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Travel to Dubai: What to Know Before Visiting

Dubai is the most tourist destination among the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Followed by Abu Dhabi, located 140 km from the city. As an Arab and Muslim country, Dubai has some peculiarities among other international destinations. Which makes the emirate even more interesting to visit.

Dubai is more liberal compared to other emirates. It’s possible to walk in shorts on the streets and go to the beach in a bikini. Alcoholic drinks are prohibited, but there are several bars and restaurants that serve them, especially in hotels. Although the prices are relatively expensive, everything is luxurious and grand. Get ready for a unique experience that only Dubai can provide.

What is the Currency in Dubai:

The official currency of Dubai is the Dirham (AED). One US dollar is valued today (December 2022) at approximately 3.67 AED. Dubai has several exchange offices in malls, in Souks, and in some hotels. Also, credit cards are accepted everywhere. But it’s always worth making sure and carrying a few dollars in your wallet.

what is the language in Dubai:

Arabic is the official language of Dubai. However, if you know English, you can get by very well in tourist areas and even in transport. Road signs, for example, are written in both Arabic and English. Which makes it very easy for those who want to rent a car. In addition, several residents are immigrants and live in the city communicating only in English.

Visa to enter Dubai:

A U.S. citizen with a regular passport may obtain a no-fee visitor visa upon arrival. The stay is up to 30 days. For other nationalities, a visa must be obtained before boarding. To find out if you need a visa visit the Emirates website.

Emirates airlines, as well as hotels and travel agencies, offer a service for obtaining a visa. My Egyptian husband applied for the e-visa before the trip. We used the Trypium tourism agency and the visa price was 1,500 EGP (2021). The price varies according to the length of stay, which can be 96 hours, 30 days, or 90 days.

Covid restrictions and PCR:

PCR is mandatory for anyone visiting Dubai (2021 data). You must present the negative test before boarding. Depending on the country you are departing from, you will also be required to take a second PCR upon arrival at the airport for free. For some countries, it’s still necessary to carry out a quarantine period upon arrival. Check the Emirates website for updated information on the matter.

We did the PCR in Cairo through the same visa agency. We paid around 90 dollars for the test, with a digital result printed with a QR code. You can do it at home or go to one of the Al Mokhtabar clinic units around Cairo. For those who are looking for tests in Dubai to return to their country, the NMC hospital has a 50% discount for those who bring proof of purchase of an airline ticket. We paid half of the price that we paid in Egypt.

Travel insurance:

Due to Covid issues, it’s necessary to present health insurance to stay in Dubai. Some airlines and travel companies provide this insurance included in the service. In addition, for those who apply for a visa before arriving in Dubai, the e-visa already covers insurance. For any destination, it is always recommended to take out travel insurance to be calm in case of unforeseen events.

When to go to Dubai:

Dubai is extremely hot. At the peak of summer, especially between June and August, high temperatures scare away tourists, and hotel prices drop. For those who want to enjoy the beach and don’t mind getting over 40 degrees, this time is a good time to save money.

The high season in the Emirates is between October and April when temperatures are between 68°F and 86°F. This is the perfect time to explore outside attractions in the city and go on desert tours. Avoid this type of activity if you are going in the summer.

Transportation in Dubai:

Due to the intense heat, it’s very difficult to get around Dubai on foot. The city is made up of large highways and parking everywhere, which makes it perfect for car use. Rentals are affordable and you can pop into Abu Dhabi if you’re driving.

If you prefer, Dubai also has two metro lines and a tram. They connect all the main points of the city. This is a good way to save on shipping. The stations have air conditioning and using it is very practical, even for foreigners. You can also connect to bus lines using the same ticket.

Check here for a detailed post on how to get around in Dubai.

Where to stay in Dubai:

Dubai is divided into 4 main areas. Our tip is to choose accommodation in one of them according to your itinerary in the city. For example, the Jumeirah area is ideal for those who want to enjoy the beach. Dubai Marina is more residential. At Downtown Dubai you will enjoy the city’s iconic buildings, as well as being close to Dubai’s main attractions.

In this post, you can find more information about each area and hotel tips.

FAQ about Travel to Dubai

Is Dubai open to travel?

Yes, Dubai is open and any tourists holding a Visa or having a free Visa can enter Dubai. Discover here more about Covid restrictions and what to know before visiting the city.

Is Dubai safe to travel?

Yes, Dubai is very safe to travel to. All areas of the city are safe at all times. You can check more tips in this post regarding what to know before visiting the city.

What documents do I need to travel to Dubai?

Tourists need to travel with a valid passport. Visitors are no longer required to present a Covid vaccination certificate or PCR negative test.

What clothes should I wear in Dubai?

Dubai is more liberal compared to other emirates. It’s possible to walk in shorts on the streets and go to the beach in a bikini. But always remember to dress respectfully in worship places. You can check more tips in this post regarding what to know before visiting the city.

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Dubai

How to get around in Dubai: Tips and Prices for your Trip

Here you will find several tips for travelers on how to get around in Dubai. The city may seem small, but due to the intense heat, it’s very difficult to get around on foot. Therefore, it is worth finding out about the main means of transport in Dubai before making your trip.

