Dubai Travel Tips

FOOD

There are some wonderful food in Dubai! Do some research and make sure you have Indian, Lebanese, and Moroccan cuisine! I had the creamiest hummus I’ve ever tasted in my life in Zaroob. Also remembering Gazebo for Indian food and Al Hallab for Lebanese. I’ll scatter food photos around this post to tickle tastebuds!

TRANSPORTATION

Taxis. Taxi rates are reasonable. While there is a train system and some buses… gas is CHEAP. Seriously. You’ll probably post a photo of the gas prices on Instagram. Also, you wouldn’t want to walk in the heat of the desert. You might think you can because you like walking around. You walk around everywhere! But not in the desert. Trust me.

Al Hallab Goodness

Rent a car. This might actually be cost effective if you’re a group. Plus, there’s no limit to where to go. Again, gas is cheap! But you will have to pay toll fees, which aren’t as cheap. Also, KNOW THE ROAD RULES. You won’t see many traffic cops but they have loads of sensors and cameras everywhere. And they will issue you a ticket, even without you knowing. Fines are expensive! So be sure you know the rules and strictly abide by them.

Trains & Buses. You can also take the Dubai Metro and their feeder buses. It isn’t the most extensive public transport system. But if you find your destination very close to a train station, then go for it! I took it a few times. The train and the stations are cool, but beyond the stations – walking in the desert heat is a major downer. (For more info, check out the Dubai Roads & Transport website or this unofficial site for the Dubai Metro)

OTHER TIPS

Gosht Hyderabadi Biryani at Gazebo

ONE: Before anything else, let me say that I LOVE GOOGLE MAPS. It isn’t perfect. But it is a huge, huge help whether you’re driving yourself, checking if the cab driver is taking you to the right place, or figuring out the public transport system. Google Maps is one of my best friends. Use Google Maps.

TWO: If you have a spare phone or if you don’t mind changing your sim card for the trip, you can purchase prepaid sim cards in Dubai. That way, you can stay mobile and online throughout your trip. (And you can use Google Maps the entire time.)

THREE: Keep your eyes peeled for booklets, maps, etc. with coupons! It can save you money on entrance fees and tour packages.

FOUR: SUN PROTECTION. Bring legit sunglasses – you can barely see without them. Wear sunscreen. You can bring an umbrella, too, if you’re extra afraid of the sun.

Moroccan

FIVE: Be mindful of what you wear. Don’t show too much skin. While they do tolerate foreigners wearing shorts and sleeveless tops (They even allow bikinis along the beach.), it’s best not to wear anything too short or revealing while walking around the City to avoid offending the locals. Also note that they’re a tad less liberal in Abu Dhabi.

 

(Did I make you hungry? Good. ‘Coz I’m starving after editing those photos!)

If you want to learn more about my experience in the Emirates, check out my post on sightseeing and my sort-of-review.  Also, if you have any more travel tips, thoughts, or whatever, feel free to use the comment box below!