Ask an expert: Dubai travel tips from Megan Starr

Ask an expert: Dubai travel tips from Megan Starr

Travel blogger Megan Starr, part of duo Megan & Aram, shares her insider tips for first-time visitors to Dubai.

Think Dubai, and you're hit with visions of towering skyscrapers, mega malls, and unparalleled luxury that validate the reputation. And surely, Dubai is all that: a modern metropolis where opulence is on full display, boasting record-breaking architecture and lavish lifestyles. But beyond these dazzling facades lies a depth influenced by Arabian culture and traditions. Ready to explore Dubai beyond the glitz? Here are six essential tips to help first-timers navigate this dynamic city and uncover its unique blend of modernity and tradition.

1. Mind your manners

Dubai's sleek, modern facade can be misleading. Remember, you're in the heart of the Arabian peninsula, where cultural norms differ from the West. That trendy outfit or extra cocktail might not be as innocuous here as back home. Despite the city's array of bars and Western attire, playing it safe with your choices is wise. Dubai straddles tradition and modernity, so a little caution goes a long way in avoiding sticky situations.

2. Hop in a cab (or bus)

Dubai's climate swings between hot and “you've got to be kidding me” hot. For those who love to explore cities on foot, a heads-up: Dubai is all about cruising in style. The cityscape is designed for driving, not trekking. So, jump in a cab or hop on a bus. And for those with a taste for the extravagant, why not soar above the city in a helicopter?

3. Get your weekend started right

Get ready for a weekend twist: in Dubai, the party kicks off on Friday morning. Forget the Saturday through Sunday routine. Here, the workweek runs Sunday through Thursday, making Friday to Saturday the official time to unwind. Emiratis have redefined weekends, starting with a lavish Friday brunch. It's a cultural shift that might just make you rethink your weekend plans!

4. Visit the desert

In less than an hour from Dubai's high-rise hustle, you can be amidst the tranquil dunes of the Arabian Desert. Swap city life for an adventure in this otherworldly landscape. Soar in a hot air balloon, seeking out green oases, gazelles, and camels wandering the sands. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? A sunset safari or dune-bashing experience awaits. Either way, the desert's raw beauty is sure to captivate.

5. Explore massive malls

Dubai's malls aren't just big — they're colossal. Emiratis take their shopping to another level, and these retail paradises are proof. From high-end fashion to dazzling jewels, food courts to entertainment zones, and yes, even ATMs dispensing gold bars — these malls are mind-blowingly vast. Even if you're not a shopaholic, these temples of commerce are a sight to behold, with some even boasting aquariums and theme parks.

6. Head to the beach (but only in the winter)

Dubai's beaches are stunning, but brace yourself for the heat. In summer, the mercury can soar to 105-degrees Fahrenheit (40-degrees Celsius), turning the sands into a sizzling skillet. The winter months, however, are a different story: From November to March, the temperatures drop, making the beaches the perfect chill-out zones. Lounge, jet-ski, or parasail over the Arabian Gulf — the cooler weather makes everything more enjoyable.