm and comfortable, ideal for rooftop dinners, desert trips, and beach time. June to August is very hot, but you can find good hotel deals, and people spend time in air-conditioned malls and waterparks.

Ramadan: Visiting during Ramadan means quiet reflection by day and celebrations at night. However, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and shifts about 11 days earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.

What to wear: Dubai’s warm weather needs breathable clothes. Wear modest outfits with long sleeves and knee-length bottoms during the day. Evenings are neat but casual; choose chic dresses or smart shirts. During Ramadan, dress conservatively and respect local traditions.

Laws and local rules: Dubai and the other Emirates are safe and well policed, but it's important to know the local customs and rules before you go.

Alcohol: Allowed in licensed places; do not drink or carry open containers in public.
Language: Using rude words or actions is serious and can lead to fines.
Driving: Renting a car and driving is easy, but watch out for traffic cameras, heavy fines, and fast driving.
Medications: Some painkillers, ADHD medicines, and other drugs might be banned. Carry a prescription and check with UAE officials before traveling.
Photography: Don't take photos of people (especially women), government buildings, or airports without permission.
LGBTQ+ travelers: Many international hotels are welcoming, but same-sex activity is illegal. Be careful, and transgender travelers should carry documents to help with immigration.
Female travelers: There is a pink-roofed taxi service driven by women for women and families. Most mosques provide free or rental abayas at the entrance. Some public beaches, especially near Jumeirah, have family-only or women-only days. There are also women-only metro cars, gym classes, spas, and more.

Best Hotels in Dubai

Dubai’s neighborhoods define its character: Dubai City buzzes with luxury and towering skylines; the desert offers serene dunes and starlit dinners; Old Dubai hosts abra boats, spice markets, and historic roots; Palm Jumeirah and the Marina showcase yachts, resorts, and waterfront sunsets.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Modern and stylish, located right by the water. The rooms are bright and open, with large windows showing stunning views of the Gulf. Each room has special touches made for each guest. The place feels elegant and private, ideal for travelers wanting the best of Dubai with peace and quiet.

Dar Al Masyaf

A more residential, low-key take on Dubai’s upscale scene, these elegant stand-alone villas are carefully and thoughtfully spread throughout the Madinat Jumeirah resort’s picturesque palm-lined waterways. Each summerhouse provides a strong sense of privacy and tranquility, with interiors meticulously designed to subtly reflect traditional Arabian style in a refined and understated manner.

Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

Iconic and indulgent, this stay is truly anything but subtle. Imagine gold-trimmed details adorning every corner, a luxurious fleet of Rolls-Royces at your disposal, and a dedicated private butler assigned to each suite. Anticipate breathtaking, sky-high views, uniquely curated dining experiences, and impeccable service that consistently goes above and beyond your expectations.

Atlantis The Royal Dubai

Bold, full of vibrant energy, and expertly crafted for the spotlight with infinity pools that seem to merge with the horizon, celebrity chef restaurants offering exquisite dining experiences, and striking sculptural design that commands attention. The rooms and suites are sharp, dramatic, and meticulously designed, featuring sweeping sea views that captivate the senses and deliver a serious wow-factor at every turn.

Atlantis The Palm

Big, fun, and designed around one of the world’s largest waterparks, this destination offers exciting kid-friendly dining options and unforgettable dolphin encounters. The rooms are spacious, bright, and comfortable, featuring stunning views of either the Gulf or the city skyline. Additionally, both the facilities and rooms have been thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind to ensure a welcoming experience for all guests.

Where to Eat

AIA

Where beachfront ease meets Mediterranean-Japanese fusion. AIA is known for its stunning sea views, clean design, and a menu that feels both light and luxe—perfect for laid-back afternoons that stretch into sunset.

Clap Dubai

A Tokyo lounge meets Beirut rooftop, Clap delivers bold Japanese flavors with Middle Eastern flair. Its skyline views, eclectic interiors, and curated soundtrack make it the go-to for design lovers and late-night diners.

