Dubai: Dubai saw a significant rise in international tourism during the first five months of this year, welcoming 8.12 million visitors according to a report by the Department of Economy and Tourism. This marks an almost 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year, which recorded 7.39 million tourists. January saw 1.77 million visitors, followed by 1.9 million in February, 1.51 million in March, 1.5 million in April, and 1.44 million in May.
Leading the influx were countries in West Europe, contributing 21 percent with 1.728 million tourists, followed closely by South Asia with 1.399 million tourists, making up 17 percent of the total arrivals - this might be your time to move or visit Dubai, that's why we have gathered the list of top five things you need to know about before moving or traveling to Dubai!
A haven for women
Dubai stands out as a beacon for women across the Middle East, celebrated not just for its safety but also for its dedicated women-only amenities. These include segregated metro carriages, women-centric taxis, and even select days at beaches exclusively for females.
Unlike a mandatory directive, these options empower women who prefer their own spaces, not just this but family-friendly places are way more than you expect in Dubai.
Image Credits: Grazia.com
A global safety benchmark
In 2020, the UAE set a remarkable global precedent with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah ranking among the world’s top ten safest cities. This distinction is upheld by stringent laws, severe penalties, high-profile convictions, and a robust undercover policing system, collectively reinforcing Dubai's reputation as one of the safest places to reside.
Such security measures have made scenes like luxury cars parked with keys in the ignition or laptops left unattended for extended periods not uncommon sights in this secure city - because sense of security is an individual's utmost priority.
Understanding the rules
Dubai's enviable safety record hinges on its stringent laws and unwavering adherence to zero-tolerance policies. Familiarising yourself with local regulations is crucial before setting foot in the UAE. Among the strict guidelines:
Capturing photos without consent is deemed a serious privacy breach. A notable incident involved Australian teacher Jodi Magi, who faced imprisonment, a 10,000 dirhams (£2,157) fine, and deportation for sharing an image of a vehicle parked improperly on social media.
Possession of poppy seeds is strictly forbidden due to their potential for opium production. Even minuscule amounts found, whether inadvertently consumed or not, can result in severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Consuming food or beverages aboard public transport or at designated crossings is strictly prohibited, with offenders subject to fines.
Public swearing or making offensive gestures can lead to imprisonment for up to a year and fines reaching 10,000 dirhams (£2,157), along with deportation for certain offenses.
Preparing for Dubai's weather
Prepare for a dramatic shift in climate when visiting Dubai, diverging significantly from the UK. Summer temperatures soar to around 40 Celsius, coupled with humidity exceeding 90%, making conditions challenging for some. During the milder months from December to March, temperatures cool to the low 20s, the coldest it typically gets - your decision should be well-researched!
Pioneering innovation
Dubai has swiftly advanced into a global leader through its relentless pursuit of technological evolution. Spearheaded by the Smart Dubai initiative since 2013, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation into a smart metropolis. This initiative is dedicated to digitizing services, fostering artificial intelligence innovations, nurturing startup ecosystems, and ambitiously striving to be recognized as the world’s happiest city.
Image Credits: JuliusBear.com
These strides are befitting of Dubai's status as the UAE's second-largest city, situated in a nation ranked among the world’s top 35 most innovative countries.
You need to know well before you make the decision, but isn't it high time to take it?