Dubai is the place to be if you’re looking for contemporary adventure in a city full of superlatives. With its sprawling beaches, world-class shopping experiences, record-breaking tourist attractions, glittering high rises and perpetual blue skies, it’s easy to find the “super” in every adventure.
Living in this multicultural metropolis means you will have to put aside as much time as possible to fully experience the rich, vibrant culture, unique attractions and luxury lifestyle. Whether you’re moving to Dubai permanently or visiting temporarily, there are plenty of hassle-free accommodation options to suit your needs and your pocket, so worry not about where you’ll stay and focus on the experience that awaits you.
This all-inclusive guide to moving to the UAE will equip you with valuable knowledge about where to stay, where to go and how to get the most out of every experience.
TRAVEL TIPS
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be overwhelmed with the sheer amount of things to do and places to see, but before you jump down the rabbit hole, make sure you’re prepared for what to expect.
Get connected
When you arrive at the airport you can pick up a sim card to take advantage of the free wifi available almost everywhere. Getting connected is essential to finding your way around (and updating your socials!).
Get around
Public transport is widely available, with the option of taxis, buses and the Dubai Metro. To use the Dubai Metro you will need to purchase a Nol card/ticket. It's easy to buy or top-up a card, or add trips to your Nol ticket - just go to a ticket vending machine, ticket office or RTA authorised sales agent. The Metro is quick, clean and efficient, but becomes crowded during rush hour.
Know the best seasons and days to explore
The UAE is notoriously hot in the Summer (and warm in the Winter too). The best time to travel in Dubai is from October to March. The weather is gorgeously sunny during the day and cooler in the evenings - perfect for outdoor explorations, pool and beach days! If you can’t avoid travelling during the really hot weather, don’t worry, there are still plenty of air conditioned indoor activities and attractions to keep you cool and entertained.
Remember that weekends in the UAE fall on Friday and Saturday, not on Saturday and Sunday. Friday is the holy day so some attractions may also be closed until the afternoon or early evening.
Respect the culture
Although some people are under the impression that Dubai is extremely conservative, you might be surprised to learn that it is in fact home to a diverse melting pot of culture due to the number of expats from all over the world who live and work there. So even though the UAE constitution enshrines Islam as the official religion of the state, Dubai is still accepting of other cultures and religions, and celebrates Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
There are, however, a few things you do need to respect about the culture, without exception:
- Cover your shoulders and knees in public places and government areas (you can get away with it at the beach);
- No public displays of affection (holding hands is tolerated);
- No drinking of alcohol in public (drinking is permitted in licensed bars and restaurants),
- Don’t take photographs of people without their permission;
- Taking pictures of government and military sites is restricted in the UAE, unless you have a special permit;
- Other public places such as beaches, airports, bridges, cultural sites and free zones also have limitations for photography;
- Don’t swear, point fingers or use rude hand gestures
- Don’t litter (obviously!)
- Follow the rules of the UAE, especially during Ramadan (the Holy Month) when there are more regulations to be aware of.
Dubai’s traditional festivals are Leilat al-Mairaj (The Prophet’s Ascension), Ramadan (A month of fasting, reflecting and commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad), Eid-ul-Fitr (The end of Ramadan - Festival of breaking the fast), Arafat (Haj) Day (The day Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon on mount Arafat), Eid-ul-Adha (A 3-day festival also known as the feast of the sacrifice), Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year), and Mouloud (The Prophet’s Birthday). During these times, it is especially important to respect the practices and beliefs of the locals.
Keep your drug prescriptions
Dubai has zero-tolerance laws against the use of drugs, so make sure you have all your prescriptions with you and try not to carry any medicine that the authorities won’t approve of.
WHERE TO STAY
Dubai is unique in that it is home to over 200 nationalities with different cultural backgrounds. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to anything in Dubai, making it an eclectic and all-embracing city in which to live and work. Renting a home in Dubai is no different - you are presented with an array of options which are constantly evolving too.
Whether you’re a nomad traveller who enjoys spontaneity and adventure or someone who is ready to settle and enjoy the comfort of certainty, Dubai has something for everybody.
Short-term rentals in Dubai
The current trend of work-from-home, staycations and regional travel has increased the demand for short-term rentals in Dubai, with monthly rental options topping the list. While short term rentals were primarily popular for tourists and business professionals, more and more residents are searching for affordable month-to-month options to meet their changing needs.
