Here are 10 top tips that I picked up whilst in Dubai – some of them are tips you won’t find in your regular tourist guide so I hope they help make your stay in this fabulous city even better!
1) What to Wear
This was one of my major panics whilst packing but it really isn’t that difficult at all – in the hotel pool/beach area you can wear whatever you want – in other areas you can get away with almost anything but it does pay to dress a little respectfully, meaning at least knee length and covering the shoulders – avoiding the mega short shorts or skirts.
An absolute must to pack are light weight trousers – my favourites were the following that I picked up in Zara:
2) Taxis
Taxis are cheap in Dubai and they have special Pink roofed Taxis for women. You can go into any other Taxi as well but I did have the experience that they were quite rude to me as I travelled alone in a Blue roofed Taxi – this might be due to the fact that the distance was short but it was way too hot to walk even 1km so please forgive me 😉
3) Limo service
Limos are also reasonably priced (esp compared to Swiss Taxis) – for a real treat or if you are arriving very late or very early in the morning I recommend pre booking a Limo pick up service – most Hotels have this service available.
4) Fridays
Friday is like our Sunday for those working in Dubai and one of the things they seem to love doing is spending the afternoon at one of the lovely beach / spa resorts so if you are staying at one it is a perfect day to organise a tour outside the hotel and avoid the crowds!
Try Arabian Adventures for some cool tours.
5) Fabulous Photo Spot
The Burj Al Arab makes for a fab photo background especially at nite after dinner at one of the restaurants along Jumeirah Beach – click here
6) Local Fashion
If you’re at all like me and love buying some of the local fashion, have a look at Zamira-Style, designed by British Dubi Expat – Fab reasonably priced items. I love the fact that she started off as a blogger before starting her own label.
7) Food
Food in Dubai was amazing. I discovered this local food blogger that is definitely worth checking out: www.whenshaikhacooks.com She also has some awesome recipes on her blog.
8) Personal restaurant recommendation for a special nite out
Definitely not cheap but if you are celebrating or simply have a bigger budget then Pierchic is an experience you won’t forget. Set on a pier with an amazing view of Burj Al Arab and awesome food!
9) Secret tips for Dubai Mall
At some times during the day – especially the afternoons, you’ll find the Mall gets really busy – not to worry, all you need to do is go to the Fashion promenade on 1st floor and you will find hardly any people at all plus some fabulous places to eat:
Recommend: Armani cafe for great Truffle pizza and superb salads. Third Avenue Cafe for amazing deserts and fabulous views outside if you get a table by the window.
If you dress up to go shopping you get treated like royalty (I found that out by mistake ;-))
10) The Palm and Atlantis Hotel
The Palm, considered to be the 8th Wonder of the World is really worth a visit – visit the opulent Atlantis Hotel and experience their fantastic waterpark, aquarium or dolphin area.
Have a fab time if you do go Dubai!
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