Get there

What is the best way to get there?

Flying:

Dubai is served by two international airports: Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.

 

Do I need a visa?

Visit Dubai’s Department of Tourism website to determine visa eligibility and criteria.

​

When is the best time to visit?

Winter (November to March): Dubai has a hot desert climate with two distinct seasons. The winter months have the most pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities. The average daytime high is around 27°C with lows of around 17°C.

​
 

Get around

Bicycle

Careem BIKE offers pedal-assist bike hire through its bike-share app.

​

Train

The Dubai Metro, run by the RTA, operates 2 lines — red and green — which run from about 5:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays, the service operates later — the red operates from about 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. and the green line operates from about 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

​

Bus

Dubai’s public bus service, run by the RTA, operates local buses on more than 120 routes.

​

Taxis

Dubai Taxi Corporation operates government-licensed taxis 24 hours a day and can be hailed in the street, picked up at taxi stand or booked by phone. They are recognizable by their red roof.

​

Tram

The Dubai Tram makes 11 stops with trams running from about 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday.

​

Boat

Abras are motorised traditional wooden boats linking Bur Dubai and Deira across the Dubai Creek via two routes.

​

Ferry

The Dubai Ferry operates 5 major routes on a limited schedule.

For more information about the routes and fares, see here.

​

Ridesharing

Uber and Careem are available in Dubai on your smartphone.

​

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Gulf Standard Time

​

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Wall outlets accommodate plugs with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.

​

What is the currency?

United Arab Emirates Dirham.

​

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

​

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

​

Is it easy to find a bank?

Yes.

​

How much do I tip?

Tipping in Dubai isn’t compulsory but is customary and appreciated. Here is a rough guide:

• Restaurants : 10-15%

• Taxis : AED5-10

• Bellboys and valets : AED5-10

• Spa and beauty therapist : 10-15%

​​

For more information about tipping, see here.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

Are there local customs I should know?

​

Drinking

The legal drinking age for Dubai is 21 years old but buying and consuming alcohol is only legal at licensed bars and clubs at major hotels -- and only for hotel guests and non-Muslim residents with government-issued liquor licenses. It is illegal for non-Muslims to sell or offer alcohol to Muslims. Public drunkenness -- no matter where the drinking occurs -- is also considered a very serious offense. Travelers should refer to the travel advice issued by their government before visiting the UAE.

​

Clothing

The UAE is a mostly Muslim country with strict standards of dress and behaviour. Dress modestly and ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. It is also recommended to research dress codes for tourist attractions, shopping malls, beaches and other public places -- which can often be found on their official websites.

 

Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection for Muslims, so it is important to respect the religious and cultural customs at this time. During Ramadan, it's illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset. The dates of Ramadan change each year, as it is celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which is slightly different to the regular Gregorian calendar.

​

Public displays of affection

You can be arrested for intimate public displays of affection, including hugging and kissing.

​

Sharing hotel rooms

It is against the law for people of the opposite sex to live together, or to share the same hotel room, if they aren't married or closely related. De facto relationships and civil unions also aren't recognised in the UAE. This law is often relaxed for tourists, however, you may be asked to prove you're legally married when checking into a hotel as a couple. Travellers should do research, contact their hotel and check their government’s travel advice before visiting the UAE.

​

Photography

It is illegal to photograph people without their consent, airports and other transport infrastructure, government buildings, some beaches, and palaces. Travellers should do their own research and be aware of signs which indicate where photography is prohibited.