These days, Dubai is quickly becoming a happening international hub for business and commerce. And thus, there is quite a bit to do. However, before you take off, you’re going to want to make sure you are well prepared. Here are 5 factors to consider when planning a business trip to Dubai.
- Find a hotel that is centrally located. Whenever you’re traveling to a country where the culture is drastically different from your own, it’s always best to stay in a hotel that is centrally located and closest to the sites and locations you want to see. You want to find hotels in Dubai that are in the middle of all the hubbub to ensure that you aren’t encroaching on territory that isn’t intended for tourists. This is the best way for you to stay safe and always know where you’re going.
- Do some research on restaurants before you arrive. Whenever you go on a business trip, you are inevitably going to be having a few meals with business associates. If you are the one inviting others out for dinner, you don’t want to embarrass yourself by taking them to a bad restaurant. That’s why you want to be sure you know where to find the best food and make your reservations well in advance.
- Be sure to see some art. If there’s one way in which Western culture has had a large influence on Dubai, it’s definitely with an affinity for contemporary art. Dubai’s art scene is quickly growing faster than just about any other city in the world. There are museums and galleries popping up constantly, and the collectors out there are buying up some of the most valuable artwork on the market today. You’ll get a wonderful education in both Western and Middle Eastern art in a way that you can’t find anywhere else.
- Know how to dress for every occasion. Once you have your itinerary for your trip all mapped out, you’re going to want to do a little bit of research on appropriate attire for each place you will be visiting. Of course, there will be many situations where your normal business attire will be perfectly appropriate, but what about when you are interacting with locals? If you are a woman, you want to be especially aware of which parts of your body you will need to keep covered. No matter how you feel about it, your first priority should be to keep yourself safe.
- Learn a little bit of Arabic. Aside from learning how to say: hello, goodbye, please and thank you, you may want to learn some other key phrases. You’ll want to learn how to ask a few basic questions and how to give basic directions if you ever find yourself in a jam. That’s why it’s always best to buy yourself a little pocket guide of common phrases you may need to know and keep it on you at all times. Get it before you leave because you will have plenty of time to practice those phrases on the plane ride out there.