In light of this, even the hotel sector has had to reimagine their accommodation offerings. An exciting new trend for fully-serviced hotels, apartments and villas has emerged, providing extended stay offers of 30 days+ at similar price points as unserviced contract rentals.
Best short-term rentals in Dubai
Thirty Sleeps, the only sleep program that offers monthly rewards for extended stays of 30+ days at selected hotels, apartments and villas, has a wide range of Sleep Partners in the most popular areas of Dubai. All of these options are fully serviced, furnished and have a host of on-site amenities for ultimate convenience. There is no cap on how long you can stay, and the costs are similar to signing a monthly rental contract with an agency or private owner, except you will get the added bonus of not having to pay any overhead costs.
Not only is it cost-effective, flexible and convenient, with no long-term commitments, you can forget the humdrum of contracts, utility bills and maintenance fees, and fulfil your wanderlust instead!
What’s more, if you don’t have a valid visa or Emirates ID yet, you won’t be able to rent property on an annual tenancy contract. However, with Thirty Sleeps, you can stay for a month at a Thirty Sleeps Sleep Partner with only your passport!
Thirty Sleeps Benefits
- Free to Explore: There are no fees to use our platform, search for accommodation and claim rewards
- Exclusive Rewards: Get vouchers, discounts and benefits simply for staying at our Sleep Partners for 30+ days
- Save Money: Affordable rent with linen & cleaning, bills & utilities included in your stay
- Commitment-free Living: Pre-approved options, flexible terms, convenient facilities & fully furnished, equipped accommodation
- Exciting Destinations: Enjoy the style and charm of our contemporary Sleep Partner locations
Thirty Sleeps Rewards
Thirty Sleeps has partnered with some amazing lifestyle brands who appreciate a life of convenience.
The rewards concept is unique, free-to-use, and accessible to anyone who stays with a Thirty Sleeps Sleep Partner for 30+ sleeps. Cool new brands and exciting offers are added regularly.
- Unique opportunities for nomads and frequent travellers
- Awesome monthly lifestyle rewards
- Amazing discounts & benefits
- Free access to community facilities and discounts
- Simple reward validation and claims process
- Win with exciting competitions
Visit Thirty Sleeps to check out the rewards you stand to receive.
Who would benefit from Thirty Sleeps short-term rentals in Dubai?
Many of the short term rental offers from Thirty Sleeps Sleep Partners suit the needs of business professionals who work from home and enjoy the convenience of co-working spaces, fully equipped business facilities, uncapped WiFi, laundry facilities, cleaning and linen service, room service and on-site amenities such as shops, restaurants, bars, spas and gyms.
Frequent travellers or adventurous thrill seekers on a staycation also enjoy the benefits and rewards for staying and paying month-to-month.
Have a family in tow? No problem! There are bigger spaces available for families. With swimming pools, parks and many other family-friendly activities available on-site or nearby, you’ll have a place to call home, with fun and entertainment included!
Recommended Thirty Sleeps Sleep Partners
At a Thirty Sleeps Sleep Partner, the monthly fee is all-inclusive and there are no initial or additional expenses! Check out these Thirty Sleeps accommodation options ranging from AED 4,999 to AED 55,000 per month.
You can browse through the list of Sleep Partners on the Thirty Sleeps website and check back regularly for newly added Sleep Partners. Here are a few recommended options to browse through:
Located near Dubai Parks & Resorts, convenient for access to Dubai Expo 2020
Convenient and stylish living in Bur Dubai
Modern living at the gateway of Dubai's historic area
Fabulous hotel in the heart of Dubai
The booming business hub that’s well connected to the beat of the City
Breathtaking views of the Creek awaits
Modern suites with fantastic views of Dubai
Embrace the energy in the vibrant area of Barsha Heights
An ideal choice for long stay accommodation in Deira
An ideal Sheikh Zayed Road location with stunning panoramic views
Come home and relax in tranquil surroundings
Stylish, modern living with Rove at City Walk
Comfort on a budget! The newly renovated Ibis Al Barsha provides a modern yet relaxed vibe
Downtown living with Rove Hotels
Marina living with Rove Hotels
The chic-urban hotel brand, part of the Millennium Hotels and Resorts
Connected, comfortable and contemporary spaces at the heart of Dubai Digital Park
Centrally located premium 4-star hotel catering to business & leisure needs
Spacious rooms & apartments only 15 minutes from Expo 2020
The Heart of Cosmopolitan Living
Stylish and contemporary furnished apartments located in Jumeirah Beach Residence
Life's a beach at Rove La Mer
Convenient stay near Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Live with stunning views of Dubai Creek and Burj Khalifa from Deira
A luxury hotel in Dubai's Financial Hub
5-Star Luxury Located at #1 Sheikh Zayed Road
Located in the heart of Media City - featuring a modern luxurious style, a home away from home
Premium apartments located on Sheikh Zayed Road, only a short distance from the Mall of the Emirates
An exceptional destination for urban living in Dubai's upbeat Marina
An Arabian oasis set amidst a 160-acre polo estate with contemporary design
*All rates are 'from' and are all subject to availability and changes at any time. Tourism dirham is excluded from the rates displayed.
