Travel tips · Dubai · United Arab Emirates

Dubai travel tips: what to know before you go

The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.

Updated 23 October 2026By the AMZBooking editorial team

Quick answer

Dubai is cosmopolitan — most residents are expatriates — but it is a Muslim city with conservative laws on public behaviour. Respectful dress in public places, discretion with alcohol and affection, and awareness of Ramadan go a long way. Emirati hospitality centres on coffee, dates and the majlis, or sitting room.

Language: Arabic and English
Currency: AED
Plugs: Type G sockets (three rectangular pins), 230 V, 50 Hz
Tap water: Tap water is desalinated and treated to safety standards, but most residents…
Emergency: 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire

Things to know

Cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks and government buildings; swimwear is for the beach and pool only.
Public displays of affection, swearing and rude gestures can lead to fines or arrest.
Do not photograph people, especially women, without permission, or government and military buildings.
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight hours, and dress more conservatively.
Drinking alcohol in public or being drunk in public is illegal; drink only in licensed venues.
Use your right hand to give and receive items and when eating with your hands.
Book Burj Khalifa – At the Top ahead: Book timed tickets online in advance, especially for sunset and on winter weekends.
Book Museum of the Future ahead: Timed tickets must be booked online and sell out at weekends.
Book Desert safari ahead: Book with a licensed operator that includes hotel pick-up.
Hotel bills add a nightly Tourism Dirham fee plus municipality and service charges; compare final totals when booking.

Tipping

Many restaurants include a service charge. A tip of about 10% is customary where it is not added, and rounding up taxi fares and tipping hotel porters and valets a small amount is common.

Language

Useful phrases in Dubai
Phrase	Meaning
Marhaba	Hello
As-salamu alaykum	Peace be upon you (greeting)
Shukran	Thank you
Min fadlak	Please (to a man)
Yalla	Let's go
Inshallah	God willing
Kam?	How much?

What to wear

Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees suits both the heat and local customs; bring a layer for strongly air-conditioned malls, taxis and the Metro.

Practical details

Plugs and voltage: Type G sockets (three rectangular pins), 230 V, 50 Hz
Drinking water: Tap water is desalinated and treated to safety standards, but most residents and visitors drink bottled or filtered water.
Emergency number: 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire
Phone and internet: Free Wi-Fi is available in the Metro, malls and many public areas; some internet voice and video calling services are restricted, so check before relying on them.
Time zone: Asia/Dubai

Dubai has low levels of street crime. The main risks are heat, sun and dehydration, fast traffic and strong currents at open beaches, so swim where lifeguards are on duty. Laws on drugs, including some prescription medicines, alcohol, public behaviour and photography are strict; check them before you travel.

Entry requirements

Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check United Arab Emirates's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.

Plan the trip

Dubai travel guide · When to go · Costs.

Questions travellers ask

+Do you tip in Dubai?

Many restaurants include a service charge. A tip of about 10% is customary where it is not added, and rounding up taxi fares and tipping hotel porters and valets a small amount is common.

+Can you drink the tap water in Dubai?

Tap water is desalinated and treated to safety standards, but most residents and visitors drink bottled or filtered water.

+What plugs are used in Dubai?

Type G sockets (three rectangular pins), 230 V, 50 Hz

+What language is spoken in Dubai?

Arabic and English.