Welcome to the wonderful city of Dubai! It’s like a treasure chest in the United Arab Emirates, filled with dazzling skyscrapers that reach for the sky and lots of fancy things to see. You’ll be amazed by the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building ever, and the amazing man-made islands called Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai has special rules to keep its traditions and culture alive. That’s why tourists need to understand and respect their customs. Before you start your adventure, let’s learn about what you should and shouldn’t do. This will help you have a smooth and respectful visit where everyone will be happy.
So get ready for an exciting journey in Dubai, and remember to follow the do’s and don’ts that we’ll talk about next.
Do’s for Tourists Visiting Dubai
If you are ready to embrace the charm of Dubai and embark on an extraordinary adventure, here are some to-do’s to remember.
Respect the Local Culture and Customs
When visiting Dubai, respecting the local culture and customs is essential to ensure a harmonious and enjoyable experience.
Here are some important do’s to keep in mind:
Dress Code
Dubai is a special city that combines new things with old traditions. It’s a cool place to visit because it’s not as strict as some other places, but it’s still important to dress in a certain way, especially when you’re out in public or at religious spots.
For both boys and girls, it’s best to wear clothes that don’t show too much skin. Girls should think about covering their shoulders and knees.
We recommend choosing clothes that are loose and made of light materials so you feel comfortable in the hot weather and, at the same time, you show respect for the people who live there.
Ramadan Etiquette
If you go to Dubai during a special time called Ramadan, there are some important things to remember. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, and people there have certain customs and ways of doing things during this time.
During the daytime, it’s respectful not to eat, drink, or smoke in public places like streets, parks, and on public transportation. This is because many people are fasting, which means they don’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset.
You might notice that some restaurants and cafes are closed or have limited hours during the day, but don’t worry! They usually open up in the evening after the sun sets. That’s when you can experience something really cool called Iftar. It’s a special meal that people have to break their fast, and you can join in the fun too!
Follow Laws and Rules in Dubai
Dubai is known for its strict adherence to laws and regulations, and as a responsible tourist, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with and abide by them. Here are some important do’s when it comes to following laws and regulations in Dubai:
Alcohol Consumption
There are special rules about drinking alcohol that you need to know when you are going to visit Dubai. It’s really important to remember these rules so you can stay safe and follow the law.
Here’s what you should know:
- Alcohol can only be consumed in specific places. You can only drink alcohol in certain places that have special permission, like hotels, restaurants, and bars. This is because These places have licenses that allow them to serve alcohol to customers.
- Additionally, drinking in public or non-designated areas is not allowed: It’s really important to remember that you can only drink alcohol in places that are not meant for drinking, like parks or on the streets. This rule helps keep everyone safe and ensures that alcohol is enjoyed responsibly.
- Lastly, you need to be of legal drinking age. Just like with many other things, there’s an age restriction for drinking alcohol. Specifically in Dubai, you have to be 21 years old to be able to drink alcohol legally.
Photography
Dubai is a cool city with amazing buildings, famous places, and many colorful streets that are perfect for taking pictures. But when you’re taking photos, it’s super important to be respectful of people’s privacy and ask for permission first.
There are some places where you might not be allowed to take pictures, like government buildings or places where the military works. It’s really important to pay attention to signs or any instructions about photography in those areas.
Always remember to be aware of your surroundings and considerate of other people. If you want to take a picture of someone, it’s best to ask them if it’s okay. Respecting people’s privacy is important, even if you’re excited about capturing a cool moment.
Drug Laws
In Dubai, they have a super strict rule about drugs. It basically means that drugs are a big no-no. You’re not allowed to have, use, or sell them.
If someone is caught using drugs, they can get into major trouble. They might have to go to jail or pay a whole bunch of money as punishment. It’s really serious!
So, we highly recommend that you stay away from them when you’re in Dubai. By doing that, you not only keep yourself safe but also show respect for the laws of the place you’re visiting. Remember, it’s better to stay far away from drugs and avoid getting into trouble with the law.
Respectful Behavior
While visiting Dubai, it is important to exhibit polite and respectful behavior toward the local community. Here are some do to ensure you engage in respectful behavior:
Politeness and Courtesy
When you meet people who live in Dubai, it’s nice to be polite and show them respect. People there are famous for being friendly and welcoming, so being polite will improve your experience.
Saying “hello” or giving a friendly greeting is a great way to start a conversation. When someone does something kind for you, saying “thank you” is always appreciated. And when you need something, saying “please” can go a long way in showing respect.
When you stay polite and use these simple words when you visit Dubai, you can make positive connections with the locals in Dubai. It’s a wonderful way to enhance your experience and enjoy the warm hospitality Dubai residents are known for.
