Dubai is considered the jewel of the United Arab Emirates and one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Over the past five decades, this emirate has transformed from a city with a simple commercial economy into one of the region’s leading investment hubs.
Dubai stands as a model for overcoming the impossible, showcasing how far one can go with vision, planning, resources, determination, and perseverance. This has led the city to break records in various fields and facilities. Dubai is home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, the largest shopping malls, and the biggest entertainment cities.
The Best Time to Visit Dubai
The best time to visit Dubai depends on the type of activities you wish to engage in during your stay. Generally, if you enjoy strolling and exploring the desert and sand dunes, the best time for you would be during the winter season. Dubai’s winter is mild and pleasant, requiring only a light jacket for cooler moments.
However, you might prefer participating in festivals and events held during the summer, or enjoying relaxing in luxury hotels, visiting spas, natural therapy centers, and indoor pools, or spending time in large, air-conditioned malls. In that case, the rest of the year, including summer, would be suitable for you.
Remember, Dubai is well-prepared to ensure you feel relaxed, comfortable, and happy, regardless of the time of year. Despite the hot desert summer, you won’t feel the heat due to the effective cooling systems in every facility or location you visit.
Visa and Visit Requirements
Citizens of GCC countries do not need a visa to visit the UAE; they only need to present a passport issued by one of the GCC countries or a national ID card upon arrival at any entry point.
There are also other countries whose citizens do not require a pre-issued visa to enter the UAE; they can obtain a 30-day entry visa upon arrival with a 10-day extension period.
For citizens of other countries not included in the aforementioned categories, a visa must be obtained before traveling to Dubai or any other area in the UAE.
For detailed visa requirements and to check if you need a pre-issued visa, you can visit the official UAE websites that provide comprehensive and sufficient information on this matter.
Booking flights and accommodations
It is advisable to book early to avoid high prices due to increased demand for tickets and reservations. Checking for offers is also recommended to find suitable prices. Almatar provides various offers throughout the year, especially for travel to destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Cairo, among others.
For frequent travelers to Dubai and other destinations, it’s important to consider Almatar’s loyalty program, which allows you to accumulate points over time for fantastic deals on flights and hotels.
Don’t forget the hotel discounts available for bookings at one of Dubai’s fabulous hotels. Discounts can reach up to 30% if you are a “Jawwak” customer from Almatar. Additionally, you can secure hotel bookings and pay in installments, all through Almatar.
Available transportation within Dubai
Dubai offers tourists and residents various advanced, safe, and diverse public transportation options. You can choose the mode of transport that suits you, such as taxis, rental cars, buses, or water taxis. Dubai also has a sophisticated metro system connecting different parts of the city, which is air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi. For more details on transportation options in Dubai, refer to our dedicated article.
Tourist attractions in Dubai
No other city in the region boasts as many impressive tourist attractions as Dubai. These attractions range from entertainment and education to cultural and religious sites. Due to the abundance of attractions, it’s essential to research and plan your visits ahead of time. Note that some places require early ticket reservations. Most of these attractions have websites where you can book tickets and check the visiting rules and regulations.
Shopping in Dubai
Dubai is a prime destination for those who love shopping and exploring malls and fashion stores. It is home to the largest and most luxurious malls in the UAE and the region, many of which require multiple visits to fully explore the hundreds of shops within them. These malls also host numerous restaurants, cafés, cinemas, theaters, and various entertainment venues.
Dubai also hosts an annual shopping festival, offering fantastic deals and various citywide celebrations during this event. Plan your trip to coincide with the shopping festival to enjoy the best shopping experience that caters to all your desires.
Restaurants and cafés in Dubai
Dubai boasts hundreds of restaurants and cafés throughout the city, offering dishes from various international cuisines. Many of these dining establishments are located in Dubai’s malls, entertainment cities, luxury hotels, or nearby.
Dining in Dubai’s restaurants and cafés is a delightful experience. For instance, dining on one of the high floors of the Burj Khalifa with the entire city spread out below you is truly a remarkable experience. The same applies to dining by Dubai’s enchanting beaches or enjoying your favorite drink at sunset during a desert camping trip where the sand dunes reflect the sun’s red rays as it sets behind the horizon.
General Tips for Travelers to Dubai
There are general tips you should consider as a tourist when visiting Dubai, summarized under the following headings:
– Respect local customs and traditions
Dubai is an Arab and Islamic city located on the Arabian Peninsula, known for its customs, traditions, and history. It’s essential to respect the local community and their customs. In return, you will be met with kindness, hospitality, and courteousness.
– Dress and appearance
It’s crucial to dress modestly in public places such as markets, streets, stores, and various facilities. This is especially important when visiting religious and historical sites that hold particular significance for Muslims.
– Safety and health
Dubai is a very safe city, adhering to strict laws to maintain the safety, security, and health of its residents and visitors. It’s important to follow the laws and not violate them out of respect for the city that welcomed you and to avoid legal consequences.
Utilize technology and useful apps
Dubai is a smart city that utilizes technology in many of its services and facilities. Familiarize yourself with these smart services to make your stay easier. Many services in Dubai are linked to smartphone apps, allowing you to access services quickly and efficiently.
Dubai welcomes visitors year-round with warmth and hospitality, offering them the best services and facilities. The most important thing for visitors is to know why they are visiting, what destinations they wish to explore, and then plan to spend the best vacation possible.