FAQs
Visas and Arrival
There are several cruise lines operating the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean, which stop in Dubai. We are happy to offer short private tours for cruise passengers passing quickly through Dubai, who do not wish to use the tour services offered by the cruise companies. Passengers will be granted a visa by the port authorities at the point of their arrival and tours will begin from there. Please take a look at the Shore Excursions section of our website if you are planning a cruise that will come to Dubai.
Dubai's airport is a major hub for international travel. There are flights arriving everyday from all over the world, including several destinations in the United States.
Many travelers choose to combine a trip to Dubai and the UAE with visits to other countries in the region. We are proud to offer a wide array of travel services and tours in both Egypt and Jordan. Please visit our homepage to find out more.
It is possible to extend your tourist visa in the UAE. The original 30 day visa can be renewed once for another 30 days.
Currency and Banking
Credit cards can be used in almost any location in Dubai. If it is not possible to use a credit card in a given store, there are ATM locations commonly available where you can withdraw cash.
Exchanging currency is very convenient in Dubai. There are no currency restrictions and any major currency is easy to exchange at exchange location that are easy to find in most central areas. All banks offer ATM facilities so that you can withdraw cash.
The local currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham. The dirham is currently valued at approximately 4 UAED to 1 US dollar or 5 UAED to 1 Euro.
Security and Safety
In Dubai and especially in some of the more conservative Emirates it is advisable that women keep cultural norms in mind when they are dressing in order to avoid extra attention. Dubai is an international city, but the society is still a generally conservative one so think about covering your shoulder and your knees and avoiding very low necks on shirts.
This does not apply in private areas and resorts.
Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are very safe. Crime rates are very low and the number of tourists that come into contact with any type of theft or other crime is very small.
It is important to note that the legal system in the United Arab Emirates is very different than in many other countries and the penalties for breaking the law may be significantly more severe than you are accustomed to. For instance, public intoxication and public displays of affection are both immediately punishable by imprisonment and drug laws are enforced extremely harshly.
Laws may vary between Dubai and the other Emirates. Some are more conservative than other. It is recommended the you familiarize yourself with these differences before traveling between them.
Purchasing Alcohol and Cigarettes
Duty Free shopping is only available in the Dubai Airport. You will not be allowed to purchase alcohol at supermarkets or liquor stores in the UAE without a personal liquor license issued by the government; however, It is available for purchase in hotel bars and restaurants.
Customs regulations allow visitors to import alcohol and tobacco duty free up to the following amounts:
• * 4 liters of alcohol or 2 cartons of beer (1 carton=24 cans, not exceeding 355 ml each)
• * 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500 grams loose tobacco
Hotels
Check-out time is at 12 PM in most hotels in Dubai, but arrangements can be made to extend your check-out. Check-in is usually around 1 PM, but arrangements can be made for early and late check-in if you require it.
Dubai offers a wide array of different accommodations. There are a wide array of reasonable hotel with 3 star ratings and up, but Dubai also offers some of the most luxurious hotels in the world like the famous Burj Al-Arab.
Health Issue
There are no required vaccinations before traveling to Dubai. However, if you need to apply for a visa before traveling to Dubai, you may be required to have medical testing done.
Dubai is one of the safest places for travelers to visit in terms of health issues. The government has sponsored a highly successful vaccination program to eliminate illnesses and also hold hotels to a very high hygiene standard.
The weather is very hot. It is wise to take precautions against heat stroke and sunburn, especially in the hot summer months.
Some medicines that are legal over the counter in other parts of the world are not legal in Dubai without a prescription. If you have any prescription medicine, be sure to bring the prescription with you and be sure that none of the medicine that you are carrying is banned. Anything containing codeine, for instance, is illegal to possess even in small amounts.
Transportation and Traveling Around
The metro and buses in Dubai are well-maintained and a very good option for transportation. The Dubai metro is considered to be the best in the Middle East. The city is still very car oriented and it is likely that you will need to use taxis at least some of the time to get around.
Transportation from Dubai Airport is very convenient. The most common transportation are the plentiful taxis, which are metered and start at 25 dh. However, the airport is also served by the Dubai Metro and public buses, which cost 3 dh for trips into the central bus stations in the city.
Language
Arabic is the national language, but other languages are commonly spoken in some area on Dubai and the UAE. Dubai is an international city with many foreign nationals from all over the world speaking a wide variety of languages. Most people in Dubai can speak and understand at least basic English.
Visiting Religious Sites
Modest dress is required at all mosques in Dubai and the rest of the UAE in order to respect Muslim religious practices. All visitors must be covered. Men must wear long pants and sleeves and women must be covered as well from their ankle to their wrists. Tightly fitting clothes are also not allowed. Women must also cover their heads with a scarf that will be provided for them at major mosques if they do not have one.
Tipping
Tipping is common practice in Dubai, but it is not required. Tip hotel staff at your discretion. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included, but you may choose to add to this by tipping waiters directly, especially if this is not included. Taxi drivers do not require tips, but you should round up to the nearest dirham on the fare. Tipping a couple of dirhams to bellmen, baghandlers, supermarket baggers, and windscreen washers at gas stations is generally accepted.
Most Remarkable Sights and Monuments
-Burj Al Arab
-Burj Khalifa
- Musical Fountain
- Dubai Mall and Dubai Aquarium
-Dubai Creek
-Dubai Dhow Cruise
-Ski Dubai
-Shiekh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi
-Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
-Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain Oasis
-Desert Safari