Updated 2025-01-15 • The Honest Insider Guide

About Dubai

No marketing fluff. Just honest, up-to-date information from people who actually know the city.

LIVE DATA

Dubai Live Pulse

Real-time information about Dubai right now.

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Dubai Time (GMT+4)

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🌅 6:00 AM
🌇 6:00 PM

Phase

☀️day

Timezone

GMT+4

Your Distance to Dubai

🎮 INTERACTIVE

Dubai: Fact or Myth?

Test your Dubai knowledge with 10 questions. Can you separate the facts from the myths?

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Question

1 of 10

Dress Code
🤔

"Women must be fully covered from head to toe in public."

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📏 VISUALIZED

The Scale of Dubai

"828 meters tall" means nothing until you compare it.

Scale of Dubai

How big is it really?

🏙️

Burj Khalifa

828 meters tall — the world's tallest building since 2010

Comparison2.5× Eiffel Tower
2.5×
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💡 Did you know?

The elevators travel at 10m/s — one of the fastest in the world!

🏎️

Police Fleet

Bugatti Veyron

⛷️

Ski Dubai

-4°C Indoor

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Burj Al Arab

7-Star Hotel

🗺️ NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Where Should You Stay in Dubai?

Choose your travel persona to find the perfect Dubai neighborhood — with our handpicked hotels and activities.

📊 ESSENTIAL INFO

Dubai at a Glance

Everything you need to know before you go

💵

Currency

AED

1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED

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Language

EN + AR

English widely spoken

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Time Zone

GMT+4

No daylight saving

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Weekend

Sat-Sun

Changed in 2022

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Best Time

Nov-Mar

20-30°C perfect

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Visa

On Arrival

Free for 70+ countries

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Safety

Top 5

Globally ranked

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Population

3.6M

85% are expats

❓ HONEST ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions tourists actually ask — with honest answers

Safety

Is Dubai safe for solo travelers?

Dubai is consistently ranked in the top 5 safest cities in the world. You can walk safely at 3 AM in almost any neighborhood. Crime rates are extremely low, and the police presence is strong. Lost wallet? There's a high chance someone will turn it in.
Safety

Is Dubai safe for female solo travelers?

Yes, Dubai is one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers. Women can move freely, use public transport, and explore the city without issues. Normal precautions apply as in any major city, but harassment is rare and severely punished.
Laws

Can I take photos anywhere in Dubai?

You can freely photograph landmarks, malls, and tourist areas. However, avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and local Emirati women without permission. Always ask before photographing people.
Laws

Is public display of affection (PDA) allowed?

Holding hands is fine. However, kissing, hugging intimately, or other excessive PDA in public can result in a warning or fine. Keep it modest in public spaces, especially during Ramadan.
Laws

Are VPNs legal in Dubai?

Yes, VPNs are legal for personal use. It's only illegal if used for criminal activities or accessing prohibited content. Many expats and tourists use VPNs for video calls and streaming services.
Alcohol

Is alcohol available in Dubai?

Yes! Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants throughout Dubai. Since 2020, tourists can purchase alcohol from stores like MMI or African+Eastern by showing their passport. No special license required.

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