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Tag Archives: Dubai


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Visiting Dubai: The Do’s and Do Not’s

Dubai is a city known for being technologically and architecturally advanced, yet it is incredibly traditional and religious. That is why we have made this guide of Do’s and Do Not’s for your visit to Dubai.

Do

  • Dress respectfully 
  • Take taxis
  • Drink tap water 
  • Leave the city 
  • See the Burj Khalifa

Dress respectfully

Dubai is a traditional Islamic city so dressing conservatively is highly advised. It’s suggested that women wear loose-fitting dresses and skirts, and men trousers and jeans coupled with long sleeve tops. However, just because you have to dress conservatively, it doesn’t mean you can’t dress fashionably. Dubai is one of the capital cities of fashion, where men and women alike love to experiment with colours, fabrics, and patterns. So, be fashion-forward with your conservative attire. 

Take taxis 

Taxi services in Dubai are reasonably priced and a great way to escape the heat and travel around the city. Additionally, if you are planning a wild Dubai night out, it’s best to plan to get to the club via taxi. It’s an offence in Dubai to be seen on the street intoxicated and could lead to a fine or even a month in prison. Better to be safe and book your taxi to and from the club than risk a prison sentence. 

Image by Fabio Achilli

Drink tap water 

Despite popular debate, it is safe to drink tap water in Dubai, so give it a taste. If you are still dubious, there are hotels that will import bottled water from Europe, however, due to the lack of environmental sustainability importation promotes, drinking imported water should be avoided. Instead, ask for locally sourced bottled water to avoid the harm to the environment and avoid the tap. 

Leave the city 

Dubai is a beautiful cosmopolitan city, but there is a lot to explore just outside the city walls. Take a trip to the desert one day and experience life beyond the city of Dubai. Desert safari experiences can be bought at a range of prices, and often involve a camel ride. Go wild for a day and return to the civilisation of the city later on. 

Image by alfonso venzuela

See the Burj Khalifa 

No Dubai trip is complete without seeing the Burj Kalifa. Standing 829 meters tall, the Burj Kalifa is the tallest building in the world and an architectural sight to behold. You can pay to see Dubai from the buildings viewing platform 555 meters up, or be shadowed by the building as you observe it, for free, from below. Either way, your trip to Dubai will not be complete without visiting this spectacular structure. 

Don’t

  • Wear swimwear away from the water
  • Take photos of government buildings 
  • Eat or drink in public during Ramadan 
  • Engage in PDA
  • Make big plans on a Friday

Wear swimwear away from the water 

As previously discussed, Dubai has a conservative dress code; this code also applies to swimwear. When at the beach or a pool it is completely acceptable to wear any form of swimwear that you desire. However, as soon as you step out of the water, you must be conscious of your clothing and consider throwing on a dress or shirt over your swimwear. 

Image by Sakena

Take photos of government buildings

Regardless of where you go on holiday you always want to take a few snaps for the memories. Dubai is home to some of the most extraordinary modern-day buildings that, undoubtedly, need to be caught on camera. This being said, be mindful not to capture any government buildings as, for security reasons, this is strictly prohibited.  

Image by Michael Theis

Eat or drink in public during Ramadan 

During the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims will take part in Ramadan where they will fast during daylight hours. If you are visiting Dubai during Ramadan the locals won’t expect you to take part in the festival, however, you must be respectful towards those who are. If you want to eat and drink during daylight hours there are a handful of cafes and restaurants that stay open, however, you’re options will be limited. Alternatively, you can eat and drink in your room until the sun goes down. 

Image by George Shahda

Engage in PDA 

Public Displays of Affection (PDA) are a strong offense in Dubai. Everything from a kiss on the cheek to hugging in public is considered indecent. At a push, a married couple may hold hands, but even that is pushing the boundaries of acceptability. To avoid causing offense, it’s best to save showering your other half in affection until you return to your hotel room.  

