Dashing Dubai! | The City of Gold | Travel Blog, Everything you need to know

First, its breathtaking mega-architecture created islands and mind-blowing shopping. Indeed, Dubai is a travel daydream, a vision of hallucinatory towers, palace hotels, and nuttily bonkers novelties. It comprises the same exotic sea vistas and camel-topped dunes as its neighbours, Oman and Saudi Arabia, but with thrill-a-minute attractions that no other destination in the Middle East can offer.

Explore the city’s glitz and glam before delving into its ancient traditions. So, without a doubt, you will find all of the Dubai Travel tips in the ultimate travel guide below!

Topics We Will Go Through

• Things To Know Before You Get
• Best time to visit
• Things to Do
• What to Eat and Drink, and Where to Find It
• Hotels Close By To Stay In

Things To Know Before You Get

Unlike other places, Dubai is a very safe city, even for solo female travellers, and there is a whole police department dedicated to tourists. Even so, Dubai is a major city, and all travellers should take normal safety precautions.

Dubai is a modern city in many ways, but there are certain rules that everyone—including tourists—should follow. When it comes to dressing, modesty is best, and while you may see people wearing just about everything, it’s a good idea to cover your shoulders and knees to be respectful (think a t-shirt and a midi skirt or jeans for women).

Obviously, certain behaviours that are common in the United States are frowned upon or even illegal in Dubai, like public displays of affection and being drunk in public (you can drink in certain places like licenced hotel bars, restaurants, and clubs).

Above all, crime in Dubai is non-existent. This is a very safe destination in the region and is great for solo travellers. So, if you are worried about the crimes in Dubai, they are basically unheard of.

If you visit Dubai during Ramadan, it is incredibly important to respect the same rules that Muslims follow. This means during Ramadan you cannot eat, drink, or smoke between sunrise and sunset each day.

If your phone dies while you’re shopping, like in the Mall of the Emirates, you can borrow a portable charger for free.

Here are some extra tips that you are going to need to know!

Currency: Their currency is called the “United Arab Emirates dirham.” If you want to learn more about the currency, Click Here to find out more!

Language: Dubai’s official language is Arabic. But that isn’t all; many people speak English, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog (Filipino), Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, and Farsi.

Calling Code: +971

Capital City: Dubai, Dubai Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Best Time To Visit

Dubai’s weather is warm all year. The lowest average temperatures are around 200 °C in January. Though Dubai gets an average of 8 to 10 hours of sunshine a day year-round,

Best Time To Go To Dubai

Any time between November and April is arguably the best time to visit Dubai. A few light rain showers may appear between December and March, but they are never around for long. In November, temperatures begin to cool to around 30 °C after the hot summer. In the summer months, though (between June and August), we have averages of around 300C.

Below are all the months of the year and what their temperatures will be like.

Dubai in January

January is one of the most popular times to visit Dubai. Average temperatures range from 140°C to 230°C, which is when it is the coolest but still comfortably warm by UK standards. Rain is more likely in January, but only in very small amounts; expect short bursts over an average of two days over the month.

Dubai in February

Dubai’s average temperatures in February start to rise to between 170°C and 260°C, with an increased chance of rain, though still only over around four days. Like January, February is a great time to visit Dubai as the evenings are cooler and the heat is manageable for most travellers—the pleasant weather means it’s one of the busiest months to go too.

Dubai in March

In March, Dubai’s 8 hours of sunshine come with temperatures of around 230 C and increased humidity. It’s a great time to catch the warm weather before the sweltering heat and more intense humidity levels set in.

Dubai in April

April is warm and humid as summer arrives. There are 10 hours of sunshine every day, and average temperatures range between 220 and 340 °C with increased humidity and very little rain expected. Sea temperatures rise to around 250 °C—great for swimming and spending time on the beach.

Dubai in May

Dubai starts to get noticeably hot in May; travellers can see temperatures of up to 370C. Make use of the air conditioning that’s almost everywhere and stick to the shade at midday.

Dubai in June

June is very hot with high humidity levels. Temperatures average around 260°F to 380°F with 11 hours of sunshine a day, while sea temperatures are usually at 300°F. We recommend avoiding the height of summer if you’re not comfortable in high heat.

Dubai in July

July is sort of the same as June. In other words, we recommend avoiding travel in July unless you can stand the extreme heat.

Dubai in August

Dubai’s climate continued with extreme heat and humidity in August. Its average temperatures range from 290°C to 410°C, with sea temperatures hovering around 330°C. We recommend avoiding travelling to Dubai in August unless you can handle the heat or don’t mind keeping cool indoors.

Dubai in September

September is another hot month, with temperatures dropping slightly to averages of 260°F to 390°F. The sea is still a sultry 330°C, and the weather is likely to be too extreme for most travellers. An incredible Instagram-worthy photo can be taken early in the morning from the top of a skyscraper when atmospheric fog occurs in Dubai occasionally toward the end of the month and the end of the year. 

Dubai in October

The weather turns cooler in October as winter approaches, though still with averages of 230° and 350°. The sea temperature is still very warm at 300 °C, with only a slight drop in humidity.

Dubai in November

Dubai gets gradually cooler in November. The days are warm, with highs around 250 and lows around 190, and the sea temperature is a comfortable 270. Visitor numbers start to rise as the weather makes it one of the best times to go to Dubai, just before it gets very busy in December and January.

Dubai in December

One of the most popular times of the year to visit Dubai is December when the weather is pleasantly warm. Nevertheless, with average daily highs of 210°C and lows of about 160°C, we advise bringing a lightweight jacket for excursions into the desert or at night.

(Big thanks to Kuoni.)

