Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates and is located right on the Persian Gulf. The modern city of Dubai is a tourism hub and a glittering, cosmopolitan mecca for shopping and tourism. Considered to be quite liberal by Muslim standards, their laws are still far stricter than those of the Western world, so if visiting Dubai is on your bucket list, it's important to adhere to all rules and avoid lawlessness that could easily turn into an unfortunate international incident.
Below are some tips and facts about Dubai that should help make your visit safe and enjoyable.
It's Not the Heat, It's the Humidity
For a city perched on the edge of the desert, the climate is remarkably humid, as well as incredibly hot about six months out of the year. The hottest month is August, when temperatures average 106 °F and nighttime low temps hover around 86 °F. Winters are more temperate and drier.
When in Rome . . .
As the saying goes, "do as the Romans do," and this definitely applies in Dubai. While many women dress with more freedom in this progressive city, it is certainly better to err on the side of conservative dress. Women must cover their heads with a scarf before entering a mosque, and baring too much skin is likely to attract unwanted attention. On the beaches, a one piece bathing suit is more appropriate than a barely-there bikini, although you will still see some bikini-clad sun worshippers.
Public displays of affection can land you behind bars in Dubai, so don't kiss your sweetie or even hold hands except in the privacy of your hotel. In most circumstances, it is probably best to keep your intimacy behind closed doors. Like here in the US, drinking and driving is a major offense in Dubai that is likely to cost you some jail time. Alcohol is legally sold in clubs and hotels, and for home use at licensed establishments, but public drinking is another criminal offense.
If you visit Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan, even non-Muslims are forbidden from eating, drinking or smoking from sunrise to sunset. It is important to always be respectful of others' cultures and beliefs when traveling abroad, but especially during the holy month of Ramadan or any other cultural celebration or event.
How to Get Around
There are usually plenty of taxis clustered around the hotels, although during peak hours of 7 - 9 am and 4 - 7 pm they can be hard to find. Drivers in Dubai are aggressive, and a taxi driver may give you one wild ride. As drivers may mistake their intentions, women should always ride in the back seat.
If you're looking for a day of city-living, Dubai has a metro transit system consisting of the Red Line, which runs up and down the coast and will take you to at least one major shopping and tourism mecca and to Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and the Green Line, which will bring you through the heart of the city. Some tourists also find the air conditioned buses to be useful for getting around the city.
Shopping Mecca
Dubai residents take their shopping seriously -- they even have a Shopping Festival in the winter dedicated to what might be their national pastime. But you can find fabulous shops in malls like the Mall of the Emirates, 2.5 million square feet of high end stores, entertainment options and eateries. But make sure you also check out the souk, the large open-air bazaar where you can haggle with shopkeepers for the best deal on some exotic souvenirs.
Visit Dubai and enjoy the culture and heritage of the jewel of the Middle East! We'll see you there!
Image Credits
Dubai Marina by Khan Saqib
El Burj Khalifa by chusico
Dubai Gold Souk by Marcia O'Connor
Colorful Muslim Family by Jim Boud
