Dubai Travel Guide
Dubai Travel Tips 2026
Everything you need to know
Dubai is one of the world's most visitor-friendly cities, but it operates by its own rules. Know them before you arrive — and your trip will be genuinely smooth. Ignore them and you'll encounter avoidable friction.
Dress code
Cover your shoulders and knees in malls, souks, mosques, and government buildings. Beachwear is only appropriate at beaches and pool areas. You'll rarely face enforcement in tourist areas, but respecting the local code is considerate. Mosques require modest dress; the Abaya is not required for non-Muslim women at the Blue Mosque or similar.
Violating dress codes at conservative attractions (e.g., Heritage Village) can result in being refused entry.
Transport: the practical breakdown
The Metro is the most cost-effective option: AED 2–7.50 per trip, air-conditioned, clean, reliable. Get a Nol Card (AED 25 deposit + top-up) at any station. Taxis are metered, honest, and affordable — flag-fall AED 5, average short trip AED 15–25. Careem and Uber work throughout the city and are often cheaper than taxis. Driving in Dubai is straightforward; roads are excellent and traffic laws are strictly enforced.
Uber is not permitted from Dubai Airport Terminal 3 arrivals. Use Careem or the official taxi queue.
Money & tipping
The UAE Dirham (AED) is pegged to USD at approximately 3.67. ATMs are everywhere and cards are accepted at almost all businesses. Carry a small amount of cash for souks, abra rides, and street food. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 10–15% at restaurants if service charge isn't included, round up to the nearest AED 5 for taxis.
Alcohol rules
Alcohol is legal in Dubai but only in licensed venues — hotel restaurants, hotel bars, and select standalone licensed restaurants. It is not available in public places, parks, beaches, or unlicensed restaurants. Tourists cannot purchase from off-licences without a residency permit. Simply stick to hotel dining and you'll have no issues.
Being drunk in public is illegal and can result in arrest. Drinking and driving carries a zero-tolerance policy.
Food & dietary requirements
Almost all restaurants in Dubai are halal — pork is available only in hotel restaurants with a specific pork section. International chains (McDonald's, KFC, Subway) are 100% halal here. Vegetarian options are widely available; dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants are increasingly common. Budget dining is excellent in Deira: Indian and Pakistani restaurants serving meals for AED 15–30.
Ramadan
Eating, drinking, and smoking in public is prohibited during daylight hours for everyone during Ramadan — including tourists. Most restaurants close during the day and open at iftar (sunset). This is actually a beautiful time to visit: the city comes alive after sunset with communal iftars, special events, and a unique atmosphere. Check Islamic calendar dates for your travel year.
Photography
Photographing government buildings, military installations, and airports is illegal. Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women in traditional dress. The Dubai Frame, Burj Khalifa, and tourist areas are all fair game. Be mindful in conservative areas like Deira and Old Dubai.
SIM card & connectivity
Buy a tourist SIM at Dubai Airport arrivals — Du or Etisalat both offer 7-day tourist packages for AED 50–100 with data. Much simpler and cheaper than international roaming. Airport SIM counters are open 24 hours. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and malls, though VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime) may be restricted depending on your provider.
Quick reference
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED). 1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED
Emergency
Police 999 · Ambulance 998 · Tourist Police +971 4 229 4444
Language
Arabic (official), English universal
Electricity
230V, Type G plugs (UK-style)
Time zone
GST (UTC+4) — no daylight saving
Visa
Most nationalities: free 30–90 day visa on arrival
Metro hours
5:30am–midnight (until 1am Thu/Fri)
Taxi flag-fall
AED 5 (AED 7 nights/airport)
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