DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DUBAI

 

DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE WITH THE BEST ATTRACTIONS, TRAVEL TIPS & HIGHLIGHTS

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and one of the most prosperous. The modern desert city on the Persian Gulf combines modernity with tradition and has developed into a tourist hotspot in recent years. You can find out everything you need to know about Dubai in the following small online Dubai travel guide.

DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE: WHY TRAVEL TO DUBAI IS WORTH IT

Dubai offers a lot of reasons to travel there. We would like to introduce some of them to you here. In addition, the city is quite close to Europe. In five to six flight hours you are already in the city of superlatives.

When you think of Dubai, you probably first think of rich sheikhs and shopping. Yes, Dubai really is a true shopping paradise. And in most cases duty-free. You have a huge selection of boutiques, shops and shopping centers here.

Even bargain hunters get their money's worth here. You should definitely make time for the famous malls Mall of the Emirates and the Dubai Mall. By the way, Dubai is a city where you can get gold at very cheap prices. Another reason to visit Dubai is the breathtaking hotels, which are among the most luxurious and extravagant in the world.

In general, the city has incredible architecture and whole masterpieces of modern construction. The Burj Khalifa is particularly worth seeing, from the 124th floor (!) you can see the whole city. We will go into more detail about this in the Dubai travel guide below.

If you are tired of the cold and wet weather in Germany in late autumn or winter, travel to Dubai! A trip at this time is worthwhile, because then the ideal travel weather prevails.

The Arabs are also considered to be extremely hospitable. They always welcome tourists in a very friendly and warm manner.

In Dubai you can go on adventure holidays in the desert, even go skiing in the Dubai Ski Center. There are numerous water parks, but you can also go fishing, shopping and book helicopter flights or relax in one of the chic hotels.

Incidentally, Dubai is considered a safe travel destination, without any significant crime!

In addition to the numerous activities, you will find plenty of top-class sights in Dubai. Here you can admire the traditional Arabic architecture in the Bstakiya district or you can look at a few mosques and palaces. In the large Dubai Museum you will learn a lot about the history and culture of the city. Dubai is really very versatile and varied.

In addition, you will always find a very pleasant, cosmopolitan ambience here, whether on tour during the day or in the exciting nightlife in the evening. The city surprises every day with new events and offers. In our Dubai travel guide you will also find useful tips on etiquette and customs.

By the way, world-famous sporting events take place in the city, to which you can plan a trip. The Tennis Open or the Desert Golf Classic are real attractions for sports-loving tourists. There are also some of the most famous racetracks in Dubai.

DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE: LOCATION AND PEOPLE

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, Dubai is one of the Emirates, the capital is called Dubai City. 3.5 million people currently live there (as of October 2022).

However, the number of inhabitants cannot be determined precisely, as there are large fluctuations due to migration. The majority of the residents are migrant workers who live in Dubai for several years to work there. They make up 85 percent of the total population! In addition, the metropolis is one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

Dubai has an area of approximately 4,115 square kilometers. The emirate is located on the Persian Gulf. Located on the northern edge of Dubai, Dubai City is divided by a bay called Dubai Creek. Dubai City is now the city with the highest number of skyscrapers over 300 meters high in the world.

DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBAI

It is best to plan your Dubai trip in winter between October and April. This is the best time to travel to Dubai. In the winter months, the most pleasant temperatures prevail there, usually between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. During this time you can also make Dubai a beach holiday destination, but you can also be active in sports or visit one of the sights.

This time is of course also the peak travel time, which is why the hotels are at least twice as expensive as in off-season times. The warmest months in Dubai are from May to September. Between July and August, temperatures in Dubai rise to 40 to 50 degrees.

This is the cheapest time to travel there. The best months are May and September, when the temperatures are not too high and the prices are accurate. From June to August you can hardly stay outside during the day because the temperatures are much too high.

The fact is: Dubai is warm all year round, and temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees. January is the coldest and with short rainy periods.

OUR TOP 6 DUBAI TRAVEL TIPS, DUBAI HIGHLIGHTS AND DUBAI ATTRACTIONS

There are countless highlights in Dubai. But we would like to give you some very special Dubai travel tips in our Dubai travel guide.

1. BURJ KHALIFA - THE LARGEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD

The Burj Khalifa should not be missing from any Dubai travel guide. The urban attraction of the city is centrally located in downtown. The Burj Khalifa has a height of 828 meters and is considered one of the highlights of Dubai. The building was officially inaugurated in 2010, before that it was called Burj Dubai.

