Dubai blends modern skylines, clean beaches, mega malls, desert adventures, and strong hospitality. English is widely spoken, signs are bilingual, and services are efficient. Think of the city as a long corridor with three main hubs. Downtown is around Dubai Mall, the fountains, and Burj Khalifa. Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah sit by the coast with promenades and beach clubs. Old Dubai is near the Creek and the souks with a heritage feel and quick airport access. Using this simple map helps group sights by area and reduces time in traffic.
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Overview
Dubai blends modern skylines, clean beaches, mega malls, desert adventures, and strong hospitality. English is widely spoken, signs are bilingual, and services are efficient. Think of the city as a long corridor with three main hubs. Downtown is around Dubai Mall, the fountains, and Burj Khalifa. Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah sit by the coast with promenades and beach clubs. Old Dubai is near the Creek and the souks with a heritage feel and quick airport access. Using this simple map helps group sights by area and reduces time in traffic.
Getting around
Regular metered taxis are reliable and better value than premium cars for most routes. Keep small cash for tips and short fares, though cards work in many cabs. The Metro is clean and easy to follow. Expect crowds at peak times, possible line changes, and long indoor walks in mega complexes like Dubai Mall. Allow buffer time for connections. Hop on hop off buses from Downtown can be useful for a wide city overview if started early. The public sector weekend now aligns to Saturday and Sunday, with a shorter Friday, so traffic and some office hours follow this rhythm. Group nearby sights on the same day to reduce crosstown transfers.
What to wear and local etiquette
Resort casual clothing works for most daily activities. Dress modestly for mosque visits. Women may need abayas or head coverings at certain sites, especially on Abu Dhabi day trips to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Upscale venues such as those inside Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab expect smart attire with covered shoulders. Keep beachwear at pools and beaches, not in malls and offices. Alcohol is served only in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, and approved restaurants. Drinking in public spaces and public intoxication are not allowed. Keep public displays of affection conservative. Be mindful during Ramadan when eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is restricted in many places.
Money, mobile, and safety
Dubai prices often feel similar to premium areas in large Indian metro cities and to other major global cities. Plan budgets accordingly for hotels, dining, transport, and paid attractions. The currency is AED dirham. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Exchange counters are common at the airport and in malls. Carry a backup card and a small cash float for taxis, tips, and small vendors. Buy a local SIM or activate an international plan for maps and ride hailing. Keep digital copies of passports, visas, and bookings on the phone for quick hotel and tour checks. Dubai is considered very safe for visitors. Follow posted rules, respect security checks, and use registered transport. Emergency numbers include 999 for police and 998 for ambulance.
Best time to visit
November to March offers the most comfortable weather, with many days in the 15 to 27 C range. This is peak season with higher prices and more crowds, so prebook hotels and major attractions. June to August is very hot, with average highs near 40 C. Plan indoor activities for the middle of the day, swim early or late, and hydrate well. Shoulder months at the edges of the cool season can balance weather, pricing, and crowd levels.
How to choose your base
Old Dubai near the Creek: This is best for abra rides, the Gold and Spice Souks, and heritage quarters like Al Fahidi. It also offers quicker airport transfers and a different pace from the modern core.
Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah: Choose this area for sea views, sandy beaches, long promenade walks, dhow cruises, and sunset skyline photos. Resorts and beach clubs make it easy to relax without long transfers.
Downtown: Ideal for first timers who want easy access to Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium, the fountain shows, and Burj Khalifa. There are many hotels, restaurants, and indoor walkways that simplify movement in warm months.
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Food and dining
Food is a highlight. Look for shawarma, hummus, grilled meats, rice dishes, and fresh seafood. Indian and pan Asian options are strong across the city. Hotel brunches are popular, especially on weekends. Book in advance in peak months and choose a venue that matches your vibe, from calm fine dining to lively social halls. Dates, Arabic coffee, and waterfront dinners around the Marina or the Downtown fountain area make great evening plans.
Top sights for first timers
- - Desert safari: Choose a reputable operator. Expect dune drives, camel moments, and an evening show with dinner. Wear breathable clothes, use sunscreen, and hydrate.
