What You Need To Know Before Traveling To UAE

The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East, and a place that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Whether you’re traveling there on business or to go on vacation, make sure you know these important things before you arrive!

Visa requirements

Citizens of most Western countries are not required to obtain a visa for travel to Dubai, but all travelers must hold a passport valid for six months after arrival. Travelers on entry visas cannot work in Dubai. A visit visa must be purchased upon arrival in Dubai at an immigration office. The process usually takes around 15 minutes but can take longer if you have no confirmed hotel reservation or onward ticket out of Dubai and extra documentation may be requested if you are traveling with children, pets, or carrying substantial amounts of cash.

Flights in Dubai

If you’re not based in Dubai, you will most likely have to fly here. There are many great airlines to choose from, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and FlyDubai. Delta also flies here from several major US cities but cannot be counted on year-round. Last-minute flights can often be found at low prices if booked early enough, so it’s worth booking tickets well in advance if possible.

Rentals in Dubai

Finding rentals in Dubai can be a difficult process because of its limited availability, especially in popular areas such as Dubai Marina or Business Bay. Many properties come fully furnished and some may even offer swimming pools or other added amenities. While it’s possible to rent out apartments for longer periods, it’s also quite common to move from one rental to another during your stay. Check out real-estate-rental agencies like Habitat Network for more information about short-term rentals in Dubai.

Transportation in Dubai

With a plethora of ways to get around Dubai, transportation in Dubai is incredibly easy. Car rental is also an option, but with only 7% of residents having their vehicles on any given day, public transport is king in Dubai. The bus system has recently been restructured and covers much of Dubai, as well as some outlying towns and cities in neighboring countries like Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

Currency conversion

The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is called Dirham. However, nearly every country has its currency that is widely accepted in certain areas. When you travel to UAE, it’s a good idea to check what currency is accepted and adjust accordingly so you don’t end up wasting money on local products. This will save you a lot of unnecessary hassle when traveling abroad.

Medical care

The state of medical care in Dubai is generally considered high quality. There are many hospitals and private clinics to choose from in Dubai, including two major government-run hospitals. Each has a 24-hour emergency room and offers a wide range of services including doctor visits, lab work, and x-rays.

Driving in UAE

If you’re from a country where it is common to drive on your left side of the road, then switching to driving on your right in UAE can be a difficult adjustment. On top of having to adjust yourself, you’ll also have to get used to having people driving at high speeds behind you, which can be extremely stressful.