Dubai is the jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates, and a truly unique destination. It is an opulent playground built upon a philosophy with boundary pushing architecture and innovation at its core. What is most astounding about Dubai is the fact that for the most part it is brand new: to the extent that over the course of less than a decade, the Emirate has been transformed from a sparsely populated desert land into one of the most desirable locations on earth. It is a place of great wealth, great power and above all: of great times!
Dubai as a holiday destination appeals to a broad spectrum of people, of all ages. The chances are, that if you think you might be interested in visiting Dubai then you will almost certainly enjoy a trip there. It is home to the world's tallest building, the world's first seven star hotel and many other world firsts alongside a wealth of shopping, dining, relaxation and diverse experiences. There are very few other places on earth where you can go from 5 star luxury hotel facilities to a Jeep safari in the desert and back again within a matter of hours.
Although it is very similar to Europe and the USA in many cultural aspects, there are however some differences and it is imperative that local laws and cultural issues are respected and adhered to, similarly it must not be forgotten that temperatures can reach very high levels. The following points should be carefully noted but by no means be a cause for concern:
The Climate
Dubai has an arid, sub-tropical climate (which is hardly surprising given that it is located with the Northern desert belt). As such temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels during certain months, between June and September for instance, the average temperature is between 39 and 41 degrees C. As such, the peak holiday season is between December and March when average temperatures are between 23 and 27 degrees: which is considerably more palatable for many Brits! If however you aren't fazed by high temperatures, then it is worth bearing in mind that there are often incredibly good deals to be had on trips taken between June and September and the vast majority of hotels, restaurants, malls and other indoor areas are fully air conditioned.
Cultural Differences
Despite the high temperatures it is strongly recommended that you dress conservatively when out in public in Dubai, it is for instance never acceptable to wander the streets in swimwear (for men or women) and women are not permitted to go topless, even on the beach or at the pool. Revealing clothing should always be avoided to avoid causing offence to the resident, Muslim population. Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Dubai, as has been highlighted in the news recently. The cases which have been brought to the attention of the world by the press are however extreme examples and by exercising common sense and restraint you will not encounter any trouble.
The Impact of Islam
Dubai is a predominantly Muslim place and as such Islamic customs are adhered to. One of the most prevalent repercussions of this fact is the impact of Ramadan upon the Emirate. Ramadan is a month long period of fast and it does have a bearing upon the opening hours of bars and restaurants whilst also bringing with it some other restrictions. Ramadan occurs over different dates each year; as such it is worth finding out when it takes place before booking a trip. Although visiting Dubai during Ramadan is still a thoroughly enjoyable experience and unlikely to negatively impact upon your visit, it is generally advised to avoid visiting during the religious festival if possible.
All in all, Dubai is truly incredible holiday destination which offers a perfect hybrid of Middle-Eastern and Western Cultures. The factors listed above should in no way be viewed negatively, but should simply be considered when booking or packing for what promises to be an incredible trip.
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