How to get around in Dubai?

Dubai has a very efficient public transport system. It’s easy to use and connects all the main points of the city. For tourists, the best and most economical means of transport is the subway. In addition to being cheap, it has air conditioning, is clean, and is easy to use. Check below all the transport options that the city offers.

TRANSPORTATION IN DUBAI VIA Metro:

Using the metro in Dubai is easy and comfortable. The city has two different lines that arrive close to the tourist attractions. The metro also connects to the tram and monorail. All public transport (with the exception of the monorail) is interconnected and you pay with the same card.

The Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Avenue, reaching the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach areas. Some of the attractions that you can access with this line are Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and the Mall of Emirates, as well as Dubai International Airport.

The Green Line of the metro runs through the oldest part of Dubai. Along the Dubai Creek, with access to the Souks. The tram connects the red line to Dubai Marina. In addition, with the Tram, you can reach the monorail station, which must be paid separately.

Monorail

The Monorail gives access to the island of Palm Jumeirah. The price of the trip is 20 AED one way and 30 AED round trip. If you are accompanied, it is worth sharing a taxi. The price will be cheaper than the monorail.

Photo of the subway in Dubai. Several skyscrapers to the right of the canal. Over a bridge the subway passes, in addition to other cars. Some yachts are cruising under the bridge.
Picture by Ling Tang on Unsplash.com

Transportation in Dubai by Private Car:

Dubai is made up of major highways. In addition, nearly all attractions have private parking. This makes it super easy for anyone who wants to use a private vehicle as a means of transport. I recommend renting a car for anyone who wants to get around various attractions or even just hop around Abu Dhabi.

Rent a car in Dubai

If you have an International Driving Permit, renting a car is affordable in the city. Dubai also requires the driver to obtain a temporary driver’s license, which can be carried out upon arrival in Dubai. For this, it’s necessary to take the passport, the international driver’s license, and two photographs.

Many agencies have pick-up points at the airport and you can drive your car. I recommend using Booking or other sites before your arrival in the city to compare prices between agencies. Most economy cars cost no more than 35 USD per day (no mileage limit).

Photo taken at one of the metro stations in Dubai on an avenue. Several skyscrapers are on either side.
Picture by Adryan RA on Unsplash.com

Taxi or app

A taxi can be a good option if you are traveling with a group, as the fare can be split. To avoid surprises in the cost of the journey, I always prefer to call a vehicle through an app, such as Uber. However, in Dubai, as well as in other Arab countries, the Careem application is usually cheaper. Download it on your cell phone and compare prices before your trip.

tourist bus (hop-on hop-off):

For those who want practicality, the tourist double-deck buses cover all the important attractions in the city on a rotating basis. With a single ticket, you can make as many trips as you need between attractions. In addition, you get a map with the sights and an audio guide in several languages to learn more about the place.

The buses have air-conditioned cabins or open-air seats for a better view of the city. Dubai has a total of 20 boarding points at attractions. If you don’t mind paying a little extra for convenience, this is the ideal option for sightseeing in Dubai. At Get your Guide you can find tickets valid for 24 hours for AED 218.

Transportation in Dubai by Bus

Conventional buses may not be very intuitive to use. However, the advantage is the price and also the coverage of the lines. The same metro pass is used for buses in Dubai. So be aware that paying in cash is not allowed. I recommend using the Google Maps application to check which buses to use to get to your destination.

Check out other essential travel apps here.

How it works and how much it cost the transportation card in Dubai

The price of the metro is calculated according to the distance traveled. Every time you get on and off the metro or tram, you’ll find swiping machines. For a distance of 6 stations, you will pay around 5 AED. As for the tram, most of the time you pay an additional 3 AED. When you pass the card at the exit of the subway, the amount debited from the card already appears.

You can buy tickets for just one trip or buy a card with unlimited use. For purchasing your tickets, go to a vending machine or to the ticket office directly at one of the stations. The card costs 5 AED and you can load as much as you like and as many times as you like.

Was this post helpful to you? Check here for other important tips before traveling to Dubai.

FAQ How to get around in Dubai

Best neighborhood to stay in Dubai

To visit Dubai’s main attractions, stay in the downtown area. Around Sheik Zayed Avenue there are several hotels. In addition, there are several metro stations in the area. To learn more about accommodation in Dubai check out this post.

Transportation in Dubai

Although it is difficult to visit attractions on foot, it is easy to get around with public transport in Dubai. The stations are connected to several tourist spots. Check out how to use public transport in the city in this post.

How much does transportation cost in Dubai

The cost of the ticket to use the metro will depend on the distance you are going to travel. Therefore, you need to know the name of the station when buying the ticket. Check out how to use public transport in the city in this post.

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Dubai

Where to Stay in Dubai: Best Neighborhoods

Looking for where to stay in Dubai? In this post, you will find a selection of hotels according to the main regions of the city. So, check out our tips on where to stay in Dubai below to ensure a better experience when visiting the city.

