Dubai forms part of the United Arab Emirates, and is a predominantly Muslim country. As such, it is very important to check the rules and guidelines when visiting.
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Dubai Tourism
There’s no doubt about it: as the hub for business, wealth and technology, Dubai brings in plenty of rich visitors.
However, Dubai’s huge boom has seen a vast range and choice of flights to the UAE, including cheaper options: lots of new hotels, activities and clubs now exist for those who want to visit Dubai on a budget. Online travel sites such as Travelbag are a great place to check for bargain package deals.
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The local markets and souks of downtown Dubai are a fantastic haven for a wide range of products including spices, dyes, carpets, and jewelry. They are also a great way of grabbing a bargain: dust off your best haggling skills and take home some great gifts.
Culture
Behavior considered perfectly normal here can cause great offence in Dubai.
In particular women are reminded to dress modestly-clothing that displays a woman’s stomach, shoulders, dress or legs is frowned upon, and there are some establishments were you must cover your head.
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Kissing or touching in public is also expressly forbidden. Loud behavior, swearing and aggression are also punishable by law.
Alcohol is forbidden in Dubai: hotels can obtain a license so that guests can drink in their establishment, but drunkenness is also frowned upon and can potentially land you in hot water.
If you are planning on staying longer than just a week or two, it is worth mentioning that non-married couples are not permitted to share a hotel room or live together.
Dubai also has extremely tight guidelines on medications. Many medicines used outside of the UAE are considered a controlled substance, and possessing them could result in having them confiscated. If you are found in possession of illegal drugs, there are extremely serious consequences; all of which involve a lengthy prison term and in some cases a death sentence. If you are concerned about your own medication, it is worth checking with the Dubai Customs and your Airline.
Cuisine
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As one of the most culturally diverse, cosmopolitan places in the world, Dubai is home to a dizzying array of cultures and influences, each with their own dishes and cookery. Therefore sampling the different dishes in Dubai is fantastic experience.
With influences from China, South Asia, India, Pakistan and Persia, dishes are diverse and often a mixture of spicy, or sweet and sour. Try the most popular side dish, Falafel, made from a combination of chickpeas, spices and wheat. Often served as a side dish, it can be combined with the world-famous Hummus, or Shawarma: probably the most popular of foods eaten in Dubai, this predominantly Asian dish is made from Lamb or Chicken and served with a wide range of vegetables, potato, pickles and garlic.
For something a little more filling, Ghuzi is often described as the taste of Dubai: very popular in restaurants, the Ghuzi dish is a whole roasted lamb served with rice, vegetables and nuts. Delicious!
Many of the beach clubs are also home to a wide range of restaurants and cafes displaying a staggering range of cuisines. A vast range of the larger hotels and spas also serve more western food including pizza, burgers and fries.
Pork is a forbidden food in Dubai. Tourists can obtain a special license to purchase it, with select supermarkets and diners in Dubai serving to visitors.
A small number of restaurants also serve seafood and there are loads of delicious vegetarian options.
So now you know – as always you should take heed of local customs and culture when you travel so that you can enjoy all your destination has to offer.
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Great post Andy. Did they search your bag for prescription drugs when you entered the country? I have pain killers from a recent surgery, and I am trying to decide whether to bring them to Dubai or not.
Dan
ThisWorldRocks.com
Thanks Dan – I have not had my bag searched at Dubai airport before, but it can happen. I would definitely advise you to get a note from your doctor just to be on the safe side; I have travelled in the past with prescription drugs to other countries and had a letter detailing what they were and why I needed them (in English, from my Norwegian doctor). I never had to use it and chances are you never will, but it makes sense if you are concerned. Going through any customs post and being visibly worried is not a good idea 🙂
My sister and I were surprised that we saw quite a few couples who were holding hands and they did not appear to be tourists. They also weren’t in a mosque or somewhere. You may want to rephrase that “you may get a license to drink in your hotel” as it sounds as if the travel needs to get one and there may be a crowd rushing to get them! It’s the hotel that needs the license and I’m sure you know that! We enjoyed Dubai and are going to Doha, Abu Dhabi and the Maldives in February so hope to get to know that part of the world a little better.
Good point, it did sound a little like that! I made the change, thanks for the feedback. Sounds like you have a great trip on the cards, I’d love to see more of the Middle East too. And you can’t go far wrong with the Maldives, after all… 🙂