A Comprehensive Guide to Dubai for the Savvy Senior Traveller

Gentle Adventures: Must-See Attractions with Great Accessibility

Many of Dubai’s most famous attractions are perfect for a leisurely visit.

• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Located inside The Dubai Mall, this is an enchanting and effortless experience. You can marvel at the massive aquarium tank from the mall’s main corridor for free, or enter to walk through the underwater tunnel and visit the zoo upstairs. It’s all flat, air-conditioned, and easily accessible.⁷⁷
• The Dubai Fountain: This spectacular water, light, and music show takes place on the lake outside The Dubai Mall. There are numerous accessible viewing spots along the waterfront promenade, allowing you to enjoy the show without navigating crowds. The performances happen every evening, so you can pick a time that suits you.⁷⁷
• Abra Ride on Dubai Creek: For a taste of old Dubai, a gentle ride on a traditional wooden abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek is a must-do. It’s a short, scenic, and very inexpensive trip that offers wonderful views of the old city skyline. Boarding is straightforward, and it’s a lovely, relaxing way to travel between the Bur Dubai and Deira souks.⁷⁸

A Deep Dive into Key Sites

The Burj Khalifa: Reaching the Top Comfortably

A visit to the world’s tallest building is an unforgettable experience, and it has been designed to be accessible to everyone. The entire journey is seamless for those with limited mobility. Your visit starts from the lower ground floor of The Dubai Mall, which can be reached via an accessible, air-conditioned walkway from the ‘Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall’ Metro station.⁸⁰ The entire ‘At the Top’ experience is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, spacious high-speed lifts, and plenty of room to move around on the observation decks on floors 124 and 125.⁷⁷ The staff are well-trained and available to provide assistance if needed.⁸⁰ The key tip here is to book your tickets online in advance for a specific time slot. This allows you to bypass the long ticket queues and makes for a much smoother visit.

Dubai Miracle Garden: A Floral Wonderland Explored:

This is a perfect outing for a gentle morning or afternoon. The Dubai Miracle Garden is a breathtaking oasis in the desert, featuring over 150 million flowers arranged in incredible sculptures and designs.⁷⁷ Despite its vast size, the garden is designed with accessibility in mind, with smooth, wide, and flat pathways that are perfect for wheelchairs and walkers.⁸² Entry is free for visitors with disabilities, and there are accessible restrooms and seating areas throughout.⁸² The easiest way to get there is by taxi or by taking the dedicated RTA Bus Route 105, which runs directly from the Mall of the Emirates Metro station.⁸²

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU): 

An authentic encounter for a truly enriching experience, a visit to the SMCCU is highly recommended. Housed in a traditional wind tower house in the beautiful Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, this centre lives up to its motto: ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’.⁸⁴ The most popular activities are the cultural meals (breakfast, brunch, or lunch) where you sit on traditional cushions (chairs are also available for those who need them) and enjoy authentic Emirati food while an Emirati host answers any and all questions about their culture, traditions, and religion.⁸⁶ It’s an informal, relaxed, and incredibly insightful way to connect with the local culture. The centre also offers gentle heritage walking tours of the historic district.⁸⁴ It’s best to book in advance and contact them directly regarding any specific accessibility needs.⁸⁷

Leisurely Walks and Tours: Exploring Old Dubai’s Charm

While modern Dubai is known for its highways, Old Dubai is a walker’s paradise. The shaded, narrow laneways of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood are flat and fascinating to explore, leading you past traditional courtyard houses, art galleries, and small cafes.⁶²

Several companies offer gentle walking tours specifically focused on this area. These tours, typically lasting between two and four hours, are a manageable and enjoyable way to see the sights without over-exerting yourself.⁸⁸ A knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the historic district, across the creek on an abra, and into the vibrant Spice and Gold Souks, sharing stories and insights along the way.⁸⁸

Dubai’s Commitment: Understanding ‘People of Determination’

In the UAE, individuals with disabilities are officially and respectfully referred to as “People of Determination”.91 This is more than just a name; it reflects a national policy focused on empowerment and recognition of their achievements. This mindset is visible across Dubai in the thoughtful and comprehensive approach to accessibility in public spaces, transport, and attractions.

The Sanad Tourist Card: Your Key to Added Benefits

This is a fantastic initiative specifically for visitors. The Sanad Tourist Card is a free, temporary pass for tourists who have a disability or a documented medical need.⁹² You can apply for it easily upon arrival or even before you travel using the Dubai Now mobile app (you’ll first need to create a UAE PASS digital identity, which is also a simple process).⁹²

The card unlocks a range of valuable benefits that can make your trip even more comfortable and affordable ⁹²:

• Free travel on Dubai’s public transport network (Metro and buses).
• 50 per cent discount on taxi fares.
• Free use of designated People of Determination parking spaces.
• Discounts and free entry at many top tourist attractions.

