Dubai is beautiful, but tourist scams there are plentiful and well rehearsed. Here are the 15 most common traps and how to sidestep them in 2 seconds.
1. The fake taxi at the airport
As you leave DXB, drivers call out to you: "taxi, sir, special price". They are not official. They may ask for 200 AED for a ride worth 50.
Solution: take an official taxi from the rank (follow the signs), or order an Uber/Careem (10-15 AED cheaper).
2. The "free" photo at the Burj Khalifa
In front of the Burj, photographers offer you a "free" shot. When you want the digital photo: 50 AED. When you say no: pressure and intimidation.
Solution: say a firm no and take your own photos; that really is free.
3. The "special price" at the gold souk
Sellers can tell you're a tourist, so the asking price is multiplied by 2-3. It's classic haggling, but not something you expect coming from France.
Solution: haggle 40-50% below the asking price, pretend to walk away, and the real price will follow.
4. The restaurant menu without prices
Some restaurants hand tourists a menu with no prices. When the bill arrives: 4× what you expected.
Solution: ALWAYS ask for the menu with prices.
5. "Free" attractions that aren't
"Free entry to gold museum" on the sign. Once you're inside: 100 AED. You either pay or you're stuck.
Solution: ignore anything "free", except at the Jumeirah Mosque (genuinely free, official tour).
6. The "luxury" desert safari that's anything but
Street sellers offer you a safari for 100 AED. You end up in a battered car with 8 people for a disappointing experience.
Solution: go through a certified operator (ours are vetted here).
7. The falcon photo = 50 AED
A man with a falcon or a snake offers you a photo "for free". Once the photo's taken: 50 AED. Refuse and there's a scene in public.
Solution: say no before the photo. If you're caught out: 10 AED max, then walk away.
8. Changing money outside banks
Tourist bureaux de change display a rate that looks fine but charge a 5-10% "hidden commission".
Solution: use a card with no foreign transaction fees (Revolut, Wise, N26) or withdraw from Emirates NBD cash machines (low fees).
9. Drinking alcohol in the street
Drinking or being drunk in public = arrest. Even if you've just left a licensed bar.
Solution: take an Uber back to the hotel, never walk.
10. Photographing locals/veiled women
Photographing Emirati women without their consent is very badly viewed and sometimes leads to a complaint. The same goes for children.
Solution: ask first. Most locals out and about will understand, but respect a no.
11. The "free shopping tour"
Hotels offer a "free shopping tour". In reality: a guided visit to the driver's friends, who pressure you to buy.
Solution: if it's free, be wary. Visit the malls and souks on your own.
12. The "all inclusive" deal with a hidden compulsory charge
Some Palm Jumeirah hotels add a 200 AED/day "minimum spend" to your bill. Not mentioned when you booked.
Solution: read the small print. Go for Booking with free cancellation.
13. Lamborghinis and Ferraris for hire
The promise: "Lambo for 150 AED/day". The reality: a 50 000 AED deposit + insurance + fuel + hefty fines.
Solution: if you really want one, use a reputable agency such as VIP Rent A Car with a clear contract.
14. "Cheap" resale Burj Khalifa tickets
Third-party sites sell "Burj Khalifa entry 200 AED" when the official price is 259 AED. Suspicious? These tickets are sometimes fake or for the wrong time slot.
Solution: buy on the official website or through hotel concierges.
15. The 99 AED "all-you-can-eat" brunch
An aggressive promo on Instagram. You arrive to mediocre food, alcohol charged extra (not mentioned) and dreadful service.
Solution: trust the established brunches (Bubbalicious at the Westin, Saffron at Atlantis) or recent Tripadvisor reviews.
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