First trip to Dubai 2026: a beginner's checklist
Visa, money, connectivity, transport, dress code and rules, weather and how many days to take. Everything to know before your first trip, in one checklist.
The short version
Dubai is an easy, safe city for a first trip, English is understood everywhere and Russian is common in tourist areas. The main thing is to settle five things in advance: visa, money, connectivity, transport and where to stay. Below is a short checklist, with detailed guides behind the links.
1. Visa
Many nationalities, including Russians, get short-stay visa-free entry with a stamp on arrival. Your passport must be valid for the required period, and a return ticket and hotel booking are sometimes asked for. For timing and details, see the visa guide for Russia and the CIS.
2. Money
Visa and Mastercard cards from Russian banks and MIR do not work in the UAE. Bring cash (dollars or euros), change it into dirhams at exchange houses, and keep a working foreign card for deposits. Full breakdown in the Dubai money guide.
3. Connectivity
The easiest option is an eSIM in advance or a local SIM (du, e&) at the airport on your passport. WhatsApp calls and FaceTime are restricted in the UAE, so for internet calls choose an eSIM with the services you need. Details in the SIM and eSIM guide.
4. Transport
- The metro is clean and cheap, paid with a Nol card.
- Careem and local taxis are convenient and affordable.
- A rental car is mainly for trips to other emirates.
How to choose between metro, taxi and transfer is in the transport guide.
5. Where to stay
Downtown for a first visit and Burj Khalifa views, Marina and JBR for the beach and the promenade, Palm Jumeirah for a resort feel, Deira and Bur Dubai for budget and the old town. Area breakdown in the where-to-stay guide.
Dress code and rules
- On the street and in malls cover shoulders and knees, swimwear is fine at the beach and pool.
- Alcohol only in licensed venues, not on the street or at the wheel.
- Behave modestly in public, and do not photograph people without asking.
More in the rules and fines guide and on the dress code.
Weather and when to go
The best season is November to April, 24–28 °C by day. June to September is hot and activities move indoors and onto the water. When exactly to go for your plans is in the seasons guide.
Practical odds and ends
- Sockets are British type G, three flat pins, bring an adapter.
- Tap water is drunk filtered, cafes serve bottled.
- The UAE weekend is Saturday and Sunday, with a short Friday for some offices.
- During Ramadan there is no public eating or drinking by day, restaurants open but more discreetly.
How many days to take
For a first visit, 4–5 days is comfortable: the city, the desert, the sea and one day for a neighbouring emirate. A ready plan is in the 5-day itinerary.
Send your dates and who is travelling and we will build a route for you, book the hotel, transfers and tours, and tell you what to prepare in advance.
