Dubai: Travel Tips & My Cultural Observations
Dubai was the first place I visited in the Middle East. My knowledge of it prior to traveling there was quite general. For example, it was quite evident that I was traveling to a place far more conservative than from where I traveled!
As I have mentioned before, something I actually love when I travel is feeling like the minority. It's important for me to understand, observe and respectfully experience the local culture wherever I travel. In that vein, I learned a lot about Dubai's laws and culture, which I share here for you.
General Tips
- The USA State Department Web site is one I use when I travel anywhere. As such, I was not surprised that it has great advice for what to be prepared for to enter the UAE. What is really convenient is that you (if American) do not need a Visa from the embassy as long as you have a return ticket showing you are leaving within 30 days of entry.
- Having been just yards from the Belgium airport when it was bombed on 22 March 2016, I always register with the State Department's STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) program when I travel overseas. I recommend it to everyone as they will cater emails and text updates to you based on where you are located. In addition, they will then have you on their embassy list in case anything happens. (This proved useful for me in March 2016 when I was in Belgium when the airport was bombed.)
- Entry into Dubai can seem a bit overwhelming as they are quite strict with what you can and cannot bring in. (The State Department's web site allows you to search here for the rules of entry for any country.) That said, I found it to be fairly easy to enter Dubai because I prepared ahead using a checklist provided as a resource. I was most nervous about my prescription medications because so many are not allowed. The thing to know is that they will allow you in with legal prescription medications if the medication is in the bottle from the pharmacy. If possible, have a copy of the prescription written by your doctor on hand as well.
- I had a guide who met me as I disembarked from the airplane, and took me through customs. It was worth it. No lines and a special area of customs that you’ll breeze through with no issues at all. My office set it up through a company called Marhaba Services. It was a great service; I highly recommend.
- You can book a car service to pick you up at the airport, or take a taxi. Either is fine; taxis are safe.
My Observations on the Culture
- Dubai is VERY safe. Crime is nearly non-existent. The penalties are quite harsh even for what would seem like petty crime in the United States.
- Dubai was really only established in its current state about 40 years ago. (Wikipedia) It was created to be a business hub as oil was discovered and prides itself on not only Arab companies establishing global headquarters there but also Western companies.
- Dubai is a melting pot of Arab cultures and thus is the least conservative of all the UAE and other neighboring countries. That’s not to say it isn’t conservative, though!
- The people can be quite transient as there are so many Western expats living and working there. You’ll see a lot of Westerners around wherever you go. Because there are so many expats, there are certain legal requirements for businesses to hire local UAE workers.
- Women do not seem to be repressed as a normal part of society as they are in Saudi Arabia, for example. They work (and hold senior positions), drive, can be friends with non-relative males, etc.
- You will definitely see things that are strange to a Westerner but are completely normal there. Examples are female-only taxi queues and taxis, women in hijabs or full burkas, etc. One thing that stood out to me is that even the women in burkas did not seem oppressed. My Arab friends helped me understand that for many, it’s all they know. It’s just part of their culture. (And underneath burkas, you can see huge bouffants, crazy make-up, done up eyes, Louboutins, and Chanel bags!)
- In Western areas like resorts and hotels, you can dress just as if you were in the States, drink alcohol, smoke, dance, etc. In non-Western local areas, it’s definitely more conservative in terms of dress (skirts just above the knee or longer, have something to cover your shoulders, etc.) and behavior (no drinking, no dancing).
- Most of the Western hotels are huge complexes of restaurants, shops and even nightclubs. You’ll see both tourists and locals there.
- I found the locals really appreciate when you demonstrate a bit of knowledge about the UAE and Dubai itself. (UAE is made up of seven states, each governed by a sheikh, etc.)
- Service is always very good. They pride themselves on being friendly to tourists as it’s a huge part of their economy.
- No one walks along sidewalks, etc. They all drive. There is an above-ground subway but not many people use it. It’s just too hot to be outside for most of the year. I was surprised by how few people I saw just walking outside!
- The wealth and opulence is ridiculous. Like nothing you have ever seen. It's nearly indescribable.
