• Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare, and it's generally safe to walk around even at night in popular areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing are uncommon but can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings in busy souks or on public transport.

• Respect local laws and cultural norms to ensure a smooth trip. Dubai has zero tolerance for drugs, and even some prescription medications are restricted – check guidelines before you travel. Public displays of affection can offend local sensibilities and even be penalized if excessive. Alcohol is only allowed in licensed venues (bars, hotel restaurants) – drinking or appearing intoxicated in public is illegal.

• Scams targeting tourists are not widespread, but exercise common sense. Use official taxis or rideshares to avoid rogue drivers overcharging (more on scams in our dedicated section below). If an unfamiliar local offers unsolicited 'tour' or 'special deal', be polite but cautious. In any emergency, dial 999 for police or 998 for ambulance – operators speak English.

**BlockedApps **

• WhatsApp (voice and video calls)

• Skype (voice/video calls)

• Facebook Messenger (calling features)

• FaceTime (Apple)

• Viber (VoIP calls)

**Alternatives **

• Botim (licensed VoIP app in UAE)

• Voico (approved internet calling app)

• Zoom / Microsoft Teams / Google Meet (all allowed for video calls)

• Tourists are eligible for a VAT refund (5% tax back) on shopping in the UAE, provided the store is part of the official Tax Refund scheme.

• When you purchase goods, ensure the retailer issues a Tax Free invoice or attaches a VAT refund tag to your receipt (usually requires a minimum spend of around AED 250 at that store). You will typically need to show your passport or ID when making the purchase.

• At the airport, locate the VAT refund kiosk or counter before you check in your bags. Present your receipts (with attached refund tags), your passport, and occasionally the purchased goods for verification. The process is electronic and quick at newer kiosks – you scan your documents and follow the on-screen prompts.

• Once validated, you can choose a refund method: credit card (which posts in a few weeks) or cash in a selected currency (immediate, but only available at manned counters). A small admin fee is deducted from the total refund. Arrive a bit early at the airport to allow extra time for this process.

• Dress modestly in public, especially at religious sites or government buildings. In mosques and traditional areas, both men and women should cover shoulders and knees (women may be asked to cover their hair in mosques). Swimwear is fine at beaches/pools, but revealing clothing is not appropriate on city streets.

• Always ask permission before photographing locals (especially women) or private property. Many Emiratis are friendly but value privacy. Additionally, avoid taking photos of government buildings, military sites, or inside mosques unless explicitly allowed.

• Public displays of affection are best kept minimal. Holding hands is acceptable for married couples, but kissing or overly intimate behavior in public is frowned upon and can attract unwanted attention or even fines.

• If you are visiting during Ramadan, be mindful of local customs: do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours out of respect (and by law). Non-Muslims are not required to fast, but you should do so in private or in designated screened-off areas. After sunset, join in the iftar feasts and enjoy the more festive nighttime atmosphere.

• Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home and certain establishments (you’ll usually see others doing so at the entrance). In traditional seating areas, avoid pointing the soles of your feet toward others as it is considered disrespectful.

• When interacting with locals, a little politeness goes a long way. Learn a couple of greetings in Arabic (like 'Shukran' for thank you). Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion unless your local host brings it up first. And always remember to queue in an orderly fashion – patience is appreciated.

• Summer (June–August): Extremely hot and humid. Daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C. Outdoor activities are limited in the midday heat – plan indoor attractions (like malls, museums) during peak sun hours. Always carry water, wear sunscreen, a hat, and light cotton clothing. Expect powerful air conditioning indoors (you might even need a light sweater inside cinemas or malls).

• Winter (December–February): Mild, sunny, and very pleasant – this is Dubai’s peak tourist season. Daytime highs average 20–25°C, dropping to around 15°C at night. Perfect for desert safaris, walking tours, and beach outings. Pack a light jacket for the evenings or early mornings, as it can feel cool especially by the water.

• Spring & Autumn (March–April, October–November): These shoulder months are warm but not unbearable. Temperatures range from mid-20s to mid-30s°C. You can comfortably enjoy beach time and outdoor activities, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. Humidity is lower than summer. Dressing in layers helps – you might start the day in short sleeves and want a light cover by night.

• Rain and Other Considerations: Dubai has a very dry desert climate. Rain is sparse (mostly between January and March, and even then just short showers). Sandstorms or dusty winds occasionally occur, which can drop visibility and air quality briefly – on such days, plan indoor activities. Otherwise, expect blue skies almost every day.

Dubai has high standards of sanitation, but travelers should still use common sense to stay healthy. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (especially in the heat) – the tap water is desalinated and generally safe, but many visitors stick to bottled water for taste. Wear sunscreen and a hat when out in the sun, and take breaks in the shade or indoors to prevent heat exhaustion. Enjoy Dubai’s diverse cuisine, but if you have a sensitive stomach, ease into street foods and make sure meats and seafood are thoroughly cooked. Carry a basic travel health kit (pain relievers, antacids, rehydration salts, any personal medications). Pharmacies are everywhere and well-stocked, and medical facilities are modern in case you do fall ill (having travel insurance is highly recommended). For outdoor excursions, apply mosquito repellent, though the risk of insect-borne illness here is low.

• Mobile Prepaid SIM cards are easy for tourists to obtain. The main operators are Etisalat and Du (and Virgin Mobile as a digital operator). You can buy a tourist SIM at the airport or telecom shops in the city by showing your passport. Packages vary – for around AED 100–150 (≈$30–40) you can get a SIM with several GB of data and local calling minutes. Coverage is excellent throughout the city (4G/LTE everywhere and 5G in many areas).

• WiFi Wi-Fi is plentiful and fast in Dubai. Hotels, cafes, restaurants, and malls almost always offer free Wi-Fi for customers. Even public spaces like the Dubai Mall, Metro stations, and parks have hotspots (you may need to register or enter a code via SMS to connect). Internet speed is generally high, so you can easily use video calls, streaming, and online maps – just remember that some calling apps might be blocked, requiring the alternatives mentioned above.