While meat, fish, and rice are the Dubai national foods, Al Machboos and Khuzi are the traditional cuisines of the country.
As Dubai is a Muslim region, you will not find any pork dishes in the major restaurants. Instead, lamb, camel, beef, and chicken are popular options. Just know that local chefs tend to use lots of heavy spices when they cook meat, so be prepared and adaptable.
Machboos. Considered the national dish of the United Arab Emirates, machboos (you might also find it spelled majboos or majbous on the menu) is a rice dish served with meat, seafood or vegetables. It has a distinctly spicy and powerful flavour and is often slow cooked – making it so tender that it melts in the mouth.
Arabic coffee (or gahwa) is the perfect start to a hearty Emirati breakfast. Made of lightly roasted beans and fragrant from the addition of cardamom and saffron, it's served without milk in tiny, narrow cups that keep the coffee from getting cold.
When planning for dinner on the town, keep in mind that Emiratis eat later than Americans; generally, locals will sit down to dinner around 10 p.m. or later. Also, you should feel free to leave behind a 10 to 15 percent tip, though gratuity is typically factored into the bill.
Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. In Dubai and all other emirates besides Sharjah, the drinking age is 21. Drinking alcohol in Sharjah is illegal.
Pork is considered haram (forbidden) in Muslim culture but there are places in Dubai that have a license to sell them. Pork counters are marked with “Pork Section: For Non-Muslims”. You can buy pork sausages, bellies, loins, ribs, chops, bacon, etc.
So, is Dubai really that expensive? Dubai isn't actually much more expensive than London, New York, and other big cities. However, Dubai's not a very walkable city. Jaywalking is illegal, and crossings are few and far between.
Dubai's official language is Arabic but there are many variations prevalent in the city. Standard Arabic – the modernised, literary version – is the one you'll encounter in all legal, administrative and government texts, as well as books and newspapers.
If you plan on visiting either, remember to wear loose-fitting and conservative clothing, so avoid shorts and keep ankles covered. Women should also cover their head and arms before entering. You can bring a shawl of your own, but some mosques also let visitors borrow abayas.
The average cost of food in Dubai is AED150 per day per person. The food cost in Dubai per month can vary depending on individual preferences and eating habits. However, as a rough estimate, one can expect to spend around 100–150 AED per day on food in Dubai.
How much does a meal cost in Dubai? The main dish in Dubai restaurants usually cost around 40 – 100 AED (10-25 EUR). Sandwiches and burgers cost 35 – 55 AED (9-14 EUR). Appetizers and desserts cost around 20-40 AED (5-10 EUR).
You can wear shorts in Dubai and even skirts, if they are at knee length and not shorter than that. Just be mindful of the fact that there are a lot of families and children there.
In Dubai, holding hands, hugging, and kissing in public is considered socially unacceptable and if caught indulging in such acts, you might land up in jail. Many foreigners have already suffered the consequences. Do not join the bandwagon. This is considered one of the most important things not to do in Dubai.
The UAE's law prohibits sale of tobacco and tobacco products to children. Smoking in public transportation, private vehicles and indoor places in the presence of a child is also prohibited.
Walking around eating and drinking in public is socially unacceptable, if not illegal. In the privacy of your own home or hotel room, you can do as you please.
Always use your right hand to eat and pass food, and NEVER use your left hand. And if coffee is offered, accept it. If incense is passed around, this is a signal that the meal has ended and the host would like you to leave.
Dubai culture and arts are largely determined by its Islamic religion and traditional Arab culture. The influence of both on the country's architecture, music, dress, cuisine, and lifestyle are very prominent.
The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Authorization defines tap water in UAE be safe for human consumption as long as it complies with the UAE. S GSO 149 code. DEWA-Dubai Electricity and Water Authorities makes sure that the water is completely safe.