Dubai

Naturally blessed with year-round sun and white-sand beaches, Dubai is known for its artificial luxury and glamour. It is a destination of contrasts as it is overtly materialistic but also holds traditional Arabic ideals.  Only hotels or restaurants serve alcohol, and there are specific guidelines that tourists should follow:

• Men shouldn’t try to shake hands with an Arab woman
• Any overt displays of affection are frowned upon
• Don’t dress provocatively
• Don’t show the soles of your feet
• Don’t offer an Arab alcohol
• Don’t be aggressive or loud

Located on the Emirate’s northern coastline, this destination has much to offer. Discover the cosmopolitan duty-free malls competing with gold, silk, and spices souks, representing the alluring mix of the old and new.

Summers are sweltering, windy, and humid, with an average high of around 42C and overnight lows of 29C. Most days are sunny throughout the year. Winters are still warm, with an average high of 23C and overnight lows of 14C.

While packing clothing, remember Dubai is a conservative Muslim culture. We recommend certain dress codes to avoid offence:

• Men should not wear shorts unless they are at the beach.
• Women can wear what they choose when in Western clubs and restaurants. In shopping malls and “western” areas, knee-length skirts and tops covering shoulders and stomachs are a good idea. If visiting a more conservative area such as a souk, mosque or museum, wear a long skirt or trousers and a loose top down to the elbows.
• Take a lightweight cardigan or pashmina if you move from one area to a more conservative one.

Discover the taste of Dubai, offering a fusion of flavours from around the world combined with traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.

It is known for its delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, including dishes like hummus, falafel, shawarma, and kebabs. These dishes are often served with fresh salads, pickled vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Grilled meats are also popular, with restaurants and street vendors offering various options such as lamb chops, chicken tikka, and beef kebabs. These meats are often marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes.

Remember to wash down your meals with some refreshing beverages. In addition to traditional Arabic coffee and mint tea, Dubai offers a range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, including fresh fruit juices, smoothies, mocktails, and cocktails crafted with local ingredients and flavours.

Health professionals working in Dubai are continuously vetted to ensure they are appropriately qualified to practice. Generally, the first diagnostic visit to a private doctor is £40 (which doesn’t include any medical examinations that may be required). Post-clinic consultations are charged higher than regular clinic consultations.

It is wise to obtain comprehensive travel insurance prior to travelling to Dubai, as medical costs would soon mount up. A travel insurance policy with medical cover would be advisable. As the heat reaches extremes as high as 50 degrees, heat stroke and sunburn are a very real possibility, so make sure you take all of the necessary sun-safety precautions.

Tap water is safe to drink, but many people prefer bottled water, as tap water has a metallic taste. Remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and take lots with you when travelling into the desert.