Headed to Dubai? Don't go before you catch up with these top tips
Aug 16, 2019 • 7 min read
Prepare yourself for a city of extremes: Dubai is home to the world's tallest building, the most gargantuan mall and the largest indoor ski slope. There are restaurants from just about every nation on the planet, beaches where both the bikini- and burka-clad relax, vast empty deserts and crowded urban backstreets to explore.
So where to begin? Make sure you're aware of the most recent COVID-19 safety protocols in place for travelers before starting with these top sights.
Top tips
The best time to visit is November to March, when temperatures are around 30°C. If you’re visiting in summer, keep cool at indoor theme park IMG Worlds of Adventure or hit the slopes at Ski Dubai.
Make sure to grab a free SIM card when you land in the airport so you can use maps and websites when you’re out and about. Mobile providers Etisalat and Du have stores at the airport and most malls if you want to buy your own.
Pre-book tickets for the Burj Khalifa online, and you’ll pay less than half the price of an immediate entry ticket during non-peak times (and save yourself a third during peak hours).
Sign up for a cultural meal at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre of Cultural Understanding, which involves an Emirati feast followed by a frank discussion about local culture and religion.
Don’t worry if your budget won’t stretch to a beach resort – free public beaches such as Kite Beach and JBR Beach have sun loungers, showers and cafes.
This article was originally published on September 2017.