First time in Dubai? This guide covers the essentials for travelers from Singapore: visa planning, getting around, where to stay, attractions, food, shopping, etiquette and sample itineraries.

Please note: Prices, opening hours and schedules in this guide are approximate and change often. The SGD figures are rough estimates for planning only. Check current details with each provider before you book.

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

1. Get Your Dubai Visa (1 Month Before Travel)

Choose your visa type: 14-day, 30-day or 90-day (see our Dubai visa requirements guide for Singapore citizens and our Dubai visa from Singapore page)
Apply online at DubaiVisa.sg
Choose regular (3-5 working days) or express (1-2 working days) processing
Cost: SGD 220-1,140 per person (see our visa fees page for current pricing)
Receive e-visa by email
Use our Dubai visa checklist for Singaporeans to prepare your documents

2. Book Flights (2-3 Months Before)

Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Scoot, flydubai
Duration: Approximately 7-8 hours
Price: Fares vary widely by season and how early you book; compare options before buying
Booking tip: Prices often differ by day of the week, so check a few departure dates
Luggage: Check baggage allowance; allowances differ by airline and fare

3. Book Accommodation (6-8 Weeks Before)

Decide on an area (Jumeirah, Downtown, Deira, etc.)
Hotel, Airbnb, or resort apartments
Check reviews, location, and amenities
Book breakfast-included if possible (can save on meals)

4. Get Travel Insurance

Strongly recommended
Check that it covers medical care, trip cancellation and baggage
Essential for peace of mind

5. Check Health and Entry Requirements

Requirements can change, so check the current rules for your travel dates before you go
Talk to your doctor if you have health concerns
Keep your travel and health records accessible

Arrival & Getting Around

Dubai International Airport to Hotel

Option 1: Uber/Careem (Convenient for First-timers)

Cost: AED 25-50 (SGD 10-20) depending on zone
Duration: 20-40 minutes depending on traffic
Convenient and reliable
Download apps before arrival

Option 2: Taxi from Airport

White taxis are available at the arrivals level
Cost: Metered, typically AED 50-100 (SGD 20-40)
Make sure the meter is running
You can request a receipt

Option 3: Airport Bus

Cost: Low (AED 5-20)
Duration: 45-90 minutes depending on route
Good for budget travelers
Limited luggage space

Option 4: Hotel Transfer

Pre-arrange with your hotel
Cost: AED 50-150 (SGD 20-60)
Convenient if included in your package

Getting Around Dubai

Dubai Metro

Best for: Budget travelers, avoiding traffic
Cost: Low fares per ride, depending on distance (roughly AED 2.50-9)
Network: Red line (airport area to the city) and Green line (older parts of the city); the Red line also serves the Dubai Mall area
Hours: Check current operating hours, which can differ on Fridays and public holidays
Tip: Get a Nol card (rechargeable); there are separate women and children carriages

Uber/Careem

Best for: Convenience, comfort
Cost: AED 15-50 per ride typically
Availability: Widely available
Tip: Surge pricing can apply during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm)

Taxis

Best for: No app needed
Cost: Metered
Availability: Hail on the street or call
Tip: Traffic can make trips expensive

Car Rental

Best for: Flexible itinerary, multiple days
Cost: AED 100-300/day (SGD 40-120)
Requirements: Check licence and permit requirements with the rental company before you book
Parking: Paid parking is common in most areas

Walking

Best for: Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach
Tip: Use covered walkways during summer heat

Where to Stay: Neighborhoods Explained

Downtown Dubai (Central)

Best for: First-timers, shopping, city nightlife Highlights: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Fountain shows Hotels: Luxury 5-star and mid-range available Vibe: Modern, developed, touristy Cost: High

Jumeirah (Beach)

Best for: Beach lovers, resort experience Highlights: Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, beaches Hotels: Resort-style, family-friendly Vibe: Relaxed, luxury, upscale Cost: Very high

Deira (Old Dubai)

