Travel to Dubai:
Visiting Tips and Tourist Etiquette
Driving Issues - It is compulsory for both front seat drivers to wear seat belts and a child under the age of 10 cannot sit in the front passenger seat. It is also not permitted to drive a car while talking on a mobile phone and any driver caught driving through a red light will spend a month in jail.
Petrol Station - In Dubai, you sit in your car, a petrol attendant fills up the vehicle, washes your windows and you pay him for the gas. Similarly, car wash services are available only at gas stations or specialised car washing companies.
Stopped by Dubai Police - If you are pulled over by the police, you need to get out of your car and speak to them. It is the opposite from that which happens elsewhere.
Drinking Water - Tap water in the newly built areas of Dubai is seen as safe for drinking. However most people keep bottled water in their fridges or order bottled water when eating.
Drinking Alcohol - Most of the Emirates permit the buying and drinking of alcohol and their consumption within private premises. Anyone found drinking in public or drink driving will either be fined or put in jail. Drinking in Dubai hotels and resorts isn’t an issue as they have the relevant licenses.
Public Affection - It is not permitted for individuals to kiss publicly or to bathe nude on beaches.
Dress Sense - This was a point of concern for me as I wanted to make sure I didn’t over react to any concerns and end up walking around in a 3 piece suit every day! On the resort, it’s business as usual with Bermuda shorts, t-shirt and flip flops and for outside the resort, I opted for t-shirt, cargo pants and trainers and found no issues. Basically, dress casual with an eye on modesty!
Drugs - As for most countries in the civilised world, narcotics drugs are illegal and they must not be brought into the country, sold, used or grown in residence. For those visitors on prescription medicines that we take for granted in the UK and US, it is perhaps advisable to obtain official details in writing from the Dubai embassy before you travel.
Eating in Ramadan - During the month of Ramadan, people can’t eat, drink or smoke in public during the time of fasting (Sunrise to Sunset). People found doing so may either be jailed for a maximum of one month or fined.
Miscellaneous
Vaccinations Required - Travelling to Dubai might require you to get vaccinated, depending on how long you plan to stay there. We didn’t even think about getting vaccinated and went without, although research on web sites suggests that you should at least consider a ‘Hepatitis-A’ vaccination before you go. Consult your doctor.
Television and Internet - Dubai TV, Satellite television and internet is available throughout Dubai.
Streets and Directions - The road and street system in Dubai is the most advanced in the UAE, having given way to the old, outdated and unreliable systems inherited from pre-independence that other states in the UAE still use.
Transportation - While the most popular means of transport in the UAE is the car, the current bus network and soon to be operational local train service in Dubai is the best public transport system in the UAE region. Biking is rarely seen as riding on sidewalks is not allowed and the streets don’t have sufficient room to allow for safe riding.
Money - The currency in Dubai is the ‘Dirham’ (Dh or AED as it’s sometimes known). If you plan to spend some hard cash, I’d advise to get it exchanged in Dubai (e.g. at your hotel or at a mall) where you’ll likely get more for your money.
Gambling - It's officially illegal!
Be sure to double check concerns and requirements with your holiday representative. The simple and hardfast rule for the visitor is that which applies for any country in the world - respect its laws and customs and you will not go far wrong.
