Are you planning a Dubai trip? This guide reveals insider tips on planning flights, hotels, food, and transportation for your Dubai trip. Discover hidden gems, navigate public transport, avoid tourist traps, and make your trip memorable!
1. What is the best time to catch a flight to Dubai?
When you are looking to book a flight to Dubai, choose a flight that lands around noon; generally, it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to clear the immigration and get out of the airport, and by the time you are out and reach your hotel or place of stay, you arrive precisely at check-in time.
For your return, book a late-evening flight to make the most of your last day! You can probably rest after the final day of your trip.
2. Where to stay in DUbai?
Are you looking for budget stay options? Consider staying in Bur Dubai, Al Mina, Al Karama, Oud Metha, Al Rigga, and Deira.
There are plenty of hotels, starting from guest houses to decent three-star properties and budget four- and five-star hotels, usually ranging between 100 and 400 AED in a shoulder month (March, April, May, September) and even double or triple in the peak month (October to February).
If you are tight on a budget, you can consider budget hostels starting from 30 AED per night.
If you want to be in the heart of the action, choose Downtown.
You can enjoy Burj Khalifa views much of the time, and are 5-10 minutes away from Dubai Mall.
You will find four- and five-star hotels in the surroundings and some good Airbnb.
Sheikh Zayed Road if you are always in your shoes, with easy connectivity to most of the places in Dubai, and even this road takes you to Abu Dhabi.
For beachgoers, Marina and JBR are a heavenly escape, as there are stunning properties with marina views and beach resorts.
Don’t forget, this place is heaven for party lovers.
Go to Palm; if a lavish lifestyle is your thing, the Palm is home to the most luxurious resorts.
3. Planning for an Extended stay?
Consider hotel apartments and Airbnb. There are great options in every location and one in each price range.
If your budget is strict, look for a good hostel; they are available for every budget. Moreover, you get to be a part of the diverse community of Dubai, living amidst a global community.
4. Where to eat?
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, there are a lot of restaurants in old Dubai, especially in Bur Dubai, Deira, Karama, and well-known chains like Bikanerwala, Puranmal, and Kamat across the city. Restaurants are generally more expensive in Downtown, Shiekh Zayed Road, JBR, Marina, and Palm.
5. Water can be pricey at restaurants and attractions(5-10 AED for a 500ml bottle). Bring a refillable bottle or buy in bulk from a supermarket(0.5-1 AED per bottle).
6. How to travel?
There are six modes of transport: Metro, Bus, Tram, Cabs, Ferries, and E-scooters. Each offers a unique way to explore different parts of Dubai.
Metro is well spread across the city in 6 different zones; you can take a regular ticket or a weekly or monthly pass according to your travel needs. Cost varies depending on how many zones you choose.
A bus takes you where the metro cannot; understanding the charts and routes is tricky for a first-timer or occasional commuter. A NOL card is mandatory to travel on a bus.
Tram serves Marina and JBR commuters; if it’s not on your route, do take a ride; it’s good to have the experience, and an NOL card can be used to pay the fare.
The initial fare starts from 3 AED for a bus and tram.
Cabs are available 24*7 for last-mile connectivity, and e-scooters are fun to ride in the neighborhood; the fare starts at 5 AED.
Ferries and Abra rides have limited routes, which you can use to cross water bodies and save time. Abra’s ride starts at 1 AED.
7. Wear comfortable shoes if you are using public transport or visiting attractions, as you will be walking a long way and sometimes you end up walking a kilometre to grab a water bottle.
8. Get a weekly NOL card according to the areas you want to visit. It works on buses, metros, trams, and at many supermarkets. You can save a lot of money using a weekly or monthly pass.
9. Best taxi apps to use in Dubai
Use Uber and Careem apps for taxi services, comparatively more expensive than RTA cabs, and if you are lucky, you can even get a ride in one of the most luxurious cars in Dubai. Consider booking a Hala taxi through these apps, as they are one of the budget-friendly options. The starting fares and per-kilometer rates are comparitively lower than other ride-hailing services depending upon distance and time of day.
10. How to make payment?
You can use credit/debit cards, forex cards, cash, and even UPI to make payments at over 60,000 outlets. If possible, get a card that offers zero forex markup on international transactions.
11. Get International roaming activated
Get an international roaming pack from your home country if you can’t miss cellular calls.
There are a few weekly and monthly international roaming packs available from Jio and Airtel, but avoid using data on international roaming; you will end up finishing the data in 2-3 days if you use it the way you do in your home country. Use WiFi; it’s free and available everywhere.
Pro-tip: WhatsApp works on international roaming.
12. Use BOTIM app for audio and video calls back home, as WhatsApp is only available for chatting. The app works very well.
13. How to book attraction tickets and sightseeing?
Book your Dubai attraction tickets and travel packages with Namaste Dubai for the best deals and, most importantly, the best service and 24*7 support. You can connect with us over a call or WhatsApp at +918901890110 or write us at connect@namastedubai.org.
With careful planning and these insider tips, your Dubai adventure is set to be an unforgettable one. From budget-friendly stays and efficient transportation to must-visit attractions and local insights, you’re equipped to explore the city like a pro. Let Namaste Dubai be your guide to a seamless and extraordinary Dubai experience. Ready to embark on your journey?