Fact Sheet for First Time Visitors to Dubai

Picture of Author: Amanda West

Author: Amanda West

Fact Sheet for First Time Visitors to Dubai

Dubai is renowned for its luxury lifestyle, modern architecture, beaches, hospitality, and all-year sunshine. We’ve put together a list of facts about Dubai for first-time visitors. Dubai is one of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates which include Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

Currency
UAE Dirham (AED) AED 3.6725 = $ 1 USD.
The United Arab Emirates dirham is the official currency of the UAE, and is abbreviated officially as AED.
Coins are in the following denomination of AED 1, 50 fils and 25 fils.
Notes or bills are in the denomination of AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000.

Population:
The total population of Dubai is 3.5 million, as of the recent census.

Capital City:
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates since 1971, which is an easy 1-hour drive away from Dubai.

Time Zone:
The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT (GMT + 4).

Mobile Phone Operators:
The country code/prefix is +971.
The most popular network operators are Du (based out of Dubai) and Etisalat (based out of Abu Dhabi), both offer coverage throughout the UAE.
Other brands include Virgin Mobile, operated on the Du network, and Swyp, operated on the Etisalat network.

Languages:
Arabic is the UAE’s official language. However, English is widely spoken by almost everyone in Dubai. All road and traffic signs are in Arabic and English.

Religion:
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and you will see mosques throughout the city.
Religion is an important part of the culture in Dubai, while it remains tolerant and respectful of other religions and cultures as well.

Airports

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main airport in Dubai, offering a great network of direct flights to over 250 destinations in 102 countries across six continents.
It is the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic and the largest airport terminal in the world.
Dubai International is the hub for Emirates Airlines, which operates over 3,600 flights per week, and low-cost carrier Fly Dubai.

Dubai World Central (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport is Dubai’s airport of the future. Built south of the city, the airport opened in June 2010 for cargo operations followed by passenger flights in October 2013.
The current airlines operating seasonal passenger flights to and from Al Maktoum International Airport include Azimuth Airlines, Condor, Neos, and Azur Air.

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is the second largest airport in the UAE and is home to Etihad Airways. Over 30 airlines currently fly to and from this airport, providing more than 100 destinations, in over 50 countries. Low-cost carriers like Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operate out of AUH which allows you to explore new destinations without breaking the bank.

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is home to Air Arabia, which flies to over 120 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
The airport serves as one of five hubs for Air Arabia, the Middle East, and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier. It is located 15km away from Dubai and is the only airport in Sharjah capable of international flights.

Fujairah International Airport (FJR), situated 1 kilometre south of Fujairah, was built in 1987.
The airport serves the northern emirates as a gateway to the world, with proximity to luxurious hotels, technical free zones, and tourist attractions.
Plans for an expansion and re-development are compromised of a wider runway, to accommodate an Airbus A380.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT), lies south of the Persian Gulf, 20 kilometres from the town of Ras Al Khaimah, which is well-known its for beaches, sightseeing, and culture.
The airport was built in 1976 with two terminals for passengers, aircraft maintenance, and aviation training facilities.
Currently, there are 5 airlines that fly to Ras Al Khaimah, with most flights operated by Air Arabia.

Safety

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world with a very low crime rate. The city is highly surveilled with over 35 thousand cameras in operation. Strict laws and punishment for unlawful activity help to keep crime to a minimum.

Emergency Contact Numbers:
If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for the police, 998 for an ambulance, and 997 for the fire department.

Police Stations:
There are 27 Smart Police Stations (SPS) situated across Dubai, the world’s first unmanned smart police stations. They operate 24 hours a day and operate daily, including on weekends and holidays.

Temperature/Climate

The UAE has a desert climate, May to September is summer when temperatures range between 40°C and 48°C. However, during the winter months, from November to March, temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C.

High season (winter) starts from November to April, with an average daytime temperature of 25°C.
Evening temperatures near the coastline range between 12°C to 15°C.

Low season (summer) starts from May to September, with an average temperature of 40ºC.
Summer in Dubai is extremely hot and humid with temperatures that can reach up to 50ºC. Evenings are not so pleasant with temperatures around 30°C.

