Dubai is perhaps one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. Full of iconic buildings and landmarks, the city has so much to offer. There are luxury apartments in Dubai just waiting for you to rent them, buildings that have to be seen to be believed, and experiences you will not have anywhere else in the world.
With so much to offer, you would think that Dubai is a destination that everyone wants to visit, but misconceptions about the beautiful city mean the city isn’t on everyone’s bucket list. Let’s dispel some of those misconceptions now so you can see for yourself how wonderful Dubai really is:
You don’t have to be Rich
One of the most common misconceptions about Dubai is that you have to be rich to spend time there, however, this is not the case at all. You can enjoy Dubai on a strict budget thanks to the mid-market hotels that are dotted around this part of the world. Not only are some of the hotels pretty reasonable, but you’ll also find travelling around by taxi is pretty cheap, especially when compared with what tourists are charged in other countries.
When it comes to getting a bite to eat, you will not have to break the bank here either. This is because the area has some cheap restaurants such as Operation: Falafel, Wokyo Noodle Bar, Shawafel, and many more. Why not try some of the delicious local dishes while you’re in town, and at a price you’ll love?
You can Drink Alcohol
Some tourists admit to staying away from Dubai because they think they can’t get a drink, and they like to have a few sips of wine or cocktails while they’re on holiday. Here is what may shock you: Alcohol is readily available to buy in restaurants and licensed bars.
You may also be pleased to know that a lot of the licensed bars have a ‘Happy Hour’ now and again, which means you can have a bit more to drink, for less. Please note that if you’re lucky enough to look under the age of 21 you will need to take some form of identification with you as the legal drinking age in Dubai is 21.
You don’t have to Dress Conservatively all the Time
A lot of people assume that when you’re in Dubai you have to dress conservatively all the time. This is not the case for every single part of the city. Ladies do not need to cover their hair, and they can wear a bikini by the swimming pool.
When it comes to getting out of the hotel, feel free to walk around wearing shorts and a t-shirt if you wish, however, if you plan on visiting a mall, a souq (A marketplace or commercial part of the city), or a mosque, you should dress appropriately and respect the local culture. What this means is that you should always have your shoulders and your knees covered at all times. To be honest with you, dressing in this way will become second nature, and you’re likely to do it without realising.
Dubai is a Very Safe Place
The United Arab Emirates is a very safe place to be, in fact, it’s considered to be the world’s second safest country. You can keep yourself safer by always crossing the street with care, and by having someone with you at all times, but for the most part, and when compared to other big cities, Dubai is a very safe one.
Dubai is a Futuristic City
If you think Dubai is trying to catch up with the rest of the world, you couldn’t be more wrong! This bustling and beautiful city is certainly pretty futuristic. Dubai is absolutely thriving when it comes to the world of tourism, finance, trade, and transport. In fact, in late 2017, Dubai’s police force tested a flying motorbike. How’s that for futurism at its finest?
You may also wish to know about the Hyperloop One and the supersonic transport system that is being developed in Dubai, with hopes of linking the city to Abu Dhabi. This is so locals and tourists alike can travel between the two destinations in just 12 minutes. Impressive, or what?
There’s Culture Everywhere you Look
Although there is definitely a lot of money in Dubai, there is also a lot of culture in the city too. With so much more to offer tourists than just impressive shiny skyscrapers and shopping malls, double is steeped in history and traditions that will take your breath away.
Combining Islamic, Bedouin, and Arab traditions, visitors to this part of the world can learn about historic Dubai. The contemporary art scene that’s located at Alserkal Avenue, a downtown arts centre, is also well worth a visit, as are all the museums. If you find you have a lot of questions about culture in the UAE, why not pop to the Sheikh Muhammed Centre of Cultural Understanding, where someone will be happy to answer any questions you have.
If you thought you knew everything about Dubai, think again. This city not only has to be seen to be believed, but it’s also an incredibly beautiful place to visit. Visit Dubai and spend less money than you thought, enjoy a few drinks now and again, feel safe as you walk around the city, and take in the impressive futurism, and culture that will make your time in Dubai one to remember.
