• The minimum age for the consumption of alcohol in Dubai is 21 years. Even when visiting a bar, you have identification and age proof with you.
• Consuming/buying alcohol without having a valid liquor license is considered to be an offense.
• Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in Dubai and is punishable under law.
• You are not allowed to carry alcohol to the beaches until the beach is a private one and owned by a hotel that has a proper liquor license.
Dubai’s crime rate is relatively low and it is considered a safe city. However, like many other cities, pick-pocketing and other petty crimes are commonplace in Dubai. Be cautious of your surrounding and avoid places that may seem unsafe or suspicious.
Though tipping is not mandatory in Dubai, it is always expected. Dh 10-20 is the ideal tipping amount to porters, waiters, or bellboys. 10% of the total bill amount should be given as a tip in restaurants and cafes.
A good mobile network operates in Dubai with several international players operating their networks. The 2 main GSM mobile service providers here are Du and Etisalat. Tourists can easily purchase pre-paid SIM cards on any of these networks to call both locally and internationally.
If it makes you feel better to exchange to Dubai currency before traveling to the UAE there are many places, especially banks or your departure airport where this should be possible. The UAE dirham is not the most common currency but should be available at any large airport.