- - Palm Jumeirah: Ride the monorail for views of the Palm and visit resort precincts. If large resorts are not your style, visit for views and dine elsewhere.
- - Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach: Enjoy promenade walks, public beach time, skyline photos at sunset, and optional dhow cruises.
- - Old Dubai and Al Fahidi: Explore museums, wind tower alleys, and ride an abra across the Creek to the Gold and Spice Souks.
- - Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall: Combine observation decks, the aquarium, and the fountain shows. This is a full day if shopping and dining are included.
Visa requirements for Indian passport holders
Most Indian citizens need a pre arranged UAE tourist visa before travel. This is usually handled through an airline, a hotel, a trusted travel agency, or an authorized visa service partner. Start the visa process as soon as travel dates are set. If eligible, some Indian citizens can get a 14 day visa on arrival. Eligibility usually includes a valid US visa or Green Card, or a valid UK visa or residence, or a valid EU visa or residence, or a valid residence permit from countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, or Singapore. Both passport and the qualifying permit typically need at least six months validity, and a fee applies at entry. If not eligible for visa on arrival, apply for a tourist e visa.
Common requirements include a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket, confirmed hotel booking, a recent photo, and supporting financial or travel documents as required by the chosen channel. Many facilitators may ask for prior travel records to the US, UK, Schengen, or proof of income or fixed deposits, or an invitation from family in the UAE. Processing times can be a few working days, but can vary. Always confirm the latest rules with an official source before applying. Carry digital and printed copies of visa approval, return tickets, hotel bookings, and travel insurance for a smooth arrival.
Practical tips to save time and money
Cluster sights by area to cut taxi time. Prebook observation decks, desert safaris, and popular restaurants in peak months. Start early or go after dusk to beat heat and crowds. Use regular metered taxis for value and allow extra time for long indoor walks in large malls and at Metro interchanges. Carry sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and breathable clothing. Pack a light layer for strong air conditioning indoors. Drink water steadily. Respect dress codes and venue rules. Keep alcohol to licensed places only. Note that the public sector weekend is Saturday and Sunday with shorter Friday hours, which affects traffic and some operating hours.
Quick checklist before departure
With clear paperwork, smart routing by area, and simple etiquette, a first Dubai trip from India can be easy, comfortable, and full of great food, views, and short day trips that fit many interests and budgets.
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes
Modest clothing for religious sites and smart attire for fine dining
Small cash float, primary and backup cards
Local SIM or roaming plan, power bank, and universal adapter type G
Travel insurance and a simple day by day plan
Return ticket and hotel booking, printed and digital
Visa approval or eligibility for visa on arrival, printed and digital
Passport valid for at least six months at entry
Day trip to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is about one to one and a half hours from Dubai by road. Highlights include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island, and Emirates Palace. Transport options range from public shuttles to taxis, private drivers, and guided tours. Private tours cover more in less time. Public options reduce costs if a slower pace is acceptable. Dress modestly for the Grand Mosque and plan midweek travel to reduce traffic.
Four day plan for first time visitors from India
Day 4 Palm and final views: Ride the Palm monorail for photos, try a relaxed lunch at a resort precinct, then wind down at a beach club or pool before a final night viewpoint or performance.
Day 3 Desert or beach day: Book an afternoon desert safari with show and dinner. Alternatively, spend a calm day at Jumeirah Beach, then enjoy a hotel brunch or a skyline restaurant in the evening.
Day 2 Old Dubai and Marina: Explore Al Fahidi in the morning, ride an abra to the souks, then shift to Marina Walk for sunset and an optional dhow cruise dinner.
Day 1 Downtown Dubai: Check in, walk Dubai Mall, visit the aquarium, and watch the fountain shows over dinner at a terrace with views. Keep transfers minimal on arrival day.
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- Ankur Sodhi
- Ankur Sodhi is a Gurugram-based travel expert from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, with 13 years’ experience crafting domestic and international tour packages from India with transparent pricing and end‑to‑end support. Founder of Pine Valley Holidays Private Limited in 2013.
