Dubai is an easy city for a first-time traveller, provided you know a few simple rules in advance. The information in this article comes from the official guides of Dubai Tourism (Visit Dubai) and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), checked on 24 October 2026 through the search index.
Before the trip
- Visa: if your nationality has no visa-free entry, get the tourist visa before the trip. The guide "The Dubai tourist visa" explains the steps.
- Passport: at least six months' validity.
- Health insurance valid in the UAE; it is a condition of the tourist visa.
Money
- The UAE's currency is the dirham (AED).
- Most businesses accept cards, but Visit Dubai recommends carrying some cash.
- Taxis take only dirhams; US dollars are not accepted.
The metro and the nol card
- The metro needs a "nol" electronic card. You buy it at metro stations, supermarkets and convenience stores.
- Tourists can get a "nol Red ticket", which according to Visit Dubai is valid for 90 days after purchase.
- A minimum card balance is needed to ride the metro.
- Tap the card on both entry and exit; Visit Dubai notes that forgetting to do so carries a fine.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed in metro cabins.
- If you can, avoid the morning and evening rush hours.
Dress
- According to Visit Dubai, dress is generally flexible, but swimwear is for the beach and the pool and is not suitable in business districts and shopping malls.
- More conservative dress is recommended at historical and cultural sites.
General rules
- According to Visit Dubai, alcoholic drinks are allowed only for non-Muslim adults aged 21 and over, and only in licensed hotels and venues.
- The RTA treats carrying alcoholic drinks in public transport vehicles and premises as a violation.
- Rules and fines may change; see the RTA's official website before the trip.
During the trip
- Know your visa's expiry date; according to the ICP, overstaying carries a fine of AED 50 per day.
- Keep copies and scans of your passport and visa.
This article is general information. Confirm the official rules from official sources before the trip.
Sources
- Visit Dubai, currency guide — https://www.visitdubai.com/en/plan-your-trip/currency (via the search index; checked on 24 October 2026)
- Visit Dubai, guide to the Dubai Metro — https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/guide-to-dubai-metro (via the search index; checked on 24 October 2026)
- Visit Dubai, an essential guide to Dubai — https://www.visitdubai.com/en/dubai-map/essential-guide (via the search index; checked on 24 October 2026)
- RTA Dubai, about nol cards — https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/About-Nol-Card/ (via the search index; checked on 24 October 2026)
- ICP UAE, issuance of a visa (overstay fine) — https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e60 (checked on 24 October 2026)