Let me help you plan your trip to the UAE with basic information and posts from my UAE travel blog. If you’d like to go straight to the posts, click on ‘Latest UAE Posts’ below or scroll all the way to the end of this page to read the latest UAE posts.
I’ve called the U.A.E home for most of my life. I was born and raised in Dubai, and every time I’m asked how it was to grow up in a city that has changed as dramatically as Dubai (and I’m asked this very often), I struggle for the right words. As many words as I may have inside my head, it’s hard to explain that the Dubai I know is vastly different from the city that the average tourist sees on his three or four-day long stint.
Of course, part of that comes from having known the city as it once was and a comfortable familiarity with the lesser-known neighborhoods where it still feels the same.
Even so, I’m beginning to venture outside Dubai and explore more of the UAE and bring you stories and recommendations from places you may have not heard of before.
Markets, souks, mountains, beaches and trails- all of these in the UAE are just as beautiful as the glorious desert and just as impressive as the Burj Khalifa, but given how little information is available about them, it’s not surprising you’ve probably never heard of them.
Don’t believe me? Just explore these day trips from Dubai for a bit of nature, adventure, culture and cities. It’s also not true that Dubai is an expensive city, suitable only for luxury travelers.
There are plenty of things to do in Dubai on a budget, and they’re just as much, if not more fun than the high-end stuff.
As with any city, Dubai is not just one thing, it’s so many and I encourage you to explore as many faces of the city as you possibly can before you decide whether or not you like it. You might also be interested in my posts about what to wear in Dubai and the best romantic hotels in Dubai.
Join me as I get off the tourist trail and experience and share everything that’s authentic in the UAE. And if you ever find yourself here, take time to get to know the country and the culture; take day-trips from Dubai, visit a mosque, visit a nature trail and go kayaking, and venture outside the cities- you won’t be disappointed.
What To Pack
Read my complete guide on how to dress in Dubai to know exactly what to wear in different situations and settings in Dubai.
For the cities: The cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have huge expat populations and are essentially very cosmopolitan. It’s common for women and men to be dressed as they would be in the Western world. The residents are very fashionable and very rarely do you see people dressed sloppily. Women wear dresses, jeans, skirts and even shorts and tank tops.
That being said, it’s best to steer clear of clothing that’s too revealing and dressing appropriately (depending on where you are) so as not to attract unwanted attention or hurt the feelings of locals (who’re conservatively dressed in keeping with their culture).
So while it’s common to see women wearing super short dresses in nightclubs, that isn’t the best way to show up at the mall or on the metro.
If you’re not sure about how much is too much, keep your knees and arms covered and you should be okay.
While visiting a mosque, men and women must cover their arms and knees.
Nicer nightclubs and restaurants require men and women to be dressed impeccably in formals or smart casuals. Some may not let you enter in T-shirts, sneakers or casual clothing.
Carry a pair of walking shoes or sandals and something formal/stylish for fancier places.
For the outdoors: In summer, light, breezy and breathable fabrics are recommended to keep you cool. In winter, a light to medium jacket should suffice.
Swimwear is allowed at the beaches only. Don’t expect to cross the street in beachwear or ride the metro to the beach wearing skimpy clothing.
Additional Reading
Where To Stay in Dubai: The Dubai Hotel Accommodation Guide for Every Budget
Best Places To Stay in Dubai for Couples (The Most Romantic Hotels)
What to Wear in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide
How to go from Dubai Airport to City Center
Best Places to Visit in Dubai for Cheap & Free
Best Cafes in Dubai for Great Coffee and Good Vibes
What to Buy in Dubai: Best Souvenirs from Dubai
Wadi Shees: Nature Trails and Kayaking on this Dubai Day Trip
How to spend 48 hours in Sharjah
Chedi Al Bait: Tasteful Luxury in a Heritage Setting
Should You Rent a Car on your Dubai Vacation?
13 Countries to Visit From Dubai On Your Holiday
Stay at the Only Wildlife Safari Resort in the UAE
20 Signs I’ve Been in Dubai Too Long
Dubai Through the Eyes of an Old-Timer
Languages Spoken
Arabic and English
In certain areas, you’ll also hear a lot of Hindi, Malayalam, Farsi and Urdu, among other languages, because people from the Indian subcontinent and other countries in the Middle East were among the first to have moved to the country for a living.
But almost everyone speaks English, signs and instructions are mostly mentioned in English and you should be okay even if you do not speak a word of Arabic.
The Arabic greeting As-salamu ‘alaykum is answered with W’alaykum as-salam. An informal Hello is Marhaba and thank you is Shukran.
Budget Hotels in Dubai
Dubai can be very expensive during the peak season with hotel prices increasing drastically.
For cheaper options, look at hotels in the older areas of the city such as Bur Dubai, Mankhool, Satwa, Oud Metha or Deira. Hostels and guest houses are rare (there’s just one hostel I know of and it really just is the bare minimum).
Recently, there have been quite a few nice budget hotels that have opened up in the city, and I’ll keep adding to this list as I find and hear of new ones.
Here’s my guide on where to stay in Dubai with a complete breakdown of neighborhoods plus hotels and apartments for every budget.
Tours in Dubai
Need to Know
Whether or not you really enjoy your trip to Dubai also depends upon choosing to visit Dubai at the right time- summer can be extremely hot and humid, so here’s a guide to the best time to visit Dubai, to help you choose.
Regardless of how modern the cities are, this is still the Middle East- it’s important to understand that the culture is different from the west. So public displays of affection, wandering the streets inebriated, and giving bear hugs to people you’re meeting for the second time are big no-nos.
Alcohol is served only at licensed establishments which are usually restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges or nightclubs attached to or inside a hotel.
If you’re visiting during the Holy Month of Ramadan, you should be aware of the right etiquette. You can check my guide to Ramadan in the UAE.
Planning your trip to Dubai? Join my Dubai Travel Planning Group on Facebook for FREE resources, tips, and updated and new info about cool restaurants, cafes, instagrammable spots, attractions and things to do in and around Dubai.
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