Dubai is as cheap or expensive as you want it to be.

If you enjoy five-star-hotels, exclusive beach clubs and fine dining restaurants, you will need to pay accordingly. However, Dubai also offers a wide range of affordable options, from budget hotels and casual eateries to various reasonably priced (or even free) attractions, sites and entertainment options.

Yes, gold is cheaper in Dubai compared to many other places across the globe.

The only tax placed upon gold in the United Arab Emirates is a five per cent value added tax (VAT), helping you to save money on your purchase.

Tourists can also claim a VAT refund on all purchases made in the UAE, including gold. But it's not only the price of gold that makes Dubai so attractive for buyers, it's the quality as well. Regular inspections of jewellery shops carried out by Dubai Municipality ensure high standards and high quality products.

The cost of living in Dubai varies significantly depending on your marital/family status, daily needs and general standard of living. In terms of accommodation, a single person may rent an apartment from around AED 20,000 per year, whereas a family may rent a villa from around AED 130,000 per year. In terms of daily expenses and consumer goods, Dubai can be inexpensive compared to many other cities, especially when considering the above average salaries and minimal tax obligations. Nevertheless, if you have children, you need to take schooling fees into account as most schools in Dubai are private.

A simple act of affection such as holding hands is fine, but excessive public displays of affection are not allowed in Dubai.

Yes, alcohol is available in Dubai.

Tourists and residents over the age of 21 can drink alcohol at licensed venues in Dubai, such as hotels and restaurants, as well as dedicated lounges. However there is a zero-tolerance policy for drunken behaviour and drink-driving so visitors and residents are expected to be responsible.

Yes, shorts are allowed for women and men in Dubai. However, in enclosed public areas such as malls, tourists and expats are kindly asked to respect the local culture, making sure their legs are covered below the knee.

If you are visiting a religious site, make sure to wear conservative clothing that covers your legs and shoulders.

No, women in Dubai are not obliged to wear a headscarf.

Some choose to do so for religious and cultural reasons. In religious areas such as mosques, a woman is asked to cover her hair in addition to her shoulders and knees.

Yes, you can swim in the sea in Dubai.

Waters tend to be calm and there are lifeguards at all beaches to ensure that health and safety guidelines are being followed.

Yes, you can. Dubai has a huge array of beautiful beaches and relaxing pool areas, with year-round sunny weather ensuring you can top up your tan whenever you like.

Currently, residents of the United Arab Emirates are not required to pay personal income tax. Therefore, there are no tax registration procedures or reporting obligations in place. However, a few years ago, the UAE Government introduced a value added tax (VAT) of five per cent on most goods and services. Tourists and visitors are able to claim this back once they leave the UAE. Additionally, there is a Tourism Dirham Fee per room per night at hotels. This fee depends on the type of hotel and can go up to around AED 20.

Dubai is a very dog-friendly place with numerous dog parks and kennels of all sizes, shapes and vibes. Various hotels also welcome dogs, and some restaurants provide dedicated outdoor areas and water bowls for your furry friends.

Please check with the relevant hotels and restaurants regarding their pet policies before bringing your dog along.

There is no particular restriction in Dubai when it comes to women's clothing. However, tourists and residents are asked to respect the local culture where appropriate. Wearing a bikini on the beach is perfectly fine, but not in a public space such as a mall.

At religious sites such as mosques, women are asked to cover their hair and wear longer clothing.

With its beautiful turquoise waters and pleasant temperatures, Dubai's sea one of the city's top attractions and is a magnet for tourists and residents alike.

The golden coastline stretches across kilometres of public beaches, upscale beach clubs and beach resorts. Head to Kite Beach for slightly stronger waves (the area is a kitesurfing hotspot) or go somewhere like Black Palace Beach for calmer tides.

Alongside the private hotel beaches, Dubai has plenty of public beaches that offer seaside fun including watersports facilities, volleyball courts, running tracks and much more.

Fairly close to Burj Al Arab, you'll find Sunset Beach, Black Palace Beach and Kite Beach. Additionally, there is the The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence and Al Mamzar Beach Park, as well as the popular destination La Mer.

Women are highly respected and not restricted in any way in Dubai. The World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Gender Gap report listed the UAE as the region's leader for gender equality, and women comprise 50 per cent of the UAE's Federal National Council.

Dubai is an open-minded and tolerant society where people from all over the world live harmoniously and respectfully.

As with any destination, residents and tourists must abide by the local laws.

It is important to note that the moral code is stricter in the United Arab Emirates than in some parts of the world. For example, it is prohibited to drink alcohol in public places other than licensed hotels and their restaurants, as well as in dedicated lounges. Furthermore, excessive public displays of affection are not allowed. The UAE has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and is widely recognised as being one of the safest places to live, work and visit.

