5 Travel Tips and Checklist for First-timers in Dubai 2021 - 5 Travel Guidelines for Holidaymakers heading to Dubai City

Unlike most holiday hubs that can be explored without much hassle even during the off-season, those who are heading to a desert city such as Dubai must take the local weather into consideration. Dubai can be unbearably warm and humid during the summer months and those who are hailing from a colder climate would do well to head to the city during the winter season from November to February. This is also the official tourist season in Dubai so one will have to contend with countless other tourists but the pleasant weather more than makes up for it as most outdoor activities that are off-limits for most of the year due to high temperatures will be accessible.

Dubai's reputation as a multi-cultural business hub and a city in which a majority of the population is made up of immigrants has led to many misconceptions about just how "modern" and "liberal" Dubai is. While it is certainly one of the most cosmopolitan corners of the Middle East, Dubai is still the capital of a very conservative Islamic nation and those who think they can get away with tank tops and shorts during a holiday in the city are sadly mistaken. While it is perfectly acceptable to wear swimsuits and less than conservative outfits within the confines of the Avani Ibn Battuta Hotel Dubai or any similar marina view hotel in Dubai, the rules for the public sphere are quite different. Long skirts and pants are ideal for sightseeing tours in the city while covering one's shoulders and arms is another sign of modesty locals will appreciate. Female visitors should pack a scarf for a headcover to wear when visiting a mosque or similar landmark.

Tourists should keep in mind that traffic is a nightmare during weekdays, which begins on Sunday and ends on Thursday unlike the rest of the world. The weekend, however, which is made up of Friday and Saturday are more laid back and the highways are easier to navigate. Taxis are the most convenient way to get around the city although the Dubai metro is equally efficient even if the carriages are crowded.

Public displays of affection can cause quite a stir in Dubai, so tourists must refrain from holding hands, hugging and kissing when they are in public. Angry and loud displays of emotion are also considered uncouth by locals.

Most shops and businesses not only close for most of the day but wining and dining in public is strictly prohibited during this holy month. This makes the Ramadan season the worst time of the year to visit Dubai and most Islamic cities for that matter.