Things To Do
in Dubai

A slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge traditionally served at festivals; try it at cultural restaurants or hotel buffets during Ramadan and national events.

Must-Try!

A spiced rice dish with meat or fish, aromatic with dried lemon (loomi); commonly found in Emirati and Gulf restaurants.

Widely available Middle Eastern wrap of spiced meat with garlic sauce—grab from street stalls and fast-casual shops across the city.

Sweet fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey—popular at street markets and dessert shops.

Dress modestly in public—cover shoulders and knees in malls, government buildings and traditional areas. Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools, but avoid walking around resorts in swimwear away from the beach/pool.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon and can be subject to penalties. Loud or disruptive behavior, public drunkenness and offensive gestures are illegal.

During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours as a sign of respect; hotels and tourist venues often have private dining areas.

Ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and families, and avoid photographing government buildings, military sites and some transport infrastructure.

Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory. Restaurants often include a service charge; if not, leave 10–15% for good service. Tip hotel porters a few dirhams, taxi drivers round up the fare, and tour guides or drivers appreciate small gratuities for personal service.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Cash (UAE dirham, AED) is useful for small vendors and taxis. ATMs are abundant; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.

June to September are extremely hot and humid with daytime temperatures often above 40°C (104°F). Outdoor activities are limited to early mornings/evenings, indoor attractions and hotel pools are popular, and many outdoor sites close midday; expect hotel and mall cooling everywhere.

November to March is pleasant and mild (20–30°C / 68–86°F) — ideal for beaches, outdoor dining and desert excursions. This is peak tourist season so book attractions and accommodations in advance.

March to May brings warming temperatures and occasional sandstorms; mornings and evenings remain comfortable, but midday heats up quickly toward May.

September to November sees gradual cooling from summer; early autumn remains hot but becomes more agreeable by late October, with fewer crowds than peak winter.

Native Emirati citizens are a minority in Dubai but hold cultural and government roles; they maintain traditions and cultural institutions.

Large communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka contribute to the workforce, cuisine and cultural life.

Residents from neighboring Arab countries (Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan) are active in business, food and media sectors.

Significant numbers of Western professionals and East Asian residents (Philippines, China, Korea) add to the multicultural mix in corporate, hospitality and retail sectors.

Most popular sport with active domestic leagues, high-profile stadiums and significant expatriate participation and fandom.

Very popular among South Asian expatriates; many community leagues, stadium matches and indoor facilities.

Traditional Emirati sports still practiced as cultural heritage with organised events and festivals, especially in more rural Emirates.

Yachting, jet-skiing, kiteboarding and paddleboarding are popular along Dubai’s coastline and marinas.