CÉ LA VI

Perched high above Downtown, this iconic spot offers sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa alongside modern pan-Asian plates. It's a destination for those who love their luxury with a touch of drama.

Studio Frantzén

Swedish-Japanese fusion finds its chic home here, where minimalist Scandinavian design meets bold umami flavors. This is where the fashion crowd dines—elevated, moody, and full of flavor.

Trèsind Studio

Arguably one of Dubai’s most artistic culinary experiences. This tasting menu spot redefines Indian cuisine with progressive flair and theatrical detail—ideal for special occasions or travelers with a true appreciation for culinary craft.

Nobu by the Beach

The iconic Nobu experience, reimagined by the water. It’s all the refinement of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, served with your toes in the sand and a cocktail in hand. A true scene of understated glam.

3 Fils

Casual yet groundbreaking. This hidden gem on the waterfront serves flavor-packed dishes with zero pretense—voted one of MENA’s best restaurants for good reason. Come for the food, stay for the soul.

Orfali Bros

Run by three Syrian brothers, this spot fuses personal heritage with global technique. Expect playful dishes, warm hospitality, and a deep sense of identity wrapped in contemporary creativity.

Ossiano

Fine dining beneath the sea. Set within an aquarium, this Michelin-starred experience is as much a visual feast as a culinary one. Dishes incorporate Emirati ingredients with European precision—luxury with deep roots.

Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)

A cultural escape in Old Dubai. White latticed walls, turquoise benches, and bougainvillea shade frame this peaceful courtyard café offering traditional Emirati flavors with a side of heritage.

ASMA

Modern Levantine with soul. ASMA brings together the flavors of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria in a stylish, open-concept space. Fresh, thoughtful, and ideal for a relaxed meal after exploring Dubai Mall.

Al Safadi

A staple for Lebanese comfort food. What makes it shine is consistency, warmth, and generous portions—perfect for late-night bites or casual dinners that feel like home.

Azal Mandi

Yemeni cuisine at its most comforting. Set in a simple space with huge flavors, Azal’s mandi rice dishes are fragrant, hearty, and incredibly grounding—an off-the-beaten-path gem.

Bastion

A modern French brasserie with beach views and refined charm. Think steak frites, oysters, and Champagne, all served with a breeze and barefoot luxury energy.

Ariana’s Persian Kitchen

Romantic, aromatic, and exquisitely designed. This restaurant, led by celebrity chef Ariana Bundy, puts Persian cuisine front and center with rich flavors and warm hospitality in a dreamy setting.

What To Do

Dubai delivers big experiences: ride all the way to the top of the iconic Burj Khalifa, ski indoors on real snow regardless of the desert heat, dive into the world’s deepest swimming pool, or explore contemporary art galleries in Alserkal Avenue. You can also discover cutting-edge innovations at the Museum of the Future. Cool off at record-breaking waterparks, enjoy the spectacular fountain show near Dubai Mall, or take a relaxing boat cruise through the enchanting Madinat Jumeirah. For those who prefer the beach, jet ski along the impressive skyline, unwind at Nikki Beach, or try your hand at e-foil surfing off Palm West Beach. End your day perfectly with a memorable dinner under the glittering desert stars or beside the mesmerizing aquarium at Ossiano.

Dubai is a city of striking contrasts—where time-honored traditions meet sky-piercing innovation, and every experience can be elevated with meaning and style. Whether you’re savoring local dishes in a quiet courtyard, exploring modern art along the marina, or toasting the skyline from a rooftop lounge, this destination invites you to engage with culture and luxury in equal measure.

As a travel advisor who curates journeys for the culturally curious, I believe Dubai offers more than just opulence—it’s an invitation to expand your worldview, taste new perspectives, and explore with both elegance and respect. Ready to plan your own culturally immersive Dubai escape? Let’s create a trip that reflects your spirit and travel values.

“Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through them, I may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Cultural-ity and conscious travel”

Travel Advisor’s Guide to Dubai