Dubai is the most populous emirate among the 7 Arab Emirates. The city is known for its luxurious lifestyle. The destination has grown increasing popularity among international tourists. Two of the main tourist attractions are the Burj Khalifa building, with 830 meters high, and the Jumeirah Palm, an artificial island close to the coast.

BEST AREAS to stay in Dubai:

Dubai is divided into 4 areas. Each of the regions has its pros and cons. That’s why our tip is to check first which are the main points you want to visit in the city before deciding where to stay in. For example, the Jumeirah region is ideal for those who want to enjoy the beach. Downtown is the destination for those who want to enjoy the city and its attractions indoors.

In addition, other factors must weigh in the decision. If you are going to use public transport, try to stay close to the train stations. In regions like Jumeirah Palm, you depend on private transport. This area is also extremely expensive, especially in high season. If you want to save money, look for the old parts of the city.

To enjoy the beach: Jumeirah Beach and Palm Jumeirah

Photo of white sand beach. In the background, an artificial island extends over the sea where the Burj Al Arab is located. On the right side, umbrellas and beach chairs occupy the sand in front of mansions.
Photo by Ethan Wilkinson from Pexels

In the months of intense heat, the coast of the city offers beautiful landscapes and beaches for bathing. Dubai has luxury hotels with private beaches around Jumeirah and on the man-made island. The Atlantis The Palm hotel, for example, is an icon. Located at the tip of the Palm Jumeirah, it’s home to one of the largest water parks in the world. For those who can afford the price, the experience is really unique. Ideal for families with children.

This area is also ideal for enjoying the excitement and luxury of Dubai nights. On Jumeirah Beach, the Burj Al Arab stands out among the other hotels. In addition to being one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, its architecture has made it an obligatory stop for tourists. Even if it’s just to go to one of their restaurants or take a picture.

Despite being more isolated, Palm Jumeirah has a monorail that connects the tip of the island to the tram (which is also connected to the subway). However, it’s recommended for those staying in this area rent a car. Car rental prices are good, especially in the low season, and have a good cost-benefit.

to enjoy the city like a local: Dubai Marina

Photo of Dubai Marina. Several yachts are parked on the right side of the marina, while skyscraper buildings dot the landscape on both sides.

Dubai Marina has one of the largest building complexes. This region is one of the most beloved by residents. Next to The Beach at JBR, the marina offers a leisure complex with open-air restaurants, cafes, luxury shops, and also space for water sports. On weekends, Marina Walk hosts flea markets.

This region is full of apartment rental options, so it’s worth checking Airbnb and also Booking website for vacation rentals. For those who still prefer the comfort of hotels, we recommend the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, the Stella Di Mare Dubai Marina Hotel, and the Pearl Marina Hotel Apartment. The three have different prices to suit all types of travelers.

Check out the best hosting websites here.

It’s also possible to find hostels in this area of the city. Some of them like Hostel Bombay Backpackers DXB and Bollywood Beach Hostel are located on floors of the buildings around the Marina. If you want to save money this is a great option.

to enjoy the city: Downtown Dubai and Sheik Zayed Avenue

Photo taken in front of the Dubai Mall fountain. In the background is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Photo by Denys Gromov from Pexels

When we think of Dubai, Downtown comes to mind. Dominated by tall buildings, the most unmissable sights of the city are located in this region. Like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper ever built, 828 meters high and 160 floors.

Next to it are hundreds of luxurious accommodations, but with prices for all budgets. Inside the Burj Khalifa is the 5-star Armani Hotel Dubai. On Avenida Sheik Zayed, close to the Financial District, you can find options such as the URBAN Al Khoory Hotel and the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai. 3 to 4-star hotels with much more affordable prices.

Downtown Dubai appeals to everyone who wants a good location, easy transportation, and many attractions around. Its location makes it easy to go anywhere around the city. Around the Burj Khalifa, you will find the Dubai Mall, the mall fountain, and the Opera House. And also metro stations everywhere.

To enjoy Arab history and culture: Dubai Creek, Deira and Bur Dubai

Deira Creek is the name of the stretch that runs along the border of Bur Dubai and Deira. This is the historic part of Dubai. Around the river, you can find attractions such as the Spice Souk (market of spices) and the Gold Souk. The Dubai Museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort, is possibly the oldest building in the city, finished in 1787.

If you want to save money and be immersed in Arab history and culture, Dubai Creek is the place. Here you can find good hotels at more affordable prices, such as Best Western Plus Pearl Creek, Le Wana Hotel, and Ramada by Wyndham Dubai Deira.

Have you already decided where to stay in Dubai? So check out other tips here before traveling to the United Arab Emirates.

FAQ Where to stay in Dubai

Best hotel in Dubai

Dubai has some of the most iconic hotels in the world. Starting with the Burj Al Arab, one of the postcards of the city. Check here for the best hotels in Dubai (with options with good cost benefit).

The best area to stay in Dubai

The best area to stay in Dubai will depend on the main attractions you want to visit while in the city. You may prefer to stay close to the beach to enjoy the clubs and fancy life. Or in the middle of the town for historical landmarks. Check here the options of hotels in each one of the areas.

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