Renting Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

If you require a mobility aid but prefer not to travel with your own, renting one in Dubai is simple and affordable. Several specialist companies offer a range of equipment, from manual wheelchairs to powerchairs and mobility scooters.

• Haraka Mobility has convenient rental kiosks at multiple entrances inside The Dubai Mall, perfect for a day of shopping.⁹⁶
• Welcome Wheels offers a delivery service, bringing a sanitised, foldable wheelchair directly to your hotel, or even meeting you at the airport.⁹⁷

Other providers offer daily rentals at very reasonable prices, with manual wheelchairs available from around 15 AED per day and mobility scooters from 40 AED per day.⁹⁸

A huge part of the joy of travel is immersing yourself in the local culture, from trying new foods to understanding the customs of the place you’re visiting. Dubai offers a rich tapestry of Arabian heritage alongside its modern gloss, and embracing it respectfully will make your trip all the more memorable.

A Taste of the Emirates: Food and Dining

While Dubai is a global culinary capital with every conceivable international cuisine on offer, we highly encourage you to sample some of the delicious local Emirati dishes. The flavours are aromatic, comforting, and offer a true taste of Arabian hospitality.

Must-Try Traditional Emirati Dishes

Here are a few approachable and popular dishes to look out for on menus:

• Machboos: This is arguably the most famous Emirati dish. It’s a wonderfully fragrant rice dish, similar to a biryani, slow-cooked in a flavourful stock with tender chicken, lamb, or seafood and a blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and dried lime.¹⁰⁸
• Harees: A very traditional and comforting dish with a smooth, porridge-like consistency. It’s made from wheat that is slow-cooked for hours with meat (usually chicken or lamb) until it is incredibly tender.¹⁰⁸
• Luqaimat: You simply cannot leave without trying these! They are small, sweet dumplings that are fried until golden and crispy on the outside and are soft and airy inside. They are then drizzled generously with date syrup. Perfect with a cup of Arabic coffee.¹⁰⁸
• Balaleet: A uniquely Emirati breakfast dish that combines sweet and savoury flavours. It consists of fine vermicelli noodles sweetened with sugar, cardamom, and saffron, topped with a thin omelette.¹⁰⁸

Navigating the Menu: Tips for Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Travellers

Traditional Emirati cuisine is quite meat- and fish-centric. However, Dubai’s cosmopolitan nature means that catering to dietary requirements is standard practice everywhere. You will find a huge array of vegetarian and gluten-free options across the city.

• Many restaurants, particularly in hotels and malls, will have dedicated vegetarian sections on their menus.
• There are also specialist restaurants, including 100 per cent gluten-free Japanese cafes like KOBEYa and numerous health-conscious cafes like Wild & The Moon that focus on plant-based and allergy-friendly food.¹¹⁰
• Don’t hesitate to communicate your dietary needs to the restaurant staff; they are accustomed to such requests and will be happy to assist you.

Is the Tap Water Safe to Drink? What You Need to Know

The short answer is yes, the tap water in Dubai is technically safe to drink. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) ensures the water supply meets the rigorous standards set by the World Health Organization.³⁷ The water primarily comes from desalination plants, where it undergoes extensive purification.³⁸

However, there’s a bit of local nuance to this. The taste of desalinated water is not to everyone’s liking, and the quality of water can also be affected by the condition of the pipes and storage tanks in an individual building.³⁸ For this reason, the vast majority of residents and tourists choose to drink bottled water, which is inexpensive and readily available everywhere.

Our recommendation for a worry-free trip: stick to bottled water for drinking. It eliminates any risk of an upset stomach and is the standard practice in the city. Using tap water for brushing your teeth, showering, or making a cup of tea is perfectly fine.

Your health and comfort are the top priorities for any holiday. A few simple checks and preparations before you leave will ensure you can relax and enjoy your trip to Dubai with complete peace of mind.

A Word on Medications: Navigating UAE’s Rules with Ease

This is one of the most important pre-travel steps for many of our members. The UAE has very strict regulations regarding the importation of certain medications, particularly those classified as narcotic, psychotropic, or controlled substances. However, navigating these rules is straightforward if you prepare in advance.

The key is not to panic, but to be prepared. The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) provides an online service for travellers to get prior approval to bring in their personal medicines.³² While this is listed as an ‘optional’ service for tourists carrying a supply of up to 30 days for controlled medications, getting this official approval provides definitive peace of mind.³³

To apply or to simply ensure your medications are compliant, you will need:

1. A Valid Prescription: This must be recent (issued within the last three months) and clearly state your full name, the medication name, dosage, and duration of treatment. It should be on official letterhead and stamped by the clinic or hospital.³³
2. A Doctor’s Letter: It’s highly recommended to also carry a letter from your doctor detailing your medical condition and the necessity of the prescribed medication.
3. Original Packaging: Always carry your medications in their original packaging with the pharmacy labels clearly visible.