Best for: Budget travelers, traditional atmosphere Highlights: Gold Souk, Spice Souk, traditional abras Hotels: Budget and mid-range Vibe: Lively, crowded Cost: Budget

Marina (Modern)

Best for: Modern Dubai, nightlife, restaurants Highlights: Marina walks, restaurants, nightclubs Hotels: Mix of 4-5 star Vibe: Young, vibrant, cosmopolitan Cost: Mid to high

Business Bay (Value)

Best for: Budget-conscious, business travelers Highlights: Proximity to downtown Hotels: Good-value 3-4 star Vibe: Quieter, residential Cost: Budget to mid

Must-See Attractions

Iconic Must-Do (Your First Visit)

Burj Khalifa — The Icon

World's tallest building (828m)
Observation decks: 124th, 125th and 148th floors
Cost: Approximately AED 180-220 (SGD 72-90) for standard tickets; prices vary by deck and time
Insider tip: Book online in advance; visit at sunset for photos

Dubai Mall — Shopping Experience

One of the largest malls in the world (500+ stores)
Fashion, electronics, souvenirs
Cost: Free to enter, shops vary
Insider tip: Allow 1-2 hours to browse if you are on a budget

Dubai Fountain Show

Choreographed water fountains
Free to watch; shows run regularly in the afternoon and evening (check the current schedule)
Best view: Observation deck of Burj Khalifa
Insider tip: The sunset show is the most photogenic

Cultural & Historic

Old Dubai / Gold Souk

Traditional markets, local atmosphere
Gold, spices, textiles, souvenirs
Cost: Free to browse; prices vary by item
Insider tip: Negotiating is common in the souks; be polite and be ready to walk away

Dubai Museum

Understand Dubai's history (pre-oil to modern)
Cost: Low entry fee (check current price)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Insider tip: Very good value for the entry fee

Jumeirah Mosque

Beautiful Islamic architecture
Cultural tours available
Cost: Guided tours are charged; check the current price
Insider tip: Remove shoes; dress modestly

Al Fahidi Historic District

Traditional fort architecture
Art galleries, cafes
Cost: Free to walk around
Insider tip: Great for photos, particularly at sunset

Beach & Nature

Jumeirah Beach

Public beach, popular with tourists
Free entry, with showers and restaurants nearby
Check for lifeguards and any beach flags
Insider tip: Go early to avoid crowds

Palm Jumeirah

Iconic man-made island
Monorail ride available to experience it (check current fares)
Views of Burj Al Arab
Insider tip: Visit at night when lit up

Dubai Desert Safari

Desert dunes, camel riding, quad bikes
Cost: AED 60-150 (SGD 24-60) depending on package
Duration: 3-4 hours usually
Insider tip: Book in advance; golden sunset time is the most popular

Mangrove Kayaking

Paddle through natural mangrove forests
Cost: AED 80-150 (SGD 32-60)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Insider tip: Early morning for wildlife viewing

Adventure Activities

Skydiving

Tandem jumps
Cost: AED 1,500-2,000 (SGD 600-800)
Duration: Plan for most of a day
Insider tip: Expensive but unforgettable

Water Sports

Jet skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing
Cost: AED 100-300 per activity
Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours

Dune Buggy/Quad Bike

Self-drive through desert
Cost: AED 100-250 (SGD 40-100)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Insider tip: Intermediate level riders preferred for safety

Theme Parks

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Large indoor theme park (air-conditioned)
Cost: Approximately AED 249-289 (SGD 100-115)
Duration: Full day recommended
Insider tip: A good option for hot days

Motiongate Dubai

Theme park with Hollywood-themed zones
Cost: Approximately AED 249 (SGD 100)
Duration: 6-8 hours

Dubai Safari Park

Safari-style wildlife park
Cost: Approximately AED 245-265 (SGD 100-106)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Insider tip: Go early, before animals rest in the heat

Where to Eat: Food Guide

Budget Eating (AED 15-40 / SGD 6-16)

Local Favorites:

Al Reef bakery (bread, pastries)
Pakistani/Indian cafes (excellent value)
Lebanese shawarma stands
Food courts in malls

