First trip to Dubai: tips for Indian travellers

Your first trip to Dubai is easier than it looks. The city is modern, well organised and very used to Indian visitors, so you can enjoy it without much stress if you plan a few basics. This guide covers how to get around, what to eat (including vegetarian food), how to behave respectfully, how to stay connected and how to keep yourself safe.

Getting around Dubai

Dubai's public transport is clean, safe and affordable. The Dubai Metro is the easiest way to move between the main areas. It runs on two lines and stops at many of the places first-time visitors want to see, including the airport, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Buy a Nol card from any metro station or bus stop. You top it up and tap in and out whenever you use the metro, tram or bus. Keep some credit on it for the rest of your trip.

Taxis are everywhere and are a good option late at night or when you have bags. Use official taxis, which are metered by law. Rideshare cars are also common, but stick to licensed, official taxis if you want certainty about the fare. Whichever you choose, carry your hotel's name and address written down or saved on your phone, because some hotel names sound similar.

Walking is pleasant in the cooler months, particularly in areas like Downtown, around the Dubai Marina promenade and in the older districts of Deira and Bur Dubai. In summer, plan short walks and move between places by metro or taxi instead.

Food in Dubai, including vegetarian options

Dubai is one of the easiest cities in the world for Indian travellers to eat well. You will find South Indian, North Indian and street-style Indian food everywhere, from small canteens to fine dining restaurants. Arabic food is also worth trying; hummus, falafel, manakish and grilled meats are staples, and most places are happy to explain what goes into each dish.

Vegetarians will not struggle. Many Indian restaurants are purely vegetarian, and most others clearly mark vegetarian dishes. Falafel, hummus, fattoush, tabbouleh and lentil soups are naturally vegetarian and easy to find. If you eat eggs, ask, because some Arabic breads and pastries may include them. When in doubt, say you are looking for vegetarian food with no meat, no fish and no egg, and most staff will point you to the right dishes.

Tap water in Dubai is safe, and bottled water is sold everywhere. During the hotter months, drink water steadily through the day so you do not get dehydrated while sightseeing.

Local customs and etiquette

Dubai is welcoming, but it is a Muslim city with rules about modest dress and public behaviour. Dress modestly in malls, markets, on the metro and in public areas. Shoulders and knees covered is a safe guide for both men and women. Swimwear is for beaches and hotel pools only, not for walking around shops or streets.

Public displays of affection are not accepted. Holding hands is generally tolerated for married couples, but kissing or hugging in public can cause trouble. Avoid loud behaviour and bad language in public, and do not drink alcohol in public places. Alcohol is only served in licensed venues such as hotel bars and restaurants, and you must be of legal drinking age.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours are not allowed in many public areas, even for visitors, so keep that in mind if you travel during that month. Be respectful if you visit a mosque: dress fully covered, and women should carry a scarf to cover the head. Photography of local people, especially women, without permission is not polite, and avoid photographing government buildings and military sites.

Staying connected

The simplest way to stay online is to buy a local tourist SIM at the airport when you land. You will need your passport, and the staff will set it up for you. A tourist SIM gives you data and local calling for the length of your stay. Most hotels, malls and cafes have fast wifi, but a local SIM means you are never stuck in a taxi or walking between places without maps and messaging.

Check that your phone is unlocked before you leave India, so a local SIM works. Download offline maps of Dubai before you travel as a backup. Keep your boarding passes and hotel confirmations saved in your phone, and tell a family member your hotel name and room details once you check in.

Staying safe

Dubai is a very safe city with low street crime, but common sense still applies. Keep your passport and extra cash in the hotel safe, and carry only what you need for the day. Watch your bags in crowded places such as markets, the metro and malls, just as you would anywhere.

Scams are rare, but be careful with unofficial tour sellers who approach you on the street offering tickets or rides. Book activities through your hotel desk or your trip's inclusions. Respect the heat: in summer, avoid long walks in the middle of the day and reapply sunscreen. Know the local emergency numbers before you travel and save them in your phone.

A typical first trip from India runs about five nights and six days, combining the city with a desert experience. One popular 5-night, 6-day plan includes the visa, hotels on twin sharing, a 4x4 desert safari with a barbecue dinner, the Burj Khalifa 124th or 125th floor at sunset, Dubai Frame, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World. It is priced at ₹46,499 per person, twin sharing, international flights not included for 5 nights, priced on 8 Oct 2026, valid through 7 Nov 2026. International flights, travel insurance, meals not listed and airport transfers not listed are not part of that package, so plan for those yourself.

Dubai rewards travellers who plan a little and stay flexible a lot. Sort your visa early, carry modest clothing, keep your Nol card topped up and drink water through the day. If you do that, your first visit will feel easy rather than overwhelming.