What First-Time Visitors Always Get Wrong About Dubai

Some people who plan to visit Dubai for the first time may think it’s a place filled with luxury brands and supercars. However, when preparing for your UAE vacation, we recommend exploring its other side. The UAE is more than just luxurious apartments and wealth.

Many first-time travelers to Dubai may be confused. After all, the city isn’t just a luxurious destination but also a society with its own down-to-earth traditions and charm. To avoid creating false expectations for your trip, we’ve prepared a list of top opinions that may be wrong.

Dubai Is Only About Luxury – Actually, No, It Has Layers

All tourists know that Dubai is filled with luxurious restaurants, shopping malls with the world’s best boutiques, and luxury on every corner. However, this is far from all this wonderful desert oasis has to offer.

Want to learn the true history and life in Dubai? Then you should venture off the beaten path. This way, you’ll learn more about the authentic local culture, sample delicious street food, and visit the historic quarters. We recommend enjoying the stunning natural landscapes to get a complete picture of what Dubai really is.

Below, we gathered you some fantastic options that will delight you with more than just the glitz and glitter of gold. These ideas allow you to get a deeper understanding of the local people, their values, and a way of life. So, explore these TOP places that all advanced travellers recommend:

• Historic districts. Enjoy and explore the older Al Fahidi district. There are traditional buildings built from coral blocks here. See the badgira towers to understand how Dubai looked before it became a rich area. 
• Go to the markets. Every Arab country has them, and tourists know how cool and unusual it is to spend time in the souks. In Dubai, be sure to visit the gold and textile markets, and buy amazing spices at Deird. Remember that bargaining is appropriate here, even though you’re in one of the world’s wealthiest cities.
• Affordable and delicious cuisine. Once you’re in areas like Deira and Karama, you’ll understand what we mean. There are dishes and restaurants for every taste and mood: Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, and Iranian.
• Free beaches. We were especially interested in Kite Beach and Jumeirah Public Beach. Local families, often with children, have a rest here. It’s just as safe as the hotel beaches.

Conclusion: In Dubai, you can see the wealth of civilization at its finest. But wealthy people are people too. They live with their own traditions and way of life, haggle at the market, and visit non-touristy beaches. When traveling anywhere, try to discover non-touristy areas of the city. Dubai is very safe, and you can explore it with confidence.

Misunderstanding Local Culture

When reading articles about Arab countries, you’ve probably noticed that you’ll be expected to follow the rules. However, some travelers believe that even the slightest deviation from the regulations in Dubai can lead to unpleasant consequences.

We’re here to disabuse you of this notion. Dubai is perhaps the most open-minded Muslim city. They honor their traditions while trying to keep up with the times. Of course, you’ll need to consider a few things, such as avoiding very short skirts. However, there’s no need to be overly concerned about the consequences.

We’ve compiled a few rules you should know:

• Consider your wardrobe. When visiting tourist areas and hotel beaches, you can wear typical Western clothing. However, in malls, mosques, or government buildings, you should wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. The longer, the better. 
• Be mindful of your behavior in public. Explicit and emotional gestures and displays of affection are considered bad manners. Simply be respectful of each other, and you will avoid misunderstandings.
• Respect local traditions. For example, during Ramadan, you should only visit restaurants indoors, not outdoors. It is a time of fasting, and locals do not eat during the day.

Conclusion: Not everything is as clear-cut as you might think. Of course, you are expected to respect certain traditions and ways of life. However, compared to other Arab countries, Dubai is considered the most comfortable for expats. That’s why some expats live here for years.

Underestimating the Heat and Outdoor Conditions

If you’re planning a summer trip, we recommend preparing for the climate. It’s well known that even in winter it can be warm, let alone in summer.

During the hot season, temperatures consistently hover around 40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, plan engaging activities in the morning or evening.

Here are a couple more tips we’ve put together for you to ensure a fantastic vacation, no matter the season:

• Plan walks or activities for early morning.
• Drink plenty of water, as the dry climate can be deceptive.
• Apply sunscreen regularly, especially near water.
• Choose lightweight clothing, preferably made from natural fibers.

Tip: If you’re visiting Dubai during the peak summer heat and want to spend your time productively, visit places with air conditioning. For example, you can see a shopping mall or a famous ski run even during the day. It’s not too hot indoors so that you can have a great time even during the day.

Assuming Dubai Is Difficult to Navigate Without a Car

Among the many advertising services, we often see car or driver rentals. It seems impossible to get around the city without a car. However, after researching the transportation options, we came to a completely different conclusion. The city offers a range of options for comfortable travel: the metro, buses, trams, and taxis. Moreover, the standard of transportation is much higher than you might think.

A few facts about city transportation:

• The metro is considered one of the cleanest in the world. Its line even covers the airport and key attractions.
• The tram is useful, as it takes you around the Marina and to Palm Jumeirah.
• Taxis are more affordable than you think. For travelers, this is a great transportation option and is incredibly popular.

Important to know: there are also convenient walking routes. You’ll find them in areas such as Dubai Marina, Downtown, and JBR. Urban transportation is very popular and a must-see for many visitors, as it’s well-designed.

Thinking Dubai Is Just a Stopover Instead of a Full Destination

Many people use Dubai as a stopover. However, we’re absolutely convinced you could stay here for one or even two weeks. You’ll find plenty to do.

Departing from the traditional places to visit, we’ve compiled the best options for spending your time:

• Desert safaris. See stunning and authentic Bedouin camps and arrange a luxurious dinner under the stars.
• Examples of modern architecture. Everyone’s probably heard of the towering Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future, Ain Dubai, and the Palm Islands. However, seeing is better than hearing.
• Cultural districts. We recommend strolling along Alserkal Avenue, seeing traditional old Dubai, and visiting at least a couple of the dozen museums here.
• Beaches and watersports. You can indulge in a variety of activities, such as kayaking and surfing. Ride jet skis, of which there are plenty.
• Culinary experiences for every level. You’ll find all the world’s most popular cuisines. Prices vary – for a couple of dirhams, you can get delicious street food or visit a Michelin restaurant.

Conclusion

Beyond shopping malls and stores, you’ll find many wonderful things to see – markets, the old city, a trip to the desert, and much more. Get ready to see a Dubai that not every traveler plans to explore. Write down your top places to visit and embark on a fascinating Arabian journey.