Looking to visit Dubai? Check out these articles that help cover some of that basics about Dubai and the UAE below:
- Emirates vs Etihad; which airline is best for you? [2023]
- Currency in Dubai; Money, exchange rates, banks & more [2023]
- Tourist rules in Dubai; 22 Important Dos & Don’ts
- What plug do electrical outlets in Dubai use? Best adapter?
- Where is alcohol in Dubai illegal? Alcohol laws in 2023
- Can you drink tap water in Dubai?
- Dubai for women; 6 things you need to know
- Doha v Dubai; important differences between Dubai and Qatar
- Everything to know about getting a sim card for Dubai
- Which country is Dubai in? Where on earth is Dubai?
- What is the UAE? What is it famous for? Your most wanted answers
- The ONLY Dubai dress code for tourists you’ll ever need!
- Where is Dubai? Fun facts and information about Dubai!
Dubai travel restrictions
Dubai has been one of the most open countries through out the Covid pandemic. They had an initial short lockdown during the early stages however quickly re-opened to tourists before many other countries.
In order to visit Dubai, they do still have some restrictions in place. This includes either showing proof of vaccination, showing proof of recovery from Covid within the last month or a PCR test taken 48 hours before boarding your flight to Dubai. To be classed as fully vaccinated, you must have received two doses of one of the approved vaccines.
If you have a medical exemption from the vaccine, you will still be required to present a PCR.
Masks are also still required to be worn indoors.
You can find more information here and keep up to date with any changes via the official Emirates website:
Emirates Entry Guidance for Covid 19
Dubai tourist entry requirements
In addition to the above Covid requirements. Dubai also has the following entry requirements according to immigration to enter as a tourist:
- Valid health or travel insurace that includes coverage for Covid 19
- Return flight
- Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
How much does a Dubai tourist visa cost?
For many countries, Dubai offers a free on arrival tourist visa. These are valid between 30 to 180 days, depending on the country you are coming from. Some countries such as India, Pakistan and Philippines require a pre-arranged visa that costs from $10 USD up to $460 USD for a long term multiple entry visa.
For the full list of eligible countries, Emirates has the best information in a very easy format
- Burj Al Arab Facts; 13 of the most popular questions
- The absolute best 10 Hotels on Palm Jumeirah Dubai
- 15 of the best luxury hotels in Dubai
- Luxury without the cost: The 10 best 4 star hotels in Dubai to relax in
- 19 of the best hotels near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
- What is the best area to stay in and which Dubai hotel?
- 11 of the absolute best Mandi restaurants in Dubai
- 27 Best Cafes in Dubai for ‘Bellissimo’ coffee by a local
- All 9 Burj Al Arab restaurants for lunch or dinner [2023]
- Traditional food of UAE; 11 Emirati dishes to try in Dubai!
- The 9 absolute best spots for Kunafa in Dubai
- 11 best Kerala restaurants in Dubai with prices [2023]
- Restaurants inside Burj Khalifa; All 10 for dining [2023]
- 9 of the tastiest buffet in Dubai restaurants!
- 17 Epic kid friendly restaurants in Dubai for the family
- 15 absolute best restaurants with a Burj Khalifa view [2023]
- 21 impeccable restaurants with the best Dubai views in 2023
- 9 incredibly tasty Arabic desserts you must try in the Middle East!
- 8 of the best Iftars and Iftar buffets in Dubai, including family and budget friendly
- 11 healthy restaurants in Dubai for yummy food [2023]
- 11 best bars in Dubai to get the best cocktails & mocktails
- 13 Best Dubai Scuba Diving sites; indoor and marine sites
- The best mall in Dubai; Our top 11 for a shopping spree
- Emirates Mall; Ultimate guide to Mall of the Emirates
- Hop On, Hop Off: Guide to Bus Tours in Dubai from a Local
- Guide to all 4 water parks in Dubai from a local [2023]
- Is Oman Safe? What You Need to Know Before Visiting
- The Wonders of Dubai: 11 things you can find only in Dubai
- The ultimate guide to camel racing in Dubai
- 48 hours in Dubai itinerary; how to maximize your time
- 5 reasons to visit Butterfly Garden in Dubai
- 10 unique things to do in Dubai; THE Ultimate Bucket list for 2022
- Maximise ALL the fun at Kite Beach in Dubai with our guide
- Everything you need to know about buying Gold in Dubai
- 24 hours in Dubai; two options for a fabulous classic Dubai experience
- BEST shopping guide for Meena Bazaar Dubai’s ‘Little India’
- Ultimate list of breathtaking lakes Dubai & how to get there
- Visiting the Burj Khalifa; ticket cost & At The Top alternatives
- How to spend all your money in Dubai; 3 day luxury itinerary
- Beginners guide to visiting a mosque for the first time
- How to spend the best 48 hours in Abu Dhabi
- Dubai Fountain Show Times plus 10 of your questions answered
- Emirates Mall; Ultimate guide to Mall of the Emirates
- Hop On, Hop Off: Guide to Bus Tours in Dubai from a Local
- Burj Al Arab Facts; 13 of the most popular questions
- All 9 Burj Al Arab restaurants for lunch or dinner [2023]
- Jetskiing in Dubai; 5 best experience jet ski tours
- Guide to all 4 water parks in Dubai from a local [2023]
- Ultimate Ramadan Guide: Who is Ramadan? Plus future dates
- The Wonders of Dubai: 11 things you can find only in Dubai
- The ultimate guide to camel racing in Dubai
- Spending Ramadan in Dubai, what you need to know!
