Traveling to Dubai is an exciting adventure and a memorable experience. This thriving desert metropolis sets the standard for architecture and quality of life. Anyone traveling to Dubai from Germany for the first time is bound to have some questions. We’d like to answer those questions in the following guide.
Trips to Dubai – Why Choose a Vacation in Dubai?
There are many reasons why a vacation in Dubai is worth it. Vacationers will get a break from their daily routines and take home many new experiences and lasting memories.
- Dubai Package Tours: The numerous all-inclusive deals make it possible to enjoy a carefree vacation away from everyday life. These affordable all-inclusive packages also include the flight to Dubai.
- Beach Vacation: Dubai has a coastline about 70 kilometers long. The hotels feature well-maintained and relatively uncrowded sandy beaches. Jumeirah Beach is the most popular public beach in the city.
- Shopping: Dubai is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. In Dubai City, the shopping experience is taken quite literally. As the world’s largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall also offers a wide range of recreational activities.
- Fun for Families: Families can book affordable package tours to Dubai. A wide variety of attractions, such as museums, amusement parks, and water parks, await young guests there. Most hotels offer a kids’ club.
- Activities for active travelers: You’re guaranteed never to get bored on a vacation in Dubai. In addition to a wide variety of water sports, the itinerary also includes desert safaris. A skydive over Palm Island offers pure thrills.
- Local Attractions: Dubai offers a wide variety of attractions. The spectacular view from the Burj Khalifa, a visit to Wild Wadi Waterpark, or a ride on a traditional boat across Dubai Creek are just a few of the many options available.
Your First Trip to Dubai: Important Tips
Traveling to Dubai means exploring a distant land and an unfamiliar culture. To help German travelers find their way around this desert metropolis right away and make sure they plan their trip correctly, we’ve put together some helpful tips.
Visa
Vacationers do not need to apply for a visa to travel to Dubai. Travelers from Germany can stay in the United Arab Emirates for up to 90 days without a visa. This period can be spread out over a 180-day span. The tourist visa is free of charge. Travelers receive a stamp in their passport upon arrival. A passport valid for at least six more months, with one blank page available for the visa stamp, is required for entry into Dubai.
Customs
The following are the maximum quantities that may be imported into the United Arab Emirates:
- 2 liters of spirits
- 000 cigarettes
- 2 kg of smoking tobacco
When leaving the country, goods valued at up to 430 euros may be imported into Germany duty-free. You may also bring back 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of smoking tobacco from your vacation in Dubai.
Vaccinations
There are no specific vaccination requirements for travel to Dubai. It is recommended that you check your vaccination status and, if necessary, update your vaccinations against measles, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, or diphtheria. For certain types of travel and close contact with locals, vaccinations against typhoid, rabies, or hepatitis B may be advisable. In general, you should review the latest travel advisories and recommendations from the U.S. Department of State before traveling.
Currency
In the United Arab Emirates, the UAE dirham is the official currency. Its abbreviation is AED. One euro is worth approximately four dirhams. You can easily withdraw money from ATMs at major banks in Dubai.
Tips
Tipping is appreciated in Dubai. When taking a taxi, it is customary to round up the fare. In restaurants, as well, it is common practice to leave a tip of a few dirhams.
The Best Time to Visit Dubai
Dubai’s climate differs greatly from that of Germany. This should be taken into account when planning a trip. Dubai has only two seasons: a hot summer and a mild winter.
Anyone planning to travel to Dubai during the summer months should be prepared for a hot and humid climate. There is no rainfall, but humidity is particularly high, especially near the coast. Temperatures can exceed 40 degrees. Water temperatures in the Persian Gulf reach more than 30 degrees. June through August is the off-season in Dubai. There are fewer tourists around. Indoor activities are preferable during the day. Hotels counter the threat of vacant rooms by offering lower room rates.
The peak travel season for Dubai is from November through April. The Arab winter brings pleasant, summer-like temperatures. Daytime temperatures reach around 25 degrees. The sea is over 20 degrees. In addition to beach vacations, desert tours are also a great option in the winter.