Muslims follow a set of Islamic practices during the Holy Month of Ramadan, including:

- Abstaining from eating, drinking and smoking between dawn and sunset
- Breaking the fast with dates during an iftar meal once the sun has set, and partaking in the pre-dawn meal of suhoor
- Performing the five daily prayers, with the option to add night-time taraweeh prayers, and reciting the Quran
- Refraining from inappropriate speech and behaviour
- Giving Zakat (charitable donations) to those in need (not limited to money) – it is particularly significant during Ramadan

Dubai is a cosmopolitan destination with people of different backgrounds and faiths living and working together, based on mutual respect and tolerance. Residents and visitors are not required to fast and there are no specific restrictions during Ramadan. Restaurants and dining establishments operate as normal, and those not fasting can eat and drink during the day. When it comes to dress code, all attire is generally acceptable, but make sure to dress appropriately for the occasion and location. You can read more about what to wear in Dubai in our guide.

If you are visiting Dubai during Ramadan, you can make the most of your time in the city by attending some of the many iftars and suhoors across restaurants, tents and hotels.

While it is not required, you can choose to join in the community spirit and try fasting, or avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public spaces to demonstrate respect and be mindful of those who are.

Restaurants and dining establishments are not closed during Ramadan and will operate as normal, where non-fasting guests can eat and drink as usual. A few smaller outlets may be closed during the day, but will be open by sundown.

Some eateries will be operating at different working hours throughout the month with later starts and closing times, and special menus for iftar and suhoor. If you are keen to visit a restaurant, do call ahead or book in advance to confirm operational hours or secure your spot during the evening rush across dining venues.

Yes, you can visit Dubai during Ramadan – everything is open and it is a wonderful time to experience the city’s culture.

During the day, most restaurants will operate as normal, and all major attractions are open as well.

You may find some places change their hours slightly, but this is the exception.

Visiting Dubai during Ramadan also lets you experience this special time in the city for yourself.

Ramadan in Dubai is truly a special experience.

The pace of the city changes, as many people fast during the day, and eat and socialise at night. Traditional Arabian lights and decorations are a common sight across the city, as are large tents where people can meet and have iftar and suhoor.

As Dubai has grown increasingly multicultural, many different kinds of restaurants now offer iftar and suhoor meals – so it is possible to break the fast with sushi or antipasto, as well as traditional dishes. Another highlight is the wonderful night markets dotted around the city, selling traditional items as well as the latest trends. With Dubai being home to more than 200 nationalities, Ramadan also becomes an opportunity to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Yes, Ramadan can be a great time to visit Dubai. It is a very special time for Muslims, and the pace of the city changes – the evenings especially are bustling, as many people have iftar not just in their homes but also outside and meet up with friends and family. For tourists, most restaurants and activities remain open during the day, and you can enjoy all the normal sights of the city during Ramadan.

There are several Ramadan traditions that you can experience in Dubai. The most famous Ramadan tradition is the daily firing of cannons at sunset to mark the end of fasting.

You'll also see many tents at hotels and special venues where the community comes together to enjoy iftar, or the breaking of the fast, together.

In some communities, you can often see large communal iftars hosted in public places.

To learn more about some of these traditions, read about the rituals of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is also known as the Holy Month - as this is when the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) first had the Qu'ran revealed to him. During Ramadan, Muslims fast between dawn and sunset, and also undertake additional charity work and prayer.

As the Islamic calendar and Gregorian calendar are not aligned, the dates of Ramadan change slightly by 11 days every year – currently Ramadan starts in March and ends in April.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, the fundamental elements of the faith.

During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world are bound together by the fast.

It is a month for reflection and through fasting, Muslims are able to practise self-restraint. Ramadan is not the only time Muslims fast – many will also fast regularly throughout the year.

The dates of Ramadan change because the Islamic calendar – also known as the Hijri calendar – is lunar, following the moon's phases.

Hijri years are around 11 days shorter than Gregorian years, and this means the start of Ramadan moves forward by 11 days every year. The dates of the start and end of Ramadan can also vary slightly because they depend on sighting the new crescent moon – depending on when this happens, Ramadan might start or finish a day or two earlier or later than expected.

While there are no specific restrictions on what you can wear in Dubai anytime of the year, visitors are advised to be mindful of the local culture and religion and to ensure they are dressed appropriately for the occasion. If you are visiting a cultural or heritage area, try and cover your shoulders and knees, or wear loose fitting garments. For a visit to a mosque, men and women should dress modestly, with arms and legs covered, and women may need to wear a headscarf, so it's best to carry one with you. Swimwear is acceptable while visiting hotel pools and beaches. 

