Myths about Dubai

What is true and what is a myth about Dubai

It is difficult to find a city in the world that has given rise to as many myths as Dubai. These myths are perpetuated by unverified information on the internet, fiction books and rumours. Of course, not all negative comments about Dubai are myths. Like any large city, Dubai has its problems, which the authorities are trying to combat and make Dubai the best place to live in the world. Two Continents has been in Dubai for over a decade, and each of us has witnessed the development of the United Arab Emirates with our own eyes. So we know what the situation is like on the ground, and today we would like to verify the most popular myths about Dubai.

Fame always comes with certain distortions and myths. How is it in the case of Dubai? False beliefs about life in Dubai are often based on stereotypes about the situation in the Middle East and Islam. Until we form our own opinion during a holiday or while living here, we may base our image on false beliefs, and the rapidly growing tourism industry in Dubai exacerbates this phenomenon. Some of the most common myths about Dubai concern safety and alcohol. Is it illegal to drink alcohol in Dubai? Of course not, and you can easily buy it in a liquor store. You do not need any permits, nor will you be arrested for drinking a glass of wine on a yacht or in your apartment. Alcohol is not available in supermarkets, but it is not difficult to find – liquor stores with special licences have dozens of locations throughout the city. In addition, you can also buy alcohol in hotels, clubs and bars that are open all night, and you will only have a problem if you are drunk, disturb the peace and are aggressive. You can read more about alcohol in Dubai here: Alcohol in Dubai – where to buy it and what are the prices?

The second frequently repeated myth is that Dubai is dangerous. You have probably read about kidnappings and other terrible things happening in the city. This is an absolute myth, and according to global rankings, Dubai is in the TOP 5 safest cities in the world, right next to Abu Dhabi and Ajman, also located in the UAE. This makes Dubai one of the best places for a family holiday. You can go out at any time of the day or night and feel safe, and the risk of common crime, such as theft, is practically non-existent. To dispel any doubts, read is Dubai safe.

There are many myths on the internet about the origins of Dubai: that it is an artificial city, has no history and no one lived here before. But what is the truth? Quite the opposite! For thousands of years, Dubai was a transit point for nomads, and then home to date palm growers and pearl divers. You can find out more about the history of Dubai in our article: How and when was Dubai founded? Facts about the largest city in the UAE.

Myths about culture and customs in Dubai

False beliefs about culture and customs in Dubai are an integral part of the misinformation about the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. If you are wondering whether Dubai has strict laws, the answer is no, Dubai does not have strict laws similar to Sharia law, and they certainly do not apply to tourists. In Dubai, the law is stricter than in most European countries, but it focuses on harsher penalties for serious crimes and combating organised crime, as well as petty crime such as theft or insulting another person. A common myth is the issue of religion in Dubai. Culture and religion in the UAE are associated with Islam, which is perceived with fear due to a lack of knowledge. The fact is that there is freedom of religion and worship in Dubai, and you will find mosques, churches, Hindu temples and other places of worship in the city. No one will pay attention to you for wearing a cross around your neck, you have every right to wear it and it is enshrined in the UAE constitution.

Modernity and tradition in Dubai – this is a place where everything comes together and intertwines in symbiosis. The myth that sunbathing and shopping are the only activities worth doing in Dubai is particularly upsetting when every tourist can learn more about Emirati culture and tradition in places such as the Jumeirah Mosque, the Al Shindagha Museum and the Etihad Museum.
 

Myths about women in Dubai

The image of women in Islam is often distorted by the media. Yes, in some countries around the world, women cannot enjoy their full rights, but in the United Arab Emirates, it is completely different. We have already created an article: what is life like for women in Dubai? Facts and myths, but let's take another look at the most important myths on this topic: Contrary to common myths about a lack of freedom, women in this cosmopolitan city enjoy a great deal of freedom in their private and professional lives, with the right to education, driving and a more liberal choice of clothing than is stereotypically assumed. Myths about their professional passivity are debunked by the fact that women have guaranteed access to the labour market on an equal footing with men, occupying significant roles in finance, IT and education. A 2019 law introduced regulations protecting women's employment rights and ensuring equal pay, which is evidence of the promotion of professional equality in Dubai. Although traditional cultural norms still coexist, women's daily lives are diverse and full of opportunities, creating a unique symbiosis of modernity and Arab culture in Dubai.

And for an important clarification: Do women have to wear an abaya in Dubai? Do women in Dubai have to cover their hair? No, there is no obligation for women to cover their hair, neither for tourists nor for local women. This requirement only applies in appropriate places, such as mosques.

Is Dubai very expensive?

On the internet, you will often come across claims that only the rich can visit Dubai. This is why tourists ask themselves before they leave whether everything in Dubai is expensive and whether their stay there will ruin their holiday budget. This is one of the most popular myths, which has a grain of truth in it... but the truth is that Dubai is both cheap and very expensive, and balanced – it depends on what attractions you book, where you stay and what restaurants you eat at. Basic sightseeing in Dubai is certainly not very expensive, and this is a myth. Public transport, accommodation and food in restaurants are of European standard, and prices are often significantly lower than in Western Europe and popular holiday resorts. In a restaurant, you can eat a full dinner for as little as €5, or you can eat for €100 per person. It all depends on the standard you choose, but the prices of taxis, the metro, restaurant meals and accommodation are on average cheaper than when staying in cities such as Rome, Barcelona or London.

It is best to take a closer look at what the prices are in Dubai. You can definitely book attractions in Dubai and original tours at the best prices on the Two Continents website, as well as make reservations for luxurious accommodation in Dubai in private apartments with a view of the city at prices lower than on popular booking websites. In this context, one fundamental question must be asked: Is Dubai only about luxury and wealth? No, everyday life in Dubai is not just about big money. Of course, there is social stratification and wealth differences here, so there are very rich people as well as the ordinary middle class, not too different from what we know in Europe.

Discover the facts and myths about Dubai for yourself!

Dubai is certainly a place that, due to its innovation and cultural differences, is full of mystery and often misunderstanding. I don't know of any other city in the world that has given rise to so many myths and facts. Unfortunately, most of them are manipulated for the sake of clickability of articles or posts on social media, as you may have seen in this article. The same is true of the myth that planning a holiday in Dubai is complicated. Well, it's not! It's especially easy to do with Your Continents. Debunk the myths about Dubai yourself and book a trip to Dubai as part of a package deal, including accommodation, attractions, travel insurance and tour guide assistance, all for one promotional price!

Questions and answers (FAQ):

• What are the most common myths about Dubai?

The most common myths about Dubai are those concerning safety, strict laws, restrictions on women, the availability of alcohol and the harsh climate. In reality, Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, with laws enforced to ensure order and comfort. Women have many privileges, and dress codes in public places are much more liberal than commonly believed. Alcohol is available in liquor shops, hotels, bars and restaurants, but it is prohibited to consume it in public. Although it can get very hot in the summer, sightseeing is possible thanks to air conditioning.

• Are there very strict laws for tourists in Dubai?

No, there are no very strict laws for tourists in Dubai. There is no Sharia law in Dubai, and Islamic law for citizens does not apply to foreigners, who are subject to separate, more liberal civil law. Of course, the law is stricter than in most of Europe, but it applies to serious crimes and the prevention of common crime.

• Is it safe to travel to Dubai?

Of course, you can travel safely to Dubai. It is one of the safest cities in the world, repeatedly listed in the TOP 5 ranking of the safest cities in the world. Specialist travel magazines list Dubai as an excellent destination for family holidays.