5 Dubai myths I am going to bust

I have heard a lot of rumours about Dubai, some I know are just that: rumours. But, some I have no idea about and whether they are literally just Dubai myths. I am tasking myself to find out if they are myths or if indeed it is true, either before we go to Dubai or whilst we are out there. I am fascinated about this place and I cannot wait to explore it all with my little family and some of our best friends.

Myth 1 – Women have to be covered up

This is not true at all. When our friends moved out to Dubai a few years ago, this was the biggest thing we talked about. What would the females of the family where? How does it work? What does it mean? It can be quite daunting when you go to a Country and there are so many rumours flying about. It turns out that we can wear what we like in Dubai. But with respect to their culture and rules it is sometimes not appropriate to have your shoulders on show. So, for example dining out or visiting The Dubai Mall, I will make sure I have a cardigan on and casual clothing. I wouldn’t walk down the high street in England in just a bikini, so I will most certainly not do it anywhere else. You can most definitely walk around with sleeveless dresses on though, and I have plenty of appropriate clothes to wear. I never wear skimpy items!

Myth 2 – You cannot drink alcohol

This again is not true. Alcohol is expensive in Dubai. I have been told to buy 1 Corona in Dubai, is the same as buying a 4 pack in England. So we know that there is a difference in price. You can drink alcohol in designated places like hotels and bars. However, you cannot walk around the streets with alcohol or be seen in public drunk. If you are walking around intoxicated, you could be arrested as it is a punishable offence. Don’t worry. We will not be drinking and stumbling around. We are staying with friends, so we will make sure any drinking occasions are done at home or in hotel premises. You can only buy alcohol from supermarkets if you have a liquor license too!

Myth 3 – Dubai is super hot…

Well yes I think this is true. However, December to March they have a cooler climate. During this time it even rains a little. Today, for example, it was 11°c in Cambridgeshire and 28°c in Dubai. That is February. I cannot imagine what it will be like when we visit. In the Summer months it can reach to around 50°c – now I understand why our friends head back to England for some cool down time! We have plenty of sun screen, after sun and hats to keep us going whilst we are there. Oh and appropriate footwear, I remember once being told the floor was too hot to walk on barefoot!

Myth 4 – I cannot hold Hubby’s hand in public

I recall there being some issues whereby English people have been arrested over public displays of affection. So I looked into this. It is true that a public display of affection is prohibited but only for NON MARRIED couples. As Hubby and I are married we are allowed to walk the streets holding hands. Phew. I did read that holding hands, in public, is our limit and that we should be respectful of the culture (which we will be) and not doing anything more than hold hands. No kissing in public! Obviously we are going to do everything in our power to be respectful and keep the children safe.

Myth 5 – everything is very expensive

So, I think this is true! I am guessing you can do things cheaper but everything looks so extravagant and amazing. Apparently, in the main hotels that we want to visit a family of 4 could eat lunch for about £100. Our plan is to get Privilee membership, which enables us to use certain hotels for free during the Dubai week (not weekends) which is amazing. We can visit the Waldorf Astoria hotel for example, use the swimming pools, hotel beach and gym if we wanted to. The Wild Wadi Waterpark is around £250 per family for the day, but we are looking at offers for this so we get it cheaper. There are some amazing things we can do for free though, for example visit the Burj Khalifa, Kite Beach or Jumeirah Beach Residence (I am so looking forward to going here).

We are very excited to see Dubai and we are starting to plan our trips and activities, we already have a Desert Safari trip booked up. I am so excited about it, you so much booked into the day. It is very exciting. Have you been Dubai? I would love to know any tips on where to go with the family? Do you know any more Dubai myths?