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Top 18 Dubai Travel Tips & Hacks | Best Time To Visit, Shopping Hacks, Where to Stay & More!

Widely known as the City of Gold, Dubai is the undisputed land of luxury. Home to ultra-modern architectural wonders, glitzy malls, and beautiful beaches, a trip to Dubai is on every tourist’s list. However, just like any other popular tourist destination, it’s easy to get misled into overspending or fall into sneaky tourist traps if you’re not careful. Here’s a comprehensive guide with the top Dubai travel tips & hacks to ensure you don’t get burned in this glitzy metropolis.

Top 18 Travel Tips & Hacks to Visit Dubai

Visit Dubai in the Winter Months

Best Time to Visit Tip
  • The best time to visit Dubai is between the winter months of November and February when the weather is cooler.
  • Although Dubai is most crowded during these months, you'll be thankful for the largely pleasant weather.
Best Time to Visit Dubai

2. Pack Your Summer Clothes

Etiquette Tip
  • Dubai is a hot, desert climate, so pack light clothes that will keep you cool.
  • Sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and appropriate swimwear is a must.

3. Dress Modestly

Etiquette Tip
  • If you're a female tourist, opt for clothes that do not expose much cleavage and clothes that cover your shoulder and knees.
  • On the other hand, men tourists can wear whatever they want as long as it's classy. 
What to Wear in Dubai?

4. Don’t Forget These Documents

Travel Tip

As a tourist in Dubai, you will need to carry certain documents with you at all times. These include:

  • Your passport, visa (if required), and proof of your return ticket.
  • All tourists heading to Dubai must have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and personal accident claims.

5. How to make Payments in Dubai?

Money Tip
  • Dubai's currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Dubai, it is always a good idea to have cash on hand for smaller purchases.
  • Some useful money apps in Dubai include Google Pay, Emirates Digital Wallet, and Samsung Pay

6. Public Transport is Cheap & Safe

Transport Tip
  • When it comes to getting around Dubai, there are many affordable and efficient options. The Dubai Metro is one such great way to get around the city, and it's also affordable.
  • Taxis are another popular option, and they're relatively inexpensive as well.

7. Avoid Tourist Food Traps

Food Tip
  • Eat Local: Make sure to try some of the local food – it's delicious and cheap! If you're looking for a good restaurant, ask a local for their recommendations – they'll know the best places to eat.
  • Avoid eateries near tourist attractions as they are exuberantly priced.
Where to Eat in Dubai

8. Shopping Tips & Hacks in Dubai

Shopping Tip
  • Many stores accept US dollars among other currencies too. 
  • If you're looking for bargains, then be sure to check out the Souk Al Bahar, which is a market located in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa.
  • Head to the malls on a Friday when most stores offer discounts. Be sure to check out the Dubai Shopping Festival which takes place each year in January and February.
Shopping in Dubai

9. Save Money With These Tips

Budget Tip
  • Your Dubai budget will majorly depend on your accommodation and eating expenses. However, you can plan your daily budget from anywhere between 400 - 750 AED per day.
  • Shop Responsibly: While shopping, avoid purchasing international brands as they tend to be more expensive in Dubai.
  • Drink Water at Hotels: Water is priced on the higher side in Dubai. Drink water for free at hotels as most managements stock up your room for free.

10. Beat The Heat With These Tips

Weather Tip
  • Pack Light: Dubai is a very walkable city, and you'll likely be doing a lot of walking, so there's no need to pack heavy.
  • Drink Fluids: The heat and humidity can quickly dehydrate you, so be sure to drink plenty of water, juice, and other fluids throughout the day.

11. Visit Dubai in Summer for Great Savings

Travel Tip
  • Dubai can be quite hot and humid during the summer months between June-August. This is the low season in Dubai with the fewest tourists.
  • While you can enjoy major savings on accommodation and airfare, be prepared to encounter broiling temperatures.
Dubai in Summer

12. Explore the Best Free Things to do in Dubai

Sightseeing Tip
  • View the Dubai Fountain shows at Dubai Mall.
  • Visit the beaches and take an evening walk by the beautiful Marina Bay.
  • Wander the local souks and explore the streets of Old Dubai.

13. Must-Know Arabic Phrases

Language Tip
  • Naäam - Yes
  • Laa - No
  • min fadlik - Please
  • Shukran - Thank you
Must-Know Arabic Phrases

14. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely

Accommodation Tip
  • Location is Key: Be sure to choose a hotel or apartment that is centrally located, as this will make it easier to get around the city.
  • Consider Your Budget: Dubai is an expensive city, so it is important to be mindful of your spending. Look for Airbnbs as they are the cheapest.
  • Book in Advance: It is important to book your accommodation well in advance to ensure you get the best deal.
Centrally Located Hotels in Dubai

15. Dubai Comes Alive at Night

Leisure Tip
  • Use Public Transit to get around: Most public transport facilities like taxis, buses, and metro are operational at late hours facilitating Dubai’s fervent vibes. 
  • Go on a Dhow Dinner Cruise: There are also romantic dinner cruises on Dubai Creek that shed an intimate light on the City of Gold.
  • Know Before you Drink: Although the minimum age to buy alcohol in bars and clubs is 21 in Dubai, some establishments may refuse entry to anyone under 25 years of age.
Things to do at Night in Dubai

16. Drink Resposibily and Avoid PDA

Etiquette Tip
  • No PDA: Refrain from kissing, hugging, or touching in public places.
  • Say no to Drugs: Dubai has zero tolerance for drugs, and possession of even a small amount of drugs can result in a long prison sentence.
  • Drink responsibly: Dubai takes strict action against public intoxication which can result in fines and even imprisonment.

17. Set Aside an Entire Day For Desert Safari

Sightseeing Tip
  • A desert safari in Dubai is a whole-day experience lasting around 6-7 hours. Try not to make other plans for the day that might tire you.
  • An Evening Desert Safari is a great idea if you want to get some sightseeing done before you head out on your desert expedition.
Dubai Desert Safari

18. It Can Get Chilly After Dark

Weather Tip
  • Remember to wear layers if you plan to explore the city after dark as the temperatures drop significantly.
  • A light jacket or blazer may help you stay warm and look dapper on your Arabian night out.

All Your Questions About Dubai Travel Tips & Hacks Answered

  • The best time to visit Dubai is between the months of November & February.
  • Pack light and try to stick with cotton and linen clothes.
  • Dubai’s public transit network is a cheap and practical way of getting around the city.