Dubai, the City of Gold, is the land of unmatched luxury and ultramodern lifestyle. It is also home to remarkable architecture and lavish malls. So, a trip to this luxury wonderland is on everyone’s bucket list. But it is important to stay off the sneaky tourist gimmicks and traps. Hence, Efficient Tourism brings you a how-to guide if you are traveling to Dubai. It is useful for everyone, especially to avoid misleads. This guide will make your holiday in this gorgeous metropolis a wonderful memory.
Dubai Metro
The Metro Link in Dubai is efficient when it comes to traveling around the city. So, you can rely on the metro to commute for all the right reasons.
Fast and runs on time
- Metros are available daily. Each train is available at a gap of 4 to 6 minutes, especially during peak hours.
- The trains are driverless and run on automated systems. Hence, less chances of delays.
- You can visit anywhere, like Downtown, Business Bay, Marina, or Creek via metros.
Affordable transportation system
- Metro fare is easy on the pocket compared to private cabs or shared taxis.
- Besides, NOL cards are also available. You can get them to access metros, buses, trams, or water taxis.
Clean and air-conditioned
- The Dubai Metro is always clean. Besides, there is a 24-hour security and surveillance facility on each train.
- Besides, the trains are air-conditioned. So, it is definitely great to escape the Dubai heat when traveling in metros.
Hop On/Hop Off Buses
Hop-on, hop-off buses are convenient transportation options in Dubai. You can take advantage of it to explore the city’s top attractions. One of them is Big Bus Tours.
Big Bus Tour
Dubai’s Big Bus Tour is an excellent way of commuting in the city. It takes you through the famous attractions of the city. The hop-on, hop-off experience is great if you don’t want the hassle of switching transport.
- Get down at your favorite spots in the city.
- Audio guides are available in various languages for the guests to understand.
- A few tickets include dhow cruise rides.
- A budget-friendly way to explore Dubai in the comfort of air-conditioned settings.
RTA Bus
RTA buses are available and is an extensive public bus network. These are convenient and quite affordable to navigate within the city.
- Approximately 1518 buses are operating in 35 different routes. Furthermore, the network covers approximately 82% of Dubai’s urban region.
- You can get NOL cards or pay the fare as per the zone you want to travel.
Taxis
Taxi services are a great option for commuting within Dubai. You can book a taxi as per your schedule or preference. Dubai taxis offer door-to-door traveling with air-conditioned interiors. Besides, these are safe and fairly priced due to RTA regulation. Moreover, you will get them 24×7.
Private Luxury Cars
Car rentals are common in Dubai for enjoying holidays. However, you can get them for commuting as well. The best part is that you can choose your favorite luxury car model. Alternatively, limousine rides are great, too. You can rent them to attend events or go sightseeing.
Boat & Abras
Abras are great for commuting, but it’s more than that. Here is why:
- Abras ooze a subtle traditional charm with its wooden setting. These wooden boats were used earlier for transportation.
- Besides, it is also a great way to enjoy sightseeing. An abra ride through Creek will let you marvel at the captivating sights of Deira, Bur Dubai, souks, and more.
- They are pretty affordable and efficient. Hence, the rides are time savers.
- A great tourist activity in the city.
Best Time to Visit
Winter in Dubai begins in November and ends in March. Here is a detailed guide on the best time to visit Dubai for an unforgettable holiday.
Peak Season
The peak season in the city is from November to March. This is the time to enjoy outdoor activities, sightseeing, and desert safaris. Pleasant weather prevails, with temperatures between 20-30 degrees. November to March is the tourist season in Dubai.
Off Season
The off-season in Dubai is from April to September. The weather remains extremely hot, and the temperature rises to 40 degrees. Dubai’s off-season is perfect for exploring indoor activities. Besides, it is the best season for budget travelers. Hotels and flights slash their prices, which is a plus.
Do you need a Visa?
A Dubai visa is mandatory when traveling to the Emirates. So, here is everything you need to know about the visa rules and regulations for different countries.
- USA- US citizens can fly to Dubai without a pre-approved Dubai visa. Instead, they will get a visa on arrival for 30 days.
- UK- Travelers from the United Kingdom will also get a visa on arrival for 30 days in the United Arab Emirates.
- India- Indian citizens must get a 30-day pre-approved visa when visiting Dubai. You can apply for it via a trustworthy travel agency and get it approved within three to five days.
- South Africa- South African citizens must apply for a pre-approved Dubai visa. But a visa on arrival is not available for South African citizens.
- Singapore- Pre-approved visa is not applicable for Singapore citizens. They can get a visa on arrival.
- Japan- Japanese citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival in Dubai.
- Oman- Oman is a GCC country. So, Omani citizens don’t need a visa to enter Dubai or other UAE cities.
What to Wear in Dubai?
The dress code in the city depends on when you are visiting. But the hack is to balance comfort and modesty. So, you must opt for modest and elegant clothes.
For Women- Opt for t-shirts or full-length tops. Cover your shoulders, especially when visiting religious places. For bottoms, go for midi skirts, loose pants, or maxi dresses. Also, pack modest swimsuits for beach or waterpark visits.
For Men- Men can go for simple and comfortable clothes. You can pack t-shirts with shorts, but make sure that your shorts are not too short. Apart from that, trousers or joggers are also a great option.
Things Not to do in Dubai
Dubai is modern and welcomes travelers with wide-open arms and warm Arabian hospitality. However, the locals here still maintain traditional Islamic values. So, here are a few things that you must avoid in Dubai.
- Avoid making public displays of affection like hugging or being affectionate.
- Using rude words or getting into arguments must be avoided at any cost.
- Drinking is legal in licensed hotels or bars only. However, avoid drinking in public.
- Do not talk negatively about the UAE government. The defamation law in the country is strict.
- Photography in Dubai is okay. But don’t take photos of women, locals, tourists, or the army personnel without permission.
- Smoking, vaping, and drugs are banned in public places. However, you can smoke in the designated areas.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan.
Final Words
That’s everything about the Dubai travel guide. Following these simple steps and tips will definitely make your traveling in Dubai worthwhile. So, book your Dubai holiday package from Dubai’s best travel agency. Pack your bags and escape for an exciting holiday in the Gulf!
