Dubai is weird. I mean that in the best way possible, but if you show up expecting a standard Middle Eastern experience or a carbon copy of Las Vegas, you're going to be confused. Most people scroll through Instagram, see a gold-plated cappuccino and a pet cheetah—which, by the way, is illegal now—and think they understand the city. They don't. There are specific things to know before traveling to dubai that determine whether you have a seamless trip or end up stuck in a logistics nightmare.
You’ve probably heard it’s expensive. It can be. But you can also eat a world-class curry in Deira for about five bucks. You’ve heard it’s strict. It is, but also surprisingly chill in ways you wouldn't expect. It’s a city of massive contradictions.
The Alcohol Myth and the Reality of Nightlife
Let’s get the booze thing out of the way first. People freak out thinking they can't grab a drink. Relax. You can definitely drink in Dubai, but you aren't going to find a corner liquor store like you do in London or New York. Alcohol is served in licensed venues, which basically means hotels, clubs, and specific high-end restaurants.
Here is the kicker: as of 2023, the 30% tax on alcohol was scrapped and personal liquor licenses for tourists became free. You just need your passport to get one at MMI or African + Eastern shops. This was a massive shift. Before this, buying a bottle of gin for your hotel room was a legal grey area for visitors. Now? It's straightforward.
But don't get sloppy. Public intoxication is a fast track to a police station. If you’ve had a few too many at a brunch—and Dubai brunches are legendary, borderline chaotic four-hour marathons of food and drink—take a Careem or an Uber straight back to your room. Do not wander the streets singing. Just don't.
When to Go (And When to Absolutely Avoid It)
Timing is everything. If you book a trip in July because the flights are dirt cheap, you will regret it. It’s not just "hot." It’s "my sunglasses are melting and I can't breathe" hot. We are talking $115^{\circ}F$ ($46^{\circ}C$) with 90% humidity. You won't see the city; you’ll see the inside of malls and taxis.
✨ Don't miss: Why Baker Bay Campgrounds & Marina is the Best Kept Secret on Dorena Reservoir
The sweet spot is November to March. The weather is spectacular. You can actually sit outside.
Understanding Ramadan
Traveling during Ramadan is a completely different vibe. In the past, you couldn't eat or drink in public during daylight hours, and restaurants would literally board up their windows or hide diners behind curtains. That has changed recently. Now, most places stay open and you don't need the "curtains of shame" anymore. However, it's still a time of reflection. Live music is usually dialed back, and the city gets quiet during the day, then explodes into life at Iftar (the breaking of the fast). If you want to party, don't go during Ramadan. If you want to see the soul of the city and eat incredible night markets, it’s actually a great time to visit.
The "Strict" Dress Code is Mostly a Suggestion (Until it’s Not)
You’ll see influencers in bikinis at beach clubs like Aura Skypool or Nammos. Then you’ll see women in full abayas at the mall. Dubai is a spectrum.
In "tourist" areas—Dubai Marina, JBR, Palm Jumeirah—you can pretty much wear what you’d wear in any Western summer city. Shorts and tank tops are fine. But if you head into the "Old Dubai" areas like Bur Dubai or Deira, or if you're going to a government building, cover your shoulders and knees. It’s about respect, honestly.
Pro Tip: Always carry a light scarf or pashmina. Not just for modesty, but because the air conditioning in the Dubai Mall is set to "Arctic Tundra" levels. You will freeze.
💡 You might also like: Time in Laughlin Nevada: Why the Colorado River Border Always Confuses People
Transportation is a Logistics Puzzle
Dubai is not a walkable city. At all. Even if two buildings look close together, there’s likely a sixteen-lane highway and no pedestrian bridge between them.
The Dubai Metro is clean, efficient, and honestly beautiful. It’s driverless and has a "Gold Class" section if you want to feel fancy. But the stations are often located far from the actual attractions. For example, the "Dubai Mall" metro stop involves a nearly 15-minute walk through a climate-controlled tunnel before you even see a shop.
Use Careem. It’s the local version of Uber. You can even book a standard "Hala Taxi" through the app, which is cheaper than the private Lexus cars. It’s the most reliable way to get around without losing your mind.
It Is Way More Than Just Malls
If all you do is go to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, you’ve failed. You need to get out to the desert. And I don't mean a "tourist trap" desert safari with belly dancing and mediocre buffet food—though those can be fun once. I mean a conservation drive with a company like Platinum Heritage. You'll see Arabian oryx and actually learn about the Bedouin history.
Go to Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz. It’s an industrial area turned into an arts district. It feels like Brooklyn or East London. There are galleries, indie cinemas (Cinema Akil), and coffee shops that don't feel like they were designed by a corporate committee.
Then there’s the food. Dubai’s population is roughly 90% expats. That means the food scene is insane. You want authentic Palestinian falafel? Go to Qwaider Al Nabulsi. High-end French? L'Atelier Robuchon. The best Pakistani food of your life? Ravi Restaurant in Satwa. Do not leave without eating at Ravi. It is a local institution.
The Legal Stuff You Actually Need to Care About
There’s a lot of fear-mongering about Dubai’s laws. Most of it is exaggerated, but some is very real.
- Vaping: It’s legal now, and you can buy e-cigarettes in malls. Just don't do it in restricted indoor areas.
- Medicines: This is the big one. Some over-the-counter meds in the US or UK (like anything containing codeine) are controlled substances in the UAE. Check the Ministry of Health website before you fly. Bring your prescription just in case.
- PDA: Holding hands is fine for couples. Kissing or making out in public is a big no-no. It can genuinely get you in trouble if someone complains.
- Privacy: Do not take photos of people without asking, especially local women. And definitely don't take photos of government buildings or airports.
Money and Tipping
The currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). It’s pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of 3.67.
Tipping isn't mandatory, but it’s expected. Most restaurants will add a "service charge" to the bill, but that usually goes to the house, not the server. If the service was good, leave an extra 10-15%. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 dirhams is the standard move.
Realities of the Burj Khalifa
Everyone wants to go up the Burj Khalifa. Here’s the truth: the view of the Burj Khalifa is better than the view from it. If you do go, book your tickets weeks in advance. If you show up on the day, you'll pay triple the price for a "fast track" ticket. Alternatively, book a table at Atmosphere or one of the lounges. You’ll pay a minimum spend, but at least you get a drink and a seat for your money instead of standing in a crowded observation deck.
🔗 Read more: Flight Time to Australia From USA Explained (Simply)
What to Do Next
If you're planning a trip, start by downloading the Careem app and the The Entertainer app. The latter is a bit of an investment, but it offers "buy one get one free" deals on almost everything in the city—it pays for itself in about two meals.
Check your passport expiry date now; the UAE requires at least six months of validity to enter. Also, skip the airport currency exchange. Use an ATM at a local bank once you land to get the best rate.
Dubai is a place that demands you look past the surface. It's easy to see the glitz and think it's shallow, but if you talk to the people who actually live there—the baristas from the Philippines, the entrepreneurs from Lebanon, the artists from Iran—you'll find a city that is trying to build a future at breakneck speed. It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s hot, and it’s absolutely fascinating.
Actionable Checklist for Your Trip:
- Check Meds: Verify your prescriptions against the UAE restricted list.
- App Setup: Download Careem for transport and XE for currency conversion.
- Booking: Secure Burj Khalifa or high-end dining 3 weeks out.
- Clothing: Pack a mix of "resort wear" and modest options for older districts.