Travel Tips for Your UAE Holiday

Planning a trip to UAE??? In addition to all those Visa requirements, there are many other things that you need to keep in mind while travelling in Middle East. Their society is considerably more formal and traditional than modern western societies. In fact, even those unfamiliar with the region know of the different code of etiquette followed in the society. In order to make your trip more comfortable and less troublesome, it is best to know of these differences beforehand and prepare for them ahead of the trip to avoid any future problems. Here are some tips regarding how to conduct yourself in the Middle Eastern society to get the maximum hospitality from your hosts:

Language:

Because of its diversely expatriate population, English in addition to Arabic is the most commonly spoken language in UAE. You may even hear snatches of Urdu, Hindi and Pashtu as well as various other dialects of Arabic.

Food:

In Middle East, communal eating is considered to be a sign of friendship. Also, it is best not eat with your left hand as it is considered to be unclean. In many places, it is considered polite to leave some food on the plate after eating. Do remember not to ask for any pork or pork products as Islam frowns upon the consumption of the same. Also, instead of asking for alcohol, accept the tea or coffee served to you by your hosts. This is because in UAE alcohol is only served in some restaurants and is not widely available as most observant Muslims do not drink or smoke.

Women Travelers

Women travelers to UAE should keep in mind the stringent conditions placed by the Middle Eastern society on the fairer sex. Though they are not required to cover their heads or wear the traditional dresses as the locals do, they are required to dress appropriately and conservatively according to the society rules. Many a time while visiting a mosque, you shall be even asked to wear an abaya that shall be provided to you at the mosque itself in adherence to the Muslim tradition.

Photography

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of any religious place or military installation or evn any Middle Eastern person, especially women.

Formal interactions:

Dress modestly and keep both your feet on the floor as it is considered as an insult to show the bottom of your feet to another person. Also, try not to be intrusive and keep your talks to general topics only rather than asking about the spouse or other family members. Another thing that you need to keep in mind while meeting and greeting locals is not to shake hands. Few men indulge in handshakes while most women refrain from touching men who are not from the family. Instead they show their sincerity and happiness in simply putting their hands on their hearts. Men and women may hold hands but should only do so if they are married or related.

Religion:

Though Islam is the official religion of UAE, the county recognizes other religions too.  You can find quite a few Christian churches as well as Hindu temples in addition to the Islamic mosques in the country.

Middle Easterners are great people who love to meet and greet people and are quite social and personable people. They also love to know their guests and expect their guests to respect their culture too. The place is a treasure trove of various attractions and is a great place to enjoy some sun and sand. So happy travelling!!!

         

Dubai Travel Tips

DUBAI TRAVEL TIPS

Dubai, very much like any other large global city, it has its own unique set of rules and regulations that Westerners are not always aware of on their first visit. Here are five things to be aware of if you are taking luxury Dubai holidays.

Things not to do in Dubai:

  1. Public shows of affection are strictly prohibited in Dubai, Yes you can hold hands but kissing between lovers should not be done in public.

2. Drinking alcohol in public is outlawed, if you are after a drinking holiday with a group of friends, Dubai may not be for you. Tourists can consume alcohol in licensed hotels and bars/restaurants/pubs. Non Muslim Expats can buy alcohol in special liquor stores if they hold a liquor license.

3. Exposing any skin from the neck down is frowned upon in Middle-Eastern countries, however In Dubai; the rules are relaxed slightly in an effort to be more tourists friendly. Beachwear should be worn on the beach and otherwise you should be dressed "normal", means no superfine skirt, no belly free shirts, no shorts while shopping etc

4.  Dubai, it has been known for people to be arrested for making an obscene gesture therefore never raise your middle finger. Remain polite and courteous at all times. Avoid jaywalking the streets. If caught you have to pay a fine.

5.  Drug possession is serious crime in any country, but in Dubai, it can lead to imprisonment and even a death sentence.

Things to Do:

1.       Dubai is known for really cheap gold, government keeps tight control over the quality of all the merchandise, so rest assured that your purchases will be genuine.

2.       If something in the window catches your fancy, be sure to barter — persistent protest capped with a walkway will get merchants to drop their asking price by as much as half.

3.       Golf is an obsession in Dubai. If you want to rub elbows with celebrities on the green, try the courses designed in Dubai.

4.       The centerpiece of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is its massive tank inhabited by 33,000 creatures such as sharks, rats and countless multi-colored tropical fish. Get up close and personal with the sharks in the walk-through tunnel.

5.       Experience the awesome Arabian wilderness on a desert safari. Activities to try out in the desert include ‘dune bashing’ in big 4x4 jeeps, dune bogging and sand skiing.

Some OMG Facts About Dubai

Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is today one of the most visited places of the world and is fast becoming an emerging economic leader in the world economy. With its strategic location, the place was an important port even during the ancient times. However, there are many fun facts about this place that you may hardly believe to be associated with such a small place. Lets take a peep into this fascinating Arab world and get to know some of its secrets that make it even more attractive for the travelers from around the world.

·         Less than 20 percent of total Dubai’s population comprise of actual locals. This has resulted due to an exponential immigration leading to the local Emirati population almost being drowned out. However, there is little strife among the people as everyone gets along with everyone else, thus leading to a more liberal attitude towards culture and dressing. Crime Rate is almost equal to zero with racial tensions unheard of in the city. Though the place still retains a distinct Arabic and Bedouin influence, yet the large foreign influx has lent a cosmopolitan culture to the society.

·         Located on the side of Dubai Creek is the most famous gold market also known as the Gold Souk. With over 250 gold shops including several world class top brands, the place offers bargains on gold jewelry shopping unmatched anywhere else in the world.

·         Keeping in line with the tag of Dubai fast becoming the shopping capital of the world, the place is also home to the Dubai Mall, the biggest shopping mall in the world in terms of area. Housing the Discovery Center and the Aquarium, the place also holds the unique world record for having the largest acrylic panel too.

·         Built to resemble the shape of a dhow sail, experience life king size at Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels of world as well as the fourth tallest one. Built on an artificial island and having a lobby taller than the Statue of Liberty, the place is luxury personified. Al Mahara, one of the restaurants housed in the hotel, features a massive acrylic glass seawater aquarium. The entry to the hotel can only be made through a simulated submarine voyage.    

·         Others on the list of tallest buildings are the world’s tallest residential building named as 23 Marina as well as the tallest hotel of the world namely the Rose Tower are also located in Dubai.

·         Talking of the tallest skyscrapers, how can we miss the majestic Burj Khalifa, the tallest man made structure on the face of the Earth that is as lofty as two Empire State buildings on top of each other. Boasting of the highest mosque, the highest restaurant, the highest nightclub and the highest observation deck of the world, the place is treat for the eyes as it offers views like none other. Get to watch the sun going down twice during a day- once while watching the sunset from the base and then take a ride up and get to see the same sun still setting from the observation deck!!!

·         Palm Islands, a man made artificial group of islands being made through land reclamation techniques, are a sight to behold. The place, after completion, shall be the biggest archipelago of the world housing luxury hotels, beachfront properties, entertainment centers, malls, theme parks and much more.  

·         Another interesting fact to know about Dubai is that the city is that there is no concept of street addresses in the place. Also, you do not have to pay any income tax or personal tax to the administration!!!

Keeping these facts in the mind, it may well be understood now why Dubai is climbing up the tourism ladder and is becoming the holiday destination for vacationers from around the world.