Make big plans on a Friday 

Friday is considered a holy day in Dubai and is therefore not for working. Don’t worry, the whole city doesn’t grind to a halt, but you should expect there to be a limited number of amenities open. Bear this in mind when planning your Dubai trip and consider having a beach day on Friday. 

Image by Dr. Norbert Heidenbluth

Whatever you’re plans are in Dubai, do make sure that you use Laundryheap for all your holiday laundering needs and do not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy your trip in the freshest smelling clothes. 


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7 Instagrammable Spots In Dubai

Want to know where the best spots for taking Instagram worthy photos in Dubai are? Here are some amazing places that would look great on your Instagram feed.

7 Instagrammable Spots In Dubai

  1. Miracle Garden
  2. Burj Al Arab
  3. Dubai Dessert
  4. Burj Khalifa
  5. Souk Madinat Jumeriah
  6. Atlantis, The Palm 
  7. Bastakiya

Miracle Garden

Visit the beautiful Dubai miracle garden where the entire park provides you with natural flower backdrops for your photos. From stunning Disney displays to romance, the miracle garden is the best place to capture enchanting pictures for your Instagram feed.

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Burj Al Arab

One of the most iconic photos of Dubai is the uniquely structured hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Although it is seen everywhere online, the view never gets old. You can capture a good shot of this hotel from kite beach.

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Dubai Desert

With the sky casting a warm hue over the sand and endless rich dusky dunes, the desert makes a perfect backdrop for an impressive shot of nature. Consider visiting the desert during sunrise or sunset for a magnificent capture.

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Burj Khalifa

Another iconic photo of Dubai is the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. This magnificent skyscraper is one you’ll want a picture of, whether it’s of the exterior or a view from inside on the 148th floor.

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Madinat Jumeriah

Sand coloured buildings, gleaming waterways and palm trees, the Madinat Jumeriah is an aesthetically pleasing place to capture photos for your feed. 

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Atlantis, The Palm 

Atlantis, The Palm is another uniquely structured hotel, a re-creation of the Atlantis in the Bahamas. Whether you take a flight view, boat view or stopping by the staircase, café or beach area, this is another great photo to add to your Instagram.

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Bastakiya

Capture a part of Dubai’s history at the Al Bastakiya where you will see ancient sand-coloured buildings with rising wind towers. Take a walk further to Dubai creek where you can get shots of traditional dhow boats.

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Whether you’re a resident or a tourist in Dubai, we’ll be happy to take care of your laundry while you enjoy wandering through this beautiful picturesque city.


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5 Unique Experiences To Try In Dubai

There are so many fun and unique things to see and do in Dubai. Here are 5 of the unique experiences you might want to try on your (next) trip to Dubai. 

5 Unique Experiences To Try In Dubai

  • Zip line over the city
  • Camp on the beach
  • Play Camel Polo
  • Swim in the aquarium
  • BBQ on the creek

Zip Line Over The City

Get a thrilling birds eye view of Dubai by zip lining through the centre of downtown Dubai with Xline Dubai. This zip-line is the largest in the world and stretches 1 km in length, over the Dubai Marina. You can choose to ride it solo or bring someone with you.

Camp On The Beach

Rent a tent and enjoy the night at Banan beach resort in Jebel Ali, located 20 mins away from Dubai Marina. Enjoy a campfire on the beach, participate in one of the 12 water activities and even relax with yoga. You can even rent out a chalet for the day.

Play Camel Polo

Beginner or not, enjoy a unique and hilarious experience playing camel polo with your friends or family. This game adds a touch of Arabia to the traditional royal sport and suits 8 to 60 people. It is also great for a corporate social event. Fortunately, no training is required and full safety briefs are given before the game.

Swim In The Aquarium

Swim with the sharks into the 10-million litre tank aquarium of the Dubai mall aquarium. Anyone can experience the shark dive whether a certified diver or not.  You also have the opportunity to do other aquarium activities such as cage snorkelling or discover scuba diving.

