Emirati Etiquette: Dubai Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

With heaven piercing skyscrapers, shopping malls as big as cities and Lamborghini police cars; Dubai is a decadent oasis in the middle of the desert. It is easy to forget you’re in the middle of the desert when you are gawking at million-dollar yachts in Dubai Marina. But you still are in the middle of the Arabian Desert, in a conservative nation where social norms and etiquette are a lot different from home.

Which is why we bring you our list of quick and dirty Dubai travel tips, so you can have a fun Dubai holiday while being respectful of your hosts.

Dress modestly

Dubai may be the most modern city in the Middle East but it is still part of a conservative Muslim nation. Be sure to stay covered up in public. And remember. BOXERS ARE NOT SHORTS.

Take off your shoes when entering homes

Wearing shoes indoors and showing the soles of your feet is considered disrespectful.

Wear swimsuits only at beaches and swimming pools

Swimwear worn anywhere outside these areas is considered indecent and you may be fined. You can however wear your bathing suits to water parks and resorts.

Keep the public displays of affection to a minimum

While holding hands maybe accepted, hugging and kissing is not. We suggest keeping the public displays of affection, a little less public.

Don’t drink in public

Only non-Muslims are permitted to consume alcohol in the UAE. It is also worth noting that as a tourist, you will not be sold alcohol at supermarkets and groceries. It is, therefore, best to stick to bars and restaurants.

Don’t take photographs of government buildings

This Dubai travel tip may seem odd to people whose camera rolls are full of selfies taken with Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Red Fort. Understand that the UAE considers their government buildings to be sensitive locations. You’re better off sticking to taking pics of Dubai Frame.

Don’t eat or drink in public in the month of Ramadan

Most locals will be fasting through the day and will take offense at seeing you eat. You can however eat at restaurants that cater to tourists. And if you wait till sundown, watch the city transform into a foodie’s dream with delectable dishes and street food everywhere you look.

Don’t smoke

Smoking is prohibited in public spaces such as malls and offices and e-cigarettes are banned in the UAE. We suggest leaving your vaping devices and cancer sticks at home.

And there you have it. Our Dubai travel tips for first time visitors.

Now that you’ve got social etiquette covered, its time to explore the most opulent country of Emirates, Dubai with our customized Dubai tour packages. And with our easy online Dubai visa process and cheap flight options, travelling to Dubai has never been easier. Our cheapest Dubai tour packages offer the opportunity to create everlasting memories without breaching the bank. Book your Dubai package from all major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Kerala, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc.

Inspired? Come visit us and explore the magical land of Dubai through our eyes and love it the way we do.