Know Before You Go: The United Arab Emirates

Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates?  Great, this post will share some keys and gems you need to know before you go.  The UAE holds a special place in my heart.  I go there often to visit Roy, who currently works there. 

The UAE consists of seven emirates- Abu Dhabi (the capital and wealthiest); Dubai; Ajman; Sharjah; Umm Al-Quwain; Fujairah; and Ras Al Khaimah. This country is so beautiful with so many treasures to offer (we will get into that in my next blog post).  It is impossible to experience everything in one visit. I discover a new place that I love each time I visit. However, there are a few things to consider before traveling to this gem of a country; especially in the new age of COVID-19.

Y’all ready?

Travel: 

The best times to travel are usually from October – May.  The summers (June – September) get extremely hot, with an average temperature of 115 degrees.  During this time I advise avoiding direct sunlight and drinking plenty of fluids. If you decide to travel in the winter, be sure to note the temperature change at night when it gets chilly.  

The biggest airports are the Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Dubai National Airport. The most popular airlines are Etihad Airways, which services to Abu Dhabi and Emirates, servicing to Dubai.

*It is important to note that you CAN travel through other airlines to arrive in this country*

Next, check what month Ramadan falls.  During this time, no one is allowed to eat, drink, smoke, or even chew gum in public between sunrise and sunset out of respect for those who are fasting. However, some business will allow non-