BBQ On The Creek

Relax and have a BBQ on the famous BBQ Donut while you float down the river. The BBQ donut is a round boat with a barbecue in the centre. This boat is fit for six people and you will be provided with the meat that you can cook yourself.

 

If you happen to need a convenient laundry and dry cleaning service in Dubai, Laundryheap can take care of all of your laundry needs.


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Why You Should Visit Dubai

With amazing skylines and thrilling desert adventures, Dubai is a beautiful city that has so much to offer. If you’re planning to visit Dubai but are unsure, here are a few reasons why you should.

Why You Should Visit Dubai

  • Architecture And Skylines
  • Desert Adventures
  • Luxuries
  • Culture Diversity
  • Food

Architecture And Skylines

Be amazed by Dubai’s spectacular skyline offering a variety of skyscrapers of all shapes and sizes. Among these eye-catching buildings is the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building, the Burj Al Arab Hotel, shaped like a sail and the Marina, the tallest residential building in the world.

Desert Adventures

Once upon a time, the grounds of Dubai were only sand. Although Dubai has developed rapidly into what appears to look like a futuristic city, you can still enjoy adventures in the desert. Experience a desert safari where you can try activities such as dune bashing, camping and much more, and try some traditional Arabic barbecue.

Luxuries

Dubai is a wealthy city where designer brands and high-end luxury products are appreciated. From 5-star hotels and resorts to Lamborghini police cars and Bugatti taxis, there is so much luxury Dubai has to offer that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You can even purchase gold at an affordable price in the Gold Souk, which is a traditional jewellery market.

Culture Diversity

Believe it or not, 85% of Dubai’s population is made up of expatriates while the rest are local Emiratis. While this means the city has a beautiful mix of culture and religion, Dubai keeps some of it’s traditions. You can learn all about the fascinating history of Dubai in the Dubai Museum, Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum House and Bastakiya.

Food

Since Dubai has such a diverse culture, you can expect to find a wide range of cuisines too. Featuring Middle Eastern, Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Singaporean, Filipino and American cuisines. While there are many food options, don’t skip a chance to try traditional Arabic cuisine.

If or when you do decide to visit Dubai, don’t worry about getting your clothes cleaned. You can book a collection with Laundryheap and have your items cleaned and delivered to your hotel within 24 hours.

If you’ve visited Dubai before and fell in love with the city, let us know in the comments section what you love about the city.


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Things To Do In Dubai With The Kids

If you are planning a family trip to Dubai with your kids, there are many activities for the whole family to enjoy. From resorts to beaches to desert activities, there is something fun for everyone to enjoy.

Things To Do In Dubai With The Kids

  • Aquaventure Waterpark

Visit Dubai’s largest waterpark in Atlantis, The Palm, also home to iconic rides and attractions. With water slides, river rides and a splashers kids area, it’s a trip for the whole family to enjoy. You can also do other marine activities in this park such scuba dive with dolphins or feed the cownose ray.

  • Desert Safari

Experience the thrills of the desert by going on a desert safari tour, where you can do numerous activities such as riding a camel, dune bashing and sand boarding. You can choose to go in the morning or evening and even stay overnight. If you don’t want to experience the dune bashing but don’t want to miss out on everything else, you can go for dinner in the desert.

  • Ski Dubai

Go skiing/ snowboarding at Ski Dubai, an indoor snowpark located inside the Mall of Emirates. With temperatures of about -4°C, this snow park features numerous activities such as a chair lift, bob sledging, zorbing, zipline and a penguin encounter.

  • Kidzania

A popular place for kids to have an educational fun time is Kidzania, located in the Mall of Dubai. It is an interactive learning centre that combines education and entertainment where kids can discover different jobs through role-play, and develop decision-making, creativity, teamwork and social skills

  • Burj Khalifa

Witness a breathtaking panoramic view of Dubai from the observation deck of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Travel up 125 floors, 2,723 ft, and enjoy an amazing 360 view of the Arabian Gulf. You can choose to go during the day or at night.

