29.10.2026
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What you need to know before travelling to Dubai? The city impresses with its ultra-modern architecture, luxurious beaches, grand shopping centres, and the atmosphere of an eastern fairy tale. Ancient traditions and futuristic innovations exist side by side, whilst the well-developed infrastructure makes holidaying comfortable and safe.
What should you bear in mind? To ensure your trip goes without any unpleasant surprises, it is important to familiarise yourself in advance with the key nuances of staying in the UAE, from entry rules to local customs.
To make your holiday in the UAE a success, you need to think everything through before travelling to Dubai or any other emirate. Here is what you need to know:
Tours to Dubai cost more than to other emirates. A more budget-friendly option, such as Sharjah, may be more suitable.
If the main purpose of the trip is a beach holiday, Sharjah can be an excellent choice. There, for the same price as a 3-star hotel in a remote area of Dubai, you can find a comfortable 4-star hotel within walking distance of the sea.
It is important to bear in mind that Sharjah has a complete ban on alcohol. It cannot be purchased either in shops or in food-service establishments. If you have alcohol brought from elsewhere, it may only be consumed in your hotel room.
In addition, you can get from Sharjah to Dubai by public transport. Many hotels provide their guests with a free shuttle to the Dubai Mall shopping centre, which allows you to save on transport costs.
The emirate of Fujairah is currently becoming increasingly popular among tourists. Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, it is renowned for its lush greenery.
Nevertheless, if the primary goal of the trip is to explore Dubai's attractions as efficiently as possible, choosing a hotel in the emirate of Dubai itself will be the optimal solution. This will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenditure of time and money on travel. Fujairah is wonderful, but for a short visit it is better to organise a day trip or a two-day excursion with an overnight stay.
The choice of a suitable neighbourhood to stay in Dubai depends on personal preferences. For those who enjoy beach holidays, it is recommended to choose a hotel in close proximity to the coast. Of course, many hotels offer a shuttle to the beach, but you need to agree on the departure time and book in advance. Furthermore, the hotel beach may be subject to a charge.
The Dubai Marina district is an optimal place to stay, as it combines proximity to the beach with a splendid waterfront promenade for evening strolls.
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For those who enjoy shopping and nightlife, a hotel near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper would be suitable. From there, Dubai's most famous beach, La Mer, is just a stone's throw away.
In general, Dubai offers a wide choice of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget.
It is important to know that before travelling to Dubai in 2026, you should stock up on dollars or euros, which can then be exchanged for dirhams. Russian bank cards of the Visa, Mastercard, and Mir systems are not accepted as payment in the UAE.
The only option is to obtain a UnionPay card. This can be done at a number of Russian banks, such as Gazprombank, Rosselkhozbank, Pochta Bank, and others. Obtaining the card is subject to a fee and takes 1–2 days.
Currency exchange points are located at the airport, on beaches, in large shopping centres, and sometimes at or near hotels. A passport is usually required to purchase dirhams.
The prices of meals in Dubai vary depending on the establishment. On average, a cappuccino at Starbucks will cost 20 dirhams (approximately 400 roubles), whilst at other cafés it ranges from 15 to 30 dirhams (300–600 roubles).
A single scoop of ice cream in tourist areas costs 25 dirhams (500 roubles). More affordable options can be found in supermarkets.
At food courts offering fast food, a meat dish with a side costs 50–70 dirhams (1,000–1,400 roubles).
A meal at a restaurant can cost considerably more. For example, at Novikov, located in the Burj Khalifa, salmon costs 125 dirhams (2,500 roubles), pasta — 100–200 dirhams (2,000–4,000 roubles). Prices for salads start at 50 dirhams (1,000 roubles), and a pot of tea costs 35 dirhams (700 roubles).
Grocery stores, where you can purchase both familiar goods and exotic delicacies, are literally on every corner. For example, sausage will cost 20–25 dirhams (400–500 roubles), bananas — 2 dirhams per piece (40 roubles), and chocolate bars cost 3–4 dirhams (60–80 roubles). In large supermarkets located away from tourist areas, prices can be even lower.
Popular taxi services such as Uber and Yandex Taxi are available in Dubai. However, there is also a more affordable option — the local service Careem. A taxi can be ordered via mobile applications.
You can also hail a car in the street, especially in the busy areas of the city. It is better to agree on the fare in advance, or you can pay by the meter after completing the journey. The difference will be negligible.
A ticket for the Dubai Metro can be purchased at a ticket office or a machine. The price depends on the number of zones travelled through and the carriage class: silver, gold, or women's. The cheapest option costs 6 dirhams (approximately 120 roubles). The gold carriage is less crowded and more pleasant to travel in, but costs 2–3 dirhams more.
To purchase a ticket at a machine, you need to select the English language and enter the name of the station. On exiting the metro, you need to tap the ticket at the turnstile.
Among other things you need to know before travelling to Dubai is that it is better to decide on your excursions in advance. For example, a city sightseeing tour will allow you to get acquainted with the main attractions. A visit to the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, including the ascent, costs 159 dirhams (3,200 roubles); a walk on the glass floor of the Dubai Frame costs 50 dirhams (1,000 roubles).
For thrill-seekers, there is a safari tour to the Rub' al Khali desert. Dune bashing in jeeps, photo sessions, sandboarding, buggy riding and camel riding, as well as dinner and a show — all of this is included in the price of the tour.
During winter, the daytime temperature in Dubai ranges between 25 and 28 degrees, which allows you to spend time outdoors comfortably. Swimming is certainly possible, though the sea is cool. In the mornings and evenings the temperature is lower, so it is recommended to bring jumpers or light jackets with you.
From the end of February onwards, the peak tourist season begins in Dubai, which is reflected in the cost of tours. In March, the average daytime temperature is 29–31 degrees, whilst the night-time temperature is 18–20 degrees. In April it is even warmer.
The UAE is a country with a Muslim culture, so one should show respect for local traditions; however, there are no strict restrictions on clothing. A respectful style of dress is sufficient: avoid sheer fabrics, deep necklines, and exposed shoulders and knees.
After booking your tickets:
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A few weeks before the trip:
A week before the trip:
Just before the trip:
Upon arrival in Dubai:
There are direct flights from Russia to Dubai. Departures are operated from many cities, such as Moscow, St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Mineralnye Vody, Novosibirsk, and Sochi.
Do not be under the illusion that you tried it for next to nothing in Russia. In Dubai, a 200-gram bar will cost a minimum of 30 dirhams, which is approximately 900 roubles.
Every shopping centre, shop, hotel, and beach has free Wi-Fi. In addition, every tourist receives a complimentary SIM card upon arrival at the airport (valid for 24 hours), with the option to top it up.
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There are many authentic and valuable goods in the UAE that will serve as a wonderful reminder of your trip. Here are a few ideas:
Dubai is a city that will satisfy every type of traveller. Those seeking a relaxing holiday will find pristine beaches with crystal-clear water and first-class service. Lovers of modern architecture will be delighted by Dubai's skyscrapers and museums, whilst families with children will appreciate the numerous amusement parks. Dubai is a place for unforgettable shopping and immersion in eastern culture.
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