Tipping
In Dubai, it’s nice to leave a tip when you receive good service. When you eat at a restaurant or use services like taxis or hotel staff assistance, giving a tip’s a good idea. You have to give no specific amount, but it’s common to round up the bill or give around 10% of the total amount as a tip. This is a polite way to show your appreciation for the service you received.
By leaving a tip, you’re letting the people who served you know that you’re grateful for their hard work. It’s a kind gesture that shows you appreciate their efforts and helps make their day a little brighter.
Queueing and Public Spaces
In Dubai, they really value having organized lines and keeping public spaces clean and tidy. You can show respect for this by following some important rules.
When you see a queue or line, it’s important to wait your turn and not cut in front of others. Let people exit before you enter so that everyone can move smoothly and politely. Patience and staying calm are also important, even if you have to wait a little longer.
Another way to be respectful is by keeping public spaces clean. Make sure to throw away your trash in the right bins and not leave any mess behind. This helps keep the city beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
By following these rules, you show respect for the people of Dubai and their efforts to keep everything organized and clean. It’s a great way to contribute to a positive and pleasant environment for everyone.
Don’ts for Tourists Visiting Dubai
When you visit Dubai, it’s important to have a great time and make sure everything goes smoothly. However, there are some things you need to know and remember. This way, you don’t do anything that could upset or insult the locals in Dubai.
Public Indecency and Obscenity
First, it’s important to be respectful and follow the local rules about how to behave in public. That means not doing anything that could be considered indecent or inappropriate. Overall, remember that it is just about being polite and ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
Public Nudity
In Dubai, it’s really important to follow the rules about how you dress in public. They have strict rules against showing too much skin or being indecent.
To respect the local customs and societal norms, make sure your clothing covers the right parts of your body when you’re out in public. It’s important to avoid showing too much skin.
For example, when you go to the beach, there are specific areas where you can wear swimwear and areas where you can’t. It’s important to dress appropriately and not be nude or show too much skin outside these designated areas.
Offensive Gestures or Language
When you’re in Dubai, it’s really important to be mindful of the words you use and the gestures you make. Some things that might be okay in your culture might not be appropriate there.
In order to show respect and be considerate, it’s best to avoid using offensive language. Instead, choose polite words and speak kindly to others. It’s a way to show that you care about their feelings and want to be respectful.
Also, it’s important to avoid making any gestures that could be seen as offensive. Sometimes, certain gestures that might seem innocent to you could be disrespectful in Dubai. It’s best to be aware of this and avoid any gestures that could be misunderstood or hurtful.
PDA (Public Displays of Affection)
Dubai follows a conservative approach toward public displays of affection. It is crucial to be aware of cultural norms and avoid excessive displays of affection in public. Here are a few points to consider:
Restrictions on Public Displays of Affection
In Dubai, it’s important to know how you show affection in public. While it’s generally okay to hold hands, showing intense or passionate displays of affection is not culturally accepted.
In order to respect the local customs and make everyone feel comfortable, it’s best to keep displays of affection modest and discreet. This means avoiding things like kissing or hugging passionately in public.
By being mindful of how you show affection, you show respect for the cultural norms and values of Dubai. It helps create a harmonious atmosphere where everyone can feel at ease.
Disrespecting Religion and Religious Sites
Dubai is an Islamic city where religion holds great significance. Respecting religious practices and religious sites is of utmost importance. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Respecting Islamic Practices
When it is time for Ramadan, it’s important to show respect for Islamic customs in Dubai. One way to do that is by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the daytime while the sun is up.
It’s also important to be aware of prayer times. During these times, it’s best to be mindful and avoid any behavior that could disrupt or disrespect those who are praying.
When you simply show respect for Islamic customs, you help create a peaceful and understanding environment. Aside from that, it is also a way to honor the traditions of the people in Dubai and make everyone feel comfortable.
Mosque Etiquette
When you visit a mosque in Dubai, it’s important to dress modestly as a sign of respect. For women, this means covering your shoulders, arms, and legs. Men should wear long pants and avoid wearing sleeveless shirts. It’s also customary to take off your shoes before entering the mosque.
And once you are inside the mosque, it is so important to remain quiet and respectful. Make sure to speak softly and avoid any behavior that could disturb others.
Especially those who are praying or seeking a peaceful atmosphere. Lastly, you should also follow any instructions given by the mosque staff.
Disregarding Environmental Laws and Regulations
Dubai strongly emphasizes environmental conservation and sustainability. As a responsible tourist, it is important to contribute to these efforts. Consider the following:
Littering and Environmental Conservation
In Dubai, it’s really important to take care of the environment by avoiding littering. Instead, make use of the designated waste bins that you can find around public areas.