Typical meal: AED 25-35 (rice, meat, drink)

Mid-Range Dining (AED 50-120 / SGD 20-48)

Restaurant Types:

Lebanese restaurants (hummus, grilled meats)
Indian restaurants (biryani, curry)
Asian fusion
Casual international

Typical meal: AED 70-100 per person

Fine Dining (AED 200+ / SGD 80+)

Experiences:

Seafood at Marina restaurants
Restaurants from well-known chefs
Rooftop restaurants with views
Beachfront dining

Typical meal: AED 250-400+ per person

Must-Try Dubai Foods

Shawarma (AED 10-20): Meat in flatbread — fast and filling Hummus: Chickpea dip — accompanies most meals Falafel: Fried chickpea fritters — vegetarian option Mezze Platters: Assorted starters — great for sharing Dhal Rice: Indian lentils and rice — budget staple Fish & Seafood: Fresh Gulf seafood — try at least once Biryani: Rice dish with meat — hearty meal Chocolate-Covered Dates: Sweet souvenir

Restaurant Recommendations by Area

Downtown: Nobu, Zuma, Bu Qtair (seafood) Marina: Various international options, seafood Deira: Local restaurants, Al Mallah (Lebanese) Jumeirah: High-end resort restaurants DIFC: Financial district restaurants

Shopping Guide

Where to Shop

Malls:

Dubai Mall (500+ stores, huge)
Mall of the Emirates (ski slope, Carrefour)
Ibn Battuta Mall (themed sections)
Gold & Diamond Park (jewelry)

Souks (Traditional Markets):

Gold Souk: Jewelry, negotiating is common
Spice Souk: Spices, dried goods
Textile Souk: Fabrics, traditional clothing
Fish Souk: Fresh seafood, interesting atmosphere

Street Markets:

Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Tourist-friendly markets
Street stalls throughout Deira

What to Buy (Souvenirs)

Popular Souvenirs:

Gold jewelry (check the karat and ask for a receipt)
Spices (saffron, cardamom, dates)
Perfumes/Oud (premium ingredient)
Traditional coffee sets
Camel leather products
Dates in fancy packaging

Don't Miss:

Dates, available in many grades and packagings
Oud perfumes (luxury, long-lasting)
Gold jewelry from the Gold Souk (compare prices before you buy)

Shopping Tips

Negotiate in souks: It is common; start well below the asking price and stay polite
Malls are usually fixed price: Do not expect to negotiate
Avoid tourist traps: Compare prices before buying expensive items
Payment: Cash and card are widely accepted
VAT: VAT applies to most purchases; ask retailers whether tourist refunds are available for your purchase

Safety & Cultural Respect

Safety

Good to know:

Dubai is generally considered a safe destination for visitors
Police presence is visible in many tourist areas
Main streets and tourist areas are well lit
Petty crime is relatively uncommon, but normal precautions still apply

Precautions:

Keep valuables in the hotel safe
Don't display expensive items
Avoid isolated areas late at night
Drink water regularly (dehydration is a real concern in the heat)
Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps

Cultural Respect (Very Important)

Dress Code:

Cover shoulders and knees, especially in markets and malls
Swimwear is for beaches and pools only
Avoid going topless outside the beach or pool
Very short shorts are not appropriate in public places

Behavior:

During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect; some venues remain open, but etiquette can vary
Public displays of affection are best kept minimal
Respect prayer times (5 daily)
Don't photograph people without permission
Alcohol is only available in licensed venues

Local Laws and Etiquette:

Public intoxication, indecent behavior and disrespect toward religion can lead to fines or other legal consequences
Drug offences carry severe penalties
When in doubt, ask your hotel or check current local rules

Ramadan Considerations

If you travel during Ramadan:

Some restaurants may have changed daytime hours
Shopping malls may have different opening hours
Some businesses may close or change hours
Respect fasting Muslims
Nightlife and dining pick up after sunset
Still a worthwhile experience, just different