By having these documents in order, you can pass through customs confidently, knowing you have met all the requirements.

Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for any overseas trip, and a holiday to Dubai is no exception. Ensure your policy provides a high level of medical coverage. 

Cover for Pre-existing Medical Conditions: This is the most critical part. You must declare every pre-existing medical condition to your insurer when you purchase your policy. Failure to do so can void your entire policy. When choosing travel insurance, look for a policy that covers medical needs, evacuation, and disruptions to your trip. Providers like Covermore and Go Insurance are well-regarded for offering policies that address these key areas, making them a common choice for many travellers.

Should you need medical assistance during your stay, you can be confident in the quality of care available. Dubai is home to world-class, private healthcare facilities with state-of-the-art technology and highly qualified, international staff.³⁴ English is widely spoken in hospitals and clinics, so communication will not be an issue. Renowned institutions like the American Hospital Dubai and the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi are examples of the high standard of medical services available in the UAE.³⁴

The local currency is the UAE Dirham, commonly abbreviated as AED or Dhs. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the notes and coins upon arrival.

You’ll find that major credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are accepted almost everywhere, from hotels and restaurants to large shops and attractions.⁴³ However, it’s always wise to carry a small amount of cash for things like small purchases at local grocery stores (known as ‘baqalas‘), tipping, or haggling in the traditional souks, where cash is still king.

ATMs are ubiquitous and can be found in malls, metro stations, and on almost every street corner. Using a foreign debit card to withdraw Dirhams from a reputable bank’s ATM is one of the easiest ways to get cash.⁴³ Major local banks like Emirates NBD have extensive ATM networks.⁴⁵

A word of advice: avoid exchanging money at the airport or your hotel. The exchange rates offered at these locations are typically very poor.⁴³ You will get a much better rate at one of the many dedicated currency exchange houses, such as Al Ansari Exchange or Al Fardan Exchange, which have branches in most shopping malls.⁴³

Staying connected with family back home or using maps on the go is simple in Dubai. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, shopping malls, and even on public transport.

For constant connectivity, picking up a local SIM card is your best bet. You can easily purchase a tourist SIM or eSIM right at the airport upon arrival. Providers like Virgin Mobile and du have kiosks in the arrivals hall.⁴⁷ An eSIM is a particularly convenient option if you have a modern smartphone (like an iPhone XR or newer). It’s a digital SIM that can be activated instantly by scanning a QR code, meaning you don’t have to fiddle with swapping out your physical Australian SIM card.⁴⁸ Tourist plans are very reasonably priced and offer various data packages, from a few gigabytes for a week to unlimited data plans for shorter periods.⁴⁷

This is a simple but vital piece of information for keeping your devices charged. Dubai and the entire UAE use the Type G power socket.⁴⁹ This is the three-rectangular-pin plug, the same one used in the United Kingdom. This means you will need to pack a travel adapter for your Australian appliances.

The good news is that the voltage and frequency in Dubai (230V / 50Hz) are almost identical to Australia’s (240V / 50Hz).⁴⁹ This means that for most modern electronic devices like phone chargers, camera battery chargers, and laptops are designed to be dual voltage (e.g., ‘INPUT: 110-240V’), so you will not need a bulky voltage converter. A simple plug adapter is all that’s required.⁴⁹

Dubai is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, with very low crime rates. You can feel very secure walking around, even at night. However, like any major tourist destination, it’s wise to be aware of a few common scams targeted at visitors.

Common Tourist Scams and How to Avoid Them

• Taxi Scams: Unlicensed taxi drivers may approach you at the airport or outside malls, offering a ride without using a meter and then charging an exorbitant fare. How to avoid: Only use official, licensed taxis (they have coloured roofs and a meter) or book your ride through an official app like Careem, Uber, or S’hail.¹¹⁸
• Fake Gold: In the bustling Gold Souk, some unscrupulous vendors may try to sell fake or poor-quality gold at inflated prices. How to avoid: Only buy from reputable, established shops within the souk. Don’t be tempted by deals that seem too good to be true from street vendors.¹¹⁸
• Phishing Scams: You may receive a text message or email claiming to be from a government authority, demanding an immediate payment for a fine (e.g., a traffic violation). How to avoid: Government departments will never threaten you or demand money over the phone or via a suspicious link. All official payments are made through official websites or apps.¹¹⁹ Ignore and delete these messages.
• Aggressive Tour Guides: In tourist areas, you may be approached by people offering ‘free’ tours or help, who then lead you to a specific shop and pressure you into buying something. How to avoid: Politely decline and walk away. Book tours only through your hotel concierge or a reputable, licensed tour operator.