The building is open to visitors, but has many uses. Of the 189 floors, 163 are used. The Armani Hotel occupies the first 38 floors. Offices and residential suites can be found above. As a visitor, you can visit the lobby on the 123rd floor and the bar on the 124th floor.

However, one of the Dubai travel tips is the 148th floor, which has a very chic observation deck from which you can see the whole city. There is also a lounge where you can eat and drink comfortably. And among the Dubai highlights are the ATMs of the Burj Khalifa.

Here you can withdraw entire gold bars with your credit card. Every Dubai travel guide calls for a visit to this architectural work of art. The view alone is definitely worth a visit.

2. MUST SEE: DUBAI DESERT SAFARI

Far away from metropolitan life, away from the skyline and other Dubai sights, a desert safari is a great adventure and should not be missing from our Dubai travel guide.

The golden desert offers numerous opportunities for safaris and a lot of variety. On a desert safari, you don't just see dust and sand.

You will also see the native animals such as wild cats, monitor lizards, gazelles and other animal species. There are also falconry hunts that are well worth seeing in the region.

The desert safaris are often offered with dinner. Here you can try the regional food directly and enjoy the authentic hospitality.

Those who like it more adventurous can go on a desert safari with dune bashing, by jeep, quad, sandboard or sand buggy. However, you should really be into action here, because the golden desert sand is quite fast-paced.

Desert night safaris are perfect if you're just too warm during the day. Many also report that these desert safaris are even more beautiful - which could also be due to the clear constellation in the sky.

3. BURJ AL ARAB

One of the most popular Dubai sights in our Dubai travel guide is the Burj Al Arab Hotel, an architectural gem right on the water. It is even one of the most expensive hotels in the world, which was completed in 1999. You can see so many subtleties in the construction and it also looks breathtaking on the inside.

The Burj Al Arab is located on an artificial beach and can be reached via a bridge. However, only hotel guests are allowed in, which is guaranteed by a security check on the bridge.

Here you can watch how the guests are taken to the nearest shopping mall in a Rolls-Royce or other luxury cars or even flown from A to B in a helicopter. But the view of the outer facade of the magnificent building is unique.

However, there is the possibility for tourists to take a look inside. Namely during a so-called tea time or when you visit the hotel restaurant. However, you have to make a reservation here in advance and you only see the lobby and selected floors.

4. PALM JUMEIRAH

The largest island off the coast of Dubai is Palm Jumeirah, which together with the Palm Islands are called the Palm Islands. The Palm Jumeirah is one of our Dubai highlights and you will find it in every other Dubai travel guide because it is the most famous island in Dubai.

In 2001 it was artificially created with the Palm Islands. The island is completely built up with villas, houses, blocks of flats and hotels. Palm Jumeirah is located between Jebel Ali Port and the center of Dubai. It has a size of 560 hectares. The connection to the mainland is ensured by a large bridge.

5. DUBAI MARINA

Dubai Marina is a district of Dubai that is particularly rich in skyscrapers. More than 200 skyscrapers are supposed to stand here in the future. The skyline is also the reason why Dubai Marina is one of the top sights. You will also find many hotels here.

The impressive marina with restaurants and bars is particularly popular with holidaymakers. Especially in the evenings you can relax here very nicely. From Dubai Marina you can also reach shopping malls and golf courses in a few minutes by car.

Above all, it invites you to linger, stroll and stroll. There is a beach with freely accessible sections. A Dubai travel tip is also to go by boat from Dubai Marina, for example on a tour along the most popular Dubai sights.

With the Waterbus you can drive through Dubai Marina in no time at all, because you can’t get through the whole district on foot.

6. THE WORLD ISLAND

The World Island is a special project for the rich residents of Dubai. The aim is to create artificial islands that take the shape of the world. These small islands can be purchased for anywhere from $11 million to $40 million and built on as you see fit.

You can only access The World Island by helicopter or boat. Some of the islands are freely accessible to visitors, meaning they have been set up specifically for the public. There you will find museums on the history of the country and also on the project itself.

LANGUAGE IN DUBAI

Arabic is the national language spoken in Dubai. But English is also one of the common languages ​​here. As a holidaymaker, you can communicate very well with your school English. Especially in hotels you will also find multilingual staff, in some facilities German is also spoken.

When entering the country, the officials will often ask questions in English, which you should be able to answer. For example, the reason and the duration of your stay. City tours and the like can usually be booked with a German tour guide.

