things to know before travelling to dubai
04-Jul-2024 0 0
Ridhi
Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it is home to a variety of world records, including the world's tallest building and the world's busiest international airport. Despite its many accolades, there are multiple Things to Know Before Travelling to Dubai.
Before you go to Dubai, there are a few things you should remember:
1. You don't have to be a multimillionaire to succeed.
Despite its reputation as one of the world's most valuable cities, Dubai can be enjoyed on a budget. Millennial-friendly mid-market hotel chains such as Rove and Hilton Garden Inn are increasing as the city prepares to host Expo 2020. By global standards, metered taxis are inexpensive, and you can ride the metro for as little as Dh3. Cheap eats abound in the region, particularly around Al Muraqqabat Rd and Al Rigga Rd in Deira. Visitors now receive free Sim cards upon arrival at Dubai Visit Visa International Airport, allowing them to stop any roaming charges.
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2. There is a tradition here.
Dubai is more than just shopping and skyscrapers, contrary to common belief. If you look beyond the bling, you'll find a thriving cultural heritage that combines Bedouin, Arab, as well as Islamic practices. Visit the Etihad Museum and the Dubai Museum for a short history lesson before heading to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Awareness for a no-holds-barred Q&A session on Emirati culture. Meanwhile, visit Alserkal Avenue to see the emerging contemporary art scene and see a show at the ship-shaped Dubai Opera.
3. Dubai is not a desert.
You don't think you'll be able to get a drink? Licensed bars and pubs, most of which are adjacent to hotels, sell alcohol (although exceptions include some high-end eateries in Dubai International Financial Centre and City Walk). The legal drinking age is 21, so bring your photo ID. Ladies' night, held on Tuesdays, allows women to enjoy free drinks and all-you-can-eat buffets. Brunch on Fridays is a Dubai tradition. Visitors to Dubai will now receive a liquor license to purchase alcohol.
4. Dubai is a must-visit destination for foodies
Dining out in Dubai never has tasted so sweet, with Michelin rumored to be releasing a guide to the city shortly. Because of Dubai's diverse population, you can eat anything from cheap ethnic food and traditional Emirati cuisine to French fine dining including molecular gastronomy. Sum of Us and Salt, two hip local eateries, are leading the charge away from foreign chains, while Frying Pan Adventures provides fantastic foodie tours of old Dubai. In 2020, Dubai will also get a Time Out food market, where visitors will be able to try the best of the city's offerings in one location, as well as the world's first MasterChef restaurant.
READ ALSO: PROCESS OF APPLYING DUBAI VISITOR VISA FOR FIJI NATIONALS
5. Leave the burkini at home.
Expats account for nearly 85% of the community in Dubai, making it a cosmopolitan city. There was no need to cover your hair, and shorts and t-shirts are appropriate in many areas. At the beach or by the pool, you can wear a bikini. It's also a glamorous neighborhood, so dress up for brunch and clubbing. Dress modestly in malls, mosques, and souqs to honor the local Islamic community, which means covering the shoulders and knees.
6. Dubai is a very forward-thinking city.
Forget about Dubai being solely fueled by oil; the city has effectively diversified its infrastructure to become a vibrant hub for transportation, commerce, finance, and tourism. In addition, the government is collaborating with high-tech firms on the creation of self-driving vehicles, flying drone taxis, and 3D organ printing. Hyperloop One, which is building a supersonic transportation system that could connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 12 minutes, is one of the most exciting collaborations.
7. Friday and Saturday make up the weekend.
Friday is a day off for most people, as Muslims meet for congregational prayers. On Fridays, Dubai Metro services begin at 10 a.m., and businesses are usually closed a few times in the afternoon, but many are now open all day. The busiest nights of the week for partying are Thursdays and Fridays, while malls are filled with shoppers until midnight.
8. Dubai needs to compete with Orlando.
With four major theme parks opening in Dubai in 2016, Florida's theme-park capital faces a new challenger. The world's largest indoor theme park, IMG Worlds of Adventure, has designated Marvel and Cartoon Network areas, as well as the Hollywood-inspired Motiongate, which has rides focused on blockbusters like Madagascar and Ghostbusters. With the completion of a massive new tower and 12 new slides, Dubai's first water park will soon become the world's largest.
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9. Dubai is most likely better than your hometown.
Despite regional instability, the World Economic Forum ranks the UAE as the second stable country in the world. In comparison to other major cities around the world, Dubai is extremely secured, and street crime is uncommon. It is safe to take taxis late at night, and most areas allow solo walking. Reckless driving and crossing the street pose the greatest risks, with many motorists failing to notice pedestrian crossings.
10. In town, there's (almost) a new super-tall tower.
Dubai is a superlative-loving city. The emirate is constructing another massive skyscraper after completing the world's tallest tower, the 828-meter Burj Khalifa. The Tower, which will be completed in 2020 and stand 928 meters tall, will be located at Dubai Creek Harbour and will feature a 360-degree observation deck, as well as a hotel, restaurants, and vertical gardens. However, it will face competition for the title of "world’s tallest" from Saudi Arabia's kilometer-high Jeddah Tower, which is due to open in 2020.
Even with some of the strict rules, you can Apply Dubai Visitor Visa if you have the opportunity. It's a one-of-a-kind destination that you can visit on your own, with your significant other, or with your whole family.
