{"id":1923,"date":"2019-06-28T16:21:37","date_gmt":"2019-06-28T08:21:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventurefilledlife.com\/?p=1923"},"modified":"2019-11-29T14:50:02","modified_gmt":"2019-11-29T06:50:02","slug":"dubai-travel-guide-first-time-visitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventurefilledlife.com\/dubai-travel-guide-first-time-visitors\/","title":{"rendered":"DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS TO THE U.A.E."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dubai, a cosmopolitan city of 2.6 million inhabitants, is a sparkling, vibrant, multicultural hub on the Arabian Peninsula. Visitors will fall in love with its revolutionary architecture, lively souqs, water canals and boat rides that encompass the city\u2019s history. Everything about Dubai will make you feel like you are living in a futuristic Arabian fairytale. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visa Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The UAE offers a 90-day visa-free stay to nationals of the EU and GCC member states and a 30-day visa-free stay to nationals of the USA, Australia, Japan, and many more countries. Visit the government\u2019s website<\/a> to learn more about visa requirements before visiting the UAE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best time to visit Dubai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because of the arid desert climate visiting Dubai is most enjoyable during the cooler months. Any time between October and May will provide pleasant temperatures, allowing you to explore Dubai outside of the air-conditioned malls. The malls are nice, but who wants to spend their holidays exclusively indoors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October – November and March – May<\/strong>: Expect summer weather, perfect for relaxing at the beach, boat rides, lovely dinners outside with stunning views and strolls on the beach or the many parks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

December – February<\/strong>: The winter months offer comfortable temperatures with chilly, windy evenings. This is the perfect time to explore the souqs or go kite surfing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

December 2nd<\/strong> is the biggest national holiday with celebrations throughout the month, followed by New Year\u2019s celebrations. Expect big celebrations ranging from the countdown on the beach to fireworks taking off from the world\u2019s tallest building, the only 7-star hotel in the world, or from the \u201cleaves\u201d of the Dubai Palm. These festivities are followed by the Dubai Shopping Festival in January, resulting in even more celebrations, fireworks, and discounts in shops all around the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arriving In Dubai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most international flights land at Dubai International Airport which is conveniently located in the city. However, since the opening of Al Maktoum International Airport in 2013, some airlines have started using this airport. Al Maktoum is 37km away from the city so be sure to double check your flight itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dubai International Airport has a metro station in the airport which will take you to various parts of the city. Currently, the only way to reach Dubai from Al Maktoum is via bus and taxi connections to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dubai Info And Map<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prepare to be enchanted by a charming mix of tradition and futurism in this multicultural city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pricewise, Dubai’s taxis are fairly accessible for tourists to the city. However, there is an unavoidable surcharge which is applied when you take a taxi from the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to use the Dubai Metro, you need to buy an NOL card. The cards are available for purchase at ticket counters and machines located in every metro station. The NOL is a prepaid card that can be used on all public transportation in Dubai. For ticket prices and where you can use the NOL card, visit the Roads & Transport Authority website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UAE is a very international community and even though the official language is Arabic, English is the most spoken language in Dubai. In fact, you will find all signs written in both Arabic and English. It is, however, highly appreciated if you can speak some Arabic words when talking with locals. You can learn some basic Arabic phrases here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important notes<\/strong>: Even though Dubai is quite open, it still situated in a traditional Muslim country. As such travelers should remember to abide by local laws and be respectful toward the local culture at all times. The general dress code, for men and women, is to keep your shoulders and knees covered. At most bars, restaurants, and clubs you will be refused service if you arrive with flip flops or open-toed shoes. However, at the beach and in beach clubs, western swimwear is acceptable. Showing romantic affection in public, especially between unwed couples, is not accepted, and it could get you into trouble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One further point to mention is that alcohol consumption is only “allowed” in international hotels. The good news is that you will find bars, beach clubs, restaurants, and night clubs in these hotels. And international hotels are everywhere in Dubai. If you plan on drinking in Dubai do so in extreme moderation. The government has an “out of sight, out of mind” policy when it comes to alcohol consumption. However, numerous tourists find themselves running afoul of the law despite the relaxed policies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n