Dubai is known worldwide for its record-breaking skyscrapers, iconic desert, and luxurious accommodations. But, behind the glamour and glitz of tourism lies a unique city with a cultural vibe brought to life by the locals. If you want the true Dubai experience, it helps to navigate like a local.
Upscale Appearance
Dubai is known as a wealthy city. There are approximately 72,000 millionaires and 15 billionaires residing there. That’s 1 in 51 residents who have a considerable amount of wealth. That said, you can expect the locals to keep up their appearance.
Now, you don’t have to buy a new wardrobe with designer brands and luxury jewelry to fit in. But you can expect luxury on display, especially regarding vehicles. Nearly everywhere you go, you will come across prestige cars, Rolls-Royces, and other high-end cars.
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Pro tip: You don’t have to be a billionaire to look luxe here. A luxury car rental is the next best thing!
Don’t Plan on Walking
When you look at maps of Dubai, you’ll likely want to rent a luxury car to avoid the walk. Dubai isn’t a city that’s easy to travel around by foot. This rings even more true during the hottest months of the year when a short stroll feels like a sweltering hike.
You will rarely see locals out for a walk. Even if a location looks doable on the map, it’s important to remember that the climate isn’t comfortable for getting around. Locals only walk around air-conditioned malls or from one souk to another.
Of course, the options for a https://trinityrental.com/ are just the beginning. Once you’ve scouted the perfect vehicle to tour the city, your travel story is just getting started. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the sights without being glued to a guide.
Prestige cars are the way to go because of the air-conditioning. You can also opt for rideshare apps, local taxis, or an electric scooter. A Nol card can also be purchased to use across buses and trams.
Instinct vs. GPS
One of the best tips a local gave us was to always trust your instinct over Google Maps and other GPS systems. This is because the city is constantly in a state of transformation. New megaprojects are often underway, as are massive infrastructure upgrades.
With so much residential and commercial construction on the go, it’s difficult for GPS to keep up with every change as it occurs. There have been countless times when it has led someone to turn incorrectly because of a new construction project.
While GPS can generally be trusted, always use your instinct if something doesn’t look right.
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Shopping at Traditional Souks
While Dubai is known for its luxury shopping and high-end malls, traditional souks are where the magic happens. Yes, there is a lot of wealth in Dubai. But that doesn’t mean people don’t appreciate a good bargain.
If you really want the local experience, take your rental car over to one of the local markets, like the Gold Souk or Spice Souk, to see what the vendors have on sight. Best of all, while these souks are brimming with culture, they embrace the modern age by accepting mobile payments.
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Read the Rhythm of the City
Dubai runs at its own pace. While locals can instinctively go with the flow, the whole atmosphere might seem ever-changing to tourists. So, here are a few tips to help you time your escapades throughout the city without seeming out of place:
- Cafes, markets, and other establishments are more lively when they cool off at night.
- The workweek is Sunday through Thursday, making Friday the busiest day in the city.
- Most restaurants are closed after sunset during Ramadan.
- The best times to visit malls and attractions to avoid crowds are between 10 am and 12 pm. Peak hours are the most crowded between 4 pm and 8 pm.
- Traffic is busiest during the work week from 7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm.
- Sunset is the prime time for enjoying outdoor locations and activities.
- Never go anywhere without bottled water and sunscreen, even during evening hours.
Social Norms of Dubai
Knowing the social norms of Dubai can help you fit in and navigate through the city with ease while getting along with the locals—your attire matters, as residents of the city are known to dress respectfully in modest attire. Think conservatively when packing your wardrobe.
Manners are crucial, especially in public areas. Avoid cursing, talking too loudly, arguing in public, or even showing public affection to a loved one. Another thing to remember is that taking photos or videos of someone without their permission is inappropriate.
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