Before you head off to discover either the desert safari or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, there are a few things you should be aware of. To get the most benefit out of your experience, we have asked a few locals to provide us with a few suggestions and travel etiquette for someone visiting to Dubai Experiences soon. Read below for what they have to say.
1. Look beyond the glitzy skyscrapers and malls
There’s much more to Dubai than The Burj Khalifa and mega-malls! The city is actually steeped in history and it’s not complicated to explore! Head over to Old Town Dubai for a glimpse into Arabian culture and feel free to thrift shop at the souks over at Dubai Creek. If you have a free, locals recommend taking a trip to Abu Dhabi for a day; where you can see the grand mosques and learn about the country’s Muslim heritage.
2. Food can be cheap
If you thought food in Dubai is pricey, you’re not entirely off the mark, but you’ll discover affordable meals in Dubai, you just need to know where to go! Dubai Mall, JBR, and Downtown are surely not the places to go for the most delicious and filling meals! Instead, you should visit souks, outdoor markets, which are the best places to have great meals without emptying your wallet.
3. Share your food
In Dubai, it’s actually discouraged to order an entire meal by yourself. It’s more socially acceptable to order a large platter to share inside your group. So unless you are travelling by yourself, be sure to order to share! Plus this way of ordering will save you money.
4. Ditch the metro, take a taxi
While the Metro system is definitely inexpensive, it can be quite inconvenient. Many of the stations are located a long distance from the best spots and will require you to walk a good distance to get from there to your actual destination. Dubai is not really a walkable city, and taking taxi’s is truly the best option to get around, and what all of the locals agreed is what they would recommend. Since many of the key attractions are situated a distance from each other, taxi fares, in general, are reasonable. And remember to tip your driver too.
5. Head Downtown or to the Dubai Marina instead of The Palm
If you’re not taking a private helicopter to fly over The Palm, many locals would say to not bother going. The traffic in this part of town is insane, so head to Dubai Marina or Downtown instead.
6. Happy Hour or nothing at all
It is commonly understood that drinking in Dubai Experiences can be exceptionally expensive. However, that certainly does not mean you will miss out on the fun! There are numerous happy hour options available throughout the city, allowing you to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. But if you happen to miss the happy hours, you will be looking at a cost of about SGD15 to SGD20 for a bottle of beer.
7. Avoid PDA
Few visitors realize, but there is a strong separation of genders in the country, so even the most innocent public hug can lead to consequences. Even if you will be travelling with people of the same gender, try and avoid any PDA while in Dubai to avoid awkward, judgmental stares.
8. Get a copy (or two) of The Entertainer
As soon as you arrive in Dubai, the first thing you should do is head to a convenience store or supermarket and purchase a couple of copies of The Entertainer magazine. Even though it might be a little expensive (SGD 185), it has so many discounts and promos for restaurants and activities that you will benefit from them for the entire length of your stay and it’s worth the money.
9. Malls are for entertainment, not shopping
If you’re working with a budget, the mega-malls of Dubai may be challenging for you. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should skip the legendary shopping malls while you’re in town! In addition to shopping, the Dubai Mall offers very cool things to do for all ages: the Dubai Aquarium, a skating rink, and a book store. The Mall of Emirates has the Ski Dubai Ticket that we thought you wouldn’t want to miss.
10. Respect
Even though more expats live in Dubai than Emiratis, it should be noted that he city is based on Muslim traditions. Consequently, you should respect the cultures and traditions of the locals. For example, all visitors need to understand the rules in a mosque (especially if you are planning to visit a few during your stay), show respect to the older generation, and do not criticize the Royal Family.
Explore Dubai
With these insider tips to travelling to Dubai, now is the time to get started booking your activities! Thinking of a Desert Safari, or perhaps extreme rides in IMG Worlds! TickYourList has you covered with the best prices for your Dubai adventure! So what are you waiting for?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best local experiences to try in Dubai?
You can explore desert safaris, dhow cruises, traditional souks, cultural walking tours, and authentic Emirati dining experiences hosted by locals.
2. Can I book Dubai local experiences online?
Yes, you can easily book online through trusted platforms like TickYourList, which offers verified experiences led by locals with instant confirmations.
3. Are these local tours suitable for first-time visitors?
Absolutely! Many experiences are designed for beginners — from guided heritage tours to camel rides and sunset desert trips.
4. What’s the benefit of booking with local hosts?
Local hosts give you a genuine cultural touch — you’ll learn insider stories, hidden gems, and authentic traditions beyond the typical tourist spots.
5. Can I customize my local experience in Dubai?
Yes, some experiences allow personalized options like private tours, special dining requests, or flexible timing for small groups or families.