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Dubai, known as the City of Gold, is a melting pot for diverse cultures and beliefs. It is one of the seven Emirates in the UAE. Known for its marvellous sand dunes, skyscrapers, and shopping malls, Dubai is a treat for international tourists.
Dubai’s average temperature lies between 13°C and 45°C. It is a desert with long, arid, and partly cloudy summers. The average summer season in Dubai lasts for four and a half months and usually starts around mid-May and continues till September. August is usually the hottest month in Dubai. For people looking to explore Dubai in the summer, June and July are ideal.
If you would like to visit the place during the winter, you should consider visiting in December or February. The peak winter season lasts for three months in Dubai, and the weather starts getting warmer in March. Overall, November to April is the best time to explore Dubai, as the city has an optimum temperature during this period. This allows you to try the activities you like without a hassle.
Dubai is located in the Persian Gulf, the northeastern part of the United Arab Emirates. It is the second-largest of the seven Emirates. Although it hosts a 70% urban population today, before the 1960s, Dubai was a fishing village with a predominantly rural population.
Things took a blissful turn when oil was discovered in the 1960s. After that, the ruler of Dubai, Sheik Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, decided to revamp the city entirely and convert it to a modern metropolis. Since then, Dubai has only developed and progressed.
The efforts to make Dubai a tourism hub intensified in the 1990s when the government decided to remodel the city and make it an international tourist destination. This was followed by large investments in infrastructure, which is the main reason for the development of countless skylines across the city.
International visitors usually find the people here humble and honest, irrespective of how rich they might be. The positivity seen across the community complements the city’s grandeur well. Islam is the primary religion in Dubai, with Arabic being the primary language. However, given that the place houses a global population, people are equally proficient in English. So rest assured, language will never be a barrier when you visit Dubai. In addition, you will notice heavy Indian influences in Dubai due to the large Indian population living here. You will regularly come across people speaking Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil.
The residents of Dubai follow their culture and traditions wholeheartedly. They also have a high standard of living. If you are a first-time visitor, you will find the opulence, luxury, and lavishness mesmerising.
In addition, the culture of Dubai heavily focuses on poetry and dance, a highlight of Arabic traditions. These activities find their roots in the nomadic Bedouin culture. Nabati and Al-Taghrooda, the two poetry types, are equally prominent in the city, and you will find their subtle influences in the city’s architecture.
While traditionally, the city was never known to be keen on sports, the last decade has seen a rise in sports activities. These activities primarily include luxury holiday activities, including but not limited to golf, motorsports, and adventure sports. The people of Dubai have also started developing an interest in cricket. This can be attributed to the sizable Indian population living here.
While the city welcomes tourists with open arms, it is advisable to follow the laws defined by the government. Activities such as causing a nuisance, being drunk, or selling illegal items are strictly prohibited.
Dirham is the official currency of Dubai, and you will need more than a handful if you want to enjoy your stay. Unless you are accustomed to the heat, stepping into Dubai during the summer is not recommended. In such cases, the period between November and April will suit you the best. February sees frequent rain, so you might want to factor this in when you plan your trip. The situation is similar in most Middle Eastern countries, and we suggest you skip this month unless you are occupied during the rest of the calendar year.
Do not forget to pack sunscreen. Tourism in Dubai is incomplete without high SPF sunscreens, body wipes, and perfumes, especially if you are coming from a colder country.
You will land at the Dubai International Airport, 30.6 km from Abu Dhabi. The airport has three main terminals for international tourists. Do not carry any prohibited items.
What is the best way to cover the maximum locations in Dubai during my visit?
Dubai has a robust internal travel network. Regular buses ply between major tourist spots and the city’s landmarks. The metro and private cabs are also available for intercity commuting. You can hire a travel guide for transport support.
What is the dress code?
As Dubai is an Islamic city, skimpy clothes are not allowed in public. Also, women must cover their heads while entering a mosque.
Will I get vegetarian food in Dubai?
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures. You will find many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. You can easily find vegetarian and vegan food across cuisines such as Arabic, Indian, Greek, etc.
Plan Your Dubai Holiday with SOTC
While Dubai has many places you can visit and things you can do, it can often be challenging to plan an entire vacation by yourself, especially if you have limited time and resources. So, instead of doing it yourself, let an expert at SOTC plan your trip.
Click here to go through all our Dubai travel packages. You can also call 1800-209-3344 to book a custom plan today!
Language Spoken
Arabic
Currency used:
Dirham
If you are planning to travel to Dubai soon, the following are some travel tips and do's and dont's to keep in mind during your Dubai trip.
Do's
• Follow laws strictly. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, but its governance is very strict. So, don’t take unnecessary risks like driving a friend’s car or a hired car after a drink.
• Be very careful around mosques and carry a scarf to cover your head.
• Pack according to the weather. Carry lighter clothing in summer and warm clothes in winter.
• Plan your trip carefully. Start making reservations a month in advance.
Dont's
• Do not wear revealing clothes unless you’re going clubbing. Even then, maintain a shawl or a long coat over the clothes to avoid causing offence.
• Do not disrespect the local customs and culture.
• Don’t pack too much in, in very little time. Or you’ll come away exhausted.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public during Ramadan. You will be fined.
