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Visiting Dubai - safe travel tips
Among the world’s top travel destinations few places can hold a candle to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates when it comes to visual impact. Perched on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf, this city is a beautiful gem rising out of the desert.
Yet despite its impressive buildings, enormous shopping malls, flashy recreational centers and vibrant nightclubs, Dubai is still an Islamic emirate and should be respected as such. If you are planning a vacation to this stunning metropolis you should be properly informed about the culture and etiquette to avoid embarrassment, and possibly a clash with the authorities.
Dubai culture
Many tourists from the Western world arrive in Dubai and are surprised to find that the culture is quite different from what they expected. You may have heard of British, American and other nationalities of tourists who got themselves into trouble in Dubai, some even serving time in prison for what we in the West would consider minor offences.
Thankfully, even though the city has a conservative culture, most of the local customs and laws are easy for visitors to follow. The main thing is to be fully informed to avoid offending anyone on religious grounds. To avoid paying hefty fines some of the dos and don’ts are outlined below:
Dress modestly
You should opt for modest clothing while in Dubai. If you are a woman, steer clear of tight or revealing clothes. You should avoid wearing short skirts or shorts, and you should keep your shoulders and back covered when out in public. Your choice of bathing suit also needs to be modest, and it should only be worn on the beach. Nudity at beaches is illegal. Men are advised to keep their shirts or T-shirts on at all times, as it is illegal to be bare-chested in public.
Avoid public displays of affection
Kissing, holding hands or cuddling with your other half in public could land you in trouble. Public displays of affection and any indication of homosexuality are considered offensive and could lead to your arrest. Sex outside marriage is illegal in Dubai and can lead to serious criminal sanctions – something you should be aware of if you are an unwed couple.
Watch your alcohol consumption
While alcohol itself is not banned in Dubai, you will not be able to purchase it from a bottle shop. It is only sold in restaurants, bars or hotels and the legal drinking age in the city is 21. Keep in mind that public drunkenness is strictly prohibited, as is drunk driving, which is strictly taboo. Furthermore, you ought to avoid smoking in public areas (e.g. in shopping malls or government buildings).
Exercise caution when taking photos
Never take a photograph of or with a stranger without asking for permission first, as you could end up being fined. Unless you are in a tourist area where photography is permitted, avoid taking photos of airports, government buildings, military installations, etc.
Health information
Dubai has very high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in hotels and restaurants, virtually guaranteeing that you will have an illness-free visit. Tap water is produced by desalination and is quite safe to drink, though you may have to purchase bottled water when out on the road.
Although no special vaccinations are required to enter the city, you should still confirm this with your embassy if you are traveling from a health-risk area. Ensure all your shots (DPT, measles, mumps, etc.) are up to date. It would also be a good idea to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B as well as rabies.
If you need to carry any prescription drugs, make sure you check with your embassy to see whether they are permitted in the country. In some cases, you may need to carry a note from your doctor or you may require written permission from the UAE Ministry of Health.
You should purchase adequate travel insurance to cover against accident or illness treatment costs when in Dubai. It is advisable to include sufficient cover for medical repatriation in case the worst happens and you need to be flown back to your own country for treatment. Obviously if you do not have such cover it could prove extremely costly. Dubai has several hospitals, both public and private, and the level of healthcare is advanced.
Travel information
Dubai enjoys a semi-tropical climate, and the weather is usually unrelentingly sunny throughout the year. At the height of summer (July and August) the heat can be very oppressive, soaring to 49°C (120°F), so spending time outside would best be kept to a minimum (few locals go outside in the heat of the day). Most visitors stay away during the summer because of the high temperatures so you can get great discounts on hotel prices. Out of necessity the hotels have air-conditioned rooms and the swimming pools are often kept wonderfully cool.
The best time to visit Dubai is between October and April when temperatures are more manageable and the city is full of life. You should be aware that sandstorms are common in March and April, so plan your trip accordingly if you wish to include some desert tours in your itinerary.
If you are interested in Islam, traveling during the holy month of Ramadan can be fascinating; however, it is illegal for non-Muslims to eat or drink in public (from dawn to dusk) during that period. This can seriously hamper your plans to indulge in Dubai’s restaurants and bars. Due to this, you should confirm the exact dates of Ramadan before embarking on your trip as they vary from year to year.
In spite of its ultra-conservative culture, Dubai remains a dream destination. This jewel in the desert, complete with first-class accommodation and recreation facilities, excellent shopping malls and fantastic architecture is waiting for you.
If you do decide to head to this Arab emirate, make your trip extra special by taking advantage of the wonderful vacation packages, affordable airline tickets and hotel deals available on Expedia Canada. Plan your trip carefully, abide by the local rules and you will enjoy the adventure of a lifetime in Dubai.
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