What you need to know before you go to Dubai

Write once about what we secretly love, so Dubai, the entire editorial team immediately books a ticket. Lil is going for a week, May too, and I'm keeping an eye on the flights like Sherlock. Dubai is the ideal remedy for a too wintry winter. By the way, I'm a Dubai recidivist, that's because my best friend decided to emigrate to the desert. He got married, had a child, and now I think he just stays there. Although I'm working on a campaign to convince his wife that living in the Netherlands is also very nice. Different, that's true, but nice.

Dubai surprised me when I first came there. The Emirati who addressed my friend and did not answer me, out of respect, turned out later. Not feeling comfortable in a souk with a too bare shoulder. The city in the desert has become hugely westernized due to all the imports of expats, but at its core, the emirate is and remains Islamic, where different norms and values prevail. This is what is handy to know before you fly to Dubai.

Alcohol is a thing

You must be at least 21 years old to consume it, and they don't serve it on every street corner. In hotels, resorts, and most restaurants, you can get a drink, but the alcohol licenses are sown more sparsely.

The workweek differs

Friday and Saturday are our Saturday and Sunday in Dubai. Logical, because on Friday most people go to the mosque. On Sunday, everyone gets back to work. So keep in mind that it is busier from Thursday evening to Saturday.

Dress according to the location

See-through and off-shoulder are trends that the Dubai government skips. The intention is that you dress appropriately, as you can even be refused entry to a shopping mall. Topless is anyway not an option and very much forbidden. The administration is becoming more lenient, but provoking is not wise. Cover up from your shoulders to your knees, then you're always good. And if you're at the beach, of course, you can wear a bikini, but the top stays on.

Don't walk around drunk

Public drunkenness is punishable. You are not allowed to drink in public spaces, and if you stagger down the sidewalk slurring, they will pick you up. Don't think it will be fine, as it can cost you a few years of your life.

Drugs are not allowed

There was once a man who went to jail because a piece of weed was stuck under his shoes. He had to serve four years. So if you're from Amsterdam? Be warned.

Don't bring paracetamol with codeine

There are medications that are banned in Dubai and fall under the Opium Act, so always check the list of prohibited substances. For example, Otrivin nasal spray is a no-go, just like paracetamol with codeine.

Openly showing affection is not allowed

A little PDA in public is not appreciated. Do that behind the doors of your hotel or resort.

Porn is not done

Now you might not plan to bring a hard drive with porn, but I'm even talking about a magazine like FHM. If the woman is too naked, they see it as porn.

Show respect

Try to adapt a bit to the customs. I sometimes find it a bit of an adjustment too, but if you don't make too much of it, then there's little to worry about.

You do Dubai by taxi

Oh yes, if you're going from Souk Madinat Jumeirah (tip) to the Dubai Mall, you do that by taxi. The metro system is said to be great too, but I haven't spent a second on it because the taxis are very affordable. Just make sure to mention recognizable points when you get in, because sometimes the driver doesn't know the way. Yes, strange, I know.

Kiki wrote the XL guide Dubai for Debutants, nice reading material for when you get on the plane.