How to travel safely in Dubai

Dubai boasts wealth, glitz, and glamour. The tall skyscrapers, 7-star hotels and rich culture make Dubai arguably one of the best cities to travel to in the modern era. While some may have reservations about travelling safely in a culture that is different to the one they are used to, Dubai is pretty safe to explore as long as you know the unwritten and written rules and etiquette. In this article, we discuss how to travel safely in Dubai.

What are the best areas to stay in Dubai?

Where you stay in Dubai has a lot to do with how much you can enjoy your trip. The city is vast and walking around is not easy. Hence, depending on what you wish to do while in Dubai, pick your temporary locality. If you love the luxurious shoreline and the seas of Dubai, look for beach resorts in Dubai. You’ll find that there are plenty of those around including the Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. If you are on a business trip, find accommodation near the Dubai Trade Centre.

What to pack for safety in Dubai?

There are a few essentials that you should not forget to pack for a Dubai trip. You need to pack some conservative clothing and a few scarves for public travel in the city. Bring some extra bottles of sunscreen with a high range of SPF to avoid sunburn. You’ll need to carry deodorant, face wipes, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. Don’t forget your mosquito repellent. More importantly, double and triple-check whether you have all your travel documents and photocopies of those. And remember to keep your original documents locked safely at the hotel when you venture out.

What mode of transport is best in Dubai?

You can hire a taxi to get around in Dubai, but public transport is pretty cheap. If you use taxis, always remember important landmarks, and use Google maps. You can’t really expect the driver to know all the nooks and corners of this huge city. If you are on a budget, you can use the metro and buses. If you have an international driving license, you can rent a private car. However, be prepared to deal with erratic drivers. Remember that eating in public is considered offensive in Dubai. Hence, avoid snacking in the metro or buses.

How to respect local etiquette in Dubai?

Dubai has a more modern outlook on life compared to some other Middle Eastern countries. However, you would have to employ some restraint in public. Always, cover up when you go out in public, and wear conservative clothing. You would have to check yourself from kissing in public (not even a peck on the cheek). If you are travelling with your partner, but are unmarried, you need to book separate accommodation. Swearing in public is also considered rude in Dubai. If you opt to drive in Dubai, don’t ever make rude hand gestures. It is better to stay away from political gatherings and avoid religious conversations altogether for a peaceful holiday. When you visit mosques or people’s houses, you need to take your shoes off before entering.

How to treat alcohol in Dubai?

Your hotel and restaurants will offer plenty of alcohol from a wide range of beverages. The drinking age limit is 21. You can even buy alcohol at the airport duty-free shops. However, you cannot drink in public. Drinking or staying drunk in public can put in sticky waters, in the shape of penalties and even jail time. Stick to drinking at your hotel and sleep the hangover off before venturing out.

How to take your prescription medication in Dubai?

The country has a strict drug and medication policy. If you are on prescription medication, take your prescription along with you. Even so, some anti-anxiety drugs are prohibited in Dubai. Check their travel advisory website for more accurate information.