Everything you need to know before your first trip to Dubai — from specialists who know it well.
Dubai is one of the world's most visited destinations and one of the most misunderstood. Many first-time visitors arrive expecting either a hyper-conservative Islamic city or a soulless resort strip — and find something more nuanced, more interesting and significantly more enjoyable than either expectation suggested.
Dubai has distinct zones, each with a different character. Downtown/Business Bay is central, close to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and suits those who want to be in the heart of the city. Dubai Marina and JBR offer beach access, a waterfront promenade and a younger, more international atmosphere. Palm Jumeirah is the premium resort zone — Atlantis, One&Only, Waldorf Astoria — offering the most spectacular properties but requiring a taxi or metro to reach the rest of the city.
The Burj Khalifa observation deck is non-negotiable on a first visit. The Dubai Museum in the old Al Fahidi district is excellent and provides cultural context. Deira's gold and spice souks are extraordinary. A desert safari is essential. The Dubai Frame offers great views and an interesting architectural experience. For shopping, the Dubai Mall is a spectacle beyond retail — its indoor ski slope, aquarium and ice rink are genuine attractions.
Dubai is significantly more liberal than most people expect from an Islamic emirate. Bikinis are fine at the beach and pool. Bars and clubs serve alcohol. However: shoulders and knees should be covered in the souks, the old city and the gold market. Swimwear is not appropriate away from the beach. Physical affection in public (kissing, cuddling) should be modest. Ramadan requires particular sensitivity around eating and drinking in public during daylight hours.
Dubai's metro is clean, air-conditioned, cheap and covers the main tourist corridor from the airport through Downtown, Business Bay and Dubai Marina. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive by European and US standards. Uber and Careem operate normally. Renting a car is straightforward but driving in Dubai can be aggressive and parking in popular areas is difficult.
Yes — alcohol is served in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars. Supermarkets and most public places do not sell alcohol. The legal drinking age is 21.
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Crime rates are extremely low. Lone female travellers report feeling very safe. The main risk for tourists is traffic.
The UAE Dirham (AED). It is pegged to the US Dollar at approximately AED 3.67 per USD. Currency exchange is widely available and rates are generally competitive.