Practical Information

Money & Currency

Currency: UAE Dirham (AED) Exchange Rate: Rates change, so check the current SGD to AED rate before you travel Tip: Compare exchange options before you go ATMs: Widely available, accept most international cards Credit Cards: Widely accepted Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is common (sometimes included in the bill)

Language

Main language: Arabic Common language: English (widely spoken) In shops/hotels: English is standard In souks/local areas: Arabic and Urdu are common You won't need Arabic for tourist areas

Internet & Phone

Mobile Data:

Prepaid SIMs are available at the airport
Providers: e& (formerly Etisalat) and du
Check data plans and tourist offers before you buy

WiFi:

Free WiFi is common in hotels, malls and cafes
Generally reliable and fast

Calling Home:

WhatsApp/Messenger (use WiFi/data)
International calls can be expensive on prepaid plans

Weather & Clothing

By Season:

October to April: Pleasant, the most popular time to visit
May to September: Very hot, which makes outdoor activities challenging

For a month-by-month view, see our guide to the best time to visit Dubai from Singapore.

What to Pack:

Light, breathable clothing
Sunscreen (high SPF)
Sunglasses, hat
Light jacket (air conditioning indoors can be strong)
Swimwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Modest clothing (shoulders/knees covered)

Need more detail? Read our Dubai climate and packing guide.

Health & Insurance

Hospitals: Good private medical facilities are available in Dubai Pharmacies: Plentiful, English-speaking Tap Water: Many visitors prefer bottled water for taste Time difference: Dubai is 4 hours behind Singapore, so jet lag is usually mild Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended (medical cover, evacuation, cancellation)

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Itinerary (Short Trip)

Day 1: Arrive, rest, explore neighborhood Day 2: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Fountain shows Day 3: Jumeirah Beach, Palm Jumeirah, shopping, depart

5-Day Itinerary (Standard Trip)

Day 1: Arrive, Dubai Museum, Gold Souk Day 2: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Fountain Day 3: Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Marina walk Day 4: Desert Safari, dunes, camel riding Day 5: Relaxation/shopping, depart

7-Day Itinerary (Full Experience)

Day 1: Arrive, rest, area exploration Day 2: Dubai Museum, Old Dubai, Gold Souk Day 3: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Fountains Day 4: Beach day, Palm Jumeirah Day 5: Desert Safari with BBQ dinner Day 6: Water sports or theme park (IMG Worlds) Day 7: Final shopping, last-minute sightseeing

10-Day Itinerary (Extended)

Days 1-4: As in Days 1-4 of the 7-day itinerary Day 5: Day trip to Abu Dhabi (typically 1.5 hours or more each way, depending on traffic)

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (stunning)
Emirates Palace (photo ops)
Return to Dubai in the evening

Day 6: Relaxation, beach, spa Day 7: Mangrove kayaking or water sports Day 8: Theme parks (Motiongate, IMG Worlds) Day 9: Shopping, final attractions Day 10: Depart

Final Tips for First-Timers

Download These Apps

Uber/Careem: Transportation
Google Maps: Navigation
XE Currency: Exchange rates

Accommodation Booking

Booking.com: Wide selection
Airbnb: Apartments, good value
Hotels.com: Last-minute deals
Hotel websites: Direct booking offers

Useful Travel Websites

Timeout Dubai: Events, restaurants
Tripadvisor: Reviews, rankings

Money-Saving Tips

Summer months are usually cheaper, but the heat is intense
Consider staying in Deira or Bur Dubai (budget areas)
Eat in local cafes (AED 25-50 meals)
Enjoy free attractions (beaches, souks, walks)
Book attractions online (often discounted)

Conclusion

Your first Dubai trip is easier with some planning. This guide covers everything from getting your visa to experiencing the city's culture. Whether you're a luxury traveler or a budget backpacker, Dubai has something for everyone.

Ready to start planning? Apply for your Dubai visa, book your flights, and prepare for your trip. Questions? Check our FAQ or contact our team.

Safe travels! 🇦🇪✈️

First-Time Dubai Travel Guide from Singapore