Friday, January 14, 2011

Get Ready For Your Dubai Trip - Guidelines 101


For those who are planning to come here in Dubai, here are some tidbits and guide for you: (based on my experience)
> Book a hotel room for your visit. There are a lot as in A LOT of hotels that you can choose from . Or book through travel agencies online.
> Always bring with you, your passport and visa copy. Officers will randomly look for it so better be ready.
> If you want to plan in advance, check out TIME OUT Dubai website to know the latest events: http://www.timeoutdubai.com/
> Best time to visit Dubai --- October to March because the weather is cool and you don't need to worry about the sun. You can still enjoy the sun though, for those who want to do sun bathing, in the day and chill at night. July and August are the worst months because the heat is so extreme that you don't really feel going out and enjoy the city.
> If you want to go around Dubai without spending too much on Taxi fare, go ride a metro train. They have the cleanest, fastest and safest train in the world. All metro stations are located in the key areas in Dubai. As low as 20 dirhams you could roam around the city. They have RTA buses as well that travel in different routes around the city. Plus, if you feel lost you can call their help desk and they will definitely guide you on your destination.
> MUST DO: Desert Safari Adventure, Dhow Cruise and Dubai Tour.
> Bring with you a City Map for you to be well guided. People here are very helpful and you could ask for directions.
> Big malls are all over Dubai: Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, IBN Battuta Mall are just the major malls we have here and are accessible through metro! They do different gimmicks to attrack more buyers like discounts, freebies and massive sale. They have Shopping Festival that occurs between middle of Jan to February so all those shoppers out there, go for gold!
> If your planning to visit Burj Khalifa, reserve in advance ---- 100AED for advance booking and for immediate entrance without reservation 400AED, so if I were you better go online. They have their own website where available slot are being shown, credit card details are needed for you to reserve.
> You don't need to worry about the language, though Dubai is an Arabic country, most people here speak ENGLISH very well. 80% of Dubai's population is composed of EXPATS and 20% locals.
> CCTV cameras are around Dubai. So basically its safe here but better be careful as well.
> Try their Arabic Bread and Coffee. Duh! Dates as well! They are very good and you could bring home some to your country. Henna Tattoo artists are very popular here in Dubai.
DO's and DONT's
----- PDA (public display of affection) is prohibited in Dubai.
----- Drinking of Alcohol (not in the resto or hotels) requires a license and they have specific timings as well.
---- Don't take pictures of the locals/ Emiratis.
---- Be careful with your gestures/sign languages cause it might offend other people. Different countries have various interpretations on sign languages so just be conscious.
---- Wear decent clothes. Revealing clothes are not tolerated in the city. I have witnessed an incident where a local woman approach a tourist and told her to cover up her see-through shirt and that she has to show respect. The woman immediately apologized and went directly to the toilet.
---- Respect their religion, Islam. Never do or say anything stupid because it would be your ticket to jail.
---- When Dubai officers ask you some questions, answer nicely! Don't over react. If you are not a TERRORIST then you don't have nothing to worry.
I might have forget some pointers but you are very welcome to suggest and comment as well. Explore and Experience Dubai.
P.S.
air fare from Philippines to Dubai cost roughly 2000 - 3500 AED ( 22000 - 37000 pesos) . It depends on the airline company, promos and season.


6 comments:

  1. very informative post,bff!love it.
    kung muadto ko dubai,naa bitaw ka mgtour sako,hehe
    faith,got an award for you.visit my blog.mwah

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  2. thanks jing!syempre nman kapatid!thanks for ur support Bff!

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  3. Educating article on Dubai city Tours excellent

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  4. very informative post for tourist. you should try to update some more points in it.Yacht Charter Dubai

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  5. Lovely blog spots. i love to spend my free time in Desert Safari Dubai with my friends specially on week end holidays.

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  6. very informative post for tourist. you should try to update some more points in it. cctv camera in Dubai

    ReplyDelete