If you’re thinking about traveling to Dubai, you may have heard a few things that have made you hesitant. Maybe you’ve been told that it’s costly there or that it’s not safe. This blog post will debunk some of the most common myths about Dubai and give you a realistic view of what to expect when traveling there. In fact, we think it should be at the top of your travel list. So read on for all the reasons why Dubai is worth a visit.

List Of 18 Myths about Traveling to Dubai

Here are the top 18 myths about Dubai! We’ll look at each of them and explain why they are not valid.

1) Dubai Is The Richest City

This one is a little bit true and a little bit false. While Dubai has the highest per capita income, it’s not actually the wealthiest city overall. That title goes to Qatar.

The City of Dubai is rich in what it offers, though – from world-class hotels and shopping to fine dining and unique attractions, there is something for everyone.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a luxury vacation, Dubai is the place to be. Plus, its food isn’t as expensive as people may think.

2) Alcohol Is Banned In Dubai

This myth couldn’t be further from the truth! Alcohol is widely available in Dubai. You can find it at most hotels, bars, and restaurants within the city. A common misconception is that Dubai is a desert nation. This, however, isn’t entirely accurate. You can legally drink in the United States if you are twenty-one years old. It is one of the common myths about traveling to Dubai.

As a result of licensing rules, there aren’t quite as many options when it comes to drinking as you may find in other nations, but you can still obtain a drink if you’d want to. Drinking on the street is against the law, therefore don’t bring your alcoholic beverages outdoors or with you.

Hence, you can legally drink in the United States if you are of legal age within the country.

3) The Food Is Expensive

When it comes to dining out, Dubai is relatively affordable. You can find budget-friendly food at most places, and if you’re looking for an upscale meal that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of options as well.

In general, the food is not as expensive as people may think. Plus, with the variety of restaurants available, you’re sure to find something to your taste – no matter what your budget is.

4) It’s Hard To Get Around

The city of Dubai is massive. However, the good news is that you’re able to get around by car (if you’re a tourist and not a resident) for free on Dubai’s public transportation system.

The bus system is straightforward to navigate, primarily since most places of interest are close together. Plus, taxis and water buses make it very easy to get from one place to another, and there are even public bikes you can rent if you want an alternative way of getting around.

Dubai also has three different kinds of taxis, which helps make ride-sharing easier for tourists. In short, it’s elementary to get around in Dubai!

5) You Need To Speak Arabic

While it certainly wouldn’t hurt to learn a few phrases of Arabic, you won’t need them very often. Most people in Dubai speak English, so communication shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Even if someone you meet doesn’t speak English, plenty of apps allow you to translate basic phrases in real-time. Google has a great app called Google Translate, where you can put your phrase into the Arabic language, and it will convert to English for you.

6) Dubai Is All About Luxury

While there’s no denying that luxury is part of Dubai’s culture, it isn’t just for the wealthy. In fact, there are plenty of affordable activities and attractions for those who don’t want to break the bank.

From exploring the city’s beautiful mosques and traditional markets to going on a scenic desert safari, Dubai has something for everyone. And if you’re looking for some retail therapy, the city’s malls will not disappoint. Hence it is just one of the myths about traveling to Dubai.

7) Dubai Is A Desert Nation

While it does have a sandy landscape, the United Arab Emirates is mainly made up of desert. Furthermore, there are many cultures in this nation that bring different elements to the country’s culture.

As you can see, Dubai isn’t just about luxury and wealth – while these factors certainly play a role in the city, they aren’t everything.

8) The Weather Is Extremely Hot

Dubai is located in a desert climate so that the weather can be pretty warm during certain parts of the year. However, the city also has a rainy season. The rain usually starts in November and lasts until January.

During Dubai’s rainy season, the temperature usually ranges from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. This helps make things more bearable since it gets scorching during the summer months.

9) Everything Is Shut Down In Ramadan

During Ramadan, many businesses are closed. However, this doesn’t mean the whole country shuts down – most attractions remain open during this time of year.

The only places that are shut down for sure are restaurants and cafes. Even then, there are plenty of food options available if you’re staying at a hotel or hostel with restaurants open during Ramadan.

10) It’s A Dangerous Place

Dubai is a very safe city. It has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The only time you need to be careful is when you’re out drinking – just like any other city, there are certain areas you should avoid.

By following the rules in this guide, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable trip. Just remember that drinking responsibly is vital!

11) Other Faiths Are Not Permitted

While Dubai hosts many different cultures, it’s important to remember that Islam is the official religion in this city.

All other faiths are given equal rights and respect, but Islamic law comes first regarding visas, taxes, and laws. According to UAE laws, you must be a Muslim convert to become a citizen in this country.

12) Everything Is Available 24/7

You might have heard of Dubai is called the “city that never sleeps” because of its booming tourism industry and wealth. While there is plenty of activity around the clock, things do shut down at some point in the evening.

The city has strict laws about noise pollution so that you won’t hear any drums until the early hours of the morning. However, Dubai is a very safe city with plenty of transportation options available for those who aren’t ready to head home yet.

13) It’s Illegal For Women To Drive

While this isn’t necessarily true, there are some restrictions for women in Dubai.

Women are not allowed to drive unless they have a signed note from their husbands or fathers saying that it’s okay with them. While this law is enforced with fines and jail time, many ex-pats don’t follow it.

14) Dubai Is Arranged Like A 3D Chessboard

Dubai is actually arranged in a grid-like pattern with two main roads that run through the whole city. Sheikh Zayed Road cuts right through the city from east to west, while Hamdan Street does the same thing in a northern direction.

All other roads branch off from these two major roads. It’s a very organized system that makes it easy for people to find their way around.

15) Covering Up Is a Must For Women

As mentioned before, Dubai has many cultural differences. It’s essential to respect these rules during your visit.

While dressing up isn’t required, it is encouraged since people are expected to dress modestly when they come here. Men should wear pants or shorts that cover their knees, while women need to wear more conservative clothing.

16) You Have To Pay To Use The Beach

One of the main attractions in Dubai is its many beautiful beaches. However, keep in mind that you have to pay to use them.

A day at the beach usually ranges from $10 to $20 per person. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, try heading to one of the beaches on the outskirts of the city. So, this is one of the absurd myths about traveling to Dubai.

17) Christmas Isn’t a Thing In Dubai

While Dubai has a very relaxed attitude towards celebrating holidays, Christmas is still a big deal.

Many popular malls have special exhibits set up for the holiday season, and the city goes all out with decorations around this time of year. Make sure to wish your friends and family “Merry Christmas” before you head down there!

Hence, Christmas is a popular celebration in Dubai and is generally well-received. Just be mindful of the cultural differences when you’re there!

18) Oil Is Money

Dubai is home to the only oil well in the region, and it’s located deep underneath the desert. Since this resource is so valuable, the city has grown extremely wealthy due to the money made from oil.

While this resource isn’t available for public use, it’s responsible for Dubai’s rapid growth and success. It will be interesting to see if they can keep up this pace of progress once all of their oil is gone!

Conclusion:

As you can see, there are many myths about traveling to Dubai that just aren’t true. While the city is very different than many other metropolises, it’s an incredible travel destination that more people should explore. With plenty of activities to keep you busy, a rich culture to experience, and world-class amenities, Dubai is a place you won’t want to miss!

Make sure to check out our other articles about Dubai as well.