Dubai is one of the easiest big cities in the world to visit, and one of the easiest to misjudge. Most first-timers arrive with either an exaggerated fear of the rules or an exaggerated idea of the cost. Here is what actually matters.
1. It is far more relaxed than you expect — with limits
Normal summer clothing is fine in hotels, malls, beaches and tourist areas. Cover shoulders and knees in the souks, older neighbourhoods and any mosque. Nobody will trouble you for a t-shirt in Dubai Mall.
2. Alcohol is legal, in the right places
Served in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants. Not sold in supermarkets. Drinking in public or being visibly drunk in public is an offence and is taken seriously.
3. Public behaviour rules are real
Public displays of affection beyond hand-holding, swearing, and rude gestures can genuinely get you in trouble. This is the one area where visitors underestimate the difference.
4. It is extremely safe
Street crime is very low. Walking alone at night, in almost any district including Deira, is normal. Take the usual precautions and no more.
5. The city is much bigger than it looks
Roughly 40 km from Deira to the Marina. A badly planned day puts you in a taxi for two hours. Group each day by area — that is the whole logic behind our three-day itinerary.
6. The Metro will save you a lot of money
Buy a silver Nol card at the airport for AED 25. Trips cost AED 3–7.50 versus AED 60–100 for airport taxis. See our Metro and Nol guide.
7. Dubai is only expensive if you let it be
You can eat extremely well for AED 20 and see most of the city for nothing. See eating for under AED 30 and free things to do. The cost comes from hotels, alcohol and taxis, not from the city itself.
8. Summer heat is not a minor detail
Between June and September, afternoon temperatures of 40–45°C make outdoor plans genuinely unworkable. Check the best time to visit before you book.
9. Friday is not the weekend anymore
The UAE weekend is Saturday and Sunday, with Friday a half working day. Friday afternoon prayers still affect opening hours in some places.
10. Tipping is optional
A service charge is often already included. Rounding up a taxi fare or leaving 10% for good restaurant service is normal and appreciated; nothing is expected.
11. Tap water is safe, but nobody drinks it
It is desalinated and safe at source, but building tanks vary. Bottled water is cheap and universal.
12. Almost everything takes cards
Including taxis. Carry a small amount of cash for the abra (AED 1), souk haggling and small cafeterias.
13. Book the big attractions online
Burj Khalifa at the counter costs roughly double the online price, and the good slots sell out. This is the most common and most expensive first-timer mistake.
14. Ramadan changes the trip
No eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight, many restaurants closed until sunset, limited nightlife. It is a wonderful time to visit if you know in advance — and a confusing one if you do not.
15. Photograph people and buildings carefully
Do not photograph people — especially women and families — without permission. Avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, ports and airports. This is one of the few things that reliably causes real problems.
A short pre-trip checklist
- Check your visa requirement with the official UAE authority for your nationality
- Book Burj Khalifa and any desert safari before you fly
- Buy a Nol card on arrival
- Pick your area deliberately — see where to stay
- Check whether your dates fall in Ramadan
Verified August 2026. Rules and prices change — confirm officially before you travel. See our editorial policy.
