What to Know Before Booking Your First Visit to Dubai Dubai is a global hub of innovation, luxury, and cultural richness. Whether you’re...
What to Know Before Booking Your First Visit to Dubai
Dubai is a global hub of innovation, luxury, and cultural richness. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a business trip, or a solo travel experience, your first visit can be unforgettable—with the right preparation.
This guide shares everything you need to know before booking your trip: when to travel, how to save money, and what to experience in the city that redefines ambition.
✅ Things to Know Before Booking Flights & Hotels
- Best Travel Season: November to March (pleasant weather)
- Avoid Peak Events: Around New Year’s Eve, GITEX, Arab Health Expo
- Flight Booking Tip: Use price tracking tools like Google Flights
- Hotel Booking Shortcut: 👉 Find Dubai Hotel Deals on Expedia
Top Areas to Stay:
- Downtown Dubai – Luxury, close to major attractions
- Dubai Marina / JBR – Beachside leisure
- Al Barsha / Deira – Budget-friendly with easy metro access
🧳 Smart Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing
- Evening layers for malls and restaurants
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Swimwear (hotel/beach only)
- Formal outfit for fine dining or clubs
🕌 Cultural Awareness: Do’s and Don’ts
- Dress modestly in public (cover shoulders/knees)
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Be respectful during prayer times and religious holidays
- No photography of strangers or government buildings
🏖️ 25 Top Attractions & Activities in Dubai
Here’s what to consider adding to your travel bucket list:
- Burj Khalifa – Tallest building on Earth
- Dubai Mall – Massive shopping, aquarium, and VR Park
- Museum of the Future – Mind-blowing innovation space
- The Dubai Frame – Old vs. New Dubai from 150m above ground
- Global Village (seasonal) – International food, culture & shopping
- Al Fahidi Historical District – Authentic old Dubai experience
- Desert Safari – Dune bashing, BBQ, camel rides
- Dubai Marina Walk – Waterside strolls and cafes
- Palm Jumeirah – Iconic man-made island
- Atlantis Aquaventure – Water park and marine adventures
- JBR Beach Walk – Relaxation, restaurants, and jet skis
- Ski Dubai – Indoor snow park inside Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise – Dinner on traditional boats
- IMG Worlds of Adventure – Indoor theme park
- Motiongate Dubai – Hollywood-themed rides
- Legoland Dubai – For families with younger kids
- Ain Dubai – World’s tallest observation wheel
- Bluewaters Island – High-end restaurants and views
- City Walk – Outdoor shopping and art
- Etihad Museum – Learn UAE’s founding story
- Al Seef District – Creekside shopping and culture
- Gold & Spice Souks – Traditional markets in Deira
💰 Budget Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Buy a Nol Card: Use the metro for cheap, air-conditioned travel
- Bundle Bookings: Save more by booking hotel + flight together:
- 👉 Expedia Dubai Travel Packages
- Affordable Eats: Try Pakistani, Indian, or Lebanese food in Al Karama
- Free Attractions: Dubai Fountain, public beaches, Al Qudra lakes
- Tourist SIM: Grab one at the airport with 1-2 GB data du Tourist SIM
📲 Useful Apps to Download
- Careem or Uber – Ride-hailing
- RTA Dubai – Public transport routes ANDROID APP
- Google Maps – Offline mode works well
- Visit Dubai – Official tourism recommendations ANDROID APP
- Zomato – Find restaurants with reviews ANDROID APP
🛡️ Legal and Safety Pointers
- No drugs, even for transit
- No public fights or shouting
- Respect public cleanliness (no littering, spitting)
- Keep passport copies with you
🧠 Final Thoughts: A City Like No Other
Dubai is bold, safe, and incredibly diverse. But it's not just about shiny skyscrapers—there’s culture, history, and world-class hospitality waiting for you.
Before you book, take a moment to compare hotel deals and secure your travel arrangements through trusted sources like Expedia:
👉 Browse Dubai Travel Deals
