Practical information : Eating out United Arab Emirates
Timetable
You can practically have a meal at any time. Cafeterias are open from very early in the morning until very late at night. For lunch, you have to wait until noon, which is usually around 1 p.m. Dinner is rarely served before 7 p.m., and the busiest time is around 9 p.m. The restaurants rarely close during the week. Restaurants rarely close during the week. Reservations are recommended for restaurants in larger cities.
Budget & Tips
To eat out on a budget, head for the historic districts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and all the local restaurants in the other emirates, taking care to avoid hotels. Note that many food trucks have recently sprung up. It's a good idea to take a meal without alcohol, otherwise the average price can double. Virtually all restaurants in the major cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah offer door-to-door sales.
What costs extra
Normally all menus indicate at the bottom of the page any taxes if they are not included. Tipping is at the discretion of the customer. There is no water carafe in the Emirates, so water is paid for, but not bread.
The local way
You're always asked when you sit down if you'd like sparkling or still water, cold or room temperature. Portions are very generous, so feel free to share between two, and specify if you don't like it too spicy.
To be avoided
If you drink Arabic coffee, take it with your right hand, not your left. The left hand is considered impure. If you're not happy with the service or quality, avoid raising your voice at all costs. Insults are unacceptable in this country, but don't hesitate to say so either. They'll do everything to compensate you.
Kids
Children are king. But some restaurants serving shisha, bars and very high-end restaurants refuse children even up to the age of 21.
Smokers
Smoking and non-smoking areas are generally available in the vast majority of restaurants, and smoking is permitted on the terrace and outside.
Tourist traps
There are few tourist traps in the emirates, and if sometimes the touts are in the middle of the street, they never insist much. On the other hand, cruise ships generally offer buffets of more than average quality for Dubai.