Dubai Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Etisalat and du are the pair main mobile network providers in the UAE. They possess superb insurance coverage and data speeds.

Connectivity Options

Tourist SIMS are sold at the airport
Passport and visa are needed for registration
eSIM alternatives provide digital activation for newer phones. Consider Airalo for convenient eSIM purchases.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls, cafes, restaurants, and many public areas across Dubai.

Access Points

Hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi
Malls and major public areas offer free Wi-Fi
High internet speeds for streaming and calls. Portable Wi-Fi devices from Solis Wi-Fi are also an option.

Postal Services

Emirates Post, the national postal service, operates across the UAE.

Sending Mail

Post offices are located in various areas
Lots of accommodations have postal services for guests
Postcards and small packages mailings are possible

Language Barriers & Translation Resources

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and understood, especially in tourism and hospitality.

Communication Ease

Rarely encounter language barriers in tourist areas
Google's Translation App is a ready tool for quick translations
For deeper cultural immersion, consider learning a few phrases with Rosetta Stone.

Important Phrases with Pronunciation Guides

Common Greetings & Affirmations

Hello: Marhaba (مرحبا) – Marr-ha-ba
Thank you: Shukran (شكرا) – Shook-ran
Please: Min fadlak (m), Min fadlik (f) (من فضلك/من فضلكِ) – Min fad-lak / Min fad-lik
Yes: Na'am (نعم) – Na-am

Useful Responses & Questions

No: La (لا) – Laa
How much?: Kam? (كم؟) – Kam
Excuse me / Sorry: Afwan (عفواً) - Af-wan
Good morning: Sabah al-khayr (صباح الخير) – Sa-bah al-khair

Staying Connected

Seamless communication keeps your trip stress-free. A Local mobile sim or eSIMs offer excellent data, and widespread Wi-Fi makes staying in touch effortless.

Business Hours & Schedules

Government Offices

Sunday-Thursday, generally 7:30 AM/8:00 AM to 3:30 PM/4:00 PM.

Private Sector Offices

Typically Sunday-Thursday, 8:00 AM/9:00 AM to 5:00 PM/6:00 PM.

Shopping Malls

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM on weekdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM on weekends (Friday-Saturday).

Religious & Public Holidays

Dates for Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, causing annual variations. Services and hours may be different.

Dates & Impact

Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
National Day is December 2nd
Ramadan means reduced daytime hours for some restaurants; public eating/drinking/smoking is prohibited.

Seasonal Closures & Limited Schedules

Dubai experiences extremely hot summers. This impacts outdoor activities.

Summer Adjustments June-September

Fewer outdoor events
Some outdoor attractions may close or be open for less time
Indoor activities and water-based amusement public parks are popular refuges

Banking Hours & ATM Locations

Banking Availability

Banks operate Sunday-Thursday, generally 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Some branches extend hours in certain areas
Currency exchange is readily available at banks and exchange houses

ATM Network

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are everywhere
Located in malls, hotels, and on streets 24/7
Most international cards are taken for withdrawals

Plan Daily Activities

Adjust your itinerary around known opening times and be mindful of holiday changes for a smoother experience.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Familiarity with local customs shows respect and makes interactions more harmonious.

Greeting Customs

Handshakes are common, but particular factors apply.

Interacting with Locals

Shake hands with people of the same gender
When greeting the opposite gender, await their lead for a handshake
Acknowledge greetings with "Salam alaikum" or "Marhaba"

Appropriate Attire for Different Settings

Conservative attire is generally advised in public spaces.

Public Dress Code

Cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks, and public transport
Swimsuits are acceptable only on the beaches plus pools
This habit shows respect for local customs

Dining and Tipping Practices

Cultural niceties around eating and showing appreciation.

Mealtime Customs

Use your right hand for traditional food
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory
Service charge may already be included in bills

Photography Permissions and Restrictions

Respect privacy and official guidelines when taking photos.

Visual Etiquette

Always seek permission before photographing individuals, particularly women and kids
Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, or sensitive areas
Practice discretion and respect for peace and quiet

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Behaviors to Avoid

Public displays of affection (kissing, hugging) are not tolerated
Drinking alcohol in public areas is illegal
Drug use is strictly prohibited with severe penalties

Speech & Conduct

Blasphemy or disrespect towards Islam is a serious offense
Criticism of the UAE government or royal family is prohibited
Same-sex relationships are illegal under UAE law

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+ Information

General Guidelines

Laws are conservative, yet tourists generally remain unaffected with discretion
Public displays of affection are best avoided by all individuals
Behaviors perceived as offensive to public morals are best avoided

Respectful Conduct

Respect municipal rules and customs
Maintain a respectful demeanor in all engagements
Subtlety is in all public settings

Cultural Sensitivity

Embrace the opportunity to get information on the local culture. A little forethought and respect ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.

Accessibility Information

Dubai features significant progress in providing accessible infrastructure for diverse travelers.

Infrastructure for Travelers with Mobility Challenges

Modern infrastructure across Dubai aids mobility.

Accessibility Features

Accessible sidewalks, ramps, and elevators are widespread in public buildings
Many An Artificial archipelago in dubai resorts offer ramps, wide doorways, and accessible rooms
Malls and main sights feature accessible design

Accessible Attractions and Transportation

Public transit and popular sites cater to different needs.

Ease of Movement

The Dubai Metro and Tram are fully accessible with lifts and dedicated spaces
Most major attractions and malls provide accessible entrances and facilities
Beach access points and pathways are being improved

Services for Travelers with Visual or Hearing Impairments

Support services aid navigation and information access.

Sensory Aids

Tactile paving assists visually impaired individuals in some public buildings
Audio announcements are present in transportation hubs
Information in English is prevalent, aiding those with hearing impairments

Resources & Organizations

Official channels provide specific accessibility details.

Getting Specifics

Check official Dubai tourism websites (e.g., Visit Dubai)
Individual attraction websites share specific accessibility details
Contact your hotel or tour operator in advance to discuss requirements

Priority Pass & Flight Compensation

Airport Lounge Access

Priority Pass grants access to airport lounges globally
Access offers comfort and amenities before flights
Ideal for frequent travelers

Flight Disruption Compensation

Compensair assists with claims for delayed or cancelled flights
Seek compensation for issues with your flight
Service simplifies the compensation process

Inclusive Travel

Dubai's commitment to accessibility seeks to make travel comfortable for all guests. Plan your trip with self-assurance, knowing support is available.

Dubai Travel Tips