Fortunately, Dubai is well-prepared for the sweltering high temperatures, providing air-conditioning in all hotels, public buildings, malls, public transport, and even indoor bus stops.

Best Time to Visit Dubai:
The best time to visit Dubai is in the cooler winter months between November to April.
Winters are pleasant with a comfortable daytime temperature averaging 25°C.
Evenings are cool and dry with minimum rainfall and temperatures ranging between 12°C to 15°C.

Rainfall in Dubai is minimal and does not last for a long period of time. On average it only rains about 20 days a year in the winter months between November and March.

Keep in mind that flights and accommodation will be more expensive during the winter months (high season), we recommend planning accordingly.

Best Month to Swim:
The waters surrounding Dubai are warm throughout the year, roughly following changes in air temperature. The best months to enjoy the beaches are November, February, March, and April, when the sea temperature is a comfortable 25°C to 28°C.

The coldest months in Dubai are December and January, with sea temperatures around 20°C.
Many hotel pools are often heated during this period.

Ramadan:
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar. During this time Muslims fast from dawn until dusk.
The actual date of Ramadan varies from year to year as the Islamic calendar is predicated on lunar cycles rather than the Gregorian calendar. If you are a tourist visiting Dubai you will not be expected to fast.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking is strictly prohibited in public places.
However, you can obtain food and drink in hotels and shopping malls during Ramadan.
Because of this, many bars and restaurants may close during the day, and re-open in the evening for Iftar.

All visitors during Ramadan are expected to dress conservatively and cover their shoulders and knees when out in public. While men should wear knee-length shorts or trousers, to show respect to the local customs.

Ramadan Timings:
Ramadan in 2023 runs from 22 March to 21 April.
Work and school hours are reduced and some restaurants are closed during the day.

Ramadan is the ideal time to visit Dubai if you love to shop. Major shopping malls and restaurants extend late-night opening hours until 1AM, to accommodate those who are fasting between sunrise and sundown.

Weekends:
For many years the weekends in Dubai consisted of Friday and Saturday.
Since January 2022, Dubai changed its official weekends to Saturday and Sunday to align better with international financial markets and the rest of the world.
The government introduced a 2.5 day week with Saturdays and Sundays off, and Friday being a half day.

Alcohol:
Although Dubai is tolerant when it comes to alcohol, there are still important rules that residents and visitors must abide by.
Alcohol can only be consumed privately or in licensed venues such as hotels, clubs, bars, and restaurants, with the minimum drinking age of 21. Public intoxication is an offence under UAE law.

Purchasing Alcohol in Dubai:
To purchase or consume alcohol, individuals must be over the age of 21.
There are two brands of licensed liquor stores where you can legally purchase alcohol, AFRICAN + EASTERN and MMI Liquor Store, with branches located throughout Dubai.
Tourists are permitted to purchase alcohol without a licence, by presenting your passport and Dubai entry stamp.
Alcohol is also available to purchase on arrival at the airport in Dubai at Duty Free shops which are located next to the baggage belts in the arrival hall.
If you are Dubai resident you will need an alcohol license to purchase alcohol in Dubai.

Tax-Free Shopping

Tax Refund:
To be eligible you should be over 18 years of age and not a resident of UAE.
Tourists can enjoy tax-free shopping with refunds for VAT available on goods purchased during your stay in the UAE that will be exported.

Before checking in for your flight and going through security, take your goods and tagged receipts to the Tax-Free validation points located at all three terminals at the Dubai International Airport.

Tourists can claim back a maximum of AED7,000 per trip and must leave the country 90 days after making the purchase and getting your refund.

Seven self-service VAT refund kiosks have been installed at The Dubai Mall. To make a claim simply present a valid boarding pass, original passport or GCC national ID, the original receipts, and tax-free tags issued by the merchant.

