OROGOLD Locations

Dubai is known for its extravagance and glitzy lifestyle, but the city also has a strong sense of tradition and culture. From taking in the view from the top of the tallest building in the world, to exploring traditional Arabic street markets, here are some of OROGOLD’s favorite things to do in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa
From the moment that you first set eyes on the city, the Burj Khalifa will immediately catch your attention. This is the tallest building in the world, complete with the fastest lift in the world to whisk you up to the very top. Although the ride only lasts for a few seconds, it is most definitely exhilarating, and not something that OROGOLD would recommend for the faint of heart! The view is incredible, and the building itself is a feat of engineering, depicting Dubai’s desire to reach new heights. OROGOLD recommends visiting the top of the Burj Khalifa at sunset, as the golden glow that gets cast over the city makes the view even more memorable. You should also try to purchase your tickets a few days in advance, as this will save you a considerable amount of time on the day itself.

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Shopping at the Souks
‘Souk’ means marketplace in Arabic, and these traditional street markets are a great place to pick up some bargains. The Gold Souk is the most famous one in Dubai, and features over 300 jewelers showcasing a variety of gold goods. The Spice Souk, just a few minutes walk from the Gold Souk, is another popular market, with narrow alleyways crammed with shops and stalls selling endless arrays of colorful spices. For perfumes, head to the Perfume Souk, which is just east of the Gold Souk. Finally, the Textile Souk is another OROGOLD favorite, and is great for buying all sorts of fabrics, as well as unique garments and souvenirs.

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Desert Safari
Dubai’s vast deserts are where the Bedouins used to roam many years ago, and are definitely worth a visit if you want to experience these historic times for yourself. A four wheel drive will take you to a traditional Bedouin campsite, where you will be able to try an authentic Arabic ‘shisha’, as well as enjoy a barbecued meal. Depending on your personal preferences, your day in the desert can be filled with a variety of activities, from camel trekking to desert driving to falcon watching, or even learning how to belly dance. There are many different companies in Dubai that offer desert safaris, so be sure to research your chosen one well in advance so that you know exactly what will be included.

Dubai is a city that OROGOLD would recommend everyone visit at least once in their lifetime. While the new megastructures, such as the Burj Khalifa and all of its engineering glory, may dazzle you at first, you are likely to also enjoy the traditional side of Dubai, as well as the laid-back desert lifestyle. OROGOLD recommends that you try to experience all of this, in order to really be able to enjoy all that Dubai has to offer.

The Middle East is an incredibly diverse region, with each country having their own customs and traditions. Nevertheless, there are still some cultural tips that apply throughout the Middle East, from dressing appropriately to who you are not allowed to take photos of, and these should be kept in mind whenever you are travelling to a Middle Eastern country. OROGOLD Locations highlights the most important cultural tips for visiting the Middle East.

Woman wearing a head scarf posing for the camera.

Dress Appropriately
Middle Eastern countries are generally quite conservative, so every woman should make sure to pack a lightweight scarf that can double as a headscarf, even if you are going in the summertime. Although the rules in cities are more relaxed, you will still need to cover your head if you want to look around any of the mosques. Dress as modestly as possible, trying to avoid any daring outfits, or even garments such as short skirts and tank tops.

Haggling
Haggling is a huge part of buying items from souks and markets, and is also important in Middle Eastern culture. Don’t be put off by the thought of haggling, as it can end up being a fun activity for visitors if you approach it with the right frame of mind. It can sometimes be viewed as offensive if you choose not to haggle, so rather than feeling put off by it, make your own price offers and question all of the prices that the merchants offer. Buying items from markets can sometimes take some time, often with a break for tea or snacks, but you can build up a great relationship with the merchant this way, something that could be useful in the future.

Luxurious tent set up for a dinner for two.

Hospitality
People in the Middle East, especially in Arab communities, place a huge emphasis on hospitality, and it is considered impolite to refuse this, whether it be an invitation for a cup of tea or an elaborate meal. Always be polite and gracious, following the actions of others in the room if you are unsure of what to do. In Muslim communities it is best to use only your right hand when touching food or other people, as your left hand is meant to be used for personal hygiene. As a guest, you will always be offered the best parts of the meal, and this could also include local delicacies which may seem unusual to you, but it is usually best to accept them graciously.

Photography
In most Middle Eastern countries, Muslim women cannot be photographed, so make sure to always ask permission if you want to take photos of other people. Most are likely to say no even when asked, and it is important for you to respect their wishes. If you are caught taking sneaky photographs, the consequences could be quite severe. It is also important to remember to never take any photos of military or government staff, or of any heavily guarded buildings.

These cultural tips can be applied to many destinations in the Middle East, but each country will also have their own form of etiquette. Before travelling to the Middle East, spend some time researching the local customs in the country you will be visiting, as you will find that if you are respectful of the culture, you will be welcomed and treated in a much warmer and genuine way.

Tag Archives: Souk

Things to Do in Dubai

Cultural Tips for Visiting the Middle East