Sand and dust storms can be problematic during the drier months^59
(October to May). That said, the UAE and Oman are considered two
of the safest countries from natural disasters.
Do’s and Dont’s
Do
Do dress sensibly and respectfully. Women are advised to wear loose-
fitting clothes and skirts that drop to the knee. Men should wear
jeans or trousers, and tops with long sleeves. You will see foreigners
wearing tight, revealing clothes, and while it’s rarely punished, it does
alienate Emiratis.
Do take taxis directly from hotels to nightclubs. Drinking and being
intoxicated in public is an offence that can get you fined or land you
in jail. Be careful of how you act: it only takes one local person to
report you for being overtly drunk to get you in a lot of trouble.
Do take your shoes off if visiting someone’s home. If you enter
someone’s home, leave your shoes at the door and avoid showing the
soles of your feet. Similarly, avoid eating with your left hand.
Do be aware of opening and closing times. The weekend in Dubai is
Friday and Saturday, and Friday is the equivalent of Sunday in the
West. Many shops and entertainment venues will close for at least
part of the day; remember to check times in advance.
Do drink tap water. It’s free and safe! Many luxury hotels import
bottles of European water at a significant cost financially and
environmentally; remember to ask for local bottled water if you’d
rather avoid tap water.
Do be careful when crossing roads. Speeding is common; jaywalking
and crossing roads without a pedestrian crossing area can result in
you being knocked down. Always be extra careful when crossing, and
always do so at a designated location.
Do be respectful of Emirati women. Only shake hands with a woman
if she offers her hand first, and do not take photographs without her
permission.
Don’t
Don’t wear swimwear away from the pool or beach. Swimwear is
perfectly acceptable to wear when lounging by the pool or on the
beach, but away from these areas, it’s disrespectful and could get you
in trouble.