Remember Me
forgot your password?

5 Things to Know Before You Holiday in Dubai

Everyone's talking about holidays in Dubai. Luxury beyond luxury, amazing sights and a climate to die for makes it a great choice for all - especially couples and families. But before you jet off into the sun, there are some important things you need to be aware of to make the most of your stay and to make sure you are prepared for anything! Here are 5 pieces of travel advice for Dubai...

The Best Time to Visit Dubai

One important piece of travel advice for Dubai that can make or break your trip is to time your travel carefully. It can get unbearably hot in Dubai - if you don't think you can stand the heat, the best time to head out is during Dubai's winter. This "winter" is by no means cold, and offers a more mild average temperature of around 20 degrees centigrade. Perfect for enjoying the sights and sounds of this amazing place. Combine with this an awareness of Ramadan (when there is daily fasting between 5am and 5pm that prevents ANYONE from eating, drinking or smoking in public), this year in September (however it changes each year), and I'd say that the ideal period to head out on a luxury Dubai holiday is between December and March.

Behaviour

This is the most important thing on a holiday to Dubai - watch your behaviour and respect the local customs. Remember that the country is Muslim, and as such practices Islamic law with a no-tolerance policy on behaviour considered immoral. There have been a number of high profile imprisonments lately for drug related offences, as well as a specific case of an expatriate facing six years in prison for a public sex act. Technically in the country, sex between unmarried people and homosexuality are illegal - there have even been arrests for public kissing. This is more enforced more stringently in the non-tourist areas, so be extra careful when venturing into areas largely inhabited by locals.

The sale of alcohol is also controlled and can only be bought by those with licence. In practice this means you will only be able to get a drink in hotels and nightclubs, which isn't dramatically different from the rest of the world. Taking all of this into account, the travel advice for Dubai is simple: Respect the law and the local customs with regards to drugs, alcohol and sex and you should have no problems at all.

Getting Around

Taxis are pretty expensive in Dubai, and the costs can quickly ramp up if you're travelling a lot. It's well worth considering a hire car if you're out there for longer than a few days, but if you do this be sure to remember to drive on the left - despite being in foreign lands.

The Must Sees

There are so many great sights in Dubai, it's hard to know what to suggest first. A desert safari is an absolute must - you haven't experienced the country until you have driven freely across the endless sands! Then there's shopping at the gold market, which is an experience like no other, the Wild Wadi Waterpark to cool off, the amazing indoor man-made ski slope (with 'real' snow), the surprisingly green golf course and some stunning hot air balloon rides. You're never short of things to do on a luxury holiday in Dubai!

The Language Barrier

The main language spoken in Dubai is Arabic, but most people should be able to understand English. The rules of speaking to non-native English speakers apply though - speak slowly and clearly to stand the best chance of not being misinterpreted.

Keep this travel advice for Dubai in mind, and you'll be sure to have an unforgettable holiday, and fall in love with Dubai in the same way I have!

Peter Vasilou
Peter Vasilou is a Dubai expert for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in Dubai luxury holidays, as well as holidays in Australia, Cuba, the Caribbean, Europe, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, Egypt and Southern Africa. Key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.
Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Travel Articles
  • More from Peter Vasilou

Singapore Expo: a world of open possibilities

By: Pushpitha Wijesinghe | 28/12/2009
A top venue to host any of your event needs, Singapore Expo has everything you’ll ever need to make it a success and much more.

Singapore Expo: a world of open possibilities

By: Pushpitha Wijesinghe | 28/12/2009
A top venue to host any of your event needs, Singapore Expo has everything you’ll ever need to make it a success and much more.

Mandai Orchid Gardens: Where beauty is rare

By: Pushpitha Wijesinghe | 28/12/2009
With beauty, splendour and calm all around, the Mandai Orchid Gardens offers a relaxing means to enjoy nature’s bounty. Visit this beautiful attraction and be awed by Mother Nature’s gifts.

Explore Sea life during Rhodes Holidays in the Aquarium

By: Frank Jaeger | 28/12/2009
Due to the beautiful tourist resorts and assorted facilities presented to the tourists, Rhodes Island has become one of the most popular and most visited islands of Greece.

Visiting Aqua Park Faliraki during Rhodes Holidays

By: Frank Jaeger | 28/12/2009
Among the various beautiful countries of the world, Greece comes in the list of top ones. Trip towards Greece makes you feel better by keeping yourself away from the hectic routine of life.

The Fountains Guest Accommodation in Harrogate

By: Steve Kevin | 28/12/2009
The Fountains Guest Accommodation is a family owned and run guest house. It is a small guesthouse with 10 rooms in total and has been awarded with 4 stars.

Looking For a Hidden Romantic Getaway?

By: Marcia Drewitz | 28/12/2009
Would you like to rekindle the romance with a mountain vacation where you and your significant other can cuddle under the stars while breathing fresh, mountainalpine air? Or would you rather spend your vacation watching the setting sun turn crystalline water into liquid gold while you relax in a lounge...

Fun Weekend Getaway

By: Marcia Drewitz | 28/12/2009
Do you and your family love the great outdoors? Want a fun weekend getaway that includes something for everyone? Then head to southeastern Oklahoma - the Beavers Bend State Park area - to thean area affectionately known as the "Little Smokies." Beavers Bend State Park and the surrounding Ouachita Kiamichi Mountains...

5 Family Fun Ideas For Your Bali Holiday

By: Peter Vasilou | 13/12/2009 | Travel
Bali may be one of the smaller islands in Indonesia, but it is by no means limited in terms of family fun. Bali holidays can be packed with experiences and adventures that will keep every member of the family amused. These are just five of the many family activities that...

Around Lombok on a Motorbike

By: Peter Vasilou | 17/11/2009 | Travel
Ever felt like just getting away from it all? Heading off to a tropical island, climbing on a motorbike and setting off with the wind in your hair? Imagine -nothing between you and the landscape but the open road. Well, we've found the perfect place and it's not as far...

The Colours of Bali

By: Peter Vasilou | 17/11/2009 | Travel
Bali holidays are full of colour. Bali is a visually stimulating island of traditional costumes, brightly painted canoes and sailing boats on the shore, craft markets, and decorated dragons in the temples. In this article we explore the vibrant colours you can experience during your stay at the hotels in...

Golf Holidays in Bali

By: Peter Vasilou | 16/11/2009 | Travel
If you think of things that people like to do on their Bali holidays, golf isn't likely to be the first thing that comes to mind! But, while it isn't as famous as countries such as Dubai or Portugal as a luxury destination for 'short sleeved golf', golfers keen to...

Haggling Tips For Your Holiday in Dubai

By: Peter Vasilou | 05/01/2009 | Travel
Haggling Tips for your Holiday in Dubai The UAE's markets and souks are legendary. In particular, Dubai's holiday makers are spoiled for choice when it comes to their shopping options, with everything from leather goods to gold available to buy and sell on the markets. Everyone knows that haggling is to...

What to Buy in Dubai

By: Peter Vasilou | 30/12/2008 | Travel
You won't be short of things to do on holiday in Dubai, but it's pretty much a given that you'll spend some of your time in the city shopping. The place is a shopping paradise, but it's good to go in forearmed as to what sort of things you may...

Dubai Holidays - Five Unmissable Cultural Highlights

By: Peter Vasilou | 23/11/2008 | Travel
Dubai City may be more famous for its skyscrapers, malls and beach resorts than for museums and culture, but don't be fooled - there's plenty of cultural sights to see as part of a luxury holiday to Dubai. Many people don't stray beyond the comforts of their resorts while on...

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.30, 6, w2)