Traveling to Dubai for first time? You’ll be seeking answers for many questions with regards to travel documents, accommodation, transfers, guided tours etc. That’s why we’ve laid out this Dubai travel guide which covers almost all topics including COVID-19 guidelines. So just read on; we’re sure that this would well arm for your upcoming holiday.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL DUBAI

Dubai is the second largest but the most popular city of the UAE (United Arab Emirates). Due to its location along the Persian Gulf shoreline, Dubai has a humid desert climate with average temperatures ranging from 20 degree Celsius in winter to 30 degree Celsius during summer months.

  • Dubai’s peak season is from November to March. As weather is pleasant during this time, it’s also the perfect time to take part in many exciting events and attractions such as DSF (Dubai Shopping Festival), Dubai Miracle Garden, and vibrant Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
  • The hottest months are July and August, but are still a great time to visit if you’re willing to part with outdoor experiences. Exceptionally low hotel plus airline tickets, unbelievable shopping deals, discounted tours, and fewer crowds are all the added perks of your summer trip.

PACKING MUST-HAVES

  • Dubai is a part of the Islamic country; so bring modest clothes that cover your arms, shoulders and legs.
  • The city is sunny year-round means you should surely carry sunscreen lotion, sunglasses and hats for your anytime visit to Dubai.
  • Another must-have is a light weight jacket or a shawl which is particularly beneficial when you visit heavily air-conditioned attractions and religious places of interest.
  • Pack all important medication which you regularly take.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW – TRAVEL TIPS & RULES TO FOLLOW

  • No matter when you’re looking to visit Dubai, pre-book your accommodation, flight tickets, entry tickets to theme parks etc well in advance. This allows you to save tonnes on your Dubai budget.
  • When it comes to accommodation, try to pick one that is centrally located and offers convenient accessibility to all attractions and activities covered in your Dubai travel program.
  • If you’re visiting Dubai during Ramadan, don’t eat or drink in public.
  • Be prepared to pay fine if you’re found smoking in public and driving under alcohol influence.
  • Don’t hesitate to take permission before capturing images of Emiratis (mainly women) as well as important government structures.

DUBAI TRAVEL PREREQUISITES AMID PANDEMIC

Dubai Visa: Along with a valid passport and airline tickets, you’ll need a Dubai visa for your entry. Make sure that you apply it through an experienced visa company and get it approved in time, well before your travel date. But, this is not applicable if you’re qualified for a visa-on-arrival or visa free entry.

Ok to Board: This verification procedure is particularly mandatory for those visiting to Dubai from the Asian subcontinent. It’s done by your airline service provider just to ensure the legitimacy of your travel documents such as passport, Dubai visa etc.

COVID-19 Guidelines: Yes, if you’re planning to travel Dubai in coming days, make sure that you follow these set of rules too.

  • Enter all your details in COVID-19 DXB app and this should be done before your travel.
  • Fill out and sign a Health Declaration Form which states that you’ll bear expenses of quarantine and other COVID-19 expenses.
  • Carry an international travel insurance that offers coverage for COVID-19 treatment.
  • Once you land at the airport, submit your PCR report that has been taken within 96 hours of your Dubai travel.
  • If you don’t have this test report, you’ll be asked to take this in the airport.
  • You’ll have to self-isolate for 14 days if the test result is positive or in case you show any symptom.
  • Alternatively, if you get a clean-shit, you can step out but be sure to adhere to all rules and regulations including wearing masks all times in public plus maintaining social distance, among others.

GETTING AROUND DUBAI

There are flexible and convenient private transfers available. You can even opt to drive your own; however, it’s a must to have an international driving license in this case. Apart from these, the most economical and efficient way to get around the city is via public transport managed by Dubai Government’s RTA (Road and Transport Authority.) Make the most of its vast network of public buses, ferries, and of course the swiftest of its kind Dubai Metro that operates on two lines (red and green.)  With a single smart NOL card, you can make payment for all public transport including cabs.

