Going to Dubai? Here is what you should know
Taking a trip to Dubai is almost everyone’s dream. After all, it has been developing a lot over the last couple of decades, and today, Dubai is a city of superlatives. You have the tallest building, Burj Khalifa, but by the year 2020, a taller building will occupy the skyline of the famous city. However, there are some common misconceptions about Dubai that you should probably get over. Not everything you hear is true, which is why some clarification is in order.
You will find alcohol
One of the most common misconceptions about Dubai is that you will not find any place that serves alcoholic beverages. That could not be more wrong. It is true that the majority of people in Dubai are Muslim, and they do not consume alcohol, but you will find licensed bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. They are usually located near hotels for obvious reasons, but you do not have to worry that the city is dry.
You can wear a bikini at the beach
Another rumor says that you will be arrested if you are wearing a bikini at the beach. Since tourism is a significant part of the emirate’s economy, and there are plenty of expats, a lot of people outside the country reside in Dubai. It sounds a bit strange if you think about it. It would be preposterous to ask non-Muslim women to wear a burkini at the beach. So no, you will not be arrested for wearing a regular bathing suit when you are at the beach. However, there are some places such as malls and mosques where you compelled to dress modestly. You do not need to wear a burka, but you do need to cover your shoulders and knees. It is just common sense to respect another country’s tradition, don’t you think?
You do not have to be rich to visit Dubai
Many people think that since Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and it has been built on billions and billions of dollars, you need to be rich to go there. However, New York is a cosmopolitan city, and people of all social categories live there. Why would Dubai be any different? Of course, some things may be different, but you do not have to be a millionaire to afford to go to Dubai. It is expensive, of course, as a city, but there are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives. You can ride the metro and taxis are very cheap compared to other countries. Plus, there are restaurants with budget-friendly food.
It is ideal for foodies
You can expect to find all kinds of restaurants in Dubai. From cheap and traditional meals to molecular gastronomy, all foodies are welcome to try everything Dubai has to offer as far as food is concerned. Since there are some extravagant spots, you may not be able to try the top restaurants, but you can enjoy a lot of meals that will satisfy your stomach and taste buds.
It is super safe
If you want to go to Dubai on your own, you can do it without concerns regarding your safety. Dubai is, in fact, one of the safest places on earth. The crime rate is very low, and the most common mishaps involve car and motorcycle accidents. You can walk alone at night on empty streets without fearing you will be mugged. If there is one place where you can roam the streets alone at 3 in the morning, it is Dubai.
Hopefully, the things mentioned above overthrow some of the most common misconceptions about Dubai. At the same time, keep in mind that you most likely need a visa to go there. Chances are you can get one online. Plus, you do not need much. All that is required is a passport. There are a few other requirements as well, but there is nothing out of the ordinary. Other than that, Dubai is a city worth exploring.
