There is a trip to the UAE coming up. What is good to know?
We remember the good old days when United Arab Emirates They were among the preferred destinations for Bulgarian tourists. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, The desert, the sea, the huge malls, the gold, the Arabic coffee and that feeling of a feast for the senses…
This material was born precisely from those years and from personal impressions.
Today, however, the situation in the region is very worrying. At the time of publication, the official recommendations of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs are to avoid travel to the UAE and, if possible, to leave the country. Therefore, these advice are not an invitation to travel now, but a reminder and practical information for the time when it will again be possible to pack our bags with ease.
And we prefer to look ahead.
We hope that sooner or later the situation will change for the better and the UAE will again be a place we can visit without fear, with curiosity and a pleasant anticipation that precedes every journey.
What is worth knowing?
We would not like to provide you with the usual list of items and rules that are usually handed out to tourists on organized tours. We share our observations.
The United Arab Emirates has long been a popular destination for Bulgarian tourists. We have a large Bulgarian community, direct travel options, a huge selection of hotels, shopping centers and entertainment, and Dubai has long been much more than just a stop on the way to other exotic destinations.
Important: Travel conditions and security in the region are changing. Before departure, be sure to check the latest recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the information from your airline.
And now – to the things you should know when your suitcase is ready again one day: The Arabian Peninsula.
Carry clothes for different occasions
For dinner, a bar or a club
There is no single dress code in Dubai for all places. In modern restaurants, bars and clubs you can dress very elegantly, but some establishments have their own requirements.
Therefore, a nice dress and heels are not an unnecessary burden. Likewise, decent shoes and a shirt for gentlemen.
The air conditioner is a topic.
It might be 35 degrees outside, but inside you feel like you've been thrown into a cold storage room, especially in the metro. It's a good idea to have a scarf to wrap yourself in.
About the desert
If you are going on a safari, bring a long-sleeved shirt or blouse and a light top.
After sunset, the temperature in the desert can noticeably drop, and the wind is also speaking its own words.
Comfortable shoes are also not a bad idea. The desert looks magnificent in the photo, but the sand has a habit of penetrating everywhere.
For visiting mosques
It is already a good idea to be prepared here.
Visiting a mosque requires more conservative attire: covered shoulders, hands and feet. Women must have their hair covered.
It is best to bring a large scarf or a light sweater. Abai are provided for visitors in some places.
Do not expect that the clothing that is perfectly acceptable in a mall will be suitable for a mosque.
And one more important thing: the rules are not the same for every place. Check the specific mosque you plan to visit.
Comfortable shoes – a must!
The distances are long, and the malls are like a city within a city.
You might start „exploring a store“ and a few hours later realize that you actually walked miles.
Comfortable shoes are much more important than the latest fashion trend.
The swimsuit remains for the beach and the pool
On the beach, in the hotel pool or in the water park, wearing a swimsuit is completely normal.
However, it is not appropriate to walk around in a swimsuit outside of these places.
In public spaces, it is good to respect the local culture and avoid excessively revealing clothing.
That doesn't mean you have to travel with a wardrobe of long black robes. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and you'll see all kinds of people and styles on the streets.
Be careful!
An eternal Arab classic.
The UAE is a huge market with incredible temptations: jewelry, souvenirs, perfumes, spices, textiles, sweets, carpets and more.
In traditional markets, bargaining is part of the game.
In malls with boutiques of world brands – it will be difficult.
For the first time in my life, I saw a queue of veiled ladies in front of the stores of world-famous brands. There was even a fence of „golden“ barriers with red plush ropes, like at a premiere in the opera.
The Hanumites waited politely in line, while young, agile boys served them the luxurious packages containing the purchased goods.
And what would happen under the long gills…
We can only guess.
Attention: JEWELRY!
And a few words about the best friends of women.
To paraphrase the old line: „diamonds“.
Only in Dubai is the temptation much greater – gold, diamonds, pearls, colored stones and magnificent oriental patterns.
22 carat gold is widely used, especially in necklaces, bracelets and simpler gold jewelry. 18 carat gold is also used in jewelry with diamonds and stones.
If you are a fan of gold, Gold Souk в Daira It is a place that is worth seeing just for the view.
And here the rule applies:
Ask for the best price.
Not everything that shines has to be bought. But it is very difficult for a person not to be tempted.
Especially for the ladies
In Dubai, there are separate sections for women and children in the metro and other forms of public transport.
If you find yourself in such a section, don't wonder why your husband suddenly stayed on the other side.
The rules are clear and indicated.
And the air conditioner?
He is ruthless.
The difference between the outdoor temperature and that in metro stations, shopping malls, hotels and some restaurants can be significant.
Therefore, a lightweight vest or scarf in a women's handbag is a much more practical accessory than any fashion accessory.
Don't be intimidated by men who hold hands
You will see pairs of men walking, talking, and sometimes holding hands gently.
You do not need to jump to conclusions.
In many Arab societies, physical closeness between friends of the same sex can be a common expression of friendship.
As everywhere, the most sensible rule is to observe and respect the local culture, rather than measuring it by our own notions.
Try the Arabic coffee
It is usually served with dates.
And coffee is different from what most Europeans call coffee.
Aromatic, light and with a characteristic flavor, often with cardamom and other spices.
It is traditionally served in a special dish – dallah – and the small cups are filled repeatedly.
And the dates?
Here a separate adventure begins.
There are hundreds of varieties of dates around the world, and in the UAE they are an integral part of the local cuisine and hospitality.
In the markets you will see entire showcases and stalls with dates – fresh, dried, stuffed with nuts or turned into beautiful gift boxes.
Try it.
After that, you will decide which one to take home.
Money, cards and prices
You can pay with a card in many places, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand as well.
The local currency is the dirham (AED).
In traditional markets and small shops, cash can be convenient, and exchange offices are available in many places.
And yes – it’s expensive.
The UAE imports a huge portion of the goods sold in the local market. You can find world-renowned brands in the mall, products from dozens of countries in the supermarket, and goods from all over the world in the market.
Therefore, do not assume that something that costs a certain price in Bulgaria will necessarily be cheaper in Dubai.
The water?
Here we would change the old tourist rule.
It goes without saying that the water from the tap is „dangerous“ because it is processed seawater.
For a tourist, however, the practical rule is different:
If you are unsure about the specific building, hotel, or the condition of the internal plumbing system, choose bottled water.
And always carry water with you when you go out. The heat never lets up.
On the beach
To be on the coast of the Persian Gulf and not to dip your dead body into the sea is a sin.
Local families also love the beach.
They arrive together, they settle down comfortably; they usually wear Persian carpets; your children run around; the adults talk; and the sea is the sea – regardless of religion.
Only that the way of swimming can be completely different from the European one.
You will see local women wearing full-body cover-ups with hoodies, children in typical swimsuit outfits, and tourists in all kinds of beachwear. With this interesting full-body cover-up swimsuit, the ladies enter the water, then change into the designated areas that are literally 20 meters across the entire sand…
The most important thing is to follow the rules of the specific beach and to respect the personal space of other people.
And one more rule that’s worth remembering:
Do not take photos of people without their permission.
Especially women and children.
If you want a photo of a person, ask.
And one last „unwanted“ rule
The UAE is not Europe.
You do not have to like all the local rules, customs, and beliefs.
But if you have decided to be a guest, follow the rule: respect the hosts.
That way the journey becomes much more interesting.
Because the best thing about the UAE isn’t just the skyscrapers, the malls, the desert and the gold.
This is a different world meeting, which has its own rules, perspectives and rhythm.
Have a nice trip!
And don't forget to share your experiences.
See more for the author Maria Radeva here.
