Dubai
2020/02/25
There are many reasons to visit Dubai and the wider UAE. Whether traveling as a tourist or on business, the UAE boasts a superb climate with year-round warm weather, superb hotels for all budgets, a friendly welcome from a diverse community, designer shopping, and fantastic food and fun. In this article, we provide an overview of Dubai and what to expect both before and after arriving on location.
In this section, we look at the best hotels in Dubai for different budgets. Many offer superb views of the Dubai skyline, great amenities, and comfortable facilities. As a large, sprawling city, Dubai is fortunate to have a wide range of hotels for different purposes. Ultra-swanky luxury hotels cater for those who want premium service, the most comfortable bedrooms, and upscale restaurants and amenities. But there are also affordable and budget hotels that fit the bill nicely. No matter what the budget, it is possible to find a great hotel in the perfect location in Dubai.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai. Source: dreamstime.com Armada BlueBay Hotel in Dubai. Source: dreamstime.com
Source: dreamstime.com
One of the most common questions people ask before visiting Dubai is, “is Dubai safe?”. The vast majority of people who visit Dubai encounter no issues with safety. Visitors can walk around during the day or at night with minimal safety concerns. Despite the very low crime rate, it is still important to take personal safety into account. It is equally important to be aware of local laws and customs.
The UAE is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Having said that, the country is not completely transparent with its crime statistics. The biggest threat for tourists is low-level crime, such as pickpocketing and scams. Violent crime is virtually unheard of, but can occur from time to time. It is more common for visitors to fall foul of the UAE’s strict laws. What is completely legal in many Western countries may be a criminal offence in the UAE.
Public affection like holding hands and kissing is forbidden in most areas. Immodest dressing can also get tourists into trouble, while swearing and drunken behaviour in public will most likely land a visitor in jail. Displays of affection should be limited to private areas like the hotel room. Drinking is possible but tightly controlled in Dubai. Travelers must ensure they are in a designated licensed area, e.g. a hotel bar.
Dubai is safe for women travelers, but it is recommended that women dress modestly to avoid sexual harassment and to avoid general upset. Most women visit Dubai and have a great time without encountering any major issues. But like visiting anywhere as an individual, it is still important to plan the route, keep money hidden away from prying eyes, and to take public transport or rent a car wherever possible.
Luxury car in Dubai. Source: istockphoto.com
Car rental prices are affordable in Dubai and anyone over the age of 21 can drive a rental car with a valid driving license. Luxury car rental in Dubai is a popular option for travelers who want to sample a slice of the city’s high-life. With many ultra-rich individuals in Dubai, luxury cars, including those by Ferrari, Mercedes, Porsche, and Bentley, are ideal for sightseeing or for business use. Economy cars and vans are also available from popular Dubai rental companies, such as Renty.
It is worth noting that there is some risk from Iranian-backed terrorism, more so towards Western visitors, especially Americans and British. Most foreign offices advise travelers to remain vigilant while enjoying their visit. But the risk is relatively low. Visitors should keep updated with travel advice from the U.S. Department of State and UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The population of Dubai has changed dramatically since its historic roots as a small trading and fishing town. What began as a stop-off point for traders, due to its strategic location near the Iranian peninsula, soon morphed into one of the world’s foremost cities. The discovery of oil in the 1960s and subsequent expansion of the airport and city’s infrastructure gave rise to many high-rise buildings over the next few decades, developing into what is today the most-visited city in the Middle East - and one of the most-visited in the world.
Dubai has a large population of around 3 million people as of 2020, making it the most populous city in the UAE and the biggest draw for tourists in Western Asia. Many expats, business people, and entrepreneurs call Dubai their home, alongside native UAE nationals, otherwise known as Emiratis. The city is the de facto business capital of the Middle East and plays host to numerous international conferences. Many of the world’s largest multinational corporations also have offices in Dubai.
As the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the city has a coastal location on the Persian Gulf and enjoys warm, sunny weather throughout the year, with August being the hottest. The country is situated next to Oman, Saudi Arabia, and within easy traveling distance to Qatar. As the global hub of Emirates airlines, Dubai is often a stopping-off point for visitors traveling on long haul flights. The airport itself receives around 90 million passengers per year, making it arguably the world’s busiest.
There are many nationalities that live in Dubai. The majority of residents (over 70%) are of Asian origin, but there is also a sizable Western contingent. It is thought that nearly 200 different nationalities live in Dubai and across the UAE. The country speaks Arabic as the national language, but many hotels, restaurants, conference centres, and leisure destinations will speak English as a second language. The official religion is Islam, yet many other religions are represented in the city.
In the next 7 years, Dubai's population is set to double to encompass over a third of the United Arab Emirates' population. The growth of the city shows no signs of slowing down, with new developments in the pipeline and continual steady investment by private and public financing. By 2027, the city’s population may swell to over 5 million, making it probably the fastest growing city on the planet.
The Arab Emirate Dirhams. Source: 123rf.com
The official currency of Dubai is the Arab Emirate Dirham (shortened to AED). The country has a metric currency, with 100 Fils in 1 AED. 1 AED is approximately $0.27 USD, £0.20 GBP, and €0.25 Euro. While everywhere in the UAE will accept the Arab Emirate Dirham, many places will also accept United States Dollars.
When traveling to Dubai, it is worth exchanging money prior to travel. This will ensure the best possible rate. Although it is possible to use bureau de change outlets in Dubai, the airport and banks will normally charge a higher exchange rate and take a commission fee. This is why shopping around before arrival is recommended.
Most businesses accept major credit and bank cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. For many travelers, “prepay” cards are useful and help to manage money. They can also be used to pay by chip-and-pin or by contactless. Prepay cards are also beneficial when travelers don’t wish to carry large amounts of cash. Cards with smartphone apps give greater security and flexibility for travelers.