You will notice that other languages ​​are also spoken in Dubai. This is due to the high proportion of guest workers and migrants from all over the world.

DUBAI MONEY & CURRENCY

The currency in Dubai is the dirham. There are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and even 1,000 dirham banknotes. The coins are called fils, with 100 fils making one dirham. Before you travel, you should find out about the current exchange rate.

DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE: DUBAI ENTRY & VISA

You need a passport to enter Dubai from Germany. A provisional passport or your EU identity card are not valid. Children's passports are valid with restrictions.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after leaving Dubai. If you have a regular, biometric passport, you can enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa.

As long as you are there within 180 days for a maximum of 90 days for tourist, visiting or business reasons. When entering and leaving the country, passport control is carried out with the help of a biometric eye scan.

DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE: HEALTH & VACCINATIONS

The healthcare system in Dubai is excellent and comparable to western standards - in some cases they are even better. The on-site medical facilities are technically up-to-date. Only clinics and doctors are located in the Dubai Healthcare City district.

Many German doctors are now also practicing in Dubai. It is important that you have international health insurance because you have to pay the costs for medical treatment in Dubai directly on site. And that costs!

In Germany, you will be reimbursed for these costs if you took out international health insurance before you travel. Don't forget: Dubai has a different climate and your body may not be used to Arabic food.

You should also inform yourself in advance about any necessary vaccinations. If you are taking permanent medication and have to take it with you on your trip, you should at best have a medical certificate issued by your family doctor.

DUBAI TRANSPORT: ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

You can get to Dubai by plane in plus or minus six hours. You should ask the respective travel or flight provider how much luggage you can take with you and what the regulations are, as these regulations differ.

LOCAL TRANSPORT

There are many different transport options for you in Dubai. Since Dubai is very large, there is always the right means of transport, even for tourists. Many hotels offer free shuttle services to shopping centers and souks.

A very popular means of transport in the metropolis is the taxi. Taxis are also relatively cheap and safe here. Just make sure you always get into official taxis, they are labeled Dubai Taxi. The Metro is one of the fastest means of transportation in Dubai.

The line network is very well developed and you can take the metro to all sights. Driving with the Abra over the Dubai Creek is very cheap. These are covered wooden boats that are not expensive.

You can also make round trips to many sights by ferry. The so-called Waterbus or the Watertaxi are also popular. There is also a trolley bus going downtown. In general, there are many buses in Dubai, which can also be used by tourists without any problems.

HOP ON HOP OFF BUS

A good way to see the city are the Hop-On/Hop-Off buses. They head for the city's most popular attractions and are also very affordable.

RULES OF CONDUCT ON SITE

When you land in the United Arab Emirates, you will sometimes be given a multilingual brochure listing all the important local rules of conduct. It contains important information. And with good reason: There is a different culture here, which you should adhere to as a guest.

RULES OF CONDUCT ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND LAWS:

Photographing airports, government buildings, military installations and their employees is prohibited.

Police officers, soldiers and local women are also not allowed to be photographed.

There are queues for women in public buildings and offices. Only women are allowed to queue here. The same applies to taxis. In Dubai there are women's taxis that are driven by women and may only be used by women. The women's taxi is only accessible to men when accompanied by a woman.

Drinking alcohol in public is a criminal offence. The same applies to drunkenness in public.

You should avoid touching local people if possible. Even greetings with a handshake are not welcome, unless the other person takes the first step.

Homosexual statements and gestures are prohibited. Homosexuality is a criminal offense in all Emirates.

City beaches are divided into public areas and family beaches.

If you are of Christian faith, you should not display symbols with religious content in public. This includes books and jewelry.

You should never put other books or writings on top of a Qur'an as it is sacred to Muslims.

Non-Muslims must not pronounce or ridicule the name of Allah or Muhammad.

If you are an atheist, keep it to yourself in Dubai. Atheists can even be refused entry.

Light and revealing clothing is frowned upon in Dubai. It is best to keep your shoulders and knees covered. Women should not wear tops that are too wide or pants/skirts that are too short or tight. Also backless is not welcome.

Shoulders should be covered in mosques and other religious institutions.

Topless bathing is strictly forbidden on the beach. Inconspicuous swimsuits, swimming trunks and bikinis are best.

HOW IT LOOKS IN REALITY:

Alcohol is usually only available at the airport, but there are a few beaches and hotel bars where alcohol is served and people really let loose. One of the most popular party beaches is Barrasti Beach: here people party and drink from morning to night.

