Dubai Tips: Your Quick Guide to Living, Traveling, and Having Fun in Dubai

Thinking about heading to Dubai? Whether you’re a first‑time tourist, an expat planning to stay, or a solo woman looking for adventure, you’ll need practical advice that actually helps. Below you’ll find the most common questions and easy answers – no fluff, just what you need to know right now.

Money & Everyday Costs

One of the biggest myths is that Dubai is either cheap or outrageously expensive. The truth sits somewhere in the middle. Rent in Marina or Downtown can be high, but you can find decent apartments for about $1,200‑$2,000 a month if you look outside the prime zones. Groceries are comparable to US prices – a litre of milk is around $1, a loaf of bread $1.20. Dining out varies wildly: a street‑food shawarma costs $3, while a fancy dinner for two at a five‑star restaurant can top $150.

Transport is cheap if you use the metro and trams. A daily pass is $5, and a taxi ride from the airport to Marina is roughly $25. For long‑term stays, consider a monthly Nol card; it saves you up to 20% on regular rides.

When budgeting, remember extra costs like visa fees, health insurance and occasional fines for public behavior. A safe rule is to set aside an extra $300‑$500 a month for those surprises.

Safety & Social Rules

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, but the laws are strict. Public displays of affection (PDA) are tolerated in tourist zones but can land you a fine if you’re too forward. A quick kiss in a hotel lobby is usually fine; a full‑blown embrace in a mall might not be.

For solo women, the city feels safe, but it helps to stay in well‑lit areas after dark and avoid wandering alone in deserted streets. When booking a hotel, check reviews for privacy and hidden cameras – a simple Google search can save you a lot of stress.

Dress codes are relaxed in most tourist spots, but modesty is still expected in public places. Shorts and short sleeves are okay at beaches and pools, but you’ll want to cover up a bit more when visiting malls or restaurants. Tattoos are visible, but some high‑end venues may ask you to cover them.

Alcohol rules are clear: you can only drink in licensed venues like hotels, clubs and private members’ bars. The legal drinking age is 21, and you need a personal alcohol license if you want to purchase liquor from stores. Drinking in public is a fine‑able offense.

Vaping is allowed in private, but many public places treat it like smoking. Check each venue’s policy before you light up.

Finally, tap water in Dubai is safe to drink, but many locals prefer filtered or bottled water because of the taste. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hotel, ask about the filtration system – it’s a tiny detail that makes a big difference.

All of these tips together will help you enjoy Dubai without surprise setbacks. Stay aware, respect the local norms, and you’ll get to experience the city’s luxury, nightlife, and endless sunshine with confidence.