People usually see Dubai as a must-visit spot, famous for its luxury and top-notch hospitality. While I get why some think that way, I’ve got my own take on what it’s like to visit Dubai.
I’ve been to Dubai twice so far—once with my family and once with friends. When I went with my family, we stayed in Fujairah, which is about 75 miles (120 km) across the UAE peninsula on the west coast. On the trip with my friends, we stopped in Dubai on our way to Thailand in 2023 and stayed in the old town part of the city. Both times, we made sure to spend some time in the city center.
So what are my key Do’s & Don’ts for Dubai that I would offer as advice to a future visitor?
DO: Bring a fan! Stepping outside in Dubai feels like opening an oven—intense heat hits you instantly. Even during the cooler months, Dubai remains a natural sauna, thanks to its desert location. While buildings are well-equipped with air conditioning, you’ll still need to brave the outdoors occasionally, and it gets sticky and sweaty fast!
DON’T: Expect to get around easily in Dubai; it’s a car park. While Uber and buses are available, trips can take hours even for short distances. Though a break from the sun in an air-conditioned vehicle is nice, much of the day can be spent in transit. Dubai is not walkable, so plan to visit nearby areas together. Avoid trying to visit the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina on the same day. Check my Dubai Travel Guide for more planning tips.
DON’T: Count on finding alcohol easily in Dubai. As a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol isn’t part of the culture, making pubs or bars hard to find. Exceptions exist, like private rooftop pool parties, but those come at a price. That said, Dubai Marina offers a few bars, including an Irish bar with live music I recommend: McGettigan’s JBR.
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