WHAT TO DO
There are literally hundreds of things to do in Dubai and it can be hard to choose! Here are 10 things that you absolutely have to do once you’ve moved here:
1. Scale the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa
Famous for its high-rising architectural wonders, it’s no surprise that Dubai is home to the world’s tallest tower. At a staggering 456 meters above sea level, Burj Khalifa is the most popular tourist attraction and adventurous way to see the city, spiderman style!
The high-speed elevator takes you all the way to the top where you can chill on the observation deck and outdoor terrace for a daring thrill unlike any other.
2. Take a Desert Safari Tour
When in the Dubai desert, do as the Bedouins do - ride camels, get a henna tattoo, traverse the sand dunes, play with falcons, camp under the stars, and appreciate the rich traditional culture and wildlife. There are a number of popular tours and safaris available, so be sure to book online in advance.
3. Shop until you drop
Another Dubai superlative is the Dubai Mall - the largest mall in the world by total land area. Offering luxury fashion, dining and entertainment in mammoth proportions, there’s no shortage of retail therapy! There are also loads of smaller malls and concept stores all over Dubai to satiate the tastes of over 200 foreign internationals that call Dubai home.
4. Party until you drop
Dubai is also renowned for its epic nightlife and party culture. So much so that they have even turned the traditional “brunch” into a Friday evening affair with champagne and dancing! Even more appealing is that women will find they can drink for free at many of these events.
5. Eat until you drop
Food, glorious food! Besides all the exquisite hotel restaurants and upmarket eateries, you can enjoy a multicultural street food journey on your way to any Dubai tourist attraction. One such exciting street food experience can be found at Global Village, a multicultural family destination offering a smorgasbord of local and international cuisine to try.
6. Soak up the sun and sand
Living in Dubai without taking regular strolls along the beach or dips in the ocean is like living in Switzerland without skiing (PS. You can ski in Dubai too - sand dune skiing that is!). Thanks to virtually endless summer days, Dubai has loads of beaches and beach clubs to visit where you can chill all day with drinks in a private cabana, or go kitesurfing and take a boat ride adventure.
7. Soak up the Souks
Dubai is also home to world-famous markets or souks, where you can find a vast variety of gold, spices and fragrances. Be sure to practice your bartering skills to get the best deals!
8. Embrace your inner child
Whether you have children or you simply enjoy the thrill of embracing your inner child, Dubai will not disappoint! Visit the world’s largest underground aquarium (Yes, ANOTHER global record) or Atlantis Aquaventure waterpark on the Palm Jumeirah for a full day of water park fun for kids and the young at heart.
Another famous attraction in Dubai for families is the Miracle Garden - a real treat for fantasy fundis and garden fanatics alike. Breaking yet more world records, the Miracle Garden boasts the tallest topiary sculpture and largest flower garden in the world, featuring around 50 million flowers and 150 million plants to see. The Miracle Garden is a truly unique experience for its awe-inspiring creativity, infinite variety of colorful flowers, floral passages, and fun activities.
9. View from the sky
If you don’t feel like going to the top of Burj Khalifa for a view of the city, why not take a helicopter or seaplane tour instead? Skip the queues and long walks and get a bird’s eye view of the city in style. There are a few options so book in advance.
10. Get cultural
For artists and culture connoisseurs, one of the best places to visit is the Alserkal Art District. You will find a number of contemporary art galleries, some smaller start-ups, and a few well established galleries like the Ayyam Gallery, Green Art Gallery and The Third Line. Alserkal Art District also has a mishmash of restaurants and fashion boutiques featuring local designers.
For a taste of traditional entertainment, other cultural hubspots include the Dubai Opera, Dubai Museum and the Bur Dubai Grand Mosque.
