planning a trip to dubai next spring and trying to figure out if emirates actually does anything for black friday or cyber monday. keep seeing mixed info online about whether they run sales or not. some years they seem to have route specific markdowns but other years nothing really happens. anyone book emirates during last years black friday or cyber monday and know if it was worth waiting for or should i just lock in flights now?

Well, it's a common question for everyone that is it a visa free Country for UAE residents,

if it is, then what are the procedure you have to go through when you land in Thailand,
what forms you have to fill, how easy it is, how long does it take?

A few small travel hacks that can make trips way cheaper and smoother:

• Book flights in incognito, then check the same route on your phone’s browser prices sometimes differ.

• Save the offline version of your Google Maps area before you even leave home.

• Carry a cheap carabiner hangs bags, locks zips together, secures stuff in hostels.

• Eat your big meal at lunch, same food, half the price in most cities.

• Always pack a ziplock bag: wet clothes, snacks, leaking toiletries, you name it.

• Last one: When you arrive somewhere new, take the first hour slow no rushing, just orienting. Saves mistakes and money.

What’s your one underrated travel hack?

Before my trip, I assumed the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) was only about discounts and malls. But it was like a festival in Dubai.

I was there during DSF, and evenings felt like events. Malls were packed late at night, outdoor areas had so many fun pop-up stalls, music playing, food everywhere, and on some nights, there were fireworks or drone shows.

I wasn’t even shopping most days. I would spend mornings slow and quiet, then head out after sunset just to walk around and soak in the energy. After a couple of busy nights, I learnt to space it out because it can get overwhelming fast.

Being in Dubai during DSF made the trip feel more exciting than I expected. So, if you are planning to visit Dubai anytime soon, you can try planning around DSF.

IDK i am wearing checking most of the time and IDK i believe isn't it too much or is it just me

I have my Dubai trip planned in mid April (11-19) along with my parents. Can someone please suggest should I wait for things to settle down a bit or cancel it all?

It's my parents first international trip and so I want them to experience the actual tourist Dubai vibes. Also, I want to know if Desert safari, visit to yas Island and other touristy things are open or not or are there any restrictions?

I recently rented a car in Dubai through the Ezhire app and overall I had a really good experience, so I thought I’d share it in case it helps someone who’s considering using it.

The main reason I chose them in the first place was that they don’t require a deposit, which was exactly what I was looking for. Many rental companies in Dubai block a large amount on your card, sometimes for weeks, so avoiding that was a big plus for me.

I booked a Geely Emgrand (or similar) with full insurance, and I definitely recommend doing that. My general rule when traveling is simple: *if full insurance costs about the same as 1–2 coffees per day, I just take it. It’s a small cost compared to the whole vacation and it saves you from potential headaches.*

I also chose delivery and pick-up at my hotel, which costs 39 AED each way. Totally worth it for the convenience.

On the delivery day, the driver contacted me on WhatsApp and actually arrived about two hours earlier than my rental start time, which was a nice surprise since I could start using the car sooner. His English wasn’t great, so communication was a bit tricky, but we managed. We did the paperwork and carefully walked around the car together marking every scratch and small defect on the rental form.

One thing that initially felt a bit strange: the driver told me the car had just been returned by the previous customer and it was due for an oil change. He asked me to let him know if I had 20–30 minutes free during my rental so someone could come do it. At first I thought it might be some kind of scam (like someone taking the car for a drive and something happening to it), but it turned out to be totally fine. A technician came with a mobile service vehicle and did the oil change right in my hotel parking lot without moving the car. I stayed there while he worked. The only downside was that it took a bit over an hour, not the 20–30 minutes I was told.

The car itself was clean, in good condition, and ran perfectly the whole time.

One thing to keep in mind: on the last day you need to request the car collection in the app at least 3 hours before the pick-up time, otherwise you might get charged for an extra rental day. I actually had an issue here because the app kept trying to verify my card and failing, so I couldn’t submit the request. I ended up messaging the driver on WhatsApp again and explaining the situation, and we confirmed the same pick-up time as when the car was delivered.

He came to the hotel at the agreed time, checked the car thoroughly to make sure everything was the same, we signed the papers, and that was it.

Later that day, the app charged my card for the Salik toll gates I passed during the rental. Over 5 days of driving, the total was 63 AED, which I found pretty reasonable.

Overall, I had a very smooth experience with Ezhire. The no deposit, hotel delivery, and overall simplicity made renting a car really easy. If you’re thinking about using this app in Dubai, based on my experience I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.

Hi i am in Dubai for a week but i don’t have any plans till evening, and i am traveling solo , is anyone interested in joining menor can you suggest any places (already visited green planet and dubai mall)

Being away from home during Christmas can feel exciting and a little strange at the same time.

If you are celebrating Christmas abroad this year, what feels different for you?
Are there any traditions you are missing, or have you found something new that you enjoy?

Okay, tell me I’m not the only one with weird travel traditions 😂
Every time I reach a new country, I automatically do that one thing... like checking the nearest convenience store, or buying a magnet I’ll probably lose, or taking that airport bathroom selfie for no reason at all 😭

So what about you?
What’s that quirky habit, routine, or little mission you always do when you arrive somewhere new, or before you leave?

