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The UAE is a country where glass skyscrapers stand next to the desert, and luxury is accessible not only to millionaires. I've gathered everything that really helps you not get lost and not overpay — from choosing the season to where to exchange money.
🌤 When to Go
The optimal time is from November to March. Temperature stays around +22…+28°C, you can walk around and swim comfortably. From May to September — heat up to +45°C and humidity around 80%, it's literally hard to breathe outside.
- November–February — best season, peak tourists and prices
- March–April — warm, fewer crowds, prices 15–20% lower
- October — quite hot, but already tolerable and cheap
Book a hotel at least 3–4 weeks in advance in December: Dubai is packed for New Year, and prices double.
🛂 Visa
For Russian citizens, a visa is issued online through the ICP website or airline Emirates/flydubai. A tourist visa for 30 days costs around 3200 rubles (about 255 AED), processing time is 2–4 business days. A 60-day visa will cost approximately 5300 rubles. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
🚇 Transport and Accommodation
Dubai Metro is clean and fast, a ticket costs around 90–180 rubles (7–14 AED) depending on zones. Careem taxi or official yellow cabs: a 10–15 minute ride across the city costs around 450–700 rubles. Car rental from 3200 rubles/day, but parking and traffic in the center take away the pleasure.
- Budget 3★ hotel in Deira — from 4500 rubles/night
- Apartments on Booking in Dubai Marina — from 6500 rubles/night
- 5★ hotels on Palm Jumeirah — from 18,000 rubles/night
🍽 Food and Places
Local food is cheaper than European. In cafes in Deira or Bur Dubai neighborhoods, shawarma costs 180–250 rubles, a full lunch — 500–700 rubles. In shopping malls, restaurants start from 900 rubles per person. Be sure to try hummus, machboos, and Arabic coffee with dates.
- Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa — must see, observation deck entry from 2700 rubles
- Old city Al Fahidi — free, authentic Dubai atmosphere
- Spice market in Deira — haggle, it's normal
- Desert: jeep safari — from 4500 rubles per person
💼 Practical Tips
MIR cards don't work in the UAE — bring cash dirhams. Best exchange rates at Al Ansari exchanges or street money changers in Deira, don't change at the airport — you lose 5–7%. Dress code: in shopping centers and mosques, shoulders and knees should be covered.
For communication, get an eSIM before leaving Russia — at e7m.ru rates for the UAE start from 286₽, internet will work right after landing.