Dubai is a fantastic place for first-time visitors, whether you are on an extended holiday or just passing through between connecting flights. Its beaches and parks are superb, its shopping and restaurants have to be seen to be believed, the architecture is mind-blowing, and the people are incredibly friendly.
It is a great introduction to the Middle East that does not feel too jarring—it is cosmopolitan, modern, and tourist-friendly. That said: it is still in the Middle East; there are certain aspects of local culture you should always respect and critical points you should take care of.
Here is everything you need to know as a first-time visitor:
Be prepared for the weather and plan in advance.
Be prepared for the weather and plan in advance. Dubai is a desert, so you might think it will be hot all year round. However, there are some seasons when it can get pretty chilly, especially at night during winter time (December through February). The average high temperature during this season is about 58 F.
This may sound like a good excuse to pack your winter coat but if you are planning on visiting Dubai during these months then we have some advice: don’t forget your sunscreen! Temperatures can still be quite high during this time—as high as 97 F (36 Celsius)—and being exposed to direct sunlight without proper protection will lead to severe sunburns.
How to get around the city?
For your convenience, there are a number of transportation options available in Dubai that you can take advantage of.
- The Dubai Metro is a fantastic way to get around the city. It is fast, reliable and connects to major attractions in Dubai.
- Uber is also an excellent option if you are traveling with family or friends and want to split costs.
- If you are on a budget, consider taking the bus from one place in town to another—it may seem slower than other methods of travel but it is cheaper!
- Taxis are also an excellent method for getting around the city if you are traveling alone or with others who have cars parked at their hotels (which is often). It will cost about 400 AED for each trip regardless of where you go. However, taxis are more expensive when used during rush hour from 6:00 am – 10:00 am as well as 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm on weekdays only so keep this in mind when planning your day!
The best hotels in Dubai
If you are planning to visit Dubai, you may want to consider staying in a luxury hotel. This is one of the best ways to enjoy your stay and make sure that your trip is unforgettable.
The city has a number of luxurious hotels for guests who want to experience the best that Dubai has to offer. Some of these include:
- H-Hotel Dubai: This 5-star staycation hotel in Dubai is the best choice for those looking to take advantage of hotel deals in Dubai.
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road and near many of the city’s most popular attractions, H-Hotel Dubai is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a relaxing weekend getaway. The hotel offers guests a wide variety of amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, swimming pool with sun deck, restaurant and bar, and meeting spaces available for up to 80 people.
- The Address Downtown Dubai Hotel: This 5-star hotel provides an exceptional experience for its guests through its spacious rooms, excellent service and great facilities. It offers excellent views from different parts of the hotel as well as from its restaurants and bars.
- JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai: This hotel offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in Dubai including stunning views from its rooftop swimming pools, private beach club, spa facilities and high-end shopping outlets located among other things within walking distance from its front lobby entrance.
Brunch, spa and massage deals
Dubai is the city to visit for your first trip to the UAE. It is not just because it is a cultural hotspot but also because it has something for everyone.
There are so many things that you can do here, aside from shopping and going on adventures. You can also unwind by staying at a spa or getting a massage while taking advantage of brunch deals in Dubai hotels.
Tours
If you are unfamiliar with Dubai, the best way to get acquainted is by taking a tour. There are plenty of options in every category: sightseeing, adventure, and even food tours that will give you an inside look at how Emiratis eat.
Insider tips
- The UAE is a hot, dry country. You will need to be prepared for that weather by wearing light-colored clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Dubai is a Muslim country where alcohol is prohibited and pork products are not available at restaurants or stores in public areas.
- You may want to bring your own toiletries if you have special needs such as gluten-free food items or nut-free snacks because some foods might contain traces of these ingredients which could cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals
To conclude…
Dubai is a fascinating city and has something to offer everyone. It is important to remember to plan ahead in order to get the best deals on flights and hotels, as well as make sure you have enough time for everything.
