I don’t know about you guys, but the Middle East is such a fascinating, unknown travel destination for me. Thankfully, Victoria has been living there for almost 10 years and she’s happy to share all her Dubai travel tips with us!
Must go in Dubai
Burj Khalifa
This probably goes without saying, but when you’re in the same city as the tallest building in the world, you should definitely go up it. The Burj Khalifa offers ridiculously spectacular views over Dubai, and if you pick your timings right (go at around 6), you’ll get to see the sun set over the city and have a birds eye view of the Dubai Fountain.
Souks
Although probably most well known for its gold souk, the spice, perfume, fish and textile souks of Dubai are also well worth a visit. They’re a huge contrast to the shopping malls that Dubai has come to be best known for, but provide an old school style of shopping and far more of a culturally enriching experience than you can get from any mall.
Al Bastakiya
Bastakiya is one of the oldest areas within Dubai and has a real traditionally Arab vibe to it. Aside from the historic architecture and narrow paths, you’ll find a bunch of small boutique hotels and unique art galleries that allows a glimpse into what Dubai was like before the sky scrapers.
Must do in Dubai
Go skiing
Even if you’re not an experienced skier or snowboarder, a trip to Ski Dubai in the middle of Mall Of The Emirates is well worth a visit, purely for the experience of going from hanging out on the beach in the morning to being in -2°c and making snowmen in the afternoon,
Shop
If you’re in Dubai you’ve got to go shopping. There are enough malls in Dubai for you to be able to go to a different one every day of your vacation, but a visit to Dubai Mall (the world’s largest shopping mall) is essential, even if it’s just to marvel at how ridiculously large it is.
Must Eat in Dubai
Curry
Since Dubai is home to a huge number of Middle Eastern expats, there’s a ton of amazing curry on offer. The butter chicken at Ravi’s restaurant in Satwa has largely been accepted as the best in the city. (Possibly the world.)
Shawarma
The humble shawarma is the Dubai equivalent of the doner kebab, the perfect hangover cure found in the form of meat wrapped in bread. Cheap and incredible.
Cultural tips for Traveling in Dubai
Dubai is constantly in the headlines for holidaymakers and expats alike being arrested for what is deemed inappropriate behavior, but it’s really not difficult to abide by the rules. Dubai is pretty relaxed in comparison to many of its bordering nations.
Just dress fairly conservatively if you’re going out of your hotel (don’t wear really short shorts etc.). Be polite and respectful and don’t be overly affectionate in public and you can’t really go wrong.
Basically everyone speaks English but if you want to make an effort, feel free to throw in a ‘shukran’ here and there.
Travel on the cheap in Dubai
Although it’s not very easy to walk around in Dubai (not just due to the heat but logistically there’s not really anywhere to walk in terms of pavements), it is really cheap to travel around. Get a metro card and you can take the metro up and down the city.
Whilst the metro’s a good way to get from A to B, it’s also a great way to see the city from the comfort of an air-conditioned train that’s pretty luxurious in comparison to many European trains. Also the taxi’s are very affordable. If you’re looking for some culture while traveling, take an abra or water taxi down Dubai Creek.
Airbnb is usually cheaper than hotels and you’re more likely to get that ‘live like a local’ experience. Here’s a room with a view for $62 and here’s a room with a private bath for $70. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, here’s $40 towards your first booking!
Have any of you visit Dubai? Any travel tips to share?
P.S. 7 travel tools I will not shut up about till you try them
Question: Is Dubai dry? As in, can you drink alcohol there? I feel like I've heard in passing that it's illegal there but then saw Anthony Bourdain with a glass of wine on a No Reservations in Dubai.
It isn't dry unless it's Ramadan (the month of fasting) and then it is dry. The neighbouring emirate of Sharjah is dry though. Friday (like our western Saturday) is a day that is celebrated as a brunch day, and most of the hotels serve a brunch and the alcohol flows very nicely 😉
I loved this Mini Travel Guide! It has really inspired me to put Dubai on my travel list!!
I've been to Dubai twice and I loved it! I like Dubai so much I've written about it several times on my blog. There's so much to do there: you can go dune-bashing in a 4×4 (driven by an expert), eat dinner Bedouin-style out in the dessert, ride-camels, gawk at the architecture and of course, go shopping in a big way! I really think everyone should go there at some point 🙂
I too have traveled Dubai multiple time and never faces problems. see, if we visit somewhere, we have to deal according to their rules and regulations and rest all goes fine.
One edit- "Middle Eastern" expats should "South Asian" or similar; curry isn't an Arab food and curry-producing countries are usually not considered part of the Middle East. Great article otherwise!
Anna
Nice post man, you rock! Keep it up!
I grew up in Dubai – it has changed a lot since then (16 years since I lived there, but I still visit), not the little expat community it once was, but I have never felt I can't be 'western' in my ways whilst there 😉
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