Transport in Dubai

Transport to Abu Dhabi:
If you plan to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, there are many options.
The distance between the two cities is approximately 140 kilometers and a 1-hour drive by car.
The most effective way to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is by taxi. From Downtown Dubai to Abu Dhabi a taxi can cost between AED 250 and AED 300 one-way. Ride-sharing apps can cost approximately AED 380 – AED 622, depending on the ride option you select on the app.

The cheapest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is by bus. You can purchase a one-way ticket for the RTA bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for AED 25.

Taxi / Ride-Share Apps:
Uber and Careem are the two main ride sharing apps in Dubai.
Fares typically cost slightly more than a standard RTA taxi but tend to be a lot more convenient.

Booking via a taxi via app such as Careem and Uber, provide additional safety such as tracking the journey, easily identifying the car and driver as well as being able to share the journey details with others.
Careem gives you both Hala Taxi (Dubai public RTA taxis) as well as Careem’s ride share service.
Taxis accept cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, Nol Cards or Careem Pay if booked through the Careem app.

Taxi from DXB Airport:
Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) offers three taxi services from the airport.
Cream-coloured taxis with a red, blue, green, or pink roof (pink roof taxis have female drivers)
and limousine taxis are all available. An extra fare of 25 AED is added for pick-ups at any terminal.
The taxi stand is located outside the arrivals area of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, follow the signs official taxi rank at each terminal.
The taxi queue is well organised and there is no need to book a vehicle in advance from the airport with taxis waiting for 24/7.

Where to get a Taxi at the Dubai Mall / Mall of the Emirates:
RTA taxis are located at the dedicated taxi ranks in the mall, where you will find a line of taxis ready to pick up passengers.
The Dubai Mall Taxi Rank is located on the lower ground floor, opposite Waitrose Supermarket.
The Mall of the Emirates Taxi Rank is located near Carrefour on the ground floor and outside Sheraton Hotel.

Taxi:
Getting around by taxi in Dubai is not only convenient but also very reasonably priced as the fares are metered. Dubai Taxis are well-regulated by the RTA, and passengers can feel safe using any of the services.

The cost depends on how the taxi is booked, the type of vehicle booked, travel distance, and off-peak and peak hours. The standard base starts at 5 AED for a taxi flagged from the street.
Keep in mind the minimum fare is 12 AED, and passing through Salik toll gates is an additional 4 AED.

Hala Taxi is a Dubai public taxi that can be booked using the Careem app.
Ordering a Hala Taxi has some added benefits such as being able to know your driver’s details, pick your type of vehicle, track your car, and use cashless payment. You will need the Careem App downloaded to book a Hala Taxi.

Taxis accept cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, Nol cards, or Careem Pay if booked on the app.

Dubai Metro:
The Dubai Metro is one of the world’s most modern transit systems. Currently consists of two lines – Red and Green, making the network simple to use. Most stations have connecting buses and taxi ranks for onward travel.

Cabins are reserved for different categories. The front carriage is reserved for passengers who purchase a gold class ticket for a small premium. There is also a carriage dedicated for women and children only. The metro has wheelchair access, guided paths for the visually impaired, and dedicated metro police officers.
It’s clean, efficient, air-conditioned, and extremely cost-effective with free WIFI so you can stay connected all through your journey.

It’s forbidden to eat or drink on the metro that includes chewing gum. Sleeping is also not allowed in stations.

Metro from the Airport:
Trains run frequently from DXB Terminals 1 and 3, with both stations on the Red Line.
The metro operates daily from 5 AM to 12 AM Monday to Thursday, Friday 5 AM to 1 AM and on Sunday from 8 AM to 12 AM.
You can purchase your ticket at the ticket counter or machine without a prior booking.
The cost depends on how many zones you travel but is always extremely affordable.

Metro Cost:
Fares depend on which of the zones you are traveling to.
A regular ticket for one zone is 4 AED, for two zones it’s 6 AED, and if you are traveling through 3 or more zones it’s 8.50 AED.

You can purchase a Nol card at any of the ticket offices at the metro stations for 25 AED.
Nol cards can be used on different forms of transport such as metro, bus, and water taxi. It can be topped up with credit, and also gives you a discount on standard fares.

Children aged up to 5 years travel free.

