Dubai

About

Dubai is the most popular of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the most populous city in the country. It is located in the Arabian Peninsula, on the coast of the Persian Gulf. More than 85% of the population of approximately 3.5 million are foreigners (expats) from other countries; That's why English is spoken more than Arabic in the city.

While Dubai was a small fishing and pearl diving town in the 1960s, it has turned into one of the richest financial, trade and tourism centers in the world, rising like an oasis in the desert with the discovery of oil and subsequent visionary investments. City; It is the city of "bests" and "records" with the world's tallest building, largest shopping mall, artificial islands and indoor ski slopes.

When to Go

Dubai has a desert climate. That's why, while the summer months are extremely hot and humid, the winter months offer perfect spring weather:

• November–March (Winter/Golden Season): This is the best time to visit Dubai. The air temperature is between 24-28°C. It's great weather for hitting the beach, going on a desert safari, and walking outdoors.
• April and October (Transitional Months): Temperatures are around 32-35°C. Sea water is quite warm. Prices are slightly more affordable than in winter.
• May–September (Summer): This is the period when temperatures reach 40-48°C in the shade and humidity becomes overwhelming. It is impossible to walk outdoors for more than 5 minutes, life revolves entirely in air-conditioned indoor spaces (shopping malls, indoor entertainment centers). Desert safaris come to a halt. However, hotels have summer discounts of up to 60%.

How to get there

Airline: Dubai has two major airports. The main airport is Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum Airport (DWC), where mostly charter/cargo flights are operated. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, flydubai and Emirates offer direct flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Flight duration is approximately 4-4.5 hours. Ticket prices are around 250-500 EUR depending on the season.

Airport–City center transportation (DXB):

Option	Duration	Cost	Note
Dubai Metro (Red Line)	20-30 min	~5-8AED	Direct boarding is possible from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. It is fast and cheap.
Taxi	15-25 min	50-80AED	The starting fee for taxis departing from the airport is 25 AED.
Uber / Careem	15-25 min	70-110AED	Careem is Dubai's local taxi/private car app.

Urban Transportation

Roads in Dubai are huge (Sheikh Zayed Road has 12 lanes) and the city is spread out longitudinally.

• Dubai Metro: It is one of the longest driverless metro lines in the world. It is extremely clean, air-conditioned and modern. Eating, drinking water and chewing gum are prohibited in the subway (there is a penalty). The metro has special wagons for women and children and extra-paid "Gold Class" wagons. You need to buy a Nol Card for the ticket (Red is a temporary ticket, Silver card is for multiple use).
• Taxis: Dubai state-controlled taxis (those with sand-coloured ceilings) are very safe and have taximeters. They are more economical than Uber. For female passengers, "women's taxis" (the drivers are also women) with pink roofs are available.
• Careem: It is the Middle East version of Uber. You must have it on your phone to call both a taxi and a private car.

Accommodation Regions

The areas to stay in Dubai are clearly divided according to every budget and concept:

• Downtown Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Opera are located here. It is the center for those who want luxury hotels, skyscrapers and a vibrant city life, but there is no beach.
• Dubai Marina / JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence): It is the most preferred area by tourists with its oceanfront beach, coastal walkway, marina and lively cafes. Perfect for a beach holiday.
• Deira / Bur Dubai (Old City): It is the old Dubai, located on the banks of the historical souks and the river. Hotel prices and meals are quite cheap in the old buildings here. Ideal for budget-friendly travels.
• Palm Jumeirah: It is an artificial island with luxury resort hotels and private beaches. It's great for holidays focused on relaxation and luxury, but the metro line doesn't enter directly here (there is a monorail).
• Al Barsha: It is a busy area close to the Mall of the Emirates, where the metro passes, and with relatively more affordable city hotels.

Budget Plan (3 days, per person, USD)

Category	Backpacker	Medium	Luxury
Accommodation (2 nights)	50-80 (Deira Hotel)	200-400 (near Marina/Shopping Mall)	1000+ (Atlantis / Burj Al Arab)
Transportation (Metro & Taxi)	15 (Nol Card)	50 (Taxi & Careem)	150 (Premium Careem / With Driver)
Food	30-50 (Ravi & Al Ustad)	120-200	500+ (Zuma & Pierchic)
Entrance Tickets (Burj Khalifa etc.)	30 (Frame + Fountains)	140 (Burj Khalifa + Museum of the Future)	350 (Helicopter Tour & VIP Entrance)
Entertainment / Shopping	30	80	400+
Total (3 days)	155-205	590-870	**2400++

Practical Tips

• The sale of alcohol in restaurants is limited. In Dubai, the sale of alcohol is prohibited in ordinary restaurants on the streets. Alcohol is sold only in licensed hotel restaurants, bars and nightclubs. You cannot buy alcohol from markets either.
• Dress code. Dubai is quite liberal compared to other cities in the Middle East. It is completely normal to wear bikinis/shorts at marinas and beaches. However, when entering shopping malls, government offices and mosques, it is necessary to choose clothes that cover the shoulders and knees (this rule is written on the shopping mall doors).
• Drug rules. Some prescription or red prescription drugs you bring with you when entering the UAE may be on the list of prohibited items. Keep prescriptions for your important medications, including painkillers, with you.
• Be careful of heatstroke in summer. If you are coming between June and September, avoid going out in the sun in the middle of the day and drink water constantly. Since air conditioners work very powerfully, take a light cardigan with you to avoid catching cold due to the difference between hot and cold.

