When you are about to make your first trip to Dubai, it’s crucial to keep a few essential travel tips in mind for a smooth vacation. Our agents at GT Holidays ensure that with our Dubai travel packages, you do not miss out on the memorable experience Dubai has in store. We have created a Dubai travel guide for first-timers so that you can learn about the 8 essential guidelines you need to follow before and during your trip.

Best Time To Visit

Though Dubai City can be fun to visit throughout the year; the summer heat can make the experience a bit uncomfortable. Before making Dubai plans, the first and foremost tip is to avoid the summer months and book from November to March instead. The winter months offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and shopping throughout the day. Do remember that from December to February, Dubai is peak tourist season with several shopping festivals. You must book your Dubai tour packages in advance with GT Holidays to avoid soaring hotel prices.

Packing Essentials

When packing for your travel to Dubai, you must consider the climate, culture, and health as top priorities. The hot weather requires you to pack light clothes while keeping modesty in mind. Tight or revealing clothes would be best avoided, especially by women during sightseeing, and go for loose cotton clothes instead. Women travellers must avoid tight-fitting and revealing garments, but if you plan to visit a beautiful beach in Dubai or take a dip in your hotel’s swimming pools, pack suitable beachwear/swimwear. Remember to carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to use when out in Dubai’s sun. To avoid a hassle in a foreign land for minor illnesses, take your medicines, prescriptions, and first-aid supplies.

First Trip to Dubai

International Travel Documents

International travel requirements differ from country to country. It is best to check with a professional travel partner like GT Holidays regarding the latest travel needs. Generally, a Dubai visa can be obtained in a few days, but it is advisable to process it a month in advance to avoid the last-minute hassle. Ensure that you carry a valid passport, travel insurance, and other required travel documents. While in Dubai, leave your original documents in your hotel locker and carry only photocopies. If you wish to rent a car in Dubai on your first trip to Dubai, remember to take your international driving license. Other than documents, it’s essential to carry the local currency of Dubai, Dirhams, for your travel and food expenses. Alternatively, you can take Debit and Credit cards for shopping and ATM withdrawals.

Hiring Local Transport

Taxis are the most common way to commute within Dubai but always carry a city map to communicate your desired destination. You can rent a car, but you must understand the driving rules and the speed limits beforehand. The best solution is to travel with a known travel company like GT Holidays which offers transport to various places as part of the Dubai travel packages.

Dress Code

The people of Dubai are very particular regarding the dress code and etiquette in the city; hence ensure you dress as per the local expectations. Being respectful of their traditional ways, you must keep your shoulders and knees covered and avoid revealing clothes in public places to prevent unsolicited attention. You can wear sleeveless tops and shorts at tourist places and dune-bashing areas, while swimwear is acceptable at beaches and swimming pools. On your first trip to Dubai, the most important thing to remember is to take off your footwear before entering a mosque or residential home.

Social Conduct

As a mark of respect to the locals, you would be expected to follow specific social codes of conduct in public places. First and foremost, it’s best to avoid kisses, hugs, or holding hands, as any form of PDA is considered against their culture, especially if you are travelling with Dubai honeymoon packages. If you are a woman traveller, you should not shake hands with men unless they offer first. Another sign of disrespect is to photograph people without permission. If you need to pay money or offer food, use your right hand to do so.

Dubai Nightlife

Nightlife in Dubai is unlike any other. You will find a great choice of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants at many locations to lounge in and party, but it all comes with specific rules. Some bars may refuse entry to people under 25 years though the legal age to buy alcohol is 21 years. Most nightclubs close at 3:00 a.m., so don’t expect to party till early.

Use Arabic Phrases

One should always use specific Arabic phrases in the local language to communicate with the people around Dubai. As long as you can use a particular basic vocabulary, it’s okay not to be fluent. Terms like Min Fadlak for Please, Shukran for Thank You, Na’am for Yes, La’ for No, Marhaba for Hello, and Afwan for Sorry or Excuse Me

Understand the top 8 guidelines during your first trip to Dubai and make your bookings for Dubai tour packages from GT Holidays. Follow our Instagram profile to know about the latest offers and discounts.