Are you ready to explore the grand cities of the United Arab Emirates? Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a seasoned traveller, Dubai is an incredible destination with endless sights, entertainment, and experiences. To ensure that your trip runs as smoothly as possible and leaves you feeling like a seasoned traveller, I have put together this comprehensive guide to with tips for planning your visit.

Photo by Denys Gromov on Pexels
Dubai , the jewel of the United Arab Emirates, is an exotic destination worth visiting in the UAE. It’s a city that epitomizes opulence, innovation, and limitless possibilities. From towering skyscrapers to pristine beaches, and from traditional souks to extravagant shopping malls, Dubai seamlessly blends modernity with its rich Arabian heritage.
Despite misconceptions that Dubai is only about beach holidays and shopping, in my experience the Emirati city has a lot to offer to single travellers, couples, groups and families.
Here are 7 essential tips for enjoying all Dubai has to offer while staying organised on your travels, ensuring that you make the most of your time, and save money too. Read on!
1. Get travel insurance
You never know what might happen while traveling, so it is always important to make sure you are adequately covered. Purchasing travel insurance before your trip can provide peace of mind and cover any costs associated with unforeseen medical expenses, lost luggage, or even canceled flights. You can find travel insurance in Dubai, UAE by doing a quick search online to compare policies and prices. Make sure to read the policy carefully to understand exactly what it covers.
2. Compare travel costs and look for discounts
Travel is one of the most enriching experiences in life, but it can come with a hefty price tag. Before booking your flights, hotels, and activities, it’s always wise to compare prices and look for discounts. With a little bit of research, you can find amazing deals and save a great deal of money. Don’t forget to consider off-season travel, loyalty programs, and credit card perks to maximize your savings. Whether you’re looking to splurge or stay on a budget, the UAE has something for everyone.
3. Use public transportation to save money
Exploring a city can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be an expensive one. That’s why using public transportation is a smart way to save money and still see all the sights. Public transportation in Dubai is efficient and easy to navigate, with options ranging from buses and metros to taxis and trams. Before hitting the streets, make sure you understand how the public transportation system works so you can get around like a local!
4. Stay in a serviced apartment
If you’re planning a trip and want to feel more at home away from home, consider staying in a serviced apartment. Serviced apartments are a great option for anyone looking for more space and convenience. With amenities like washing machines and kitchenettes, you can save money on food, laundry, and more. Plus, you’ll have more privacy and comfort than you would in a regular hotel room. Staying in a serviced apartment is an excellent way to enjoy your stay in Dubai without breaking the bank!
5. Research laws and regulations before you go
Traveling to another country means you are subject to the laws and regulations of that place. This is especially important in a city like Dubai, which has different rules than most other places. Before your trip, make sure to research all applicable laws and regulations so you know what is expected of you as a visitor. For example, eating pork or drinking alcohol in public places is illegal in the UAE, so make sure you are aware of these rules before your trip.
6. Take advantage of free cultural events in Dubai
Dubai boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with a range of free events and festivals happening throughout the year. Whether you’re a music lover or an art enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. Attend one of the numerous music festivals that take place in Dubai, showcasing local and international talent across a range of genres. For those interested in art, visit some of the city’s art galleries hosting contemporary and traditional exhibitions. With so many free cultural events on offer, there’s no excuse not to immerse yourself in Dubai’s rich cultural heritage.
7. Discover Old Dubai
Naif is one of the oldest neighbourhoods by the Dubai creek and worth a visit for half day or a full day. You’ll be immersed in culture and traditions of the gulf and experience a mix of cuisines and languages, as you walk along busy streets, past market stalls, electronics stores, Ethiopian coffee shops and Indian restaurants. Naif streets are incredibly alive, as opposed to the modern city of Dubai where life seems to take place mostly indoors.
For an affordable excursion to Naif, take the train from downtown and explore the old district on foot. Stop along the way to taste Indian snacks like parotta and kachori with a cup of hot karak chai, or try something sweet like tahina halwa (sweet tahina based fudge-like dessert studded with pistachios) and Persian Pashmak (fairy floss). Find out more about Emirati cuisine and all the different foods of Dubai in my blog post!

Naif district of Old Dubai by night
To sum up, visiting Dubai can be a great experience that won’t break the bank if you plan accordingly and maximise your travel budget. Start looking for discounts on flights and hotels early so you can get the best deals. Think about traveling around the city via public transportation or carpool – this will help you save money on fuel costs while exploring all the attractions the city has to offer. Consider finding a serviced apartment as your accommodation option so you have access to amenities like washing machines and kitchenettes. However, do not forget to research local regulations and laws before you travel – especially if it comes to things like eating pork in public places while in Dubai!
Additionally, bringing cash is a good idea instead of relying too heavily on credit cards during your visit; try to make sure that you know where your money is going to avoid any unpleasant surprises upon returning.
Lastly, there are many free cultural events like music festivals and art galleries in Dubai; make sure that those don’t pass by while planning your stay in the city!