However different the culture is to some visitors, Dubai has simply become the most visited destination in 2022 and the number of people visiting the country hasn’t stopped increasing during the past few years. Why is that? Dubai offers a futuristic view combined with breathtaking beaches and endless adventurous activities and luxurious shopping. Originally a desolate land, Dubai has built a glamorous city in the middle of the Arabian desert and rapidly begun a megacity whose limit is, quite literally the sky.
Wherever you stay in Dubai, you’ll feel right a step ahead of your everyday self as the architecture depicts the miracle of the future, full of some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, there’s a perfect accommodation for everyone. Make sure you check all the black Friday Dubai hotel deals to find the accommodation that suits you best. Once done, keep reading this article to plan a quick gateway to the city that has it all.
Photo by Denys Gromov
Customs and traditions
As an eastern country, part of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has certain cultural customs; you should know the do’s and don’ts of Dubai before arriving. As a highly touristic place, the city and the locals are ready to welcome you into their city and life provided you respect their customs. For example, Dubai has a zero tolerance with drugs and alcohol is strictly forbidden in public places.
When it comes to the local people, try to avoid escalating an argument, let alone engage in physical contact. When greeting someone, a handshake is more than acceptable. Remember this is quite a conservative place so, avoid displays of physical affection in public places and dress modestly. Even though you can wear anything on the hotel premises or around the beach areas close to it, you are highly recommended to cover your shoulders and knees in public. This is specially the case for visiting local places such as tourist attractions or shopping malls.
Last but not least, remember to be extremely respectful of their rules and customs during special times of the year like Ramadan, a holy celebration of the Islamic countries.
You can’t miss the desert!
Remember that Dubai is a city built amid the Arabian desert so you can’t miss it! Guided tours to the desserts include camel riding and camel racing. That’s right! You can visit Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack and learn about this old tradition as well as experience the modern version of it. You won’t be riding a camel, of course. Make sure to pack some binoculars as you won’t want to miss a single detail.
Besides, you can visit the Bedouin village, located in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. There you’ll learn about the ancient inhabitants and take a look at their constructions made of raw materials. If you want to learn about the cultural heritage of the Arab Emirates, this is the way to do so.
The third activity is a real treat: hot air balloon over the desert! If you want to catch a glimpse of the full city, you can take this tour and float over 1,200 meters above the Arabian desert. Availability of this tour depends on the weather, but on a warm and windy day, you’ll enjoy amazing views.
Palm Jumeirah
The beaches are definitely a must when visiting Dubai, but under no circumstances can you skip a visit to Palm Jumeirah. In the form of a palm tree when looked from above, this is a man-made created island. You can visit a rental place and sail a yacht or a speedboat, but you can also sit down by the coast and do some boat sightseeing.
Besides, swimming is allowed and some of the most luxurious hotels located there provide beach access. If you’re after a more exciting adventure you can go skydiving too. In the same place, you can enjoy a dreamy sunset and a laidback night by The Palm Fountain as you enjoy the dancing waters.
Discover Emirati Cuisine
During my two previous trips to Dubai, I had the pleasure to discover that the city is a wonderful, unique, culinary destination. I used to think of Dubai as a place to stopover on the way to other places, maybe do a bit of shopping and hit the beach, but I have definitely changed my mind now. Dubai has a lot to offer to single travellers, couples, groups and families that even 5 days felt too little to see it all.
If you’re a foodie like me, don’t miss the Old Dubai food tour with Frying Pan Adventures. Our guide Arva, a charismatic and smart woman of Indian origins, grew up in Dubai and is an expert of local flavours and recipes.
Palm West Beach
Within the island, you’ll find plenty of beaches to enjoy. Palm West Beach offers fine restaurants, luxurious hotels and the perfect setting for a stroll along the water. This is a public beach and you can easily access it every day from the early morning to midnight. It’s the perfect place to keep your family entertained on vacation.
Endless possibilities
These are just a few things you should consider when planning your trip, but Dubai has it all for every kind of trip. Don’t forget to check out the best known beaches. If you’re into water sports, Kite Beach is the perfect spot for you to encounter some challenges. Hit the luxurious spas along the beaches before hitting the city, you can take a stroll to be amused by the buildings, the lights and the luxury of the whole scene.
Don’t put off your visit any longer, pack your bags and take a trip to this glittering oasis of the Middle East!