Top Things to See and Do in Dubai

  • Burj Khalifa: This is one of Dubai’s most prized landmarks. It majestically sits on Downtown Dubai and is easily identifiable for its piercing height that goes up to 828 meters, making it the world’ tallest building. You can even choose to enter this majestic structure by ascending to its observation decks on 124th and 148th levels on a super-swift elevator ride.
  • The Dubai Mall: Combine your Burj Khalifa visit with a trip to the Dubai Mall. It’s one of the world’s biggest malls which houses over 1200 outlets. It’s certain that shopping enthusiast will find merchandise from almost all their favorite brands. But what if shopping doesn’t interest you? It’s still worth visiting for its mélange of edutainment, kid-special and absolute leisure attractions. Check out the largest of its kind Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, take your little ones to KidZania Dubai, spend some quality time within Dubai Ice Rink, and experience the finest gaming attractions at VR Park Dubai.
  • Dubai Fountain Show: Before you leave Downtown Dubai, watch this fountain show wherein water artistically sways in tune to classic song or music in the background. It’s truly a captivating sight and watching this stunning spectacle of light and water is absolutely free.
  • Burj Al Arab: This beautiful sail-shaped hotel is set on its own private island and is one Dubai’s most iconic sights. This is an important photo stop in most sightseeing tours, but you can visit here even if you don’t have plans to stay here. Simply reserve a table at one of its dining venues and this gives you a glimpse of its regal interiors which well lives up to its reputation as the world’s only seven-star hotel.
  • Palm Jumeirah: There is no man-made island in the world that is as vast, gorgeous and distinct as Palm Jumeirah. With its unique design that resembles as a giant palm tree topped off by a crescent, it’s a must-experience on your debut Dubai trip. Board a monorail or take a guided tour to get introduced to the marvelous sights such as Boardwalk, Atlantis, The Palm Resort, and Lost Chambers Aquarium. But, the only way to see its palm trees shape is via an aerial activity, preferably on a helicopter ride or with a sky diving adventure.
  • Desert Safari: No Dubai trip is complete without taking a desert safari. Al though you can choose to discover Dubai’s desert on your own, it’s always recommended to go on a guided desert safari. Choose a morning safari or more ideally opt for an evening or overnight safari. This allows you to admire the unspoiled desert scenery with a 4X4 dune bash, be part of many cultural experiences (such as camel ride, Shisha smoking, henna tattooing etc), sample a lavish BBQ dining, enjoy traditional shows, and even camp under the desert stars.
  • Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: Dubai is astonishing for its uber stylish cityscape and unequaled architectural marvels. But if you crave for an off-the-beaten-path delight, head over to Al Fahidi or Al Bastakiya which is an age-old quarter that has been reinstated into its ancient splendor. Stroll past its narrow labyrinths, discover its many ancient structures that have been turned to museum or galleries, and enjoy an aromatic cup of coffee at one of its art cafes.
  • Shopping: Even if you’re not inclined to shopping or even can’t afford to do, it’s still worth checking out its prime shopping spots which range from over 70 classy malls to the charmingly antiquated traditional bazaars including Gold Souk, Perfume Souk, and Spice Souk.
  • Dhow Cruise: This is a quintessential Dubai experience which you shouldn’t miss during your Dubai holidays. Depending on your chosen cruise route, it sails you down Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina in a traditional wooden Arabian dhow. This not only lets you take in the breathtaking nighttime skyline views from water, but also relish scrumptious food and traditional shows onboard.
  1. Ski Dubai: Dubai is home to some of the world-class theme parks. Now if you’ve to choose only one among the lot (due to time constraints or other reasons), let it be Ski Dubai. This snow-filled theme park is absolutely unique as it gives you the once-in-the-lifetime chance to enjoy all your favorite winter sports in the middle of the desert city. This wondrous attraction is inside Mall of the Emirates.

Conclusion

Dubai is an amazing city full of legendary sights, world-class leisure choices and abundance of cultural attractions. And now as you’ve all resourceful information and tips, just go ahead and skip all pressures of planning and execution of your dream Dubai vacation.