  • IMG World of Adventures

Take a fun trip to Dubai’s newest indoor theme park, the IMG world of adventures to experience a full day of thrill and excitement of rides. This parks gives you childhood themed zones such as Marvel and Cartoon Network to life-size dinosaurs in The Lost Valley.

  • Dubai Parks and Resorts

Enjoy a fun day in Dubai parks and resorts, Dubai’s first integrated resort destination where it is home to Legoland, Legoland waterpark, Motiongate, Bollywood Park and Riverland.

There are also other various free activities in Dubai that you can do with your kids, such enjoying the dancing Dubai fountains or spending a day at kite beach.

Whatever activities you decide to do on your trip with your kids, one thing for sure is that you don’t have to worry about doing the laundry if your kids’ clothes get dirty. With Laundryheap, you can book a collection and have your items cleaned and delivered to your hotel within 24 hours.


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10 Free Things To Do In Dubai

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai and want to make the most out of your trip without spending too much, here are 10 free things you can do in Dubai.

10 Free Things To Do In Dubai

  • Dubai Walking Tour

Book a tour of Dubai with airotour and see the main sights of the city, from the museums to the markets to the largest skyscraper. It’s a great chance to get to know some of the locals and the culture. Alternatively, you can take a self-guided tour.

  • The Dubai Mall

Do some window shopping in the world’s second largest mall. With over 1, 300 retail outlets, an aquarium with a walk-through tunnel and underwater zoo, a VR Park and many more features, you’re sure to be entertained.

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  • The Dubai Fountain

Enjoy the beautiful display of the worlds largest performing fountain choreographed with classical Arabic and world music. The fountain consist of jets that can shoot up to 150 metres high and is illuminated with over 6,000 lights. You can watch these performances daily from 6-11pm, or between 1-2pm.

  • AlSerkal Avenue Art Galleries

Check out the eclectic, culturally diverse area of AlSerkal Avenue in the Al Quoz district. Wander in and out of over 60 art galleries, pop-up design shops and creative concept spaces.

  • Kite Beach

Wind down and relax at Kite beach by Meraas. It is a well-maintained beach with clear waters and many entertainment facilities nearby. You can spend your time walking along the shore, swimming in the soft waves or relaxing while watching the kite surfers. 

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  • Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit one of Dubai’s urban protected area, the Ras Al Khor sanctuary. This wetland reserve is home to 450 animal species, many of which are birds. Flamingos are the main attraction in this sanctuary, especially during winter months.

  • Al Barsha Pond Park

Chill in the calming environment of Al Barsha Pond Park. As well as spacious areas to relax, this park includes sporting grounds such as basketball and tennis courts, a running track and exercise equipment. It’s a great place to hang out with family and friends.

  • Gold Souk

Walk through the Gold Souk aka the Gold market, one of the oldest and most fascinating markets. You’ll see a wide variety of gold, jewellery and gemstones which are all 100% authentic and regulated by the Dubai government.

  • Al Fahidi (Bastakiya) Historical District

Explore the historical district of Dubai where you can get a glimpse of the remaining preserved buildings of what the area used to look like before all the current developments. 

  • Riverland Dubai

Take a walk in the culturally diverse gateway to Dubai Parks and resorts that is Riverland. With a variety of themed destinations, music and entertainment that will take you to different eras from various countries, you’ll have a fun surprise at every turn.

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If on your visit you require a reliable laundry service, Laundryheap will be able to do the job for you. We offer laundry, dry cleaning and ironing and will collect and deliver your items within 24 hours. 


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Traditional Emirati Clothing

The history of traditional Emirati Clothing originates from Bedouins and reigns supreme on modesty for both men and women. It represents the culture and religion of the region, and also happens to be suitable for the high-temperature climate.

