Dubai has made a name for itself as the most ostentatious and luxurious city in the world. Thousands of travelers across the world visit this dazzling city every year and many thousands return every year. But Dubai can be overwhelming for people are who are visiting this place for the first time. Are you a first-time traveler to this amazing Emirate, and don't know what to expect? Don't worry! We have created a list of things to know before visiting Dubai just for you.

Dubai is multicultural: You may expect to find a lot of Emiratis in Dubai. But the fact is that more than 80% of the population of Dubai consists of foreigners. There are people from different nationalities such as Australia, Europe, Asia, the USA, and the Middle East. So, chances are that you will find a lot of people from your country. Arabic is the national language, but English is widely spoken as well.

Weekends are Friday and Saturday: Unlike most other countries, a weekend in Dubai is on Friday and Saturday, and the workweek is from Sunday to Thursday. Interesting, isn't it? Most of the public places such as restaurants, shopping malls, and tourist attractions are extremely crowded on Fridays and Saturdays. Also, since Friday is considered a holy day according to the Islamic faith, many tourist places, shops, and restaurants follow different opening and closing timings. So, it is advisable to check the timings before you go out.

Gold is everywhere: It is no secret that Dubai is famous for some of the best gold jewelry in the world. There is a dedicated market for gold called the Gold Souk which has more than 100 shops selling gold, diamonds, and precious stones. But did you know that Dubai is also home to an ATM that dispenses gold bars and gold coins that you can buy? Surprised? Wait! There is more. The interiors of the stunning Burj Al Arab is covered with 24-carat gold leaf. And if this wasn't enough, Dubai also holds the Guinness World Record for the longest handmade gold chain that weighed more than 240 kilos and was 5.5 km long.

Desert and Snow throughout the year: We all know that Dubai is world-renowned for its deserts and you can enjoy them at any time of the year. But did you know that this amazing city also offers its visitors snow throughout the year? Ski Dubai is one of the largest indoor ski resorts with an area of over 22000 square meters. The park maintains a temperature of minus 1 or 2 degrees all year round and has more than 6000 tonnes of snow. Not only that, but the park is also home to exotic penguins from Antarctica, and you can meet these fascinating creatures in close quarters.

Theme Parks and Waterparks: Dubai is also home to some of the best and largest theme parks and water parks in the world. For thrilling water rides, you have Atlantis Aquaventure waterpark in Atlantis, The Palm and Wild Wadi waterpark in Jumeirah. For movie junkies and fans of Bollywood, there is Bollywood Park. For adrenaline junkies and game lovers, there is VR Park in Dubai Mall. There is IMG Worlds of Adventure for fans of Cartoon Network and Marvel comics. There is something on offer for all age groups.

Food Culture: Dubai is heaven for food lovers and the best part is that you get delectable food in all price ranges. Be it traditional food such as Shawarma, or budget-friendly street food such as falafel, you will find everything in Dubai. There are multiple Indian, Asian, Iranian, and Lebanese joints that serve yummy food. On the other hand, there are many fine-dining and high-end restaurants that offer a range of global cuisines such as Continental, Middle Eastern European and the likes. Also, Dubai is known for its brunches, and there are a lot of brunch deals available in fancy restaurants that serve lip-smacking food. It is better to reserve a table in upmarket restaurants, especially on weekends as you may not get a table immediately.

Dubai is not just about skyscrapers: Yes, you heard it right. There is a beautiful and charming area of Old Dubai known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood or Al Bastakiya Quarter. The houses here are made of natural materials such as coral, sand, gypsum, palm fronds, and stone. A visit to this beautiful place will certainly take you back in time. For a lesson about Dubai's history and culture, visit the Dubai Museum which houses displays and artifacts of old Dubai. While you are there, don't forget to visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to gain some insight into Emirati tradition, religion, and customs. Another interesting place that you can visit is the Hatta Heritage Village backdropped by the Hajar mountains. This village is believed to be more than 3000 years old and gives a glimpse of past Emirati life.

Strict Laws: There are a few basic rules that you need to keep in mind in Dubai. Though modern in its outlook, the people of Dubai still respect their culture and tradition. Public Display of Affection is looked down upon. During the holy month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat and drink in public places as a sign of respect for the locals who observe fasting. It is advisable to dress modestly in public places and be well-mannered. Drinking alcohol in public is also considered offensive and drunk driving is a punishable offense.

Budget travel is possible: Though Dubai is known to be an ultra-rich, luxurious, and glittering city, it is possible to plan a vacation on a budget. You don't have to be extra rich to enjoy the many luxuries this city has to offer. You have budget options to stay, eat, and to commute. Metros are extremely cheap and so are taxis. Ridesharing apps such as Careem and Uber are highly recommended for the commute. You can visit a lot of attractions and indulge in all the fun activities. The only thing required is a little bit of planning.

Shopping in local markets: Though Dubai is synonymous with lavish shopping malls, there are traditional markets called Souks which are equally popular. These markets are situated in old Dubai in the areas of Deira and Bur Dubai and provide a very fun and unique shopping experience. Gold Souk is the most famous one that has shops selling all kinds of gold jewelry, precious stones, silver, and diamonds. But you also have Spice Souk, Perfume Souk, and Textile Souk. You can buy essential oils, perfumes, handicrafts, Arabian garments and footwear, a variety of teas, dry fruits, herbs, spices, and all kinds of trinkets here for a very reasonable price. One tip that comes in handy is to check prices in different shops before buying the products to get the best prices. There is also Meena Bazaar located in the Al Bastakiya Quarter where you will find watches, furniture, jewelry, textiles, accessories, and Indian spices.

Wow! This is a nice piece of info. Some of these you may not even know despite travelling to Dubai