6 Dubai travel tips for first-timers – Things to keep in mind for seamless experiences

Consider factors like your budget and what kind of activities you would like to take part in before deciding on what time of the year is ideal for you to travel to Dubai. If you wish to experience the best of what is on offer it is best to travel from November to March when the temperature rotates around 30°C. However, if you are concerned about the expenses, go there from June to August when activity and accommodation rates are low.  

Dubai is a city of opulence with modern amenities and luxurious hotels. Therefore, a stay at this destination can cause a serious dent in your purse. Practice cost-saving strategies during your stay like checking out hotel deals, using local transport, dining at local restaurants and going for activities which offer discounts. Many hotels on the Palm, Dubai, slash their rates during the off-peak season. So if you are eyeing a memorable stay yet want to save as much bucks as you can, check out all these offers before planning your journey. 

You need to take in aspects like how much time you can spare, your travel destination and how much you are hoping to spend when you decide on the best transport option for you. If you are travelling alone or as a couple, it is best to take public transport like buses or the metro as you will be able to save as well as experience the local lifestyle. Most of these head straight to popular tourist spots like the Dubai Marina and the Dubai Mall. 

Dubai is a conservative country so dress in modest attire which covers your knees and shoulders during your travels. It is also not good to encourage public displays of affection, especially in crowded places.  Always be respectful of the locals and their customs. Ask permission if you need to snap a photograph of them. Drinking alcohol too is not permitted in public spaces. 

No journey to a foreign land is complete if you haven’t tried some of their local favourites. Sink your teeth into top favourites like machboos (meat and spiced rice), harees (porridge made of wheat, ghee and meat), samboosa (stuffed triangular pastries), knafeh (pastry and cheese submerged in a sweet syrup) and luqaimat (deep-fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup or honey). Ghuzi is a must-try as it is considered the national dish of the UAE. 

There are more than enough activities in store in Dubai for a memorable stay for any type of traveller. If you are travelling solo, as a couple or with a group of friends, go for activities like shopping, desert safaris and skydiving over the Palm. If you are there with your children, visits to the Dubai Miracle Garden, Adventura Parks, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo would make exciting family outings. Almost anyone staying in the city needs to visit the iconic Burj Khalifa. This landmark which is dubbed the tallest building on Earth, offers stunning 350-degree views of the city and beyond. Guests at hotels like NH Collection Dubai The Palm can access all these attractions easily as they are less than an hour’s drive away.