By keeping public spaces clean and disposing of trash in the proper bins, you contribute to the city’s efforts in environmental conservation. Dubai has been working hard to protect the environment, and your actions in maintaining cleanliness play a part in achieving its sustainability goals.
So, always remember to be mindful of where you throw your trash. Look for the waste bins and use them. By doing this, you help keep Dubai clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Let’s all do our part to support a sustainable and clean city!
Wildlife Protection
In Dubai, it’s super important to be kind to animals and not do anything that could hurt them. That means we shouldn’t buy things made from endangered animals, like their fur or skin. We also shouldn’t do any activities that hurt animals or are against the rules.
Dubai has special places called nature reserves and protected areas. These are like homes for animals where they can live safely. We can visit these places and see animals in their natural habitats. Indeed, it can be a special chance to appreciate their beauty while making sure they stay safe and healthy.
When you treat animals with kindness and respect, you will help in keeping them happy and protect their homes. So always be mindful of how you interact with wildlife, and always remember to care for your animal friends.
Tips for a Positive Experience in Dubai
- Research and Plan Ahead: In order to have an awesome trip to Dubai, it’s important to do some planning beforehand.
- Check Visa Requirements: First, find out what kind of visa you need to enter Dubai based on where you live. Ensure you have all the important documents and paperwork ready before your trip. Here’s a guide for you to check your visa status online.
- Explore the Destination: Take some time to learn about the cool things you can see and do in Dubai. Find out about the famous places, interesting cultural sites, and activities you would like to try. This will help you make a plan or a list of things to do so you can make the most of your time in the city.
- Learn Local Customs: It’s always good to know about the local customs and the right way to behave in the place you’re visiting. In Dubai they have their own unique customs and etiquette. By learning about them, you’ll understand how to be polite and show respect to the local people. It’s a great way to make friends and enjoy your time in Dubai.
By doing a little research and being prepared, you’ll have an amazing trip to Dubai. So remember to check the visa requirements, explore the cool things to do, and learn about the local customs. Have a blast!
Learn Basic Arabic Phrases
While English is widely spoken in Dubai, learning a few basic Arabic phrases can enhance your interactions and show appreciation for the local language.
Here are some essential phrases to learn:
- Greetings: Learn how to say “hello” (marhaba), “thank you” (shukran), and “goodbye” (ma’a as-salama).
- Polite Expressions: Familiarize yourself with phrases such as “please” (min fadlak/ikrah), “excuse me” (lau samahat), and “sorry” (asef) to demonstrate your politeness and respect.
Be Mindful of the Weather
Dubai’s weather can be really hot in the summer and nice and mild in the winter. Here are some tips to remember:
- Hot Summers: If you go to Dubai between May and September, it will be super hot! Sometimes it can even be hotter than 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). So, wearing light clothes and letting your skin breathe is important. Choose fabrics that don’t make you feel too hot and sweaty. Also, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and cool.
- Mild Winters: Dubai’s winter is warmer from November to April than elsewhere. During this time, the weather is usually between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). But in the evenings, it can get a bit cooler, so it’s a good idea to have a light jacket or sweater with you to keep warm.
When you know what to expect in Dubai’s weather and dress correctly, you can have a super comfortable and fun time. So, whether you are wearing cool clothes for the hot summer or having a jacket for the cooler winter evenings, be sure to always be prepared will help you have an awesome experience in this amazing city.
Be Cautious with Street Vendors and Unauthorized Tour Operators
When you’re exploring the lively streets of Dubai, it’s important to be careful when dealing with street vendors and tour operators. Here are a few things to remember:
- Bargaining: If you want to buy something from a street vendor, you can try bargaining. It means negotiating the price to get a good deal. But remember, be polite and respectful. Also, make sure the price is fair and the item is good quality. Take your time to compare prices before making a decision.
- Authorized Tour Operators: If you want to go on a tour or excursion, it’s best to choose companies that are authorized and well-known. These companies have the right licenses and meet safety standards. You can ask other people for recommendations or read reviews online to make sure you choose a reliable tour operator.
Just be careful and make informed choices, so you can have a great time exploring Dubai and enjoy your shopping and tours safely.
Conclusion
Dubai is an incredible city with amazing buildings and so many exciting things to explore. But to have the best experience during your visit, it’s important to know what you should and shouldn’t do.
While Dubai is famous for its fancy buildings, it’s not just about that! It’s also a place with a rich history and traditions. So, it’s essential to ensure you do the right things and avoid the wrong things when visiting as a tourist. This will help you have a fantastic time and show the local culture.