Mobile Phone Operators:
The most popular network operators are Du (based out of Dubai) and Etisalat (based out of Abu Dhabi), both offer coverage throughout the UAE. Other brands include Virgin Mobile, operated on the du network and Swyp, operated on the Etisalat network.

SIM Card / Where to get a local SIM card:
Getting a SIM card in Dubai is a quick and easy process. Eligible tourists arriving in Dubai above the age of 18 can receive a complimentary SIM card provided by telecom operator Du, after they cross immigration at Dubai International Airport.

This offer includes 1GB of free mobile data valid for 24 hours for tourists arriving on a transit visa, visit visa, visa on arrival, and GCC citizens.

To register your SIM card and ID card or passport, along with your valid UAE tourist visa is required. Visitor SIM cards have varying validity periods from 10 days to 90 days.
Travellers can then top this up at a du kiosk in the arrivals area of the airport or Dubai Duty-Free counters.

SIM cards from other local providers such as Etisalat and Virgin are also available from kiosks at the airport and in the city at major malls such as The Dubai Mall and Mall of The Emirates.
If you’re planning to stay in Dubai for a while, purchasing a regular SIM card may offer better value.

Food Delivery Apps:
Food delivery apps are popular in Dubai for their fair cost, quality, and convenience.
The most popular food delivery apps in Dubai are Careem, Deliveroo, and Talabat.

Orders usually take about 30 to 60 minutes to receive, with most apps offering a wide variety of home delivery services such as grocery, pharmacy, and even flowers with live tracking.

Main Tourist Areas

The Marina:
The distance from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Dubai Marina is 32 kilometers, which takes approximately 40 minutes by car. Dubai Marina is a lively neighbourhood, located in-between Dubai Harbour, JBR, and Bluewaters. This vibrant neighborhood is popular with tourists and families, offering plenty of activities, hotels, restaurants, and attractions to enjoy.

Take a stroll along Dubai Marina Walk, a landscaped 7-kilometer promenade nestled between iconic skyscrapers, palm trees, and luxury yachts. Dubai Marina is the perfect spot to enjoy a few drinks, dine at the best restaurants, and dance the night away.

Downtown Dubai & DIFC:
The distance from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Downtown Dubai is 14 kilometers, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes by car. You’ll find the most famous attractions in Downtown Dubai.

This glitzy and cosmopolitan neighbourhood is home to iconic landmarks which include Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, and The Dubai Fountain to name a few.

The nearby Dubai International Financial Centre, known as DIFC, is only 5 minutes away. Discover award-winning upscale restaurants, sophisticated five-star hotels, luxury residential towers, and acclaimed art galleries.

Palm Jumeirah:
The distance from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah is 27 kilometers, which takes approximately 40 minutes by car. The Palm Jumeirah is a popular residential, tourist, and leisure destination in Dubai. The man-made island is in the shape of a palm tree, which stretches out into the Arabian Gulf and can be seen from space.

Often referred to as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, The Palm attracts visitors and residents alike with its lavish five-star hotels and resorts, fine dining restaurants, shopping malls, beaches, and leisure tracks, it even has its own monorail.

Sheikh Zayed Road:
Highway E11 most commonly known as Sheikh Zayed Road is the most prominent road in Dubai. Starting from the Trade Centre roundabout to the border of Abu Dhabi. Built-in 1980, the road is named after the then President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This busy highway connects access to popular destinations such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayed Road is hard to miss upon arriving in Dubai and is home to residential apartments, hotels, restaurants, and hospitals. Iconic landmarks include Emirates Towers, Museum of the Future, and Mall of The Emirates with the Dubai Metro operating alongside it.

Jumeirah:
Jumeirah is a relaxed neighborhood along the coast consisting of three prestigious districts, Jumeirah 1,2,3. Famous for the most popular beach area in Dubai, and home to luxury five-star hotels such as Burj Al Arab and Bulgari Resort. This low-rise district consists of residential villas, parks, homegrown coffee shops, and fashion boutiques.

Visit one of Dubai’s most famous cultural landmarks Jumeirah Mosque, which offers guided tours six days a week and is the only mosque in Dubai that’s open to non-Muslim visitors.

