First time in Dubai – a beginner's guide

What should you know before your first visit to Dubai?

Dubai – you hear so much about this place, so why not go there on holiday? If you're thinking the same, we're not surprised! Dubai is a great place to relax, explore and take a culinary journey to different corners of the world. The mix of Middle Eastern climate with a touch of modernity means that even if you hadn't planned to visit Dubai, once you take the plunge, you won't regret it.

Is it worth going to Dubai for the first time? Although you may have doubts about whether the climate in Dubai and the attractions there will be for you, Dubai delights almost all visitors, even those with doubts. This guide has been created for such people. It will tell you everything you need to know before your first trip to Dubai.

Visa and necessary documents

What are the entry requirements for tourists in Dubai? Before your first trip to the United Arab Emirates, it is worth familiarising yourself with the visa rules and the necessary documents required for travel. Fortunately, there is nothing to worry about! Citizens of most countries have the option of obtaining a free tourist visa upon arrival in the UAE. British citizens can stay in the United Arab Emirates for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visas to Dubai are therefore not a problem, but what documents will you need to depart for your holiday? A passport is an essential document when travelling to Dubai. Before departure, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your planned arrival. If your passport expires earlier, you will not be allowed to enter the UAE. You cannot fly to Dubai with a temporary passport.

JBR Walk/ Photo: Domenico Convertini, CC BY-SA 2.0

Travel insurance

Dubai travel guide for beginners: we will focus not only on attractions and accommodation, but also on safety. Remember, never go on holiday without travel insurance! You never know when bad luck will strike, and medical treatment abroad, especially in places like Dubai, can be expensive without the right policy. Invest in adequate travel insurance that covers a large amount of medical expenses. It is also worth considering a policy that protects against luggage loss and other unexpected expenses. You can purchase insurance from one of the most popular insurance companies, a travel insurance comparison website such as Rankomat, or from our recommended insurance company. The standard of healthcare in Dubai is very high, so you don't have to worry about any health problems.

What to pay with in Dubai?

How to prepare for your first visit to Dubai? First of all, you need to prepare your wallet, because there is a lot to spend money on in Dubai! But here's the question: what is the currency in Dubai and what is the best way to pay in Dubai? The currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (abbreviation: AED), which is currently converted to British pounds at a rate of approximately 1 AED = 1 GBP. This means that prices on site can be easily converted.

The best way to pay in Dubai is with a Revolut card. You can also use other multi-currency cards, which will convert dirhams into British pounds at a favourable exchange rate or have the option of purchasing AED in advance. You can pay by card everywhere in Dubai, but it is worth having some cash with you for unexpected expenses or tips.

You can pay for the best attractions in Dubai in British pounds, dirhams, and even euros, dollars or pounds on the Two Continents website.

Dubai desert/ Photo: Domenico Convertini, CC BY-SA 2.0

Weather in Dubai

When to fly to Dubai? Tourist guide – Dubai is an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors, but the weather and season can affect your enjoyment. The best time to travel to Dubai is between October and March. This is the high season and the most pleasant time of the year. Temperatures are more bearable, ranging between 20 and 30°C. In summer, from June to September, temperatures are extremely high, reaching up to 50°C. During this time, even the night does not bring any relief. Exploring the city and any physical activity can be very risky, especially for seniors. Is it worth going to Dubai for the first time in the summer? Of course, if you love the heat, Dubai will be the perfect destination for you, even in the summer months. However, we recommend visiting first in the autumn or winter and then returning for a holiday in the summer.

Clothing in Dubai for women and men

Dubai can seem intimidating to first-time visitors. Why? There are many myths on the internet that women must cover up and cannot enjoy their freedom during their holidays due to the different culture. This is not true – in Dubai, everyone can dress as they please! However, it is important to remember to respect the local culture. Dubai is a modern city and women do not have to cover their heads. They can wear shorts and dresses, and men can wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts. Different clothing is recommended in public spaces, especially in mosques and institutions.

Accommodation in Dubai

A tourist guide to Dubai would not be complete without mentioning the most convenient places to stay. Dubai is a very large city offering a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and hotel rooms to the best hotels in Dubai and private apartments with luxurious amenities.

On popular accommodation booking websites, such as Booking, Airbnb and Agoda, you will find many accommodation options with search filters tailored to your needs.

Marina Gate Apartment in Dubai from Two Continents

It is best to look for accommodation close to attractions, public transport, shops and restaurants. Hotel rates vary depending on the month, but the budget will not scare you: the price per night in Dubai is no more expensive than in Italy, Spain or France. Private apartments from Two Continents combine all the features of good accommodation in Dubai. These accommodations in Dubai guarantee privacy, magnificent views from the balcony, e.g. from the 70th floor of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, and the comfort of a fully equipped apartment, which translates into a successful and comfortable holiday.

Public transport in Dubai

How to get around Dubai as a tourist? Dubai is quite easy to explore, even if you are visiting for the first time. The main reason is the excellent transport system in this city – in addition to buses, trams and taxis, you can use the modern metro. The Dubai Metro is fast, clean and comfortable, and its routes lead to many important places in the city. You can take the metro to Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future, the airport and Dubai Marina. The Nol card, which can be topped up, allows you to pay for travel not only on the metro, but also on trams, buses and water taxis.

Taxis in Dubai are relatively cheap and comfortable, but it is worth using the official ones with meters. Be careful of black private cars – these are usually luxury Lexus vehicles. This form of transport costs significantly more than a standard taxi. You can also use apps such as Uber or Careem. To sum up: how to get around Dubai? The best way is by metro or taxi.

Photo: ANDY ARCIGA's, CC BY-ND 2.0

First trip to Dubai – what is worth seeing? The most important tourist attractions in Dubai

Dubai is a city full of attractions, interesting activities and fascinating buildings.

