Hi Everyone,

I'm about to start working offshore in Dubai for a few months and am not familiar with the local do's and don't's of the city and region apart from general muslim courtesies.

I'm open for advice on dress and conduct code in the city and exploring further afield when I get shore leave.

Is vegetarian cuisine available and does anyone have a favourite cafe or restaurant I should try?

Where can I get a cold beer without offending any locals?

What are your 'Must See' suggestions for both the city and outlying areas?

What is public transport and taxi service like?

What are the most common tourist traps to avoid?

I will most likely be taking shore leave alone.

I thank you in anticipation for your kind help and feel free to visit my profile page as I'm new here and would love to meet other female travellers.

Cheers

Toni

Hi Toni!

 I was recently in the UAE for a training course (Jan-Mar). We stayed in apartments in Abu Dhabi and only visited Dubai a couple of times but I could offer a few general points.

I found the UAE to be a conservative but tolerant country. With so many tourists and ex-pats it is very difficult to feel out of place! And people tend to be very friendly and welcoming.

All the hotels have bars or "clubs" (bars with louder music!) if you need a beer and ladies usually go in for free. There is plenty of choice foodwise in restaurants or in the food courts in the malls (which are plentiful!)

Taxis and buses are cheap. In Abu Dhabi there are 2 kinds of taxis (the green ones are much much cheaper than the silver ones!)

A desert jeep safari is a good laugh as is "ski dubai" (take your own gloves!) The beaches are nice.

If anything else springs to mind I will let you know!

Ellie :-)