Table of contents
Quick answer
For a first Dubai trip: go between November and March, plan four to five days, stay near a Metro station or the beach, and use the Metro and taxis in the city with a car or a tour for day trips. Dubai is safe and easy to travel; just know the local rules on alcohol, dress and behaviour before you go.
1When to go and how long to stay
November to March has the best weather; summer is far cheaper but very hot. Four to five days suits a first visit — enough for the city highlights and a desert safari, with room for a beach day. Add a day for a trip to Abu Dhabi or Hatta.
2Where to stay
- Downtown / Business Bay — closest to the Burj Khalifa, the mall and the fountain.
- Marina / JBR — the beach, restaurants and a lively waterfront.
- Deira / Bur Dubai — cheaper, near Old Dubai and the souks, well connected by Metro.
- Wherever you choose, staying near a Metro station makes getting around far easier.
3Getting around
The Metro, taxis and Careem cover the city cheaply and easily. A rental car pays off for day trips out of town and for families; for a short, central, city-only stay you may not need one.
4Money, SIM and tipping
- The currency is the dirham (AED); cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for taxis and souks.
- Buy a tourist SIM or eSIM at the airport for data and maps.
- Tipping is customary but modest — rounding up, or about 10% where service isn't already added.
- VAT is 5%, and tourists can reclaim it on eligible shopping at the airport.
5Local rules worth knowing
- Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and venues; there is zero tolerance for drink-driving.
- Dress is relaxed at hotels and beaches, but cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks and public areas.
- Public displays of affection and rude gestures can cause real trouble — keep it low-key.
- During Ramadan, be discreet about eating and drinking in public in daylight.
- Ask before photographing people, and avoid photographing government or military sites.
Dubai is very safe and easy for visitors — the main thing is to respect the local rules on alcohol, dress and behaviour, and you'll have no trouble.
6What to see first
- The Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain in Downtown.
- Old Dubai — the creek, an abra ride, and the gold and spice souks.
- A desert safari with dunes, dinner and a show.
- The Marina and JBR beach, and Palm Jumeirah.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dubai safe for tourists?
Yes — Dubai has very low crime and is easy and comfortable to travel. The main thing is to follow the local rules on alcohol, dress and public behaviour.
What should I know before visiting Dubai for the first time?
Go in the cooler months if you can, stay near a Metro station, and know the local rules: alcohol only in licensed venues, zero drink-driving, and modest dress in malls, souks and public areas.
Do you have to cover up in Dubai?
Beaches and hotels are relaxed. In malls, souks and public places, cover shoulders and knees — modest rather than formal.
Can you drink alcohol in Dubai?
Yes, in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants. Drinking in public places is not allowed, and there is zero tolerance for drink-driving.
Is English widely spoken in Dubai?
Yes. English is used everywhere in daily life alongside Arabic, and all signs are bilingual.
Written by the TripReview team from our own price benchmarks and the rules published by UAE authorities, and updated 29 September 2026. Figures are ranges, not quotes — check the latest rules with the official source before you travel. How we rate companies
