Dubai Travel Tips for Indians: Airport, Metro, SIM, Rules and Dress Code

Dubai is one of the easiest and safest cities in the world to visit, and for Indian travellers it often feels familiar, with Hindi heard everywhere and Indian food on every corner. Still, the UAE has its own laws and customs, and a little preparation makes the trip smoother.

Here are our practical Dubai travel tips for Indians, covering the airport, metro, SIM cards, money, dress code, local rules, safety and Ramadan.

• Visa: arrange your UAE tourist visa, or check visa-on-arrival eligibility. See our Dubai visa guide.
• Passport: valid for at least 6 months.
• Medicines: some prescription medicines, including certain painkillers, sleeping pills and ADHD medicines, are controlled in the UAE. Carry prescriptions and check the rules before you travel.
• Travel insurance: recommended, as healthcare is excellent but expensive.
• Time and power: Dubai is 1.5 hours behind India and uses UK-style three-pin plugs (230V).

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has three terminals. Terminal 3 is used by Emirates, Terminal 2 mainly by flydubai, and Terminal 1 by most other international airlines, including Air India and IndiGo. After immigration and baggage claim, you will find money exchange, SIM counters and the metro (Terminals 1 and 3). On our packages, a representative meets you in the arrivals hall. For departure, arrive three hours before international flights, and leave time for the VAT refund counters if you have tax-free purchases.

• Dubai Metro: the Red Line runs from the airport through Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown, Al Barsha and the Marina, and the Green Line serves old Dubai. Trains are clean, air-conditioned and driverless, with a women and children's carriage and a premium Gold Class.
• Nol card: buy a rechargeable Nol card at any station for the metro, tram and buses. Eating, drinking and chewing gum are not allowed on the metro, and fines apply.
• Taxis: metered and reliable; Careem and Uber are widely used.
• Tram and monorail: the Dubai Tram serves the Marina and JBR, and the monorail runs along Palm Jumeirah.

A Dubai SIM card from du or e& (Etisalat) is available at the airport and in malls with your passport, and tourist plans include plenty of data. An eSIM bought online before travel is often the easiest choice. Free Wi-Fi is available in malls, the metro and most hotels. Some internet calling services are restricted in the UAE, so check which apps work before relying on them.

The currency is the UAE dirham (AED). Cards, including many Indian debit and credit cards, are accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for souks, abra boats and tips. Exchange houses in malls and Bur Dubai offer good rates. Hotels charge the Tourism Dirham fee per room per night.

Dubai is relaxed by Gulf standards, but modesty is expected in public:

• Casual clothes are fine in malls and tourist areas, though covering shoulders and knees is appreciated.
• Swimwear is for beaches and pools only.
• At mosques, cover arms and legs; women must cover their hair.
• Dress more conservatively in Sharjah and traditional areas.

• Alcohol: only in licensed venues, for those aged 21 and over; no drinking in public, and zero tolerance for drink driving.
• Drugs: extremely strict laws, including for trace amounts.
• Public behaviour: avoid public displays of affection, swearing and rude gestures, which can be offences.
• Photography: do not photograph people, especially women, without permission, or government buildings.
• Social media: posting insulting or defamatory content about people or the country is a criminal offence.

Yes. Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, with very low crime, for families, couples and solo women travellers. Normal care with valuables is enough. The main risks are the summer heat, so drink water and avoid the midday sun, and strong currents at some beaches, so swim where lifeguards are present.

During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours; many restaurants serve non-Muslims discreetly. Evenings are lively, with iftar meals and special events. In the UAE, the weekend is Saturday and Sunday, with Friday afternoon prayers; some attractions, such as the Grand Mosque, close to visitors on Friday mornings.

Dubai nightlife centres on hotel bars, rooftop lounges and beach clubs in the Marina, JBR, Downtown and Palm Jumeirah, all licensed. For families, evenings are about the Dubai Fountain, Global Village, the souks and waterfront promenades.

• Marhaba: hello.
• Shukran: thank you.
• Salaam alaikum: peace be upon you (a common greeting).
• Yalla: let's go.
• Inshallah: God willing, often used for future plans.

English is spoken almost everywhere, and Hindi and Urdu are widely understood.

Our Dubai tour packages include visa assistance, airport transfers, hotels and sightseeing. See also Indian food in Dubai and the best time to visit Dubai.