For first-time visitors, a Dubai trip can bring a roller coaster of emotions. It’s both exciting and thrilling, yet it can also be haunting to step into a modern Middle Eastern city with deep cultural roots.
Make your trip more about excitement and less about nervousness by understanding key travel tips for Indians visiting Dubai. Read on to know more.
1. Know the Essential Travel Requirements
The first and foremost requirement to tackle during travel planning is to understand the Dubai visa process. It is necessary to know that before applying for a Dubai visa, it is important to have a valid and confirmed return ticket and travel insurance covering your entire stay in Dubai.
Additionally, the passport of the Indian traveller should have a minimum of 6 months validity remaining after arrival in Dubai. These factors significantly influence the approval of your Dubai visa application. Indian travellers to Dubai have additional travel formalities, such as obtaining an OK to Board status with the airlines. Though international credit cards take care of most expenses easily in Dubai, it is best to carry some cash as well.
2. Dubai Visa
As a first-time traveller, it’s crucial to understand the different types of Dubai visas available and choose the one that best suits your trip. Indians have the choice of applying for a 14 day Dubai visit visa if they have a US, UK or EU residential visa.
Additionally, you should be aware that an Indian visitor to the UAE may or may not require a pre-approved visa to enter Dubai. The Dubai visa needs a UAE sponsor, and the visa can be applied for and acquired in the UAE by the sponsor on your
behalf. In simple terms, you cannot apply for a UAE visa and acquire it in India.
A friend, family or acquaintance with a UAE resident visa can be your UAE sponsor for your visa. Likewise, the travel agency through whom you are making your travel arrangements or the hotels where you will be staying in Dubai can be your UAE sponsor as well for applying for a Dubai visa.
3. Dress Code in Public Places
The UAE is a conservative country with strong Islamic traditions. While Dubai visitors are generally free to dress and behave as they wish, it is important to be mindful of local sensitivities. Anyone visiting Dubai, whether a first-time visitor or a repeat
traveller, should always bear in mind that Dubai is a lenient cosmopolitan but still keeps Islamic laws in check.
Hence, when strolling in public places, make sure that you dress modestly. It is best to dress for the occasion. For instance, if you are visiting a religious attraction, opt for full-length attire that covers shoulders and legs. For an outdoor excursion such as Desert Safari, wear airy, linen or cotton clothes with closed footwear.
At private beaches, beach clubs and water parks, swimwear is welcome. The point is to ensure that your dress doesn’t offend anyone in public. So, as a basic rule, if you are not sure what to wear, choose outfits that cover your shoulders and knees.
4. Invest in a Nol Card
Dubai’s public transportation is efficient and convenient. The Dubai Metro is a pioneer in engineering as it is the first-ever unmanned metro to operate in the world. The Dubai Metro has connectivity to all major attractions in the emirate. Places that
are not on the metro route can be easily reached via public buses. Additionally, you can choose ferry taxis as well to conveniently reach shoreside townships.
The best way to take full advantage of Dubai’s public transportation and make it cost-effective at the same time is by investing in a Nol card. A Nol card is a smart travel card in which you can add money and use it for your daily travels in Dubai in Dubai Metro, buses and ferries. It is efficient and time-saving.
5. Find Out the Best Time to Visit
Dubai is a Middle Eastern desert emirate. It has varying summer temperatures as its season. This means it is sunny throughout the year. While the summer months (May to September) are scorching hot, the cooler months (October to March) offer pleasant weather, making it the ideal time to visit.
The cooler months are the best time to visit Dubai, as the major festivities happen during these months. These months are also the only time of the year when you can visit Global Village Dubai and get Dubai Miracle Garden tickets to explore a floral oasis amid the glistening cosmopolitan city vibes. However, the travel budget shoots up during these months as it is also the peak season for tourists in Dubai. For a reasonably priced travel to Dubai with mellow sunny days, the months of August to October are the best choice.
If you have a budget strain, then low season is best to visit Dubai price-wise, but you will have to include a lot of indoor attractions like Ski Dubai and IMG Worlds of Adventure in your holiday package. You could even get a taste of luxury with a Limo ride Dubai city tour and take advantage of the significantly low-cost season to the fullest.
6. Display Modest Behaviour
Dubai is lenient compared to other emirates of the UAE. However, it is important to be on your best behaviour and do as the locals do in their city. Many actions that are common in India can lead to fines in Dubai. For instance, jaywalking is a punishable offence in Dubai and can cost you a fine of AED 400.
Littering, spitting, smoking and drinking in public, drinking and driving, eating on public transport, and speeding are fine-attracting offences in Dubai. To ensure a hassle-free trip, be a respectful guest and abide by local laws. Dubai has welcomed you with open arms, so treat it with the same courtesy.
7. Know What to Carry in Luggage
Careful consideration is needed when packing for your trip to Dubai. Opt for dressing in layers, as it is easy to simply remove a jacket, shrug or cardigan if the temperature drops. It is essential to go through the banned and unlawful items that are not
allowed to be carried into the UAE. Being ignorant about this can cause a lot of trouble, including getting fines and prison time in the UAE.
For instance, items like betel leaves and poppy seeds, which are readily available in India, are banned in Dubai. The same rule applies to medicines. If you are carrying medications, ensure they comply with the customs and immigration regulations and carry a prescription from your doctor to be on the safer side. Dubai has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, and carrying alcohol in luggage is also prohibited.
8. Respect the Locals
Dubai’s locals are friendly and affectionate. But few etiquettes can bother them. It is best to learn about those and refrain from doing them in Dubai. It is best to be culturally sensitive to the local customs to develop a friendly relationship with them. Public displays of affection should be avoided while in Dubai.
During the month of Holy Ramadan, comply with the tradition and do not eat in public from dawn till dusk as the locals fast till evening during this time. Additionally, adhere to gender-related rules, especially in public transportation. Learning a few phrases of Arabic can be a great way to connect with locals and show respect for their culture.
9. Respect the Royal Family and the Government
Likewise, the Royal family and the government of Dubai are also a subject of pride for locals of Dubai. Hence, it’s crucial to speak respectfully about them. Mocking, using disrespectful gestures, or criticising the royal family is unacceptable in Dubai.
Any religious slogans or words that violate local laws could lead to legal consequences, including imprisonment. Always seek permission before taking photos of government buildings and spaces.
10. Capturing Moments
If you’re a photographer, Dubai is your muse. It flaunts its charm through marvellous architectural wonders and scenic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Miracle Garden, Al Qudra Lakes, Dubai Frame and more. However, a word of caution for those who love clicking pictures.
The locals do take offence and find it rude behaviour if you click a photograph of them in the surroundings. Hence, it is quite natural and necessary to politely take permission from locals before photographing them in public. It is best to avoid taking photographs of women.
Conclusion
Getting acquainted with Dubai City works wonders to calm your nerves as a first-time visitor. Being prepared is perhaps the most effective way to ensure you have a great time on your first visit to Dubai from India. Keep these tips in mind, and your Dubai trip will be nothing but filled with wonderful moments.
