Are you planning your first solo trip to Dubai? The city is known for its ability to dazzle its visitors with its stunning skyline and lavish lifestyle and experiences. However, just like so many popular destinations, the emirate can be a huge disappointment to some people when they travel with the wrong expectations. That’s why I put this blog post together to help you make the best out of your first trip to the modern metropolis.
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Is a Solo Trip to Dubai Worth It?
The answer to this question varies from one traveler to the other – we all have different preferences and travel styles. My personal experience was, sadly, disappointing. As a Middle Eastern traveler, with lots of friends based in Dubai, I knew what to expect. However, I always like to keep an open mind when traveling to a new destination – I don’t like to follow stereotypical views blindly. Before traveling, several people told me that I wouldn’t like it there and I refused to listen to them. I understood their concerns and where they were coming from – they knew I love adventure, nature, and culture, but they didn’t know I also love big cities, nightlife, and that I wanted to explore Dubai’s underrated side, the old city.
Unfortunately, my experience wasn’t so great. At first, I loved exploring Old Dubai, but there wasn’t much to explore beyond that. I had a horrible experience with my tour operator in Hatta and I got bored easily, despite the endless experiences Dubai has to offer. I soon realized that my resistance to the commercial side of Dubai was hindering me from enjoying my trip. And as soon as I started accepting that, and started hanging out with acquaintances and friends just like I would back home, I started enjoying my time.
But that’s MY experience – yours can be totally different. So, don’t let my story discourage you. Personally, I don’t believe Dubai is the right destination if you’re looking to explore a new city and experience a foreign culture. However, if you’re seeking experiential travel and activities, then it will not disappoint.
Things to Know Before Your First Solo Trip to Dubai
#1 Dubai is not the Middle East
If you’re traveling to Dubai thinking you’ll immerse yourself in the Arab culture, I’m sorry to tell you, but you’ll most likely be disappointed – especially if it’s your first time in the region. Dubai is a global destination, a melting pot of cultures as it’s home to expats from around the world. That’s a great environment with lots of pros, but if you’re seeking a cultural experience, it’s important to understand that Dubai is not a representation of the Middle East.
In my experience, as a native Arabic speaker visiting Dubai, I often experience moments of cognitive dissonance. I was constantly immerse in an expat-dominated atmosphere – I hadn’t met a single Emirati and my encounters were mostly with expats. I often felt like I was in a different world, and then I’d stumble upon a street sign written in Arabic, and it would hit me. This led to a surreal sense of disconnect – I felt the city was both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.
#2 Expect experiences over culture
That shouldn’t discourage you from embarking on your solo trip to Dubai though – it might not be the best cultural destination, but it’s definitely an experience-centric one. Dubai is packed with bucket list-worthy activities like skydiving and flyboarding. There are also lots of super fun attractions where you can spend the day, like Legoland Dubai and IMG Worlds of Adventure.
I recommend you visit Viator or Tinggly and browse through the endless experiential options. Here are some of my recommendations:
- Dubai Half-Day Desert Safari via Viator
- Dubai Skydive over The Palm via Tinggly
- Hot Air Balloon Ride via Viator
- Helicopter City Tour via Viator
#3 Transportation can be pricey
Getting around Dubai can be a bit pricey, especially if you rely on taxis or ride-hailing services. The metro is an affordable option; however, it doesn’t cover all parts of the city, so you might still need to ride a taxi or request an Uber/Careem in some cases. If you do use ride-hailing apps though, you need to compare prices whenever you request a car to see which company is offering a cheaper rate. There is no rule here; before my trip to Dubai, many locals told me Careem was cheaper, but in my experience, Uber was cheaper most of the time.
Another option worth considering would be renting a car, but this can also add up when you factor in parking fees, gas, and tolls. So, whether this is the right option for you really depends on your travel plans, priorities, and budget.
The best you can do to keep your costs down is to stay in an area that’s well-connected by public transport or a walking distance to the attractions you’re keen on visiting.
#4 You don’t need to splurge to have fun in Dubai
Did you know that your trip to Dubai can be on budget? Yes, it’s a pricey destination – I give you that. However, with some research, planning, and wise decisions, you can still have fun in Dubai without breaking the bank.
Make sure to check out my Dubai money-saving tips here.
#5 The dress code is more relaxed than you think
Many first-time visitors believe that Dubai’s dress code is strict given that it’s located in a conservative region and that it’s in an Islamic country. Unlike this common belief, the dress code there is more relaxed than you think – you just need to be a bit mindful.
You’ll see people dressed in everything from casual wear to beachwear, depending on the setting, of course. However, it’s important to dress modestly in certain places like mosques or religious sites, in general. It’s a good idea to carry around a light scarf – it’ll come in handy when you enter conservative areas or when riding public transport.
#6 Weekends in Dubai are different from the rest of the region
Weekends in the Middle East usually fall on Fridays and Saturdays; however, this changed in Dubai a couple of years ago. To better match its global community, the emirate has adopted western weekends instead – Saturdays and Sundays.
Knowing when the weekends are in the destination you’re traveling to can often affect plans, that’s why it’s important to know that piece of information even if it seems insignificant. For instance, I visited Dubai right after this new regulation was introduced. My birthday was on a Thursday at the time, and the weekend shift ruined any party plans for me.
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Where to Stay in Dubai
As I previously mentioned, it’s best if you stay in a neighborhood that’s well-connected to public transport and close to the sites and attractions you’re planning to visit. That being said, it’s important to have an understanding of the city map and to highlight which places you’ll be spending the most time while planning your trip to Dubai. So, here’s a breakdown of the most popular areas to help you get started:
- Downtown Dubai: Convenient for first-time visitors as it’s close to major attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain.
- Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR): These areas are a bit pricey; however they’re ideal for beach lovers and nightlife enthusiasts. If you’re looking for waterfront views and a vibrant social scene, you might consider staying there.
- Deira and Bur Dubai: Those areas are on the more affordable side, but they’re a bit far from commercial areas and attractions. They’re also where you can experience Old Dubai. So, if you’re seeking a culturally rich experience, so Deira and Bur Dubai are the closest thing to that. They offer markets (souks), a look into Dubai’s heritage, and some traditional vibes.
- Al Barsha: This one’s a more budget-friendly area, close to the Mall of the Emirates, with access to public transport. In my opinion, that’s the most convenient option.
- Palm Jumeirah: This man-made island is more for luxury travelers since it offers upscale resorts and stunning views.
Accommodation Options
The most popular accommodation choice among solo travelers is hostels; but unfortunately, hostels in Dubai aren’t that great, and only a handful. However, there are lots of other options ranging from mid-range hotels to serviced apartments and luxury hotels. Here are my recommendations for different budgets/travel styles:
Luxury Hotels
Upper Mid-Range Hotels
Mid-Range Hotels
Boutique Hotels
- XVA Art Hotel
- Zabeel House by Jumeirah – The Greens
- Al Seef Heritage Hotel
- Mazmi Casa
- 25hours Hotel One Central.
Serviced Apartments
The Best Time for a Trip to Dubai
The Gulf, in general, is known for its extremely hot climate. That’s why the best time to travel to Dubai is during the winter months – which pretty much feels like summer to people coming from other parts of the world! The summer heat is incredibly unbearable and I highly advise against going during that time. It’s best to travel during the cooler months which start in November through March.
During that time, temperatures are much more pleasant, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This makes it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities like going to the beach or going on a desert safari.
To avoid crowds and still enjoy good weather, and of course, to stay on a budget, you should aim for shoulder season. In Dubai’s case, that would be early November or late March.
To wrap it up…
Dubai is a city of contrasts – it offers a fusion of adventure and luxury, as well as a blend of modernity and tradition. By keeping the previously mentioned tips in mind and setting the right expectations, you’ll be able to enjoy your solo trip to Dubai with confidence and ease.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!
Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.
SafetyWing offers different travel insurance packages, tailored to your needs, but their Nomad Insurance is my favorite option.
This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.
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Booking a trip soon? Here are some useful travel resources:
- Book your flight with Skyscanner, Kiwi, CheapOair, or WayAway.
- Book your hostel with Hostelworld.
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Agoda.
- Get your travel insurance with SafetyWing.
- Hire a car with Skyscanner, Discover Cars, Rentalcars, or AutoEurope.
- Book your tours with Viator or Klook.
- Download an eSIM from Airalo or Jetpac.
- Check out my trip planning tools for more travel resources.
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You might also like:
- Day Trip to Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Emirate
- Taking a Solo Trip to Dubai: Top 4 Tips You Need to Know
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
