First time in Dubai is kinda insane, honestly. I’m sitting here in my living room in Ohio right now, feet up on the coffee table, leftover pizza box from last night still on the floor, and I’m just thinking back to how unprepared I actually was. Like, I thought I’d done my research, but nah. Landed in that heat and immediately regretted every life choice. Anyway, if you’re planning your first time in Dubai, here’s the checklist I threw together after the fact – basically everything I messed up so you (hopefully) don’t have to.
Why I’m Even Writing This First Time in Dubai Mess
I’m not some fancy travel blogger with perfect photos. I’m just a regular guy who saved forever for that trip and still managed to look like a total rookie the whole time. Packed way too much stuff, wore the wrong shoes, almost melted in the sun – you name it. This first time in Dubai checklist is literally me trying to save you from the same dumb stuff while I procrastinate doing laundry.
The Prep Stuff I Wish Someone Yelled at Me For My First Time in Dubai
Let’s start with the boring but important bits.
- Visa: As an American, I got stamped in for free on arrival. Took like two minutes. But I spent weeks stressing over outdated Reddit threads. Just check the official UAE site and chill.
- When to Go: February was perfect for me – mid-70s, sunny, no sweating through my shirt in five seconds. Avoid summer unless you enjoy living in an oven.
- Flight Survival: DXB is huge and confusing. I wandered around like a lost puppy for an hour trying to find baggage claim. Download the airport app beforehand.
Packing for First Time in Dubai (aka What Not to Do)
I way overpacked. Thought I needed “nice” outfits for everywhere. Wrong.
Dress Code Stuff I Learned the Hard Way
Dubai’s pretty relaxed for tourists, but there’s limits. I got a dirty look wearing shorts in a mall once – felt like my mom scolding me. Shoulders and knees covered in more conservative spots like mosques or souks. Hotels and beaches? Wear whatever. I brought a lightweight scarf for my wife and it came in clutch.
- Breathable clothes only. Linen, cotton, whatever doesn’t stick to you.
- Good walking shoes – malls are massive.
- Sunscreen. Like, the strong stuff. I burned in like 20 minutes day one.
- Plug adapter (they use those British ones).
Biggest regret: Packing jeans. Wore them once and nearly passed out.
Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind on Your First Time in Dubai
Place is spread out. You’re not walking from downtown to the beach.
Transport That Actually Worked for Me
- Metro: Super clean, cheap, AC blasting. Get the Nol card right when you land.
- Careem app: Basically Uber but better there. Saved me so many times.
- Taxis: Fine, but Careem’s easier and no haggling.
I tried driving once. Never again. Traffic gave me anxiety for days.
The Stuff Worth Doing (and What I’d Skip Next Time)
- Burj Khalifa: Go at sunset if you can. Book online or wait forever.
- Desert safari: Dune bashing was fun until I got nauseous. Take Dramamine.
- Old Dubai: The souks and creek abra ride felt more real than the shiny stuff.
- Malls: Cool for a bit, but after two you’ve seen them all.
I skipped the indoor skiing thing. No regrets.
Food, Rules, and My Most Cringe Moments
Food’s fire – cheap shawarma, fancy brunches, dates everywhere. Alcohol’s only in licensed spots and it’s pricey.
Don’t do PDA, don’t curse (seriously, fines), be extra respectful if Ramadan’s on.
Most embarrassing? Accidentally wearing shoes into a mosque area after forgetting to take them off. Felt like an idiot. Quick apology and lesson learned.
Yeah, So… Final Thoughts on My First Time in Dubai
First time in Dubai was overwhelming, expensive, hot, and honestly one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. The contrast between crazy luxury and old-school culture blew my mind. I made a ton of dumb mistakes, but that’s kinda the point, right?