A majority of Emirati’s still wear the traditional clothing, especially when and where it is required, despite the western influence.

Here are the basics of what you need to know about traditional Emirati clothing.

Traditional Emirati Men’s Clothing

  • Kandura / Dishdasha: The traditional Emirati male clothing is a long robe called the kandura or dishdasha. It is traditionally in the colour white, but there are other colours, like grey and brown, which are more likely to be worn during the winter months. The length of the kandura is typically ankle length, however, those who have a royal or wealthy status wear longer robes.
  • Ghutra/Keffiyeh: The kandura is traditionally worn with a white or red and white checked cloth draped over the head called the ghutra or keffiyeh, which is held in place by a headband the agal. These headdresses are typically worn to protect the face from blowing dust and the harsh rays of the sun.
  • Bisht: The Bisht is a jacket-like garment worn over the Kandura. It is often worn by wealthy or royal figures and also on special occasions like weddings or festivals.

Traditional Emirati Women’s Clothing

  • Abaya: Abayas are long, black flowing dresses that cover the body except for the face, feet and hands. Tradition considers black abayas to be socially conservative. However, there are now various designs and colours that include embroideries and embellishments. It is common for women to wear western outfits underneath their abaya.
  • Shela (Shayla): Women who follow the traditional dress standards usually wear a headscarf called Shela, also known as Shayla, to cover the hair. It is a lightweight material that is commonly black and worn with the abaya. A majority of women choose to wear designer scarves, like Dior, as an alternative.
  • Gishwa: For more traditional women, a gishwa is a more modest option that acts as a veil to cover the entire face, with a thin enough fabric to still be able to see through it. This is more popular among older women.
  • Burqa: Another traditional piece of Emirati clothing that is more modest is called the burqa. This type of headscarf or hijab covers the entire face and body, only revealing the eyes. It is worn over the abaya and is also common among older women.

Traditional Emirati clothing needs to be well taken care of to remain neat and presentable. Clothing can be cleaned carefully at home or taken to a Laundryheap for professional laundry and dry cleaning service.


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How To Keep Yourself Cool During Summer in Dubai

Dubai in the summer is famous for its unbearable scorching heat, often reaching above 40°C (104°F). Fortunately, many, if not all places in Dubai are equipped with air-conditioning and indoor activities to help keep cool during the summer. There are also several things you can do for yourself to help you beat the heat.

Whether you’re an expat new to Dubai, a tourist or a local, here are some tips to keep yourself cool during the summer in Dubai.

  • Wear the right clothing

Stick to lightweight, loose fitted clothing for maximum protection from the sun. Avoid wearing dark colours, especially black, as these tend to absorb the heat quickly. Wear light colours instead to keep yourself cool and do wear a hat.

If you’re a tourist who is culturally unaware of what clothes are appropriate to wear in Dubai, check out our post- Tourist Advice: What To Wear In Dubai.

  • Start your day early

The heat is at it’s the highest temperature from 10 am, so it’s best to start your day as early as 7 am. Whether you need to run errands or want to do an activity, you’ll be able to get things done without having to worry about being in the unbearable heat.

  • Stay Hydrated

An obvious way to keep cool is to remain hydrated! Make sure to drink water frequently and carry around bottled water with you. The best way to drink water in such scorching heat is to consume small quantities at regular intervals rather than infrequent gulps.

  • Eat lighter meals

Avoid indulging in heavy meals and snacks such as fried and fast food, as this requires more energy to digest thus making you feel quickly drained of energy. Instead, eat light and healthy meals at frequent intervals to keep you refreshed throughout the day. 

  • Stay in air-conditioned places

All buildings and transportation in Dubai are fully air-conditioned, so staying anywhere other than outside will definitely keep you cool. Take advantage of the mall, a restaurant, museum or gallery.