Dubai is a very tolerant and welcoming city, but it is located in a Muslim country with conservative traditions. Showing respect for the local culture will be greatly appreciated and will ensure you have a smooth and pleasant experience.

Dressing for Comfort and Culture: What to Pack

The key principle for dressing in public is modesty. This doesn’t mean you need to be completely covered, but a little respect goes a long way.

• The General Rule: In public places like shopping malls, souks, and government buildings, it is advisable to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.¹¹²
• What this means in practice: For women, this could be linen trousers, capri pants, long skirts or dresses, and t-shirts or blouses (avoiding low-cut tops or thin spaghetti straps). For men, trousers or long shorts and a t-shirt or polo shirt are perfect.
• Pack a Pashmina: A light cardigan, shawl, or pashmina is an incredibly useful item to carry in your bag. You can easily drape it over your shoulders if you feel you need to cover up when entering a mall or a more conservative area. It’s also handy for the chilly air-conditioning indoors!
• At the Resort/Beach: Within the grounds of your hotel, at the pool, or on public beaches, regular swimwear like swimsuits and bikinis is perfectly acceptable. However, you should cover up with a dress, kaftan, or shirt and shorts when leaving the beach or pool area to walk through the hotel lobby or go to a restaurant.¹¹² Topless sunbathing is strictly illegal.¹¹²
• Visiting a Mosque: When visiting a mosque, women will be required to cover their hair. It’s a good idea to pack a headscarf for this purpose. Mosques, like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, will also provide a traditional loose-fitting robe (abaya) for female visitors to wear over their clothes.¹¹³

A Guide to Tipping with Confidence

Tipping is not mandatory in Dubai, but it is a common practice and is always appreciated for good service. The service staff in the hospitality industry often work very hard, and a tip is a welcome gesture of thanks.¹¹⁴

• Restaurants and Cafes: A tip of 10-15 per cent is customary. Before you tip, check your bill, as some restaurants automatically add a ‘service charge’.¹¹⁴ If this charge is included, an additional tip is not necessary, but you can still leave a small amount for exceptional service.
• Hotel Staff: It’s a nice gesture to leave a tip for the staff who make your stay comfortable. Consider 5-10 AED per bag for the porter and 10-15 AED per day for your housekeeper.¹¹⁵
• Taxi Drivers: Tipping is not expected, but it’s common to simply round up the fare to the nearest 5 or 10 Dirhams, or give an extra 5-10 AED for a smooth ride.¹¹⁵

Photography Etiquette: Capturing Memories Respectfully

Dubai is an incredibly photogenic city, but it’s vital to be mindful and respectful when taking pictures.

• Photographing People: The most important rule is to never take a photograph of a person without their explicit permission. This is particularly true for local women. Taking someone’s picture without their consent is not only culturally offensive but can also be illegal.¹¹⁶ If you would like to take a portrait, for example, of a vendor in a souk, always ask politely first. A smile and a friendly gesture go a long way.
• Restricted Areas: It is forbidden to photograph government buildings, military installations, palaces, and airports.¹¹⁶ You will often see signs indicating where photography is not allowed.
• The Best Subjects: Focus your camera on the stunning architecture, the beautiful landscapes, the vibrant souks, and the delicious food. There is no shortage of incredible things to photograph respectfully.

As your wonderful Dubai holiday comes to an end, the final chapter involves finding the perfect souvenirs to bring home and ensuring a smooth journey through customs back in Australia.

From Glittering Gold Souks to Modern Malls

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from the traditional to the ultra-modern.

• The Souks: For an atmospheric and authentic experience, head to the souks in Old Dubai. Wander through the Spice Souk with its fragrant mounds of spices, herbs, and teas, or browse the dazzling window displays of the Gold Souk. Don’t be afraid to politely haggle; it’s all part of the fun!
• The Malls: For a comfortable, air-conditioned experience, Dubai’s malls are destinations in themselves. The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest and is home to over 1,200 stores, as well as the aquarium and an ice rink. Mall of the Emirates is another favourite, famous for its indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai.

Before you get carried away with your shopping, it’s important to remember the duty-free limits for bringing goods back into Australia. Exceeding these limits means you will have to pay duty and tax on all your goods of that type, not just the excess amount.¹²⁴

Here is a simple guide to the allowances for travellers arriving in Australia.

A helpful rule for families travelling together is that you can pool your general goods allowances. For example, two adults travelling together have a combined allowance of AUD 1,800.¹²⁴