At Ramadan tents and iftar and suhoor buffets, you can often see guests in the best of Arabian fashion, with seasonally inspired kaftans, abayas or light outerwear.

For visitors, Ramadan is a good time to delve into the region’s culture. Plan a trip to Dubai's souks to pick up some traditional wear, including hand-tailored kandooras and embroidered abayas.

Yes, hotels operate normally during Ramadan in Dubai, although some onsite dining establishments may have different opening hours throughout the month. Most hotels will likely be hosting grand iftar meals and may have festive dining offers and events to check out as part of the Holy Month.

If you are keen to explore the season's traditions and local culture, ask your hotel concierge how you can experience Ramadan and Eid while in Dubai.

What are the rules for eating, drinking and smoking during Ramadan fasting hours?

During Ramadan, fasting Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking and smoking between dawn and sunset.

There are no restrictions on eating and drinking in public for those who are not fasting. However, you may choose to avoid doing so out of respect for those who are.

Yes, you will be able to go to the beach and visit restaurants during Ramadan in Dubai. There are a few guidelines when it comes to dress code in order to be respectful of the local culture and religion, but beachwear is acceptable at hotel beaches and pools. Restaurants will be operational throughout the day catering to those who are not fasting. 

As with all sunny holiday destinations, please make sure to bring your summer clothes, swimwear and flip-flops. If you are keen to explore Dubai's nightlife, smarter attire will come in handy.

As for the formalities, please familiarise yourself with the visa requirements that vary from country to country.

You can spend a week in Dubai in many different ways, depending on your interests, your reason for visiting and your budget. Families can check out Dubai's exciting theme and waterparks. Couples may wish to explore the emirate's cultural attractions, while adventurers can discover the various activities that the desert has to offer. For some inspiration, see our one-week itinerary with tips from entrepreneur and Dubai expat Zahirah Marty.

If you're carrying cash, you will need to pay for goods and services in Dubai using dirhams, the official currency of the United Arab Emirates. You can change your euros to dirhams at exchange bureaus across the emirate. Several shops and establishments in tourist areas will accept global currencies such as US dollars and euros. Credit cards and mobile payments are widely available and could even be considered the main form of payment across the city.

Your budget will depend on the nature of your honeymoon and the time of year (Dubai's off-peak season is May to October). There are plenty of leisure and entertainment options across the city, both simple and luxurious. For just AED 75 each, you can wander together through Dubai Miracle Garden, which contains 150 million blooming flowers.

Or you can splash out on a six-course tasting menu at the ultra-romantic restaurant Pierchic for AED 650 each.

Taxi fares in Dubai are relatively inexpensive compared to many other destinations around the world.

Taxis cost around AED 1.8 per kilometre, plus an opening fare of AED 10 to AED 25 depending on the taxi provider. For more information on public transport in Dubai, please Contact us. 

Although Dubai is known as a luxury holiday destination packed with five-star hotels, there are many places in and around the emirate that cater to a smaller budget. Low-cost hotels can be found across the city, with brands such as Citymax, Ibis and Rove boasting multiple locations, and room prices can go down to about AED 150 per night during the summer months.

Lots of attractions cost less than AED 100 per person, including the Dubai Frame (AED 50) and the Museum of Illusions (AED 80). Cheap eats are plentiful too – you can enjoy succulent shawarmas for as little as AED 10.

Many hotels, restaurants and tourist sites in Dubai are cheaper during the summer.

The majority of tourists visit the emirate in winter, the high season of the year and when weather conditions are milder.

Lots of venues offer special holiday packages during the hot summer months to attract tourists.

Your overall spend for a week in Dubai depends entirely on your interests and when you visit.

The average room rate in Dubai until September 2022 was about AED 495 per night. Dubai has restaurants, tourist attractions and entertainment experiences for nearly all price categories.

A street food meal could be AED 20, while a fine dining experience may cost upwards of AED 200 per person.

There are many affordable tourist attractions to enjoy for under AED 100, such as Dubai Ice Rink. You can also purchase an attractions pass to save money when visiting the city's hotspots

The Dubai Metro connects the main districts of the city with its fast and efficient network. Metro stations in Dubai are located near major attractions, sites, neighbourhoods and malls. There are currently two lines, the Green and Red line. While the Red line starts near Dubai International Airport (DXB) and travels along the city's main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road, the Green line travels from the Al Twar area to Dubai Creek.

The official language in Dubai is Arabic, however English is widely spoken. All street signs, restaurant menus and so on are bilingual, in Arabic and English and some popular tourist areas have signage in more languages.

The vast majority of Dubai's residents speak English, and it is also the primary business language in the UAE.

In Dubai, the most common Arabic word for "hello" is "marhaba". It's a friendly way to greet local residents.