Things To See

Visitors are truly in awe of the cosmopolitan city’s futuristic architecture, enduring traditions, and stark desert landscapes. Subsequently listed as one of Lonely Planet’s top ten cities to visit in 2020, this multicultural metropolis is a world leader in innovation and splendour.

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure and Dubai’s most well-known landmark dominates the city skyline. Stretching 828 metres high, this 160-story skyscraper is an unmissable experience. A trip to the world’s highest observation deck on the 124th floor is a superb way to get your bearings. If you fancy a gourmet experience, book afternoon tea at The Lounge, Burj Khalifa, on floors 152, 153, and 154.

The Dubai Fountain

Set in a giant lake at the entrance to the Dubai Mall, this dancing fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, set against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa. Colourful, illuminated jets of water surge up to 150 metres high while gracefully swaying to a range of musical numbers, from classical and world music to traditional Arabic tunes. Visit the floating viewing platform for the best views of this free and awe-inspiring water dance.

Dubai Mall

If a spot of retail therapy is on your Dubai to-do list, then you can’t afford to miss the Dubai Mall. The world’s largest mall (you’ve probably realized by now that Dubai loves superlatives) offers an almost unlimited assortment of 1,200+ shops and 150+ restaurants. Similar in size to a small city, it also houses an ice skating rink, aquarium, indoor theme park, cinema complex, and gaming zone.

Dubai Marina

One of the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods is the world’s largest man-made marina. Glittering skyscrapers line the canal, which extends from Al Sufouh Road to the base of the Palm Jumeirah, while luxury yachts rub shoulders with traditional shows. Browse designer shops, dine al fresco, explore the waterways on a dhow cruise, or get a view from above on the world’s tallest urban zipline or Dubai Skydive.

Atlantis Aquaventure

Dubai’s best waterpark is situated on Palm Jumeirah, a well-known man-made island shaped like a palm tree. Featuring 30 waterslides and attractions, you can ride Aquaconda (the world’s largest tube-water slide), plunge down a near-vertical nine-story drop on Leap of Faith, cruise through a clear tube in a shark aquarium, and ride the wild River Rapids, amongst many other watery adventures.

Things To Eat/Drink & Where To Find It

Dubai’s menus are bold, flavorful, and, above all, memorable. Moreover, with its origins in traditional Arabic cuisine and European favourites, the range of tempting dishes in Dubai is a delicious mix of Lebanese, Iranian, and Indian influences.

And because we know it can be difficult to decide what to eat when presented with so many delicious options, here’s to some of the best food and drink in town.

Let’s get straight to it! You can’t go wrong when ordering these sumptuous dishes.

Machboos

You could say this is the national dish because it’s the traditional cuisine of the country, along with Khuzi. Additionally, Machboos might be found spelt as “Majboos” or “Majbous” on the menu. It is a rice dish served with meat, seafood, or vegetables. It has a distinctly spicy and powerful flavour and is often slow-cooked, making it so tender that it melts in the mouth.

Where to find it

Traditional Machboos can be found at Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe in Dubai Festival City Market.

Harees

A staple during Ramadan, harees are made with wheat and chicken or lamb. It’s then mixed with water and butter before cumin, salt, and onions are added, and the dish is left to soak overnight. Once the water has been drained, harosets have a similar consistency to porridge.

Where to find it

Two of the best places to try this traditional dish are Aseelah, located in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dubai’s Deira Creek, and Al Barza Restaurant and Cafe.

Thareed

Also known as Fareed, this stew is made with meat—usually chicken or lamb—and roughly cut vegetables. Importantly, it is served over thin ragout bread that’s been soaked in lamb soup.

Where to find it

Al Mallas at Jumeirah Beach is one of the best places in the city to sample this hearty and comforting dish.

Drinking Options

Look out for these refreshing beverages on the menu, and be sure to sample a couple during your stay in Dubai.

Jellab 

Where to find it

You can try jellab at any time of the year at restaurants like Al Hallab at the Dubai Mall.

Fresh Juices

Where to find it

You can get to the Kana Cafe, Juice World, Fruit Shop Greams Rd., Bombay Star Juice, and many other shops and places around Dubai.

Arabic coffee

Where to find it

Places to get Arabic coffee are the Arabian Tea House Coffee, La Serre, the Coffee Museum, and many others.

Hotels Nearby to Stay

In Dubai, there are a lot of luxury and five-star hotels around. So, which one should you choose? There are many unique and different hotels in the area, but we believe these four will suit your preferences.

Jumeirah Al Naseem

With five pretty pools and more than a mile of sandy shoreline, this fashionable Arabian Gulf resort within a resort caters to beach lovers and offers access to all the facilities within the Madinat Jumeirah complex, including a spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, a water park, and waterways serviced by abra boat taxis.

Taj Dubai

Bastion of modern luxury, champion of local heritage—Taj Dubai wears both caps comfortably. An antidote to the region’s obsession with beige, the hotel is a carnival of colour, and its varied restaurants are full of personality and happy customers. It may be in the business district, but here it’s all about pleasure.

W Dubai – The Palm Hotel

With a façade illuminated by what looks like giant neon pink glow sticks and a pool deck that would make Ibiza jealous, W Dubai—The Palm is a party palace. Factor in restaurants run by world-famous chefs Massimo Bottura and Akira Back, and you have a recipe for around-the-clock celebrations.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah Hotel

Helicopter tours from the hotel’s helipad and water bed recliners in the spa hint at the opulence of this palatial pile. Views from Palm Jumeirah stretch as far as Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai on a clear day. Soak them up from the seven-mile-long, 20-foot-wide promenade encompassing this tree-shaped island.

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