Dubai Travel Guide 2025 – Everything You Need to Know

Thinking about a trip to Dubai? You’re in the right place. This guide gives you straight‑forward advice on staying safe, respecting local customs, managing money, and getting around. No fluff, just the facts you’ll actually use when you step off the plane.

Stay Safe and Respect Local Rules

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, but the law is strict. Public drunkenness, swearing, and indecent behavior can lead to fines or even jail. Keep your voice down in public, avoid any vulgar language, and be mindful of dress codes—shoulders and knees should be covered in malls and government buildings.

Public displays of affection (PDA) are tolerated in private venues but can attract attention on the street. A quick kiss is usually fine in hotels, but a public hug or overt romance might get you a warning. When in doubt, keep it low‑key.

Plan Your Budget and Get Around

Dubai can feel pricey, but with a little planning you can stretch every dirham. A mid‑range hotel costs about 300‑500 AED per night, while budget hostels start at 100 AED. Meals range from 30 AED for a street snack to 150 AED for a restaurant dinner. Use the NOL card for metro, tram, and bus rides – it’s cheap and easy.

Cash is handy for small markets, but credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Exchange a small amount of USD to AED before you arrive for the best rate, then use ATMs for larger withdrawals. Avoid exchanging money at airport kiosks; the rates are worse.

Transport options include the metro (fast and clean), taxis (metered, reliable), and ride‑share apps like Careem. If you’re staying near the coastline, a short water taxi ride offers great views at a low price.

English is the lingua‑franca in Dubai, spoken in hotels, restaurants, and most shops. You’ll rarely need Arabic, but learning a few phrases like “shukran” (thanks) and “min fadlak” (please) goes a long way and earns local respect.

Alcohol is only served in licensed venues such as hotels, clubs, and designated bars. You can’t drink in public places, and it’s illegal to be drunk on the streets. Vaping is allowed in private, but many public indoor spaces have bans, so check signage before you puff.

Finally, remember that Dubai’s legal system can be unforgiving. Carry a copy of your passport, avoid any drugs (including cannabis, even if legal elsewhere), and respect the country’s customs. Follow these simple rules and your Dubai adventure will be smooth, fun, and memorable.