Dubai receives more than 17 million international visitors a year and has built its entire economy around making their stays smooth. For a first-time visitor, this means a destination that is, in most practical ways, easier than Paris or New York — clear signage, reliable taxis, English widely spoken, and infrastructure deliberately designed for international arrivals.

That said, a few things are genuinely different from most Western cities. Here is what to know before you land.

Which airport: DXB or DWC?

Dubai has two airports. Dubai International (DXB) is the busy one — one of the world's busiest — and handles the vast majority of international flights including all Emirates routes. Al Maktoum International (DWC), sometimes called Dubai World Central, is 55 km southwest of the city and serves fewer airlines (mainly low-cost carriers from certain European origins). Check which airport your flight uses before arranging transfers. From DXB, the Red Line Metro goes directly to the city in 35–50 minutes depending on your destination; there is no Metro from DWC.

Visas and entry

Citizens of the UK, USA, EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and most Western nations get a 30-day visa on arrival, free of charge, extendable once for another 30 days. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents often have even simpler entry. Check the UAE government website for your specific nationality — the list of eligible countries is long. Most visitors are surprised by how painless UAE entry is.

Money: AED, tipping, and alcohol

The currency is the UAE Dirham (AED), pegged to the USD at approximately AED 3.67 to $1. Cash is rarely necessary — cards are accepted almost universally, and Apple/Google Pay work widely. ATMs are plentiful and generally charge no local fee (check your bank's foreign transaction fee).

Tipping is not mandatory but common: 10–15% in restaurants if service charge is not included, AED 5–10 for hotel porters, AED 5 for taxi drivers. Many restaurant bills already include a 10% service charge and 5% tourism fee.

Alcohol is legal in Dubai but restricted to licensed venues — hotels, certain restaurants, and some clubs. You cannot buy alcohol in supermarkets (with one exception: one licensed off-licence chain). Do not drink in public spaces, streets or beaches. Hotel pools and beach clubs are fine.

Dress code: what it actually means

Dubai has a dress code that is contextual. At hotels, malls, beach clubs and tourist attractions: resort casual is fine — shorts, sundresses, sleeveless tops, swimwear at pools and beaches. In souks (traditional markets), near mosques, and in more local areas: cover shoulders and knees out of respect. At the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi (a common day trip), full covering is required and abayas are provided at the entrance.

The practical rule: dress as you would for a beach resort when in hotel zones; cover more when you are in local or cultural areas. Nobody will be offended by a tourist in shorts at the Dubai Mall, but covered knees and shoulders are appropriate in Deira's gold and spice souks.

Getting around Dubai

The Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines) covers the main corridor from the airport through Downtown Dubai, past Dubai Marina to Ibn Battuta. Buy a NOL card from any station (AED 6 + top-up) — it works on the Metro, buses and some water taxis. Journey from Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa stop to Dubai Marina takes about 25 minutes and costs AED 4–6 depending on zones.

Taxis are cheap by London or New York standards — AED 25–30 (roughly £5–6) for a typical trip within the city. Uber and Careem (local equivalent) both work and usually show similar prices to metered taxis. Note: Dubai taxis require cash or card payment at the end, not in-app, for official cabs.

Car hire is possible but the highway driving between destinations is unfamiliar. Stick to Metro + taxi for a first visit; rent a car only if you plan to leave the city (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Hatta).

What one week in Dubai realistically covers

Four to five days is enough to see the main sights without rushing: the Burj Khalifa observation deck, Dubai Mall, a dhow cruise on Dubai Creek, the gold and spice souks in Deira, JBR beach, a day at Dubai Marina, the Dubai Frame, and if time allows, a half-day desert safari. The city rewards going slowly — the real character of each neighbourhood only becomes apparent once you spend an evening there rather than passing through.

Abu Dhabi is a sensible day trip from Dubai (90 minutes each way by taxi or coach) and worth it specifically for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. See the best time to visit Dubai guide for month-by-month weather and event timing before booking.

For hotel coverage in Dubai, browse the Dubai city guide on TripSage — 30+ hotels with pre-arrival briefings covering room tips, transport from DXB and local intelligence.