Traveling to Dubai: What to Pack
Since Dubai enjoys mild temperatures year-round, summer clothing is the best choice. Choose dresses, shirts, or pants made of linen or cotton to stay cooler. Natural fabrics wick moisture away from the body, keeping you cool.
To protect against the sun’s rays, don’t forget to wear head coverings. Hats, caps, or lightweight beanies for children block UV rays. Before sunbathing, apply sunscreen to your skin. Be sure to choose a product with the highest possible sun protection factor (SPF 50). When traveling to Dubai, don’t forget to bring a travel adapter. Although the voltage is the same as in Germany—220 to 240 volts—the electrical outlets are different. In Dubai, the British Type G plug is used.
All-Inclusive Package Tours to Dubai: Here Are the Benefits
When booking a trip to Dubai, a package vacation is a good choice. Booking an all-inclusive vacation means less stress and a high level of relaxation at every stage of your trip to the United Arab Emirates.
- Planning and Organization: Package tours offer a comprehensive package of services, amenities, and comfort. This saves vacationers a lot of effort. Most package deals also include the flight. Furthermore, there’s no need to spend time researching and coordinating transfers, accommodations, and potential local excursions individually.
- Cost Considerations: Package tours to Dubai are ultimately affordable, since flights, lodging, transfers, and excursions can all be booked at a fixed price. This gives travelers better control over their budget and helps them avoid unexpected costs once they arrive.
- Legal Protection: If problems arise during a package tour, the EU Package Travel Directive applies. In the event of flight delays or other issues, travelers are entitled to compensation.
- Insolvency Protection: The money invested is protected by statutory insolvency protection for the tour operator. In the event of insolvency, travelers will get their money back.
- Communication: When problems arise, communication abroad often becomes a hurdle for German tourists. Those who book a package tour have a contact person they can turn to with questions or problems throughout their entire trip.
Vacation in Dubai City – Always Right in the Heart of It All
A trip to Dubai takes you to one of the most fascinating cities in the world. In the middle of the desert, a metropolis has emerged that embodies modern life and luxury like no other. From the world’s tallest building and the world’s largest shopping mall to desert tours as a change of pace, Dubai leaves nothing to be desired. Active travelers will find plenty to enjoy, as will families with children.
In Dubai, luxury is a way of life, and tourists can experience it firsthand. Staying at a comfortable hotel provides the foundation for a varied and unforgettable trip. The view from the Burj Khalifa, a stroll through the Dubai Mall, a boat ride on Dubai Creek, or a walk through the traditional markets will remain unforgettable.
Hotel Recommendations:
Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel
In the Al Jaddaf neighborhood, historic and modern Dubai come together. The hotel is an ideal base for a varied city getaway. The Dubai Frame and Dubai Festival City are located in the immediate vicinity. The rooms at this design hotel are spacious and offer views of the hotel’s pool area and the Dubai skyline.
- Room: 318
- Category: 5 Stars
- Prices: starting at 150 euros per person
Arabian Park Hotel
The Arabian Park Hotel is conveniently located. A stay at this 3-star hotel is especially recommended for younger couples and families. The rooms feature modern furnishings. In addition to standard rooms, connecting rooms are also available for family vacations. Some rooms have a balcony. The outdoor pool features a sun deck, and refreshing drinks are served at the pool bar.
- Rooms: 328
- Category: 3 stars
- Prices: starting at 60 euros per person
Al Bandar Rotana
This 5-star hotel is centrally located right on Dubai Creek. As a modern city hotel, the Al Bandar Rotana offers comfortable amenities. The rooms are spread across 18 floors and feature air conditioning and modern furnishings. Free Wi-Fi, a minibar, a bathroom, and an in-room safe are standard amenities.
