How to prepare for a trip to Dubai

Dubai is one of the most uniquely modern cities in the world and is a sight to behold. Situated on the north-eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has grown from its humble beginnings as a simple fishing village to being a futuristic metropolis known for its innovative architecture, luxury experiences and cultural diversity.

Visitors to Dubai can enjoy a variety of experiences, from city-sized shopping and entertainment complexes to tours of the desert and remnants of Dubai’s heritage. Plan ahead to make the most of your time in Dubai. The following is our guide on preparing for a trip to Dubai, where to stay, and the things you should experience while in Dubai.

Preparing for your journey
Before travelling to Dubai, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date. If not, apply to renew your passport as soon as possible.

Depending on the passport you hold, you may also need a visa to enter Dubai. Check ahead of time to determine if you need to apply for a visa to avoid any issues on arrival.

Next, consider any travel or medical insurance you may need for your journey. This will protect you should an emergency situation arise. Having a list of emergency contacts on hand is also a good idea.

Work out your budget: how much do you plan to spend while in Dubai on dining, entertainment and other amenities? Consider getting a card with low foreign transaction fees to keep your expenses down.
Consider what to pack: Dubai is very warm year-round, so summer clothing is a must, including swimwear if visiting the beach. If visiting in winter, bring a raincoat in case of wet weather. Smart casual clothes like shirts and trousers should be packed for visiting restaurants and other similar establishments. Also, take phone chargers and adaptor plugs: Dubai uses the UK-style plug, so pack a UK plug adapter if coming from a different country.

Avoid being caught out by roaming fees while in Dubai. Check to see whether your provider offers a roaming package, or consider purchasing a SIM card in Dubai if you plan on using your phone there.

Finally, check any medications you need to take and see if they are allowed in Dubai. There may be rules regarding the medication you plan to pack. Check ahead of time to avoid any issues.

Where to stay
There are many options available for those who wish to discover luxury stays in Dubai. Choose from many amazing luxury hotels within popular tourist areas, such as Jumeirah Beach, Sheikh Zayed Road, Palm Jumeirah Island, and Dubai Marina. No matter what accommodation you are looking for in Dubai, Voyage Prive offers exclusive deals on many five-star hotels in Dubai that will make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

What to experience
There is so much to see and experience in Dubai that it can be hard to know where to start. Therefore, we’ve grouped activities into a few categories to help you plan your time in the city.

Architectural feats
Dubai is known around the world for its ambitious architectural designs. Head to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, for sky-high views of the city, and visit the Dubai Frame, which sits like a massive picture frame separating old and new Dubai. Also, visit the famous Palm Jumeirah, a massive man-made island shaped like a palm tree.

Shopping and entertainment
Dubai is a shopper’s dream destination, with traditional Arabian souks, massive shopping malls, and more. The Dubai Mall alone features well over 1000 individual stores, an indoor ice rink, an underwater zoo and theme parks, while the Mall of the Emirates offers its own massive selection of entertainment and shopping options, including an indoor ski resort. For those looking for a more traditional shopping experience, there are the Gold and Spice Souks in the eastern Deira district. For nightlife venues, check out White Dubai, one of Dubai’s most popular entertainment venues.

History and culture
Dubai has seen significant growth since its early days as a fishing village, yet you can still visit places that have preserved Dubai’s past. Visit Dubai Museum, located in a 19th-century fort, Shindagha Museum and Etihad Museum to experience the history of Dubai from ancient times up to now. Take a stroll around the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood or take a boat trip around Dubai Creek to explore some of the older parts of Dubai. For culture, visit the international pavilions at Global Village, the cafes and galleries in the Design District, and the trendy outlets around Al Quoz. Finally, take a safari into the Arabian Desert to soak in the natural beauty of the region, as well as experience the traditional culture of the Bedouins.

The article How to prepare for a trip to Dubai first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.