Old Dubai:
Beyond the futuristic architecture and skyscrapers of the city, discover the history and culture of Old Dubai. From traditional markets to the historical Al Fahidi District, Dubai Museum, and Al Seef.

Located near the Al Fahidi Historic District, Al Seef is one of the most charming spots in Dubai with traditional sand-coloured houses converted into local boutiques, cafés, art galleries, and hotels. Along both sides of Dubai Creek, you’ll find colorful wooden dhows and bustling restaurants which serve authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.

Join a walking tour or catch a ride across the creek, on a traditional wooden abra boat, the city’s most traditional mode of transport. Learn about the early settlers of Dubai on a cultural tour, and spend a day at Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.

Main shopping malls

Dubai Mall:
As the largest mall in the world, The Dubai Mall attracts over 100 million visitors a year.
Located in the heart of Downtown, The Dubai Mall is home to over 1,200 stores, alongside popular attractions such as At The Top Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, where you can go diving with sharks, The Dancing Fountain Show, and an Olympic size ice-rink, all under one roof.

Explore Fashion Avenue, one of the newest expansions of Dubai Mall, where you will find international cafés and luxury retail shops.

The nearest metro stop is the Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station, the walk to the Dubai Mall from the station is around 15 minutes through air-conditioned walkways.

Mall of The Emirates:
Opened in 2005, Mall of the Emirates is a popular multi-level shopping mall with over 630 luxury brands and lifestyle outlets. Mall of the Emirates is home to the region’s only indoor ski resort and the world’s third-largest indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai. Skiing and day passes are available offering snowboarding, a penguin encounter, and a snow cinema experience.

Kempinski Hotel and Sheraton Mall of The Emirates Hotel offer guests direct access to the mall. Children can enjoy family activities including Magic Planet and a 20-screen VOX Cinema.

Main Tourist Attractions

Burj Khalifa:
Standing at an incredible 2,722 feet, The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and holds six other world records including the most inhabited floors and the highest outdoor observation deck.

Inaugurated in 2010, the iconic superstructure is over 800 metres tall with over 160 floors and 57 elevators.

The observation deck is welcome to visitors to enjoy incredible views across Dubai, tickets can be bought online in advance for a specific time slot.

Every New Year’s Eve, residents and visitors get to experience the spectacular Burj Khalifa countdown which includes an extravagant fireworks and laser show. 

Burj Al Arab:
The sail-shaped hotel is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai.

Widely described as the ‘world’s only seven-star hotel’ guests can expect many services including a fleet of luxury Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini chauffeurs.

The all-suite hotel includes a helipad on the roof and fine-dining restaurants which include an underwater aquarium. The interiors of Burj Al Arab are decorated with around 1,790 square meters of 24-carat gold leaf.

For the first time ever, visitors can experience a guided tour inside the luxury hotel with hosts Inside Burj Al Arab.

The Dubai Fountain:
One of the most popular attractions in Dubai is The Dubai Fountain. It’s the world’s largest fountain show and it’s completely free to watch.

The fountains come to life every 30 minutes from 6 PM until 11 PM, and run for about 5 minutes, dancing in sync with popular international songs.

We recommend dining at one of the many restaurants at Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, or nearby hotels with outdoor seating for the best views to enjoy the show.

Admire the fountain show on a traditional abra boat, which circles around Burj Lake during the show, experiences start from 45 AED.

Dubai Miracle Garden:
The Dubai Miracle Garden operates seasonally from November to April and is the world’s largest natural flower garden, earning two Guinness World Record titles. Located in Dubai Land, discover millions of flowers and giant floral structures including the record-breaking Emirates Airbus A380 arrangement, covered in more than 500,000 flowers. Dubai Miracle Garden is also home to Dubai Butterfly Garden, the region’s largest butterfly garden featuring 15,000 butterflies and 26 species. 

Souk Madinat Jumeirah:
A destination within a destination, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a shopping and dining experience next to the iconic Burj Al Arab and surrounding luxury hotels.

