Top 24 Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai: What Every Tourist Wants to Know
Planning to visit Dubai and have many questions you need answers for? You are at the right place as here you will find the most frequently asked questions about Dubai in one place.
Since Dubai is a city in the Middle East, (yes, Dubai is a city, not a country) a lot of people have questions before they visit. There are some specific rules, and everyone wants to make sure they donāt accidentally break any of them.
Therefore, I decided to put together the most frequently asked questions about Dubai to help you feel prepared and confident for your trip.
Most Common Tourist Questions About Dubai
If this is your first time planning to visit Dubai, you probably have many questions. I totally understand and I’m here to answer the most common tourist questions I saw being asked over and over.
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1. Is Dubai a safe city?
Yes, Dubai is one of the safest places in the world. According to Numbeo, it is the 5th safest city in 2024 and the United Arab Emirates is the second safest country in the world.
Dubai is safe at night as well as a safe city for solo female travelers. I always felt much safer here, than back home in Europe. When you don’t go against the rules of the country, you are very safe here.
2. What language is mostly spoken in Dubai?
The official language in Dubai is Arabic. However, Dubai is a bilingual city, where the second language is English.
You will find all signs, menus in restaurants, prices, and everything displayed in Arabic and English.
3. What is the dress code for women in Dubai?
Dubai has become more open in recent years and women wear whatever they want. However, you should respect the culture and while wearing shorts and short skirts and dresses is completely fine, you should make sure they are not too short showing unnecessary parts of your body.
When visiting indoor places, go for longer options and take a light sweater with you as the air conditioning is very strong and it is always cold indoors.
Women do not need to wear hijab in Dubai unless they visit a mosque where knees and shoulders must be covered as well.
4. Can unmarried couples stay in a hotel room in Dubai?
Yes, unmarried couples can stay in a hotel room or live in an apartment together in Dubai. The law has changed as it was not allowed before.
5. Can I drink alcohol in Dubai?
Yes, if you are over 21 years old, you can drink alcohol in Dubai. However, drinking alcohol is only allowed in designated places like restaurants, hotels, bars, and nightclubs.
Now, you can also buy alcohol in a liquor shop to consume at home or hotel room without needing a license. In the past, you would have to have a license.
Drinking alcohol and being drunk on streets is not allowed and you can get a big fine for that or be taken to prison.
6. Can I drink tap water in Dubai?
Even though the tap water in Dubai is safe to drink, I would only drink boiled tap water. You can’t be sure if good filters are used in the place where you are staying and if they are cleaned regularly.
You don’t want to damage your holiday because of the water. You can buy bottled water in every shop and supermarket and it is very cheap as well.
7. Is salary tax-free in Dubai?
Yes, salary in Dubai and the whole UAE is tax-free.
8. Is chewing gum illegal in Dubai?
No, chewing gum is not illegal in Dubai. However, it is illegal to chew gum on public transportation, as well as eating and drinking.
9. Can I use US dollars or Euros in Dubai?
Even though some tourist places do accept dollars or euros, it is best to exchange them in exchange places. You can find them in shopping malls, in tourist areas like JBR, Marina, Downtown, and more.
Always check the rate and the fees. Some places don’t charge fees, some charge very low fees. You can also pay with your debit or credit card almost everywhere.
10. Is public display of affection allowed in Dubai?
No, public display of affection is not allowed. You can hold hands but kissing and more intimate gestures are illegal in Dubai. If you are an LGBT couple, do not show it in public.
11. Is Dubai expensive as a holiday destination?
Dubai is well known as a luxury holiday destination, packed with 5* hotels and many think Dubai is just for celebrities. However, this is not true. You can find many budget hotels in Dubai as well as Airbnb apartments.
You can buy food in cheaper supermarkets, they also have ready meals, eat in food courts, and street food like shawarma is also cheap.
12. How much is the rent in Dubai?
Prices for apartment rent keep rising every year. Nevertheless, the price depends on the size of the flat or villa and the location.
For example, 1 bedroom flat in the city center can cost an average of 90k AED. Outside of the city average is 60k.
13. How much does a meal cost in Dubai?
Again, it depends on the place where you buy it. You can get a ready meal in the supermarket for around 15 AED. A meal in the food courts costs around 40 AED. In a mid-range restaurant, you will pay around 100 AED.
14. Can I go shirtless in Dubai?
No, you can’t go shirtless in Dubai. While it is very normal for men in the Western world, in Dubai you can get a fine for it.
15. Does Dubai have nightclubs?
Yes, Dubai has one of the most amazing nightclubs. They are high standard and a certain dress code is required based on the club.
16. Are there any rules during Ramadan in Dubai?
There aren’t any strict rules during Ramadan in Dubai. As a non-Muslim, you should respect the culture and not drink and eat on the streets during Ramadan.
Restaurants and food courts are open to non-muslims as usual. Some of them can have a curtain, so it is not seen inside.
Also, some eateries may change opening hours. All nightclubs are closed during Ramadan.
17. Is Christianity allowed in Dubai?
Yes, Christianity and other religions are allowed in Dubai. Dubai is an international city with over 80% expats.
Dubai is open to all nationalities and all religions. There are Christian churches with Sunday Mass that people can attend.
18. Can I smoke in Dubai?
Yes, you can smoke in Dubai. Especially smoking shisha is very popular in Dubai. There are many shisha bars and lounges in Dubai, many with a beautiful view.
19. What is the best month to visit Dubai?
The best time to visit Dubai depends on what you prefer. If you like to spend time on a beach and outdoors, it is better to avoid time between June and September.
If you don’t like crowds and want to travel for less, don’t visit between November and February, especially end of December. The best time to visit is April, May, and October.
20. Can I buy condoms in Dubai?
Yes, you can.
21. Can I live in Dubai without a car?
Yes, if your job doesn’t require you to travel and visit clients, you can. Dubai has great public transportation, including the metro, buses, and some areas tram. Taxis are widely used in Dubai as well.
22. Can I live in Dubai without a job?
The laws regarding visas and residencies in Dubai are changing with time. The time to live in Dubai without work depends on nationalities.
Some nationalities can stay in Dubai for 3 months without a visa. Others need tourist visas.
To get residency in Dubai, you need to either have a job, be a student, or take care of a family member. Another way to get residency is to invest in property.
23. Can I use WhatsApp and other free applications in Dubai?
Yes, WhatsApp and other applications are allowed for text messages. However, you are not able to make phone calls through them.
24. What is prohibited in Dubai?
Any type of drug is prohibited in Dubai. Also, some medications are not allowed to be brought to Dubai. If you take special medication, check before you come whether you need to declare it.
Drinking and driving are not allowed as well as drinking on the street. Wearing a bikini is allowed only on beaches, pools, and waterparks.
Drinking, eating, and chewing gum in public transportation is illegal, swearing on others and mostly on the government is not allowed as well as taking pictures of others without their permission.
The Wrap-Up: Top Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai
I hope this list of frequently asked questions has helped clear up any doubts you had about visiting Dubai. It’s an amazing city with so much to offer, and knowing what to expect can make your trip even more enjoyable.
So, whether it’s your first time or you’re planning a return visit, you’re now ready to explore Dubai with confidence.
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