First time in Dubai: 15 things worth knowing

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. Know the alcohol rules

Dubai’s tourism authority describes alcohol as available in licensed establishments and specialised shops for those aged 21 and over. Drunk and disorderly conduct and drink-driving are not acceptable.

3. Public behaviour rules are real

Dubai’s tourism authority describes holding hands as acceptable but excessive public displays of affection as not allowed. Respect the venue’s conduct rules rather than treating this summary as a complete list of legal penalties.

4. Use normal travel precautions

Check your hotel and return route, read recent reviews and look after your belongings, including when staying in Deira. Do not treat a citywide description as proof that every street is safe at every hour.

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 on a silver card, while an airport taxi starts at AED 20–25 before the metered distance is added. 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 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 Saturday–Sunday weekend and shorter Friday apply to federal and Dubai government employees. Sharjah’s government has a Friday–Sunday weekend; private-sector rest days depend on the employment arrangements. A service centre’s public opening hours may differ from employees’ working hours.

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. Check drinking-water arrangements at your accommodation

Ask your accommodation about its drinking-water provision and tank maintenance, and carry suitable drinking water when heading out. This guide does not establish water quality in a particular building.

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 tickets are sold by time slot online, and the good slots sell out. This is the most common and most expensive first-timer mistake.

14. Ramadan changes the trip

Non-Muslims are not required to fast. Visit Dubai’s 2026 guide says non-fasters can eat and drink and most restaurants remain open during the day. Be considerate of those fasting and check the hours of the venues and activities on your travel dates.

15. Photograph people and buildings carefully

Ask permission before photographing people and follow the signs and photography instructions at the places you visit. A venue or activity may have its own equipment and photography conditions; check them rather than assuming one rule applies to every airport, port or building.

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

Details depend on your nationality, product, venue and dates; confirm the requirements for your visit with the relevant official source. editorial policy.