Spread across 40 hectares, the traditional Arabian-inspired bazaar offers a wide variety of spices and locally made jewelry, with over 50 restaurants, lounges, and bars to discover. 

There is a 5-kilometre river system, where you can explore the scenic waterways on an abra boat trip. 

The abra boat trip costs 100 AED for Adults and 40 AED for Children over 4 years old.

Museum of the Future:
One of Dubai’s latest landmarks is the Museum of the Future. Recently opened in 2022, this architectural marvel is recognised by National Geographic as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world. 

The striking exterior design stands out with the artistic use of Arabic calligraphy.

Each floor of the museum is designed like an expansive, interactive movie set, showcasing interactive exhibits, art installations, and artificial intelligence applications to discover.

Bluewaters / Ain Dubai:
Bluewaters is the latest addition to the extraordinary man-made islands in Dubai. This vibrant lifestyle destination offers over 200 retail and dining concepts with luxury residential apartments and plenty of entertainment options. The bustling waterfront promenade offers sweeping views across the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah, and the Marina skyline, with a premium selection of cafés, restaurants, beach clubs, and hotels. Easy access is provided to JBR and Dubai Marina via a scenic pedestrian bridge link from the island.

Bluewater is home to the luxury resort Caesars Palace Dubai, Cove Beach, wax attraction Madame Tussauds, and the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai.

Where to Buy Gold & Diamonds

Dubai Gold Souk:
Discover the Dubai Gold Souk, a traditional Arabic-style marketplace and one of the best places to buy gold in Dubai. The Gold Souk is in the Al Dhagaya area of Deira. Well-known for its variety, authenticity, and quality, with over 380 retailers.
Quality control is regularly audited, providing relatively low gold prices due to the duty-free zone, making Gold Souk one of Dubai’s most popular tourist destinations.
Tip: Always barter on the price at souks.

Gold and Diamond Park:
The Gold and Diamond Park is relatively new compared to Dubai’s famous Gold Souk. Established in 2011, Gold and Diamond Park is dedicated to gold, diamonds, gems, silver, platinum, and unique high-end pieces you won’t find anywhere else. As a bonus, some specialty stores will customize their designs according to your personal specification.

Miscellaneous

Taxes:
The UAE does not levy income tax or personal taxes on individuals, this has attracted a lot of expatriates to work and reside in the UAE over the last two decades. The tax-free system has led to the rapid growth of the area.
VAT was introduced in 2018 at a rate of 5% on the consumption or use of goods and services.

Blocked:
Certain websites and calling services on WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime are blocked in Dubai.

Photography:
Keep in mind that consent must be obtained before taking photographs and videos of others in the UAE. Such instances without consent are considered as privacy violation which is punishable by law.

Public Etiquette:
Public displays of affection are not tolerated in the UAE.
Kissing or holding hands in public is illegal and can result in fines or deportation.

Dress Code:
The dress code in Dubai is not as strict as in some other Islamic cities.
However, the general rule is to dress conservatively and wear clothes that cover your shoulder and knees for women.
For tourists and visitors, the dress code is quite liberal in hotels, beaches, and around popular tourist areas.
Women should dress modestly when in public areas like shopping malls. It’s best to refrain from wearing clothing that are too tight or revealing for both men and women.

Tipping:
Tipping in Dubai is not mandatory. However, most people leave a small tip for the staff. The usual amount is between 10-15%, depending on personal preference and the quality of service.
Most high-end restaurants will include a service charge on the bill.

Tap Water:
Tap water is quite safe to drink. However, most people in Dubai drink bottled water, and bottled mineral water is generally served in hotels and restaurants.

Electricity Voltage/Plugs:
Dubai operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Power sockets in Dubai are TYPE G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern like you would find in the UK.
Certain appliances will need a voltage transformer to properly work.

Top Spots Dubai is your ultimate guide to the best places to visit in Dubai, including top activities, hotels, dining, and events that this incredible city has to offer. We provide a simple platform to book your Dubai experience all in one place while ensuring a genuine selection of the top spots that you must visit while exploring the best places to visit in Dubai.

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