- Rooms: 280
- Category: 5 Stars
- Prices: starting at 70 euros per person
Vacation on the Palm Island – Staying Overnight on Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is one of the best places to spend an unforgettable vacation in Dubai. This location is one of a kind in the world. Palm Jumeirah was created in 2007 and is considered the largest man-made island in the world. From the air, it looks just like the island of a giant palm tree. The individual palm fronds branch off from the four-kilometer-long palm trunk. The palm crown floats freely in the sea. Palm Jumeirah redefines the beach vacation. Numerous luxurious hotels with their own private beach sections invite you to linger.
Hotel Recommendations:
Aloft Palm Jumeirah
This stylish hotel is located right on Palm Island and features a well-maintained private beach. Families with children can enjoy a relaxing and entertaining vacation here. The rooms offer a fantastic panoramic view. The hotel features an outdoor pool with a sun deck and a pool bar. The hotel’s beach is about 300 meters from the property and is equipped with lounge chairs and umbrellas.
- Rooms: 194
- Category: 4 stars
- Prices: starting at 103 euros per person
Dukes The Palm Dubai
The Dukes The Palm Dubai is located at the base of The Palm. The hotel’s beach is just a few steps away from the property. The rooms offer spectacular views of the Dubai city skyline. The accommodations are exquisitely furnished, ranging from standard double rooms to superior suites that are well-suited for family vacations. Dubai Marina and the Mall of the Emirates are just a ten-minute drive from the hotel. Allow about 45 minutes for the drive to Dubai International Airport. The hotel’s British charm is evident in its restaurants. Guests looking for an active getaway will find a fully equipped fitness center. Younger guests are well taken care of at the Dukesy Kids Club.
- Room: 506
- Category: 5 Stars
- Prices: starting at 142 euros per person
Book a Trip to Dubai – The Best Attractions
If you’re booking a trip to Dubai, you shouldn’t miss out on some of the city’s best attractions.
- Burj Khalifa: As the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa sets the standard. A visit here should be on every traveler’s itinerary. The building features several observation decks.
- Dubai Fountain: At the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain begins its show every day at 6 p.m. No visitor should miss this spectacular display of light and music. The show is particularly impressive when viewed from the terraces of the Burj Khalifa. The water jets are propelled up to 140 meters into the air. The show draws large crowds after sunset.
- Etihad Museum: Over the past few decades, Dubai has made a name for itself with its breathtaking architecture and countless attractions. But the history of this former fishing village goes back much further. At the Etihad Museum, numerous interesting exhibits and interactive presentations invite visitors to embark on a fascinating journey through the emirate’s history.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure: At the world’s largest indoor amusement park, a wide variety of rides offer thrills. Visitors will also get to meet the heroes from the Marvel series.
- Al-Fahidi: Anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Dubai can step back in time in the Al-Fahidi district. The buildings were constructed around 1890 and have been lovingly restored. Through demonstrations by artisans, visitors can get a sense of what life was like in the United Arab Emirates in days gone by.
Dubai: A Shopper’s Paradise
Last but not least, Dubai is widely known as a shopping paradise. A shopping trip here leaves nothing to be desired. The shopping malls also feature restaurants and numerous attractions for all ages.
Dubai Mall: The Dubai Mall is home to more than 1,300 stores. The complex is much more than just a shopping center. Visitors can enjoy over 120 restaurants at the Dubai Mall. Tourists can explore the world’s largest gold souk and stroll through 220 stores. In the summer, people like to retreat to the multiplex movie theater with its 22 screens. A visit to the artificial ice rink also offers a chance to cool off.
Mall of the Emirates: Visitors can shop for designer fashion at more than 600 stores here. The complex’s main attraction is its indoor ski park, the only one of its kind in the Middle East.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah: This mall was modeled after the traditional souks found throughout the Arab world. It offers souvenirs, household goods, and fabrics. Stopping by the bars and cafés adds a relaxing touch to the shopping experience.
Boxpark: A different kind of shopping experience. This shopping center is housed in old shipping containers and is a hotspot for a young and trendy crowd.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.com – jag_cz (Jakub Gojda)