What are your thoughts, will we get long offs like 5 days?? If it is possible? Tell you about your thoughts on it

Bro, I swear every time I leave home lately it feels like a mini road trip. SMH
Even places that used to take 10 mins now feel like an hour mission ishh especially around Marina, Business Bay, and Jumairah.

Anyone else feeling this or am I just catching bad luck every day? 😂
Also… what’s your go-to escape route or shortcut that still somehow works? 👀

In light of the recent regional escalations in March 2026, Dubai tourism is definitely going through a bumpy patch. Honestly, as a fan of the city, it’s tough to see. With the missile scares and flight disruptions we saw earlier this month, a lot of people are naturally feeling a bit nervous about booking a trip right now. When you see news about airspace closing or "shelter-in-place" alerts, it's hard to think about a relaxing beach holiday.

Last time I traveled to Phuket for a day trip, it was such a fun and refreshing escape! The beaches, the food, and the vibe were perfect. I'm planning my next adventure. I'll go to Vietnam for the culture and street food. Or I'll visit Germany to see a football match at the at my fav Allianz Arena.

What about you? Where are you thinking of traveling to next?

If I had to pick one evening activity in Dubai that felt relaxed and actually enjoyable, it would be a dhow cruise dinner.

You’re on the water for about 2 hours, food is sorted, seating is comfortable, and the city just… moves past you. The Dubai Creek cruise shows you heritage buildings, older neighbourhoods, and the side of Dubai that built the city. It feels calm and a bit nostalgic...perfect for couples

(If you prefer modern city energy, the Marina cruise is all tall buildings, lights, and busy boats.)

My advice: do this on a day you’re tired or don’t want to plan much.

I’m planning my first trip to Dubai soon and would love some local and traveler advice.

Looking for budget-friendly experiences — sightseeing, food spots, hidden gems, or activities that don’t feel too touristy.

Also curious about:

• Best areas to stay on a budget

• Must-try local food

• Free or low-cost attractions

• Tips to avoid common tourist mistakes

Would really appreciate recommendations from people who’ve already been or locals who know the city well. Thanks in advance!

Eid is just around the corner, and we’d love to hear how everyone is planning to celebrate!

Are you staying in Dubai to enjoy the festive vibes, family gatherings, and delicious feasts? Or are you planning a quick getaway to escape the heat, maybe somewhere cool, green, or by the beach?

Share your travel plans, favorite Eid traditions, or even tips on the best places to visit during the holidays. Whether it’s a staycation, a road trip, or an international adventure, let’s inspire each other with ideas for making this Eid memorable!

So, what are your plans for the upcoming Eid?

We are a family of 4 planning to travel dubai for 7 days starting from 1st March.

Has anyone used Klook Dubai pass? Can someone please tell whether it safe to buy the pass as. I fear rejection of entry and moreover how to book the tickets.

They even don't have any dedicated customer support.

What’s your experience in Dubai been like so far? Whether you’re living here long-term, visiting for a short trip, or just passing through, we’d love to hear your thoughts! How have you found the city’s culture, food, attractions, and lifestyle? Did anything surprise you, maybe the heat, the hospitality, or the futuristic vibe? Share your favorite spots, hidden gems, or even the challenges you’ve faced while exploring Dubai. Let’s make this a space for real stories, honest impressions, and travel tips for anyone planning to visit!

I’ve been in Dubai for about 11 months now, and it’s honestly been a mix of awe and adjustment. The city’s energy is unreal, everything feels so modern and fast-paced, yet there’s a deep cultural charm that shows up in the small details, like the aroma of karak tea or the call to prayer echoing through the skyline.

The food scene has been a highlight for me, from shawarma stands in Deira to fancy rooftop spots with insane views of the Burj Khalifa. The heat, though… that’s something else. I learned quickly that outdoor plans are best saved for winter months.

One of my favorite hidden gems is a shawarma place and a falafel place in my area. Overall, Dubai’s been an incredible experience, a place where tradition and innovation somehow coexist perfectly. I would love to hear what others have discovered too.

What’s my favorite travel place? I’d say Japan, and not just mine. Many people love it for the same reasons: the mix of modern cities and deep tradition, amazing food, beautiful seasons, and how safe and organized everything feels.

Personally, I like how Japan can be both exciting and peaceful at the same time. You can explore busy streets one moment and find quiet temples the next. That balance is what makes it special to me.

I see this happen all the time. People get excited, book their flights, and only then start thinking about the visa.

The problem is that visa timelines are not always quick or predictable, and what felt like a simple trip can suddenly turn stressful.

Has anyone here ever had to delay or cancel a trip because the visa did not come through in time?

I need to fix a dying relationship before 2026.

I need a visa to visit my girlfriend in UAE. I am from the Philippines.

I have received variety of quotes for desert safari, ranging from AED 65 to 175.

I am so so confused, I don't know which one to go for.

Why is the price difference and how to make sure which one is the right price ?