Although Dubai is a safe city in comparison to other large cities across the globe, it is still important to be aware of scams and low-level crime, especially concerning money. Do not show large amounts of cash in public to reduce the risk of pick-pocketing or theft. Where possible, pay in smaller denominations to ensure the correct change. Alternatively, pay by card and keep a receipt of the transaction. These common-sense tips apply for travelers all over the world, not just the UAE.
Dubai Visa. Source: istockphoto.com
Most visits to Dubai require a visa. Whether a traveler needs to arrange this prior to traveling largely depends on the length of stay, the nationality of the passport holder, and the purpose of the visit. 30-day, 90-day, stop-over, and working visas are the most common types of visas travelers use when visiting the UAE. Some passport holders will be issued with a visa on arrival. Others need to pre-arrange a visa beforehand by applying online.
30-day tourist visas do not require pre-approval and will be issued at immigration on arrival at the airport. Passports are stamped and valid for a 30-day non-working visit. Passport holders of the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Ukraine, Singapore, San Marino, among others, are eligible. The 30-day visa allows the holder to enter the UAE multiple times during the 30-day period.
90-day tourist visas are issued for passport holders of South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, France, Poland, Germany, and a host of other countries. It is important to note that some countries are not eligible for a visa extension. Checking with the travel agent and airline is recommended for passengers who are unsure.
Visitors from India and other countries where a pre-approval visa is required are required to apply for a UAE visa online. This process is straightforward and takes around 10 minutes to complete. To apply, applicants will require: a passport with at least 6 months available before the expiry date, a passport scan with photograph, and an e-mail address for confirmation, and full home address and hotel/accommodation details. If accepted, travelers will be allocated a 60-day non-working visa.
Transit and stop-over visas are valid between 48 and 96 hours. They are intended for use when a traveler is catching another flight a day or two later, or is traveling out of the country and needs to enter the UAE, either for a hotel stay, or otherwise. People arriving at a UAE airport to travel on a connecting flight do not need to apply for a visa. Long haul flights often use Dubai International Airport as a stop-over en-route to other major destinations across the world.
Source: stock.adobe.com
Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s capital and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel by car from Dubai. The actual distance is around 140 km or 85 miles. Visiting both cities should be on the itinerary of everyone who travels to the UAE and has time to spare. In fact, many of the sights can be seen in a single day, leaving plenty of time to travel back in time for more night-time activities.
Abu Dhabi, like Dubai, is situated on the Persian Gulf. But while it features tall skyscrapers and some ultra-impressive buildings, it has a more traditional feel. The city has a lower population and feels quieter than Dubai. Having said that, there is no shortage of things to see and do. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Emirates Palace are just two of the most-visited tourist attractions in the city.
Source: istockphoto.com
Car is the easiest and most convenient way to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The road network down the coast is simple to navigate and well signposted. There is no direct train or light rail route between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This is why the only real methods of public transport are taxis and buses. For budget travelers, the bus is the recommended option. But those with more money to spend and need door-to-door transport might prefer the directness of taxi travel.
A bus from Abu Dhabi to Dubai or vice versa will cost approximately 25 AED (approx $6.50) for a one-way journey. This takes around 2 hours. Buses depart from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and arrive at Dubai Ibn Battuta Station. From here, travelers can take further connections to other parts of the city. Bus and metro connections are available for traveling north towards Downtown Dubai.
Traveling between the cities by car is slightly quicker than bus, with a typical journey taking 1 hour and 30 minutes. But a taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai or vice versa will cost around 200 AED for a one-way trip. This is expensive compared to other methods of travel. A better alternative is car rental for many people. Not only is car rental more affordable, it is arguably the best way to see Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Hiring a rental car through a service like Renty gives more flexibility and costs less than taxi travel. Economy motors can be hired for as little as 100 AED per day and allow the driver to see more areas of Abu Dhabi or Dubai, either over the course of one day, multiple days, or even weeks. Renting a car for traveling to and from Abu Dhabi and Dubai is very worthwhile and permitted for anyone over 21 with a valid UAE or foreign recognized driving license.
Source: istockphoto.com
The people of Dubai and the UAE are called Emeratis (this roughly translates as “people of the Emirates”). But only around 10% of people who live in the UAE are native to the country. Emeratis originally hail from 1 of the 7 Emirates. These include Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah, Dubai, and Ajman. The vast majority of UAE residents are expats from all over the globe. In Dubai, the Expat community is highest at 90% of the population.
The traditional dress for the Emirates is Islamic. This involves light or white-colored dress-shirt known as a Khandura for men. Women typically wear a black hijab or burqa. It is common to see many different types of dress for men and women in Dubai. Western visitors will typically dress differently to native Emeratis. However, the majority of clothing will be conservative and cover most areas of the skin. Inside hotels, the dress sense is less strict, but visitors should follow the rules in public areas, such as restaurants, theatres, shopping malls, and recreational grounds.
As a city that has seen huge investment over the past 50 years, Dubai is home to some of the world’s wealthiest people. While the Dubai boom was largely a result of oil revenues, the city now has a multi-faceted economy, with tourism playing a large part of the equation. It is not uncommon to see wealthy individuals driving the latest luxury sports cars, such as Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Bugattis. In fact, to counteract the rise of many luxury vehicles on the road, the Dubai police also deploy supercars to keep up to speed with the countless exotic cars in the city.
With its large Expat population, the people of Dubai are often multi-lingual to an extent and will generally speak English. Many different communities and languages are represented, and all are respected and play a part in the city’s development. Likewise, over 1 million people travel from outside of the city to work every day. With high rents within the boundaries of Dubai, it is not uncommon for people to live outside the city and commute into town on a daily basis.