7 mistakes to avoid when visiting Dubai
Before heading to Dubai, I made a rookie error: I hit Google hard. I’m a travel writer, so I’m accustomed to visiting places across the globe, but this was different.
It was going to be about 100 degrees there (the United Arab Emirates is officially the hottest country in the world), but I wanted to be respectful to the culture and religion there. Translation: I was trying to figure out how to stay cool without simply packing tube tops and cut-off shorts. Google led me down a rabbit hole of so-called Dubai rules, and I ended up purchasing an entirely new wardrobe. Don’t be me.
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Here are the mistakes to avoid when going to Dubai.
Buying a whole new wardrobe
“Elbows to knees” was what I read inside nearly every guidebook about Dubai. Essentially, I thought I needed to be covered from my elbows to my knees, which is why I bought an entirely new wardrobe, searching on Amazon for “conservative dresses.” I will fully admit now that I looked and felt ridiculous in my new wardrobe, and my mistake was laughed at by the many ex-pats and locals I encountered in Dubai.
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Only 20 percent of the total population of Dubai is emiratis, and the rest of the people living there are ex-pats who most certainly want to be respectful but don’t don the elbows-to-knees uniform. In fact, apart from the emiratis -- who are covered from head to toe -- everyone else dresses like they’re on a beach vacation, which is totally appropriate weather-wise.
Related: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are open for travelers. Should you go?
On the beaches and in the hotel pool areas, the women wore bikinis, and in the streets of Dubai, it was common to see women and men wearing tiny shorts and t-shirts. The only place where it was recommended (but not enforced by any means) to cover up a tad more was in Old Dubai, the area that contains the traditional markets and older architecture.
PDA-ing
Dubai has decency laws that don’t allow for public displays of affection. Sure, you could hold hands with your spouse, but beyond that, you’ll most likely get a few frowns if you kiss in public. In the worst case scenario, you could be arrested, though this is rare. Pro tip: just save the smooching for your hotel room.
Skipping the nightlife
In Normal Times, Dubai isn’t exactly infamous for its nightlife -- and as a single woman traveling solo, I wasn’t totally inclined to hit the bars or the clubs in the evenings. But after sampling the most delicious cocktail ever at the Waldorf Astoria DIFC (The Churchill), I decided to dip my toe into Dubai’s evening scene. Let’s just say they totally know how to party.
Related: Open for business: What to know about getting to Dubai on points this fall
I had been worried about wandering the streets solo, but everyone was respectful and helpful, especially when I continually found myself lost. Dubai isn’t necessarily a walking city but within a short Uber from my hotel were tons of clubs, bars and fun evening spots. White Dubai is an open-air club on the rooftop of the Meydan Grandstand, and this is the place to be if you’re really going to make a night out of it, as they have some really strong DJs to keep the party going until the early hours.
The bars tend to be on the more upscale side, and my favorite was 40 King, located on the 40th floor of the H Hotel. It was filled with local ex-pats. Of course, you should also try the lounge at Burj Khalifa, just to say you did it. It’s located nearly 2,000 feet above Dubai.
Drinking too much
Yes, alcohol is sold here but Dubai is not so lenient when it comes to public intoxication. In fact, it’s illegal to be drunk in public. You also aren’t allowed to drive after you drink -- even a little. This zero-tolerance policy means you can face jail time or a massive fine if stopped.
Related: 5 things you should know before visiting Dubai
Not riding a camel
I tend to avoid so-called “tourist traps” like the plague — but this is not one to be avoided. Taking a desert safari in Dubai was one of the greatest experiences of my life. You’re dropped in the middle of a stunning desert that looks like another planet due to its ridiculously wide expanse of sand and the lack of people or animals anywhere. Then you’re greeted by a handful of grumpy camels. Ride the camel (it’s surprisingly similar to horseback riding) to another stretch of the desert, shed your shoes while you wander through the sand and watch belly dancers do their thing, eat a simple yet delicious Middle eastern meal and get a henna tattoo.
Exploring without a local
There are so many misconceptions about the Middle East, from the traditional clothing to the culture to the religion and practices. I hired a local woman to take me on a tour through Old Dubai, and she encouraged me to ask all.the.questions.
My tour guide made me feel totally comfortable, showed me her favorite spice shop in the market, and gave me pointers when shopping sellers whom my guide thought was too expensive. OceanAir Travels is a fantastic local tour company, as is Orient Tours.
Related: When are the best and worst times to visit Dubai?
Skipping the mall
You could find a mall in your own suburban backyard -- so is it really so necessary to check the mall out in Dubai? The answer is a resounding “yes.” Not only does it contain more than 1,200 stores plus two department stores and hundreds of restaurants it’s also the size of 200 football fields. But that’s not even the crazy part. Located within the mall is an aquarium, underwater zoo, Olympic-sized ice rink, a movie theater and fabulous views from next door’s Burj Khalifa from the At the Top observation deck.
Dubai Marina Skyline Sunlight. Photo by Getty Images
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.