How to plan your first trip to Dubai – shaking off those early nerves

 As is the case with visiting a new country, one will be filled with plenty of enthusiasm along with some early nerves and uncertainties when the time draws near to begin planning. Dubai too is no different and for the benefit of prospective travellers, detailed out below is a guide on how best to schedule a trip to Dubai taking into consideration the dos and don’ts that one must make allowance for.

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When should you go?

The weather plays a huge factor when it boils down to holidaying in Dubai. For starters, the tourist season begins in November and runs through March and although the said period falls within the region’s winter months, large crowds and steep accommodation costs are part and parcel. On the flip side, the months of June to September is when summer descends but that too with searing temperatures of around 105 which can be extremely uncomfortable if you’re not used to it.

Transportation

Dubai is well served by an extensive transport system with the Metro, taxi services and buses appearing worthy contenders for your time and money. The hop-on/hop-off bus facility is a gem and especially if you happen to be in the vicinity of the Dubai Mall, then you will be well placed to make the most of this service as pickups are known to commence at this leisure attraction in the city. For ease of travel, consider purchasing a multi-day pass based on your need and in turn, you will be escorted to the most talked-about parts of Dubai in minutes. Additionally, Dubai has a reputation for rush hour traffic and the best means of beating the same will be to use the Metro. Efficiency and convenience are what you will be afforded should you opt for the Dubai Metro but be mindful that for first-time visitors, checking with your mode of accommodation on the times will be prudent practice. Not to be forgotten is the Dubai taxi service which for most parts operates on a meter when it comes to charging its riders.

What to wear

Primarily speaking, when visiting mosques and especially for women, an abaya and hijab will be needed as western dresses will surely raise eyebrows as you move about. Though a sense of conservatism runs parallel with the area’s cultural and religious views, the beach sections of Dubai are where the rules are somewhat relaxed with more freedom allowed for visitors to be seen as they please. For a packing list, consider a good range of t-shirts, skirts, long pants, trousers and some shorts for that matter.

Dos and don’ts

Above all, public displays of affection aren’t appreciated although holding hands and a peck on the cheek will not land you in trouble with law enforcement. Given that Dubai is a Muslim country, do not make the mistake to ask for pork at a local restaurant unless you want to be shown the door. In the case of alcohol, tourists are permitted to consume their favourite beverages at licensed bars, restaurants and hotels. If found intoxicated in public, then the weight of the law will swiftly move in on you. Therefore, such a scenario must be avoided at all costs so that your trip to Dubai can go ahead uninterrupted.

Places to spend time at

There is an abundance of areas and regions to call by, be it the gloriously appointed Burj Khalifa from where sweeping views of the city can be caught or unwinding by the Dubai Fountains to savour glamorous fountain shows and soothing music. Dubai is truly a global metropolis with many a restaurant positioned to complement your time in the area with a selection of local and international fare, fit for kings and queens. The shopaholic in you will soon come out of your shell when images of the Dubai Mall and Iban Battuta Mall fall into focus. Here, one may shop for hours on end, taking in the charms and brilliance of some of the world’s most lauded brands, all poised to entice and enthral the intrepid globetrotter. If looking for pleasing accommodation, make note of Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai which is a 5-star hotel in Dubai to return to after your day’s pursuits come to a close.