UAE has become one of the most popular destinations for all travelers in the Middle Eastern region. As such Dubai offers a very rich cultural experience along with delicious food, friendly people, amazing rays of sunshine, and sunsets. To visit UAE, you can easily apply for a UAE visit visa from their website. For a 30-day travel visa, you will be charged 335 AED and for 90 days, you will be charged 805 AED. United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a Muslim country which means there are going to be some rules and regulations which everyone must adhere to while visiting or else you will be heavily fined. That being said, let us not waste any more time and understand what are the things that a first-time traveler should keep in mind while visiting UAE.
Dubai - Dos and Don’ts while visiting:
Things that you must do while visiting Dubai:
Dress appropriately:
Dressing up properly is one of the basic things that one should do irrespective of which country they go to. As such Dubai is an Islamic country therefore rules for dressing are a bit strict. You are not expected to wear a full burqa during the trip but they should dress modestly as such many shopping malls have a dress code that they expect their visitors to adhere to. Men are also not allowed to walk topless unless and until they are on the beach and women are also required to wear headscarves while visiting religious monuments.
Travel around the city through Metro:
Traveling through the Metro to reach from one place to another is one of the most ideal modes of transportation. Although there are various cabs services available that will take you anywhere you want when compared with the Metro, the Metro always wins. The amount of money and time that you save while traveling with Metro is quite astonishing.
A silver card and a red ticket are issued to the tourist for a more hassle-free experience, red ticket holds the validity of about 90 days whereas a silver card is valid for up to 5 years. Just keep in mind that there are different cabins for a different classes, therefore try to hop on the right cabin, or else you will be fined if caught.
Be respectful:
The people of Dubai are quite humble and helpful, therefore if you act respectfully and in a down-to-earth manner then they will greet you with utter respect and smile. If they are pleased by your behavior towards them then you might get a chance to experience their warm hospitality.
Carry your medicines prescriptions:
The Dubai government follows a zero-tolerance policy toward the consumption or possession of drugs. Therefore one must carry the prescriptions of the medicines that they intend to bring to Dubai as such there are some medicines that are completely illegal for instance, codeine-containing painkillers. Therefore always check your medicine contents before traveling to UAE as such you don't want them to charge you for something that might be legal in your area but illegal in Dubai.
Following rules of Ramadan:
If you travel to Dubai during Ramadan then always comply with the rules that are made for Ramadan. Many travelers are found misbehaving during this period and are now facing legal penalties. There are numerous regulations that one should follow during this Islamic religious festival but to sum up, you must not eat, drink or smoke in the public during the daytime.
Things you must avoid doing in Dubai:
Avoid the Public Display of Affection (PDA):
Public Display of affection is still viewed as taboo in Dubai, it is a very controversial topic and many travelers are found guilty or even get arrested for the same. If you are not married then even hand holding is not acceptable in their view. Therefore to be on the safer side, try to control your urge to display affection until you reach your hotel room.
Try not to be drunk in public:
Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in Dubai as such it is an Islamic country. Although alcohol is provided in licensed bars, hotels, and restaurants to consume. Try not to behave disorderly in public after consuming the alcohol or else you might be facing legal actions.
Seek permission before clicking pictures of the locals:
It is obvious that clicking pictures of anyone without their permission is rude, therefore don't click pictures of anyone without getting proper consent from them, or else you will be facing legal action towards you if you are reported.
Insulting the Islamic religion:
Insulting the religion of the country that you are visiting is one of the rudest things that you can do. Therefore, don't insult their religion irrespective of what you feel about their religion. Try to keep it inside you as such there are quite strict punishments for someone who insults their religion.
Don't use your left hand:
This rule might seem odd to many but there is a fact behind it in Muslim culture the left hand is used for cleaning the body therefore it is considered unclean. Thus you should never offer your left hand to someone as they might assume it disrespectful.
Conclusion:
The above listed are some of the Do’s and Don’ts things to consider while visiting Dubai. We sincerely hope that this article helps you and makes your trip to Dubai hassle-free and without any hindrance.