What you really need to know about Dubai
James Gaskell, Managing Director of Australia’s largest independent travel company, Creative Holidays, credits Dubai with being an incredibly diverse destination with incredible food offerings, unbeatable shopping opportunities and truly unique cultural experiences.
According to Gaskell, increased flight paths and interest in the region has seen a steadily growing number of Australians join the two million who already pass through Dubai each year. While the majority of these include Dubai as a stop-over trip either pre or post Europe, many are now travelling to have a dedicated holiday in the region.
“Australians love the diversity of experiences on offer in Dubai; it really is unlike any other destination in the world. The local people are very friendly and hospitable; however as with travelling to any new destination, Australians just need to mindful of the cultural differences.”
Here Creative Holidays shares what Australians really need to know before travelling to the region:
1. Drinking: The legal age for drinking in Dubai is 21 and should only be done in your hotel or restaurant. Being drunk in public is not tolerated.
2. Clothing: Travellers should observe a conservative dress code while travelling in Dubai, particularly in public and places of religious significance. Lightweight, cotton items that cover your legs and arms will protect you from the heat and meet local standards.
3. On the beach: Swimwear is appropriate only by the pool or at the beach. Towel off and cover up before leaving either of these places.
4. Swearing: Using offensive language or gestures, such as flipping your middle finger, are illegal in Dubai and will not be tolerated in public places.
5. PDA (public displays of affection): it is not appropriate for couples, particularly those that are not married, to kiss, hold hands or cuddle in public. Save the snuggling for your hotel room!
6. Ramadan: This is the most holy month of the Muslim calendar, requiring fasting from dawn to dusk. Non-Muslims can only eat and drink in screened off areas of hotels and restaurants. Don’t let this deter you though! You will easily find places to eat and drink and it really is a fascinating time to visit Dubai.
7. Photography: Taking photos of people without express permission is not permitted so by all means, take in the sights but respect personal privacy,
8. Smoking: Like many places around the world, Dubai is now largely smoke-free so smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Always double check before lighting up (or quit before you go!).
Top Five Dubai experiences:
1. Burj Khalifa: There is no better view in Dubai than from the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa. At over 828 metres and more than 160 stories in the world, the ‘Burj’ is the world’s tallest building and well worth a visit.
2. Ski Dubai: Feeling the heat? Cool off in Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort stretching over 22,500 square metres of snowy mountains. Ski Dubai is located in the Mall of the Emirates, one of the world’s largest shopping centres, offering the perfect opportunity for an après-ski shop.
3. Souk shopping spree: The souks of Dubai are famous, particularly the Gold Souk and the ancient Covered Souk. While the souks are a more modern market interpretation of the ancient souks, there is still plenty of room here for good old fashioned haggling!
4. Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari: Leave Dubai city behind and journey into rolling desert sand dunes on the Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari. A four wheel drive will transport you to a traditional Bedouin campsite for a feast, belly dancing, camel rides, shisha and more.
5. Wild Wadi Water Park: Cool off and enjoy some thrills and spills at Wild Wadi Water Park, situated on Jumeirah Beach. The water park is themed around the tale of Juha, a character from Arabian folklore and features 30 rides and attractions.
