It’s that time of the year when your vacation needs not just a little more gold but also more skyscrapers and camels! My spontaneous trip to Dubai led to too many surprises. Little did I know I would change three sweaty t-shirts before noon. And have dinner in the sky, literally!

So, welcome to Dubai, the land that makes the desert feel like a sci-fi theme park. After all, it’s the Middle East’s glitziest playground. Here are 5 tips I wish I had tattooed on my arm before landing in Dubai.

1. Time It Right – It’s Not Always Sparkle, Sometimes It’s Sizzle

Dubai weather in May is not for the faint hearted! I tried to be gutsy and my May visit made me realise why locals disappear into malls like desert ninjas! The Dubai temperature? A crispy 40°C (104°F) by lunchtime. My sandals melted into the sidewalk. True story.

Best time to go to Dubai? Between November and March, when the weather is a dreamy 24°C–28°C (75°F–82°F). Even the temp in Dubai in October starts cooling down—perfect if you’re into rooftop dining and not spontaneous combustion.
Also Read: Dubai Dreams: Exploring the 4 Best Places to Stay

2. Dress for the Location – Modesty Meets Glamour

You can change your dressing sense, depending on the occasion. For example, lean towards modesty when visiting mosques, malls or souks. But you can also bring on the sparkle at private beaches, brunches and nightclubs.

The highlight of my trip was when a local auntie complimented my outfit. A Maxi dress and a scarf was just the perfect combo for the Grand Mosque! Pro tip: Keep a scarf in your bag. It’s your cultural swiss army knife — works as a headcover, sun shield, or emergency picnic blanket.

3. Discover More Than Malls – There’s Actual Culture Here

Of course, the malls in Dubai are next-level, but you must look beyond the consumerist dazzle and explore the soul of Dubai too! One of the most underrated places in Dubai to go is Al Fahidi Historical District — think wind towers, art galleries, and museums with serious Indiana Jones vibes.

Another one of the essential places to be seen in Dubai is The Frame — a massive golden picture frame offering panoramic city views. It’s like someone built an Instagram filter out of steel and glass.

Other can’t-miss spots:

Jumeirah Mosque – a rare mosque open to non-Muslim visitors.
Dubai Creek – take an abra (wooden boat) ride for 1 AED.
Museum of the Future – if you can get a ticket. It’s mind-blowing.

4. Don’t Underestimate Brunch – It’s a National Sport

Did you know that Dubai brunches are world famous? It’s not your usual eggs and avocado vibe. Locals get overdressed and DJ spins lit beats. It’s where sushi meets steak and the dessert table looks like it’s Versailles!

I went to one at Cé La Vi on a rooftop overlooking the Burj Khalifa. I made the mistake of wearing high heels, which of course I took them off soon enough. And there I was, barefoot, sipping cocktails and living my best brunch life! Pro tip: Book ahead. And pace yourself — the brunch marathon is not a sprint.

5. Ride the Desert, Not Just the Elevator

Of course, you can skip Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world! But don’t skip the *actual desert* too. The dune bashing tour was my favorite part. We rode camels, surfed sand dunes and even ate shawarma under fairy lights.

And under the stars, an interesting thought came to me, “Dubai is basically what happens when an oil lamp genie gets unlimited wishes and a design degree.”

Bonus: Budget Tips with Luxury Vibes

If you don’t want to go broke, here are some smart ways to go easy on your wallet:

Take the Dubai Metro. It’s affordable and extremely clean.
Go to public beaches like the Kite beach, which are free and have the best shawarma.
Prefer local cafeterias that serve yummy biryanis and karak tea for under $5.

I once ate a shawarma that cost 3 dirhams (less than $1), and I still think about it more than my ex!

Final Thoughts From a Traveler Who Learned the Hard Way

You don’t need to apply any filter; Dubai has an inbuilt one. From skyscrapers to ancient souks, it gives you the vibes of both extremes. Best time to visit Dubai? When you’re ready for sand in your shoes and gold flakes in your desert! Don’t forget to hydrate like a cactus, and leave space in your suitcase. You’re going to bring back more than just souvenirs…

And whatever you do, don’t wear leather pants in May. Trust me. I have the sweat-soaked trauma to prove it.