More About Dubai
Once a small fishing village in the Arabian Gulf, Dubai shares the spotlight with some of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, the city is home to more than 200 nationalities and offers an unforgettable experience to all visitors. Whether it is by the banks of the Creek, or at the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, Dubai lives and breathes a sense of possibility and innovation. And with an unparalleled coastline, beautiful desert and magnificent cityscapes, memories are just waiting to be made here.

Currency

Dubai's currency is the dirham, abbreviated as AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham). Since 1997, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar, resulting in a fixed exchange rate of AED 3.67 per US dollar.

As per the UAE government's website, foreign currency of nearly any denomination can be exchanged within the country. Travelers have multiple options for currency exchange including:

Hotels
Licensed money exchange centers found at airports, malls, and public markets.
Branches and ATMs of foreign banks available at various locations.

Exchanging currency is not necessary, it is optional. The US dollar, Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are widely accepted in the UAE. Some large hotels and restaurants may also accept American Express and Discover.

Tipping

A small gratuity to your guides and drivers will be greatly appreciated by them. The recommended amount is $4 per person for each of the local guides and $3 per person per day for your driver. It is also customary to tip your Tour Director, for whom $8 per person per day is suggested. Gratuities are an individual expression of thanks and should be based on the level of service provided.

Dos

Check your prescriptions. Drugs are absolutely illegal in Dubai and the government has a zero tolerance policy towards those found in possession. It is important to know that this policy also extends to a number of prescription medicines, such as those containing the painkiller codeine. Make sure you do some research before you travel to ensure you don't accidentally smuggle in something illegal.

Avoid PDAs. Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Dubai. Hand holding is only viewed as acceptable for married couples. To be on the safe side, it's best to wait until you're back in your hotel room before engaging in any displays of affection.

Adhere to the dress guidelines outlined in the What To Wear section of this site.

Be respectful. Islam is a religion founded on respect and if you act in a respectful and humble way, you will find that people will greet you with a smile and offer you their warmest hospitality.

Dont's

There are strict affection laws in Dubai. Public displays of affection are considered to be offensive. Don't be overly affectionate in public with your romantic partner. Hand holding is okay, but anything further than that is frowned upon.

Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. It is unacceptable and punishable to drink in public places—even beaches. Dubai is incredibly strict about public drunkenness and has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.

Be drunk in public. Alcohol consumption is illegal for the Muslim-majority population of Dubai. Non-Muslims are able to purchase alcohol in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. But be careful not to have too many, as it is illegal to act disorderly in public.

Take photos of people without their explicit permission. It is considered rude to snap a photo of anyone without asking them first – this particularly applies to taking photos of local women.

Swear. Cussing and foul language are considered an offense and a number of foreigners have got themselves in trouble by making vulgar comments in the presence of an undercover police office.

Insult Islam. This is probably the worst thing you can do in an Islamic country. Regardless of your personal opinion on Islam, do not say anything out loud that might be deemed as disrespectful. Blasphemy carries serious punishments so if you have any strong opinions on Islam, keep them to yourself.

Use your left hand. This might seem like an odd rule but in Muslim culture the left hand is used for body hygiene and is therefore considered unclean. You should never shake hands or greet anyone with your left hand.