Travel Guide with Children

Dubai is a paradise for families with children. The city itself is designed like a giant amusement park — the world's tallest building, huge aquariums, desert safaris and water parks. The infrastructure is excellent, there are child-friendly facilities everywhere.

Recommendations by Age Group

• 0-3 years: Baby care rooms in Dubai Mall are at luxury hotel level. Air-conditioned shopping malls are ideal to escape the heat. The parks along Dubai Creek and JBR beach are suitable for little ones.

• 4-7 years old: Dubai Aquarium is the favorite of these ages with its giant glass tunnel and penguin section. Legoland Dubai offers a full day of activities. IMG Worlds of Adventure indoor theme park.

• 8-12 years old: Going to the top of Burj Khalifa (buy tickets in advance), desert safari dune bashing (over 8 years old), Wild Wadi or Aquaventure water parks will drive this age group crazy.

• Ages 13+: Skiing at Ski Dubai and going out and sunbathing in 40°C heat is unforgettable. Global Village, Dubai Frame and Marina walk are the favorites of young people.

Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities

1. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo — Huge aquarium in Dubai Mall. 33,000 sea creatures, glass tunnel, shark diving (for adults) and touch pool.

2. Legoland Dubai + Legoland Water Park — More than 40 rides, shows and attractions. The water park is also excellent. Ideal for ages 2-12.

3. Desert Safari — Dune bashing, camel riding, henna painting, BBQ dinner and starry skies. Kids love exploring the desert.

4. Aquaventure Waterpark — Huge water park at Atlantis The Palm. 105 slides, wave pool, lazy river and children's zone. Take a full day.

5. KidZania Dubai — Interactive city in Dubai Mall where kids experience professions. Between the ages of 4 and 16, they can become pilots, doctors and journalists.

Practical Information

• Baby stroller: Dubai is baby stroller paradise. Shopping malls are huge and flat, and there is even a free stroller rental service. But it is difficult to walk outside because of the heat, transportation by car or taxi is necessary.

• Children's menu: There is a children's menu in every restaurant. International cuisine options are very wide. There are child-friendly options, from fast food chains to fine dining.

• Children's ticket discounts: Metro is free for children under 5 years old. Child rates apply in most attractions and theme parks. Many hotels offer free accommodation to children.

• Toilet: Luxury level in shopping malls, available everywhere. There are also clean toilets at beaches and parks.

Warnings

• During the summer months (June-September) outdoor activities are almost impossible, the temperature exceeds 45°C. Plan your interior.
• Always have sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle with you.
• During Ramadan, there is a ban on eating and drinking in public places during the day, and this also applies to children.
• The risk of sunburn in swimming pools is very high, consider UV protective clothing.

Local Label and Culture Notes

Although Dubai is an extremely cosmopolitan and modern city, it is an Islamic emirate governed by Sharia law. That's why it's important to follow some rules:

• Excessive displays of affection (kissing, hugging) in public (except on beaches) are prohibited and you may be punished in case of a complaint.
• If you are traveling during Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking outside on the street during daylight is prohibited (special indoor dining areas are created in hotels for tourists).
• Taking photos of local people (Arab men wearing kanduras and women wearing abayas) without permission is frowned upon.

FAQ

How to get a Dubai visa? A visa is required for Turkish citizens with a maroon passport. The visa is obtained completely online (e-visa). Applications can be made through brokerage firms, THY or Pegasus with a photocopy of your passport. It will be sent to your e-mail as a PDF in 3-5 days. There is no visa for the green passport.

Is Dubai a cheap city? In general, no. Since Dubai is a luxury-oriented city, prices in the Marina and Downtown are above European metropolises. However, accommodation and food are extremely cheap in immigrant neighborhoods such as Deira and Satwa.

Is it forbidden to chew gum in the subway? Yes. It is forbidden to chew gum, eat anything or drink water in metro stations and inside trains. If you get caught, you will pay a fine of AED 100 (approximately USD 27).

When is the Desert Safari held? Desert safari tours usually start around 15:00 in the afternoon. It includes dune bashing in the desert with 4x4 vehicles, camel riding, dinner in the desert camp in the evening and dance shows. It is very enjoyable in winter and oppressive in summer.