The United Arab Emirates is known for being one of the wealthiest countries in the world – and you can tell when you get there. Exquisite architecture, luxurious vehicles zooming down the highways, sparkling jewelry and high-end shoes don the women. While its capital is Abu Dhabi, Dubai is its most populated city. With a population of over 200 nationalities, the UAE has made its way to the forefront of the global conversation.
The UAE is a conservative culture. Emirati men are typically dressed in a long, single robe called a dishdasha or kandura. These are almost always white in color as it is the least warm color to dress in. Women can be seen either wearing burkas or hijabs, depending on their religious preference. For travelers who don’t wish to wear the traditional garments, here is what you need to know: women’s clothing is considered inappropriate if it is too short, too tight, or too transparent. Men should never walk in public without a shirt. Even if you don’t agree with it, dress modestly to respect the culture you’re immersed in.
Never take a picture of someone without their permission. Of course, you are welcome to take broad, panoramic shots of tourist areas. But specific people? It may be against their traditions to be photographed. Buildings? They may be important government offices or military installations. Emiratis value their privacy so respect them by not infringing upon it.
By law, tips are not required in Dubai. Yet, there are certain places that accept tips and others that do not.
Tip:
Don’t Tip:
While alcohol is legal in Dubai, you are not permitted to drink your own alcohol in public. Nor are you allowed to be drunk in public. You cannot purchase alcohol for your own use without a permit; you must purchase it from a store that has a license. Ordering drinks at a restaurant only turns into a problem if you leave the establishment visibly intoxicated.
Public displays of affection are deemed extremely offensive in the UAE. Tourists have been known to be arrested and imprisoned for their PDA. Keep your hands off each other until you get back to the hotel.
This mall is the largest in the world. With 1,300 stores, this is a shopper’s paradise. Even if you don’t like shopping, it is guaranteed that you’ll find something to entertain you. With an ice rink, a floor-to-ceiling aquarium, a movie theatre, and much more, the Dubai Mall is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The Burj Khalifa and The Burj Al Arab are perhaps the two most famous pieces of architecture in the entire Middle East, maybe even the world. The Khalifa’s height being the tallest in the world brings it fame and fortune; an elevator ride to the top costs more than $300 USD. The Al Arab’s distinct sailboat shape is representative of its relationship with the sea. Overlooking the Persian Gulf from its optimal destination between Jumeirah Beach and the Palm Islands, The Burj Al Arab is a luxurious hotel that stands upon its own man-made island. This heavenly hotel hosts the tallest atrium in the world (almost 600 feet high) and welcomes guests in helipads and Rolls-Royces.
Sitting atop the Dubai Marina, this mosque mimics medieval architecture. Printed on the 500-dirham note, this mosque is an important part of Emirati culture. Unlike other mosques, non-Muslims are welcomed inside to gaze upon the ornate details. Remember, dress modestly throughout all of the UAE, especially religious establishments.
There are nine international airports in The United Arab Emirates. All offer business class travel for your convenience.
The UAE has only two seasons: hot and hotter. Hot, or the winter season, is between December to March. This is also considered rainy season, though rain is not all that frequent or abundant. Minimum temperatures drop to 12 degrees Celsius at night while highs reach to 25 degrees. Hotter, or the summer season, encompasses all other months. Temperatures during these months range from 38 degrees Celsius to 42 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit this sweaty country is dependent upon how hot you like it.
Flight times from LA are only three hours more than flight times from NY to Dubai, with zero layovers factored in. There are business class flights with options of: nonstop flights, one-stop flights, and multiple-stop flights.
Voyagu does not rank its valued airline partners, but we provide a list of airlines that offer both discounted business class airfare and last-minute business class deals to the UAE. Some of these may not have direct flights while instead arranging comforting connections:
Cheap business class to Middle East
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