Dubai, United Arab Emirates Hotels and City Guide

Dubai - Travel Tips

When to Go

Seasons

The best time of the year to visit Dubai is between November and April, when the weather is coolest, though most buildings are well air-conditioned.

Events

Dubai's holidays are tied to the lunar Islamic calendar, so the Gregorian calendar dates vary from year to year. Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (a celebration that follows the Haj), Lailat al-Mi'raj (the Ascension of the Prophet), the Prophet's Birthday and the Islamic New Year are the main celebrations.

Ramadan is the month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and it's illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public. Although it's highly unlikely, if a Muslim acquaintance offers you tea or coffee during the daytime in Ramadan, politely refuse. Bars and pubs are closed until sunset each night, and some restaurants do not serve alcohol. The feast begins at sundown, when Dubai's famed nightlife resumes as per usual.

The highlights of the tourist calendar are the Dubai Shopping Festival, from December to February, and the lower-key Dubai Summer Surprises, from June to August. Shopping centers provide special events on an almost daily basis, including entertainment for children, fireworks, and a multitude of free raffle tickets with every purchase.

Local Holidays
Dubai's only secular holidays fall in January (New Year's Day on 1 January) and December (National Day on 2 December). Dubai slows to a halt on Friday, as it is the day of prayer central to Muslim culture. Consequently, Dubai's weekend runs over Friday and Saturday.

Visa and Passports

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, Holand, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtain, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican

If your country isn't listed above please check with your nearest UAE Embassy/Consulate for any updates. More information can be found at the Dubai Tourism information site.

Local Customs & Language (including Tipping)

Language: Although Arabic is the official language of Dubai, Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu, Persian, Tagalog, Bengali and other languages are spoken in Dubai. English is the lingua franca of the city and is widely spoken.

Customs: The Emirates states are all Muslim, therefore alcohol is not served except in hotels. It is an offence to drink or be drunk in public and penalties are severe.

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines from outside the country may be considered to be a controlled substance within the UAE and will not be allowed into the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health Drug Control Department (DCD). A passenger arriving with such medication without permission may be subject to prosecution. For more information, please refer to this Dubai  Ministry of Health Controlled Medicines (2006)(PDF) list of controlled medicines.

Women's clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs. Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour are illegal in the UAE, and it is an offence to swear or make rude gestures, or show a public display of affection. In general, the country has a tolerant approach to Western visitors, but local laws and sensitivities should be respected.

Some other matters of etiquette to observe include:

• Only use your right hand when offering or receiving things
• Always ask permission before taking photographs, especially of women
• Be mindful of religious practices to avoid causing offence
• Avoid pointing the soles of your feet directly at other people

Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo- chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head are advisable when in direct sunlight.

Tipping is not a widely established practice in the UAE, as restaurants prefer to include a service charge. Given the low salary of many waiters, however, tips are greatly appreciated.

Health and Security

Health
No health certificates are required for entry to Dubai, but it is always wise to check before departure, as health restrictions may vary, depending upon the situation at the time. Tap water in the major cities is safe to drink, but elsewhere it's safest to stick with bottled water only. Medical care is excellent in the main cities, but extremely expensive, while medicines and medical care are not always available in the outlying areas. Health insurance is essential.

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines from outside the country may be considered to be a controlled substance within the UAE and will not be allowed into the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health Drug Control Department (DCD). A passenger arriving with such medication without permission may be subject to prosecution. For more information, please refer to this Dubai  Ministry of Health Controlled Medicines (2006)(PDF) list of controlled medicines.

Security
There's a very low crime rate in the UAE, and most visits to Dubai are without incident. There is deemed to be a threat of terrorism against Western interests and gathering points, particularly entertainment venues, so revelers are encouraged to remain vigilant.
It is also wise to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.

Tax Refunds

There is no sales tax in the United Arab Emirates.

Hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates