Dubai for First Time Visitors: A Step-by-Step Expert Guide

Habibi, are you travelling to Dubai for the first time? Dubai is the most welcoming destination in the world, but it can quickly become unapproachable if you don’t follow certain unspoken rules. To make your Dubai trip for first time visitors a blast, let’s talk about these hidden Dubai rules for tourists and everything in detail to make it a destination you always return to!

Dubai is a luxurious escape with a unique blend of modern architecture and natural adventures in the surrounding desert. Travelling to Dubai is easy, but we’re here to make it stress-free for you, right from the moment you decide to go from India to the end of your adventure with this informative Dubai travel guide 2025.

First Trip to Dubai: How to Travel?

Travelling by flight is your most efficient option, being the quickest mode of travel; however, you can also travel by sea. To start your trip planning begin by securing cheap flights from Dubai to India or by visiting Akbartravels.com. Follow these simple steps:

1. Enter your current location as your boarding spot and Dubai as your destination.
2. Mention your preferred travel dates and number of passengers.
3. Scroll through 100+ airline prices and select the best option for you.
4. Ensure you check if it’s a direct flight or has multiple layovers and prepare for the same.

Once you secure your flight tickets, travel to the Chennai International Airport to catch the flight. The Chennai to Dubai flight ticket price Air India starts at Rs.17,871, while the Chennai to Dubai Emirates prices begin at Rs.17,000 roughly. It is recommended to book one-way tickets for Dubai for first time visitors since they are mostly cheaper.

Want to know how to find the cheapest Chennai to Dubai ticket price to plan the best trip, as per the guide for first time travellers to Dubai from India? Read: The Guide to Booking Flights from Search to Purchase! 

Dubai Visa for Indians

Most Indian tourists need not worry too much about the Dubai Visa since they can access Dubai Visa on arrival if they have a residential permit or green card in any one of six countries, including Australia, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, and New Zealand. If you don’t, your first step, even before securing an affordable flight, is to apply for and receive your visa to enjoy Dubai tourism.

Indian travellers must choose between different types of Dubai visas, depending on their purpose of visit, including:

• Dubai Business Visa
• Dubai Work Visa
• Dubai Student Visa
• Tourist Visa: 14 Days Dubai Visa, 30 Days Dubai Visa, or 60 Days Dubai Visa.

Kids below 18 years old can apply for their Dubai visa on arrival for Indians for free when flying to Dubai with an adult. Getting your UAE Visa information or Dubai Visa through Akbar Travels is the most efficient way to go about it for first-time visitors. You’ll receive the visa online within 48 hours with 24/7 guidance! You can also learn how to check Dubai visa status online by passport. 

Visitors with an expired visa can also complete their Dubai Visa Renewal or Dubai Visa extension online. Ensure you secure cheap flights and lock in the best hotels in Dubai before applying for your Dubai eVisa since these documents are now mandatory for UAE visa application.

To know the most important aspect of a first time guide to Dubai, read: Local Transport in Dubai: How to Navigate the Emirate City. 

Top Attractions to Explore in Dubai

Once you’ve reached Dubai, what to do next? Dubai is a wonderland with luxurious restaurants, attractions, and much more that is bound to grab your attention. Here are some of the top sights in Dubai that are a must-see for all going to Dubai for first time visitors for a memorable experience unlike any other:

Burj Khalifa: The tallest skyscraper in the world, the Burj Khalifa is a marvel of luxury and brilliant engineering. The decks of this giant offer the most perfect views right up to the desert.

Miracle Garden: A flower-filled heaven in Dubai, the Miracle Garden is a unique marvel where structures of all kinds are always covered in blossoming flowers. From flower-covered aeroplanes and teddy bears to palaces and more.

Dubai Mall: Luxury shopaholics’ dream destination Dubai Mall is home to all the luxury brands you dream about. It also houses a ski rink, an Underwater Zoo & Aquarium, and VR Park space.

Ski Dubai: The perfect destination for ski lovers and families travelling with kids, the Dubai Ski Escape is a dream come true for people looking to chill this summer.

Dubai Frame: Admire the magnificent Dubai city through a golden frame that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a sci-fi world. It frames all the top landmarks of Dubai and is the perfect photography spot!

Dubai Gold Souks: Let your feet guide you to the brightest spot in Dubai, the shimmering Gold Souks, where at every turn are the most intricate jewellery sets you’ve ever seen. It’s generally much cheaper to get gold at the Gold Souks than in India.

You’ll make the most of your trip and avoid missing out on all the fun tourist attractions in Dubai by booking all-inclusive Dubai tour packages to explore the high-tech city.

Also read: Visit the Top Best Instagrammable Places in Dubai. 

Must-try Activities in Dubai

Besides being one of the most captivating luxury destinations in the world, Dubai is packed with thrilling adventure activities, so you never get bored. Some of the most enjoyable activities in Dubai for first time visitors are bungee jumping, shark diving, ziplining, snorkelling, quad biking, skydiving, and much more.

You can also enjoy unique activities like hot air ballooning over the desert, exploring the desert on an exciting safari, and enjoying a romantic dinner under the stars. Besides such regular events, Dubai also has Ramadan events you can attend if you visit during the fasting season. These are some of the best activities in Dubai for first time visitors.

Also read: Exciting Water Sports in Dubai that You Cannot Afford to Miss.

Safest Place to Stay in Dubai

If you’re visiting Dubai for the first time, Downtown Dubai is the safest place to book a hotel. Besides being in a safe area, you’ll also be staying within walking distance of every trendy attraction, allowing you to explore the city to your heart’s content despite the late hours.

Tourists looking for cheap accommodation can find multiple options at Bur Dubai, Al Barsha, and Deira. The best time to visit Dubai falls between November and March, so these locations are perfect for those looking to save.

Also read: Dubai Hotel Booking Hacks: Save Big on Last-Minute Stays! 

Dubai Dress Code & Etiquette

Even though Dubai is one of the most developed countries, there are still some dress code guidelines all tourists must maintain when in public for their safety. Since Dubai is an Islamic city, as per pro tips for Dubai for first time visitors, you must give preference to clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. However, if you’re visiting a beach, no need to worry about such rules! You can wear bikinis, shorts, etc, freely here. It’s also necessary to follow the etiquette when visiting such a posh destination. Some unspoken etiquette rules to follow as per the guide for first time travellers to Dubai for family include:

• Always ask strangers before taking their photo. You must also seek permission if you wish to share the image on social media.
• Avoid eating and drinking alcohol on the streets, especially during Ramadan.
• Avoid physical displays of affection in public and the use of obscene language.

Also read: Dubai Travel Tips: What you should know before you go

Emergency Numbers to Remember

Are you experiencing what Dubai for first time visitors is like on a solo trip? Here are some security numbers to save on your mobile to get in touch with the authorities as soon as possible if necessary.

• For Police help: 999
• Ambulance services call: 998
• Rescue assistance call: 995
• In case of fire: 997

Solo traveling to Dubai as a woman or simply? Always keep the emergency number of a reliable friend or family member available if you are unable to retrieve these numbers. You can also book the best international tour packages with a reliable agent for added safety.

So, have you been convinced to arrange your next exciting escape to Dubai for first time visitors? The Chennai to Dubai travel hours for a direct flight is below five, and those with many layovers can take you about 14+ hours. So, what are you waiting for? Need any more Dubai for first time visitors tips? Write to us in the comments below.

FAQs- Dubai for First Time Visitors

How to travel in Dubai as a tourist?
Tourists in Dubai can get around in a taxi or private car if they have the budget. However, the best way to save on public transport is to travel by metros, buses, and the tram.

First time in Dubai – where should I stay?
The safest location to book accommodation is in Downtown Dubai. However, it can be expensive to book a hotel here, so you can go for affordable locations like Al Barsha, Deira, and Bur Dubai.

How to go to Dubai for the first time?
The best way to get to Dubai is to hop on a cheap flight from India to save time and money. You’ll reach within 3 hours and 30 minutes from India.  

What to do in Dubai for the first time?
When travelling to Dubai for the first time, you must explore the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Miracle Gardens, the Gold Souks and visit the Dubai Frame.

Is 1 lakh enough for a Dubai trip?
Yes, one lakh is enough for a Dubai trip if you plan your schedule, accommodation, and flights well in advance.

Do and don’ts in Dubai?
Avoid public displays of affection, wear modest clothes, don’t use obscene language in public, and avoid drinking alcohol in public spaces. You should always ask for permission before taking a picture of anyone.

How to go to Dubai for the first time?
All you need to do is find the cheapest flight tickets to Dubai and plan an adventure by purchasing a tour package, so you don’t need to plan every step of the booking process by yourself. Akbartravels.com provides the best all-inclusive packages.

What to do in Dubai for the first time?
There’s much to do in Dubai, from desert safaris to skydiving and hot air ballooning. You should also explore the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall on your first time visit.

What are the 10 rules in Dubai?

• No drinking alcohol in public, especially when driving.
• Avoid wearing clothing that exposes your knees or shoulders.
• No eating, smoking, or drinking in public or on transport during Ramadan.
• Avoid PDA.
• Cross-dressing is prohibited.
• Visitors cannot book a hotel space with the opposite sex unless they are married.
• You must get consent when capturing pictures.
• Do not spit chewing gum or litter the streets.
• Use of obscene language and inappropriate gestures must be avoided.
• Avoid making conversation about controversial topics.

How much money required to enter Dubai?
You must have 3,000 Dirhams in savings, which is Rs.69,843, to enter Dubai for a vacation.

Can Indians visit Dubai without a visa?
Yes, Indians having a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa can get a Dubai visa on arrival and don’t need to apply for one in advance.

What is the easiest way to travel to Dubai?
Taking a flight is the easiest way to travel to Dubai

How many days in Dubai is enough?
A minimum of five days in Dubai is enough for a fun trip.

What is illegal in Dubai for tourists? 
Drinking alcohol in a public space or PDA is illegal in Dubai for tourists.

If you like this, you’ll also love:

• A Staycation in Dubai: Best Budget Hotels vs Top Luxury Hotels
• 2-Year Dubai Work Visa Update: Who is Eligible & How to Access?
• The Best Things to See and Do in Dubai with Kids

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