If you’re visiting the Middle East for the first time and have already thought about what to see and do in Dubai , you may have a few questions about your trip.

To make your discovery of the city easier, in this post you will find 10 practical tips for traveling to Dubai , which will help you plan the perfect getaway. Let’s start with the beginning !

1. Travel in fall and spring rather than summer

Summer in Dubai is very hot and thermometers can easily reach 50ºC. Temperatures are so high that many outdoor activities you might have thought of (like a trip to the Dubai desert ) can prove difficult.

Unless you are used to high temperatures and don’t mind extreme heat, this is not an ideal time to visit Dubai. Even though it’s low season and hotel and flight prices are significantly lower.

If you are planning to visit Dubai and want to enjoy the sun, sea and swimming pools, spring and autumn (mid-season) are the two most suitable periods . These two seasons are also warm, but not as hot as summer, which will allow you to enjoy outdoor activities without stress.

Winter is another good time to travel to Dubai if budget is not an issue for you, as it is peak season . Temperatures are mild (they generally do not exceed 30ºC), but prices skyrocket between December and March.

Don’t miss the article on the best time to travel to Dubai , where you will find more detailed information.

2. Upon arrival in Dubai, take a transfer to your hotel

When you land in Dubai after a long flight, you probably feel tired and want to get to your hotel as quickly as possible to rest. Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and the last thing you want to do after flying for hours is wander around the airport terminal with your luggage to find a free taxi which will take you to your hotel.

I advise you to book a Dubai airport transfer , which will pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your hotel, without waiting . You will travel in modern vehicles with comfortable seats, with professional drivers who know Dubai perfectly, and you will know in advance how much it will cost you. No surprses with the meters!

When taking a taxi in Dubai, you should be aware that not all taxi drivers are locals, so it is likely that some of them do not know the city very well . In addition to giving them the address of your destination, don’t forget to bring a map or tell them about a nearby tourist attraction.

3. Take out medical insurance for your trip to Dubai

Dubai is a peaceful and safe destination, with a modern and efficient health system . However, health care can be very expensive if, unfortunately, an incident occurs and you do not have medical coverage during your trip.

take out medical insurance for the United Arab Emirates. But before taking the plunge and purchasing travel medical insurance, I advise you to check the terms of your bank card contract to see if they include insurance when you pay for your trip with them.

4. Use public transport to get around Dubai

Although Dubai remains a city dependent on private transport, the transport network has been greatly modernized in recent times and is a very attractive option for getting from place to place during your stay.

Although its coverage is limited, it is fast, with high frequency and stops near major hotels.

Bus : The network has more than 100 lines, including one at night, and you also have the option of taking the Dubai tourist bus with free stops in the city’s various tourist attractions.

Taxi : Taxis are quite inexpensive and you will probably use them several times. Carry cash in AED (dirhams) as many taxis do not have card machines.

How to buy a ticket?

If you prefer public transport, you will need to purchase an NOL card to travel on the metro or bus, as you cannot pay with cash.

Don’t miss the post How to get around Dubai to discover in detail all the options available to you for getting around the city.

5. Be careful where you consume alcohol in Dubai

The minimum age for drinking alcohol is 21 , but some bars cannot serve alcoholic drinks to anyone under 25.

Although tourists are allowed to drink alcohol in licensed establishments, such as hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, drinking or being drunk in public is prohibited.

UAE law provides for sanctions . If you decide to have a drink, make sure the alcohol doesn’t go to your head to avoid getting in trouble.