10 Dubai Travel Mistakes To Avoid!

Dubai is one of those places where a little planning makes all the difference. Get it right and you’ll have an incredible, seamless trip. Get it wrong, and you’ll spend half your holiday stuck in traffic, paying for things that aren’t worth it, or realising too late that the best restaurants and experiences are fully booked.

To save you from those ‘why didn’t anyone tell me this?’ moments, here are 10 common mistakes people make when planning Dubai and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Thinking everywhere in Dubai is walkable.

On a map, everything looks close. But in reality it’s not. There are places you can walk around but in terms of walking from one area of Dubai to another, you simply can’t. There are, of course, a couple of exceptions, you can walk from JBR to Bluewaters and from Dubai Mall to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains but on the whole, you will need to make arrangements to travel.

Avoid the mistake: Plan transport ahead. Download Careem or Uber to order a taxi on the go or to book one in advance.

Mistake 2: Leaving all bookings to the last minute.

Not so long ago, this would be the case for restaurants as well as Dubai experiences. However, as Dubai has grown, this is less of an issue these days. However, it’s still a bit risky leaving it til the very last minute so I’d definitely recommend getting them booked up ahead of your trip. Dubai’s best experiences, however, need to be booked. This includes popular skypools such as Aura, yacht trips and the more premium desert safari experiences, especially in peak season.

Avoid the mistake: Make restaurant and experience reservations in advance of your trip. Not all of them will have a cancellation fee or require a deposit.

Mistake 3: Staying in the wrong area

The Palm looks dreamy and my goodness, it is. However, if you’re looking at exploring Dubai most days during your visit, it’s worth noting that the crescent probably isn’t the better option for you. Don’t get me wrong, there are some incredible hotels there but there’s one road in and one road out so the reality is that you are going to end up have a bit of a trek to get anywhere. Therefore, consider looking at Palm West Beach instead. Still on the Palm, located on the trunk and a little easier to get in and out.

Avoid the mistake: Research your hotel or accommodation’s location. If the price seems way too good to be true, there’s likely to be a reason for that.

Mistake 4: Assuming every trending spot should be on your list

TikTok and Instagram love to hype places up, but not every trending restaurant, café, or experience is actually worth your time or money. It’s worth remembering that many influencers are paid to share and create appealing content. Some spots look incredible on camera but are overpriced, overcrowded, or just bang average.

Avoid the mistake: Do your research before booking. Just because it’s gone viral doesn’t mean it’s good or the right choice for what you’re looking for from your trip

Mistake 5: Not budgeting accordingly for pool & beach clubs

This doesn’t actually need to be a negative, BUT you do need to do your research. All of Dubai’s best beach clubs and pools have a charge for entry. Some of them will have a set fee to pay on entry for the sunbed & towel and you’ll get a percentage or all of that back on food and drink. Others you’ll pay the entry and that’ll be purely for the sunbed & towel. Realistically, you’re looking at spending a minimum of £40 (AED 200) per person at most places.

Avoid the mistake: Factor this into your budget and pick places that give you the most value for your spend.

Mistake 6. Underestimating brunch culture

Brunch in Dubai isn’t just a nice meal in between breakfast and lunch. It’s a full on, hold my hair back kind of experience. With free-flowing drinks, enough food to feed an army and live entertainment, it’s a whole event. If you think you’ll go for a ‘quick brunch’ and then carry on sightseeing, think again. 

Avoid the mistake: Plan for one of two things post brunch. Either continuing the party at one of Dubai’s many, many post-brunch venues. Or plan a chill evening back at your accommodation. Because, either way, the reality is you will not be sightseeing after a four-hour all-you-can-drink party.

Mistake 7. Assuming alcohol is sold everywhere

It’s not like alcohol is hard to find, because it’s really not. However, it is worth knowing that you won’t find alcohol everywhere. It’s not available in supermarkets and some restaurants. Cafes rarely serve alcoholic drinks and usually anywhere beach facing won’t either. Only licensed venues and bottle shops serve alcohol.

Avoid the mistake: If you want drinks for your accommodation, buy from a licensed liquor store, such as MMI or African & Eastern – just make sure you take your passport with you as proof of ID.

Mistake 8. Not Checking the Calendar for Ramadan & Public Holidays

Dubai follows the Islamic calendar, so public holidays move every year. Appreciate that’s not always helpful if you like to plan months ahead but it is worth bearing in mind. If you’re visiting during Ramadan, it’s worth noting that over the last couple of years, restrictions have massively relaxed and the reality is, you’ll hardly notice any difference. There may be a reduction in live entertainment but that will be about it.

Avoid the mistake: Check the dates before booking your trip so you’re prepped with what to expect before you arrive in Dubai.

Mistake 9. Thinking Dubai’s shopping is always cheap

Dubai has some of the world’s biggest malls and many visitors consider a good bit of retail therapy as an important part of their trip. But it’s with noting that designer goods often cost the same, or more, than back in the UK. VAT refunds can help, but don’t expect a shopping spree to be miles cheaper than back home.

Avoid the mistake: Do your research before assuming you’ll get a bargain everywhere that you shop.

Mistake 10. Only Sticking to Malls & Skyscrapers

Yes, Dubai is modern, but it’s not just about luxury hotels and shopping malls. There is so much more to Dubai than this, and believe it or not, you could do a whole trip to Dubai without visiting a mall or a swanky hotel. There’s Old Dubai districts, the desert and hidden gems like Al Seef give you a completely different side of the city.

Avoid the mistake: Make time to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots & experience a side to Dubai that not everyone sees.

Final Thought: Smart planning = the ultimate Dubai experience.

Dubai is one of those places where planning ahead literally makes or breaks your trip. 

The good news about this is that you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re looking for a seamless holiday, that gives you VIP vibes and has been planned for you… all with the best bookings, insider tips & quite simply none of the hassle, maybe it’s time to book a Discovery Call with us.

Click here to book in your call