- Ramadan, Eid Clothes & Outfit ideas for 2023
- 8 of the best Iftars and Iftar buffets in Dubai, including family and budget friendly
- Friday Khutbahs in English in Dubai and online from UAE
- 5 cool things to do in the hot Dubai summer
Can I drink alcohol in Dubai?
Yes, there are almost no restrictions on tourists for drinking alcohol in Dubai. You can enjoy a drink at many locations across Dubai including hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants and in your hotel room. The only place not allowed is public spaces such as parks, outdoors etc It must be a licensed venue, hotel or private home.
For more information on all the rules and regulations in regarding to drinking in Dubai, make sure to read my helpful full guide here, “The 101 of drinking alcohol in Dubai”
Is it compulsory to wear hijab in Dubai?
There is no need to wear hijab in Dubai and in fact Dubai has never had any rules that visitors should wear hjiab. There is only one place where a hijab is needed and that’s if you decide to visit a mosque like Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque in Abu Dhabi.
For more information on what to wear in Dubai and where it’s appropriate to where certain outsides, make sure to check out my full article here “The Dubai Tourist Dress Code”
- Weather in Dubai December; 7 things to know & expect
- Weather in Dubai November; 7 things to know & expect
- Weather in Dubai October; 7 things to know & expect
- Is Dubai dusty and what is Dubai air quality really like?
- The climate of Dubai? Sunny paradise or hotter than Hades
- 5 cool things to do in the hot Dubai summer
- What is a revert Muslim? Plus my convert to Islam story
- Traditional food of UAE; 11 Emirati dishes to try in Dubai!
- Ultimate Ramadan Guide: Who is Ramadan? Plus future dates
- The 9 absolute best spots for Kunafa in Dubai
- Spending Ramadan in Dubai, what you need to know!
- Traditional dress of UAE and Dubai; All 10 items explained!
- The famous Shatafa; Middle Eastern Bidet & why you need it!
- World Hijab Day; 10 reasons why women wear the hijab
- Beginners guide to visiting a mosque for the first time
- 11 powerful ways to fight loneliness in Islam & meet Muslims
- 8 of the best Iftars and Iftar buffets in Dubai, including family and budget friendly
- Friday Khutbahs in English in Dubai and online from UAE
- How to pray at work in Islam: 7 practical tips for salah
Who we recommend to use
Booking.com
When booking your hotel accommodation, Booking.com has a wide arrange of different types of accommodation and make using their website very easy
I particularly like to arrange their hotels available by “Best Reviewed and Lowest Price” so I can find the best hotels in terms of value
Get Your Guide
For tours and excursions, we highly recommend to use Get Your Guide.
This is for a few different reasons:
- They have good customer service & are easy to book
- The offer a generous cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance without incurring a fee
- They have a wide range of amazing tours, activities and excursions available
- They are usually the best priced in Dubai compared to competitors
Hilton
Hilton has a good range of hotels for the majority of budgets and many hotels available internationally. Even their more affordable hotels have a luxury feel to them plus you get a free cookie when you check in for being a Hilton member! Yay!
There are a few advantages to booking direct through their program:
- You earn points which are redeemable on future bookings.
- They guarantee the best rate when you book direct.
- For reward bookings you get the 5th free when you book 4 consequtive nights
- You can earn Silver, Gold, or Diamon status the more nights you stay which gets free things like late check out and free breakfast
We’re constantly updating and adding more information about visiting Dubai, the best places to go, restaurants, general information and more! So make sure to bookmark this page and keep checking back for updates! I hope you have an amazing time in Dubai and enjoy all the many things Dubai has to offer