Dubai is a city like no other: tall, loud, unapologetic and in your face.
From the manmade islands and 7* hotels, to the world's (currently) tallest building, the world's biggest shopping mall and the world's largest indoor theme park: Dubai does everything bigger and better.
As Dubai gears up to host the World Expo 2020 the city is expected to create even more grand projects that showcase it's fiercely futuristic visions and imagination.
Read Next: Dubai: Love it or Hate it?
Around 85% of Dubai's population are expats and immigrants, creating an intense melting pot unlike anywhere else on the planet.
Whilst it leaves many travellers and expats either loving it or hating it, it is so unique that it is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes at least once.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit Dubai is November-March. Between April and September it can be exceedingly hot, easily topping 40C.
January to March is Dubai's rainy season, and believe it or not it does rain! But rain showers are usually short, so don't let that totally put you off.
Eating and drinking in public is illegal during Ramadan, even chewing gum! You'll find a lot of places outside of large hotels will be closed during the day, and alcohol will not be served until after sundown.
WHAT'S DUBAI LIKE FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS?
I have never felt anything other than safe in Dubai, but that's not to say that you shouldn't take the usual precautions.
Acting confidently, keeping aware of your surroundings, dressing appropriately (see what to wear) and sometimes even adopting the fake wedding ring can help female solo travellers.
While the Middle Eastern culture embraces social eating, I found eating alone absolutely fine particularly in busy areas popular with tourists and single business travellers (e.g. the Malls and the Marina).
Make sure you're aware of the laws in Dubai, such as the legal drinking age which is 21.
Things that are illegal and could you get arrested include: drinking or being drunk in public (even as a transit passenger), e-cigarettes, cross-dressing, swearing or making rude gestures (even online), kissing in public, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, photographing military or government buildings, photographing people without consent, posting material online criticising the UAE government, amongst others...
MUST SEE
1. Downtown Dubai
What visit to Dubai would be complete without scaling the (currently) World's Tallest Building: The Burj Khalifa.
To access the Burj Khalifa you'll need to wander into the Dubai Mall, which is worth a visit in itself.
Home to more than 1,200 of the best known shops in the world, it is great for shoppers and homesick expats alike. For me, I just love visiting the chain restaurants I can't get at home (Cheesecake Factory or Tim Hortons anyone?).
Dubai Mall is also home to the Dubai Aquarium, the Dubai Fountain, an Olympic-sized ice rink and next door to the Souk Al Bahar.
2. Dubai Marina
There are few cityscapes as stunning as the Dubai Marina.
You can take a boat cruise to see this from the sea, or head to The Walk and The Beach at JBR to see it up close.
With one of Dubai's most popular public beaches, the area is also made up of shops, restaurants, al fresco bars and huge beach clubs.
Definitely the place to spend a relaxing afternoon in the heart of chic and modern Dubai.
3. Madinat Jumeirah
Modelled on the traditional style of ancient Arabia but with modern Dubai luxury, Madinat Jumeriah is almost a city within itself.
Offering super views of the Burj Al Arab, Madinat consists of luxury hotels, restaurants and lounges, and a gorgeous modern Souk.
You can also take a ride in a wooden abra through the 5km river system to properly admire the sights.
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MUST EAT
1. Shawarma
Cheap and tasty, shawarma is a classic late night bite in Dubai and quite possibly my favourite Middle Eastern food!
Spiced chicken or lamb cooked on a spit and wrapped up in a flatbread with crunchy salad, houmous, garlic sauce or tahini!
Although not strictly an Emirati dish, you can't come to Dubai without tucking into one of these beauties.
2. Brunch
Whilst brunch is popular in most big cities like New York and London, Dubai takes it to a whole new level.
Dubai brunches are decadent events starting around midday on Fridays, providing all you can eat and all you can drink until the early evening - turning your whole day into one extravagant party!
A very social affair, it's best if you can find someone to go with (someone from your hotel, or a new best friend you met at Barasti) and be warned of the hefty price tags (although some are all inclusive).
3. Mezze
Again this is not strictly Emirati, but you can get world class mezze in Dubai.
Baba ganoush, houmous, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel, labneh - mezze incorporates some of the best Middle Eastern flavours.
Whilst these dishes are made for sharing, there is nothing to stop you ordering 2-3 for yourself!
BEST SPOT FOR A SUNDOWNER
Grab a cocktail at Barasti Beach Club.
After a lazy beach day, get yourself a sundowner and some bar snacks before hitting the dance floor on the beach.
WHAT TO WEAR
Despite being such a tourist hub, dress code in Dubai is (generally speaking) conservative.
In shopping malls in particular, women should cover their legs, midriff, chest, shoulders and tops of their arms. Malls are mostly well air conditioned so you might actually find yourself cold without a cardigan and jeans!
Any sort of swimming attire should only be worn on beaches or by the pool.
To enter the mosque, both men and women need to wear long sleeves to the wrists, covering the stomach entirely and loose trousers down to the ankles. All tattoos need to be covered.
Women also need to cover their hair to enter mosques.
LANGUAGE
The official language of the UAE is Arabic but as Dubai is a city of immigrants, the main language is English.
Street signs are written in both Arabic and English, but knowledge of some basic Arabic words can sometimes be helpful.
CURRENCY: United Arab Emirates Dirham. 1 Dirham is divided into 100 Fils
TIME ZONE: GMT +4 hourse
DIAL CODE: +971
PLUG TYPE: Category G (e.g. UK plug sockets)
WHAT'S THE DAMAGE?
According to recent research, Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world for tourists!
Dubai came joint second with Muscat, just behind Singapore in first place.
While it scores a hefty 3/3 for expensiveness it is definitely worth venturing out of the airport on your next layover.
Do you have any other tips for travelling to Dubai?
Read Next: Dubai: Love it or Hate it?
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