Emirate of Dubai

The Emirate of Dubai is a destination of superlatives, home to the world's tallest building, the largest shopping mall, and the largest man-made island. Yet, beneath its ultra-modern veneer lies a rich tapestry of Bedouin heritage and maritime history. Visitors can spend their mornings haggling for gold and spices in the traditional souks of Deira, and their afternoons skiing on indoor snow slopes or dining in underwater restaurants. The city's relentless drive for innovation means there is always something new to discover, from futuristic museums to expansive eco-tourism projects in the surrounding desert.

Reasons to Visit

• Experience architectural marvels like the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future.
• Indulge in world-class shopping at the Dubai Mall and traditional souks.
• Enjoy thrilling desert safaris, complete with dune bashing and Bedouin camp dinners.
• Relax on pristine, sun-drenched beaches along the Persian Gulf.
• Dine at a diverse array of restaurants, from street food stalls to Michelin-starred establishments.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid public displays of affection, which are strictly prohibited and can lead to legal trouble.
• Do not drink alcohol in public spaces outside of licensed venues.
• Avoid taking photographs of people (especially local women) without their explicit permission.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours in the holy month of Ramadan.
• Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing in public areas like shopping malls and traditional neighborhoods.

Local Transportation Tips

Dubai boasts a highly efficient and modern public transportation system. The Dubai Metro is a driverless, fully automated rail network that connects major tourist attractions, the airport, and business districts. Taxis are plentiful, relatively inexpensive, and strictly regulated, while ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are widely used. For a more traditional experience, take an 'Abra' (wooden water taxi) across the Dubai Creek for just one Dirham.

Travel Etiquette

• Dress modestly in public spaces out of respect for local Islamic culture.
• Always ask for permission before photographing locals.
• Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and handing over items, as the left hand is considered unclean in Islamic culture.
• Stand up when someone enters a room as a sign of respect, particularly for elders.
• Avoid pointing the soles of your shoes at anyone, as it is considered highly offensive.

Recommended Age Group

Dubai is a highly versatile destination that caters exceptionally well to travelers of all ages, offering world-class infrastructure and diverse attractions.

• Babies (0-2 years): Recommended. The city is incredibly stroller-friendly, with clean facilities, spacious malls, and numerous family-oriented resorts.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the massive water parks, indoor theme parks, aquariums, and interactive educational spaces like OliOli.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Teens can enjoy thrilling desert safaris, zip-lining across the marina, high-end shopping, and vibrant beach clubs.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Adults have access to unparalleled luxury dining, dynamic nightlife, cultural tours, and extreme sports.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The city offers excellent accessibility, comfortable luxury transport, and relaxed sightseeing options like dhow cruises and high-tea at luxury hotels.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The Dubai Metro is fully accessible, with dedicated spaces for wheelchair users and tactile guidance paths for the visually impaired.
• Most major tourist attractions, shopping malls, and luxury hotels are equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
• Dubai's public beaches, such as Kite Beach, offer wheelchair access paths and specially designed floating wheelchairs.
• The city has a dedicated fleet of accessible taxis that can be booked in advance.
• Dubai refers to people with disabilities as 'People of Determination' and offers them various discounts and priority services across the city.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Burj Khalifa is so tall that you can watch the sunset from the base of the building, take the elevator to the top, and watch the same sunset all over again?

Cool Statistics

• The Burj Khalifa stands at a staggering 828 meters (2,716 feet) tall.
• The Dubai Mall covers an area equivalent to more than 50 football pitches.
• Only about 15% of Dubai's population are native Emiratis; the rest are expatriates from over 200 countries.
• The Palm Jumeirah was built using 94 million cubic meters of sand and 7 million tons of rock.
• Dubai's police force uses luxury supercars, including Bugattis, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis, to patrol heritage sites and tourist areas.