Once you delve into the subject, you will realise that you will not be able to see everything during your holiday. Therefore, the key to a successful stay is to plan what to see in Dubai at the beginning. A guide to Dubai's attractions for newcomers and the city's most important attractions – save it for later!

• Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world, a true symbol of Dubai with a height of 828 metres. A must-see sight in the city and a view that will stay with you for a lifetime. You can choose to visit Burj Khalifa on the 124th and 125th floors, but there are also options such as the higher 148th floor and 154th VIP floor.
• Dubai Mall - the largest shopping centre in the world is so huge that it is worth booking more time for your first visit. Why? Because it is so easy to get lost! Luxury shops, restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, an indoor waterfall and entertainment areas are just a fraction of what the Dubai Mall has to offer.
• Dubai Fountains - one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai, known for its shows that combine water, light and sound effects. Temporarily under renovation, but in October 2025 it will be back in action and will attract crowds of tourists with its amazing character and the fact that it is a free attraction.
• Dubai Marina - one of Dubai's districts, famous for its distinctive landscape of tall skyscrapers and a marina with yachts in the middle of the buildings. A must-see for an evening stroll and a visit to one of the restaurants located on Dubai Marina Walk.
• Old Dubai - Dubai is not only modern. It also has an older part of the city and districts such as Deira and Bur Dubai, where you will find the famous Gold Souk, Spice Souk, historical museums and take an Abra boat ride to Dubai Creek.
• The View at the Palm - a viewpoint overlooking the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina district, allowing you to admire the amazing construction of the world-famous Dubai palm tree with villas belonging to celebrities from around the world.
• Dubai Frame - a distinctive Dubai landmark, a viewpoint with a panorama of the connection between old and new Dubai.

During your first trip to Dubai, it is also worth taking advantage of attractions such as:

• Yacht Cruise in Dubai - available in various options, but best in the 3-hour sunset version. It allows you to see Dubai from the water accompanied by music, unlimited soft drinks and snacks, and an amazing atmosphere of fun. Perfect for the first or last day of your stay.
• Desert Safari - driving sports jeeps through the desert dunes of the Arabian Peninsula and visiting authentic Bedouin villages with attractions is something that makes the Desert Safari an unforgettable experience, especially during your first visit to Dubai.
• Guided tour of Dubai - exploring on your own will never give you as much as exploring with the knowledge of a guide. English guides on Two Continents tours share their professional knowledge, which will allow you to learn much more about Dubai during your first visit to this city.

Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park

What you should know about Dubai: summary before your first trip

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of planned arrival.
• Visa: British citizens can obtain a free tourist visa upon arrival, which entitles them to stay for up to 90 days within 180 days.
• Temporary passport: Not accepted.
• Important! Always purchase travel insurance that will cover the high costs of medical treatment in Dubai. It is also worth considering a policy for lost luggage.
• Currency: The currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). The AED exchange rate is similar to that of the Polish zloty (approximately 1 AED = 1 PLN).
• Payments: It is best to pay with a multi-currency card, such as Revolut, which offers favourable exchange rates. Card payments are common, but it is worth having some cash with you for tips or small expenses.
• Best time to travel: From October to March, when temperatures are more pleasant (around 20-30°C).
• Summer: From June to September, it is very hot (up to 50°C), which can make sightseeing difficult. This is only a good option for people who can tolerate the heat well.
• Dubai has a relaxed dress code. Women and men can wear shorts, dresses and T-shirts. However, it is important to respect the local culture, especially in public places such as mosques and institutions.
• Accommodation: Dubai offers a wide range of accommodation, from hostels to luxury apartments. It is worth looking for accommodation close to attractions, public transport and shops. Accommodation costs are comparable to those in popular European cities.
• Metro: Fast, modern and clean, ideal for getting around the city. It operates on a rechargeable Nol card.
• Taxis: Relatively cheap, but use official taxis with meters. You can also use apps such as Uber or Careem.
• Private transport: Avoid unofficial black taxis (often luxury Lexuses), which are much more expensive.
• Top attractions: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountains, Dubai Marina, The View at the Palm, Dubai Frame.
• Recommended activities: Dubai Yacht Cruise and Desert Safari.

Dubai guides: essentials before your trip

What to do in Dubai on your first visit? You could say you already know the answer to that question! Thanks to this guide, you know what tourist attractions Dubai has to offer visitors. If you are interested in other practical information about Dubai, visit the Two Continents website and read our guides about Dubai and other articles. The most important of these is the largest guide to Dubai on the internet, created especially for you – the Two Continents guide to Dubai.

Dubai Mall/ Photo: Domenico Convertini, CC BY-SA 2.0

Two Continents is not only about trips and accommodation in Dubai: it also offers flight deals and a licensed real estate agency in Dubai. Take advantage of daily cheap flight offers or invest in the Dubai property market with us.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• What is worth knowing before your first visit to Dubai?

Before visiting Dubai for the first time, everyone should know what documents are required for travel, the advantages of travel insurance, what the weather is like in Dubai, where to book accommodation and what the main tourist attractions are. You will find answers to these questions in the guide from Two Continents.

• Where to stay in Dubai for the first time?

During your first visit to Dubai, it is worth staying in comfortable accommodation located in the city centre and close to shops, restaurants and public transport. Dubai offers many such hotels, both budget and premium. It is best to take advantage of the accommodation offers in Dubai from Two Continents in private apartments located in the Dubai Marina district.

• What are the best tourist attractions for a first visit to Dubai?

The best attractions in Dubai for a first visit are the most important and popular ones, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab hotel, the Dubai Marina district, Old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai, the Gold and Spice Souks) and the Museum of the Future. Don't forget attractions such as the Dubai Yacht Cruise and Desert Safari, available at the Two Continents store.