Although it might seem unlikely, there are many activities to do in the summer in Dubai that will keep you cool, such as going to water parks, swimming in pools and indoor ice skating.

If you want to go to the beach, go before 10 am or in the early evening. This way you’ll avoid the burning heat of the sun and the sea.

It can be hard to not perspire at all, unless you’re always in a cool, air-conditioned environment. If you need to freshen up your clothes, you can book a laundry collection with Laundryheap and expect to have your clothes clean and delivered to you within 24 hours.


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Tourist Advice: What To Wear In Dubai

Dubai is a city well known for it’s incredibly hot summer climate, it’s modern architecture and luxury shopping malls. 

What To Wear In Dubai

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city where a majority of the population is made up of expats, most of which are from the western region, so it can be quite confusing as to what you can wear. 

Although the city is filled with many expats and welcomes different cultures and religions, Dubai is a city in the UAE which is an Islamic country. So, traditional clothing is modest for both men and women.

One thing for sure is that locals nowadays love to dress up and look good whenever they’re out in public. They love to show off their designer brands and will always make the effort to look fashionably presentable. The style sense will usually range from classy and elegant to smart casual.

The trick is to dress classy in a modest way.

Depending on what you do and where you go in Dubai, there are some public places that have a strict dress code. 

Key points to note:

  • Plunging necklines, bare midriffs and booty shorts are frowned upon.
  • Transparent and sheer clothing that will reveal your lingerie must be avoided.
  • You can wear off the shoulder/ sleeve-less tops unless a dress code says otherwise.

What To Wear To Public Places In Dubai

For public places like the park, metro, malls or just roaming around.

Women

  • Maxi, midi or knee-length dresses and skirts
  • Fitted jeans, pants or culottes.
  • Nice blouses/ tops or t-shirts
  • Short-sleeve, sleeve-less or off the shoulder tops
  • Jumpsuits, rompers or playsuits
  • Shawls or scarfs
  • Thin jackets, cardigans or kimonos 

Note that some public places such as some shopping malls have a strict dress code where you will need to cover up a bit more (your shoulders). That’s why it’s always handy to bring along a shawl or light jacket whenever you roam in Dubai.

Men

  • Fitted jeans/pants.
  • T-shirts, polo shirts or vests
  • Shorts (but not short shorts)

What To Wear To Fancy Restaurants In Dubai

You definitely have to bring some formal clothes and shoes if you plan to go to restaurants and bars in Dubai. Most nice restaurants have a semi-formal or formal dress code that do not permit trainers!

You can wear anything that looks elegant and classy, so long as it’s not too revealing.

Ladies should still keep outfits looking modest and bring along a shawl or jacket to cover up going to and from the restaurant or bar.

Men should wear polo-shirts and nice pants, with fancy shoes.

What To Wear When Visiting A Mosque In Dubai

When visiting mosques or traditional markets like Spice Souk or Gold Souk, it’s important that both men and women are fully covered and not wearing tight-fitted clothing. 

Women

  • Maxi dresses or skirts
  • Pants or trousers
  • long sleeve tops/cardigans
  • Shawls or scarfs to put over the head

Men

  • Jeans or pants
  • Long sleeved tops

What To Wear To The Beach In Dubai

Ladies can wear bikinis and swimwear to the beach or swimming pool, as long as it’s not too skimpy. Bikinis or swimsuits that have thongs are highly inappropriate. Men can wear swimming shorts with a vest or t-shirt, but must avoid being topless.

What To Wear For Nightclubs In Dubai

Dressing for nightclubs in Dubai is pretty much the same for any other city, as most of these nightclubs are international. So you can pretty much wear what you want. The only thing they will be strict about is what shoes you wear, so be sure to pack some heels or dress shoes.

If you’re planning to visit Dubai and want a convenient laundry service, Laundryheap will happily collect, clean and deliver your clothes within 24 hours to your hotel. It is also a great way to outsource your laundry if you live in Dubai.