On the beaches there is a rather western atmosphere and the women and men usually walk around lightly dressed. We've even seen topless women - so quite a bit is tolerated.

However, women should cover their shoulders and knees when entering buildings and mosques, and men's shorts should be above the knees. Long trousers are also preferred for men. Since the temperature in the buildings is fridge, that's not a problem.

Even with religion, all this is not seen so narrowly. We have met many who are not religious themselves.

The modern world shapes the cityscape of Dubai today. We have always experienced Dubai as very cosmopolitan.

CULTURAL FEATURES

RULES OF BEHAVIOR AND CUSTOMER CHOICES:

Arabs bend their legs when eating, as stretched legs are considered impolite.

The food is always taken off the plate with the right hand.

When eating, locals start with the sides and save the meat for last. Anything else is considered impolite.

What you no longer eat is placed on a serviette next to the plate.

It is considered polite to always leave a small amount of food on the plate.

If you are full, you can traditionally pat yourself on the stomach and express your satisfaction in this way.

Men traditionally go shopping in the United Arab Emirates.

In smaller restaurants, men and women eat separately

In Dubai, picnics are part of everyday life for the locals, even if they take place on the verdant verges of the expressway.

HOW IT LOOKS IN REALITY:

The people of Dubai have not fallen on their heads and they do not live behind the moon. The fact is: Dubai is one of the most modern metropolises there is. People know many other cultures and customs and are no longer offended or alienated these days. Just be considerate and it will come back to you.

FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS IN DUBAI

Very important holidays in the Islamic calendar are Al Isr'a Wal Mairaj, Muhammad's Ascension, and Maulid Al-Nabi, Muhammad's Birthday, as well as Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha are considered public holidays.

Most holidays do not have a fixed date because they are based on the moon. Therefore, only approximate information can usually be given. When you hear gunshots you know a holiday has started because they are given out as a sign of it.

The most important and holiest festival in Islam and thus also in Dubai is Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. The festival lasts two to three days and is celebrated with fireworks, events and concerts across the emirate. In Germany, the holiday takes place between January and February.

Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated for four to seven days and usually takes place in November.

Other festivals and holidays are Muslim New Year (February - March), Ashura (February - March), Ramadan (October), New Year's Day (January 1), National Day (December 2) and Christmas Day (December 25).

FOOD IN DUBAI

In Dubai you will only find a few restaurants with Arabic cuisine. Due to the Muslim faith, pork is never on the menu, but there is a lot of lamb, seafood, chicken and beef. It is traditionally seasoned with cinnamon, saffron and lime aroma.

Dates, almonds, pine nuts, pistachios and raisins are typical as a meat filling or side dish. Traditional appetizers include hummus (chickpea paste), warra einab (grape leaves stuffed with rice), sambousa (meat dumplings), and labuah (cream cheese dip).

Main courses include gambari (shrimp), kabouli (rice dish with raisins and meat) and ouzi (roasted lamb on a skewer). Mehabaiya (pudding), aish asaya (cheesecake), baklawa (sweet pastry) and halwa (soft dessert) are served as desserts.

By the way, you eat with your right hand and without cutlery, which is typical for Arabic.

Our Dubai travel guide recommendation: The Al Fanar restaurant. There are many traditional Arabic dishes here. For example, a delicacy is shark. Looks like tuna and is refined with many spices. But there are also great vegetarian dishes. The best thing to do is try the map up and down. The dishes are all delicious!

SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES

As already mentioned, there are numerous shopping opportunities in Dubai in the form of boutiques, but especially shopping malls - i.e. large shopping centers. There are many small jewelry dealers for buying gold.

ELECTRICITY, WLAN & TELEPHONE AVAILABILITY

Type C, D and G sockets are used in Dubai. We therefore recommend a socket adapter in our Dubai travel guide.

Even in the desert there is no problem in terms of telephone accessibility and power supply. A common phone provider in Dubai is Etisalat. You can get prepaid cards directly at the airport and you can top up your credit in supermarkets or petrol stations.

In hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and other public facilities, there is usually free or inexpensive WLAN for wireless Internet access.

DUBAI PACK LIST OF THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT FORGET

Light, but not too form-fitting or revealing clothing (even if it is now seen not quite as tight)

Medication

Travel Guide Dubai

Valid passport

Hygiene products

All important papers and documents as well as emergency telephone numbers