As a multicultural hotspot, Dubai is home to many nationalities speaking various languages, ranging from Arabic and English to Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Russian, Mandarin, German and more.

Between December and February, it can sometimes get a little chilly in the evenings.

Expect lows of around 14 degrees Celsius.

If you’re spending the evening outside, a light sweater or a similar item of clothing should be enough to keep you warm.

Dubai has two seasons: summer and winter. Summer lasts from about May until September, during which time the average daily temperature is in the high 30s and low 40s (in Celsius). The cooler winter months are from around October to April, when the weather averages between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Dubai’s visitor numbers peak during the winter months, from October to April, when the weather is sunny yet relatively mild. However, some people prefer to visit the city during the summer months, when the temperatures are higher.

Dubai enjoys sunny weather all year round, with average day-time temperatures dipping to the twenties (Celsius) in the coolest season.

The coldest month in Dubai is January, with temperatures reaching approximately 24 degrees Celsius during the day and going down to about 14 degrees Celsius at night.

Dubai has a desert climate with year-round sunshine. In the winter, daily temperatures average up to approximately 30 degrees Celsius.

In the summer, they average up to the low 40s. 

It can rain in the city during winter, although this is fairly uncommon.

The coldest months of the year in Dubai are from December to March, with temperatures peaking at around 24 to 28 degrees Celsius during the day. In January, typically Dubai's coldest month, temperatures can go down to about 14 degrees Celsius at night.

The cooler, pleasant weather makes this a particularly popular season for tourists.

Alcohol is available in Dubai in licensed establishments. Tourists and residents over the age of 21 can drink alcohol at licensed venues in Dubai, such as hotels and restaurants, as well as dedicated lounges. However there is a zero-tolerance policy for drunken behaviour and drink-driving, so visitors and residents are expected to be responsible.

A simple act of affection such as holding hands or hugging a loved one is fine. However, excessive public displays of affection are not allowed in Dubai. It's best to consider the people around you in a public place such as a mall, beach or restaurant, and behave accordingly.

Dubai is one of the safest places to visit for women. A 2022 report by insurance website InsureMyTrip listed Dubai as the world’s third safest city for solo female tourists to visit. Safety and security of all visitors and residents is a top priority in the UAE, and according to Gallup’s Global Law and Order report in 2021, more than 90% of residents have said they feel safe walking alone at night. In addition, a comprehensive study by Georgetown University in 2021 ranked the UAE highest for women's perception of safety, which tracks how many women (aged 15 and over) report they “feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live.” Public transport facilities also have services exclusively for women, such as Dubai Metro cabins reserved for women and child travellers, and taxis with female drivers.

Dubai is an open-minded and tolerant society where people from all over the world live harmoniously and respectfully. As with any destination, residents and tourists must abide by the local laws. It is important to note that the moral code is stricter in the United Arab Emirates than in some parts of the world. For example, it is prohibited to drink alcohol in public places other than licensed hotels and their restaurants, as well as in dedicated lounges. Furthermore, excessive public displays of affection are not allowed. The UAE has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and is widely recognised as being one of the safest places to live, work and visit.

Dubai is very safe – in fact, it has been named one of the world’s safest cities to visit in 2023, according to the global database Numbeo. Strict laws are in place to protect everyone, so you can enjoy a stress-free and fun-filled family holiday in the city any time of the year.

It is safe. In 2021, a study by Gallup’s Global Law and Order report named the UAE the safest country in the world to walk around at night, with 95 per cent of residents saying they felt secure.

Nonetheless, it’s always advisable to remain alert by sticking to more populated areas and having a clear route to follow.

Similar to all airports worldwide, there are restrictions in place to ensure safety of all travellers passing through the city. Dubai Customs regulates what items are allowed into the emirate and detail this in their passenger guide, which is updated regularly.  Typical contraband include narcotics, flammable liquids, sharp items, certain foods, boycotted goods and medications. Passengers are advised to ensure that their baggage meets the requirements of the Dubai Airports and UAE authorities.

For more information, check with your travel agents in Dubai or visit the Emirates' Dangerous Good Policy information as well as Dubai Customs.

As per UAE federal law and Abu Dhabi Government law, all visitors to the UAE must have medical insurance cover.

In case of emergency, treatment to stabilise the case is free. Other treatment must be covered by a cash payment or insurance card for covered individuals.

Average dining in popular hotel restaurants ranges between AED100 / US $27 to AED200 / US $55 per person, excluding beverages. Many fine dining and high-end restaurants may add a service charge (usually around 10%) and a tourism levy of 6% to your bill.

These charges are often included in the menu prices and the menu will denote when they are. You may choose to reward your waiter directly with a tip – the usual 10-15%.