10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE VISITING DUBAI

Dubai's culture can be very distinct. What should your attire be? Should you give waiters a tip? Can you drink alcoholic beverages? Here are ten tips for having a safe and enjoyable trip to Dubai.

1. Between October and April is the best time to visit.

There are only two seasons in Dubai: hot and hotter. The winter season, which lasts from October to April, brings clear skies and ideal beach weather to the city. It is also rainy season, but rain showers usually do not last long, so don't let this factor influence your travel dates.

2. Take a look at flights six months in advance.

The cheapest seats on international airlines are usually released about six months before departure dates. This doesn't mean you have to buy your tickets that far in advance, but you should start looking and comparing prices. Purchase your tickets at least one month in advance.

3. Reserve your hotel months in advance.

You should book a good place to stay, like one of these IHG hotels in Dubai, before you travel because Dubai is quickly becoming a sought-after vacation destination and because October through April is the busiest travel season. Make your hotel reservation in Dubai at least two to three months in advance to enable you to do so.

4. Respect Ramadan

Respect the Muslims and their fasting practice if you visit during Ramadan, the ninth month of the 12-month Islamic calendar. This means that you are not permitted to eat, drink, or smoke in public in their presence between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

5. Dress conservatively.

Think conservative over revealing and flashy when packing your vacation wardrobe. Women's clothing is considered impolite if it is too short, too tight, or too transparent, whereas men should never go out without a shirt on. To avoid unwanted attention and to respect Muslim culture, dress modestly.

6. Before taking photographs, seek permission.

Unless you're taking a scenic shot in a popular tourist destination, never take a picture of or with a stranger without their permission. However, never photograph a Muslim woman without her permission, and avoid photographing government buildings, airports, military installations, and so on.

7. Should you give a tip?

Tipping is not expected in Dubai, but it is common. Most restaurants will automatically add a gratuity to your bill. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, but luggage carriers and supermarket baggers are typically compensated with a small tip.

8. Don't simply give your taxi driver your address.

Taxis are a great way to get around the city; there are plenty of them and they are a reasonably priced mode of transportation. However, don't assume that your taxi driver is familiar with every street and restaurant in Dubai. They don't always know the city as well as you think they should, so give them references to major city landmarks, as they should be familiar with these.

9. Be cautious where you drink alcohol.

Although alcohol is legal in Dubai, it is not permitted to be consumed in public, as public drunkenness and drinking and driving are both prohibited. You also can't buy alcohol for personal use unless you have a permit, and you have to buy it from a licensed establishment. It's fine to buy drinks at a bar or restaurant; just don't leave drunk.

10. PDA should be avoided.

In the UAE, public displays of affection are considered highly offensive. Many visitors to Dubai have been detained and imprisoned for showing PDA. To be safe, avoid holding hands or kissing your partner in public.

Despite some of the strict laws, you should not pass up the opportunity to visit Dubai. It's a one-of-a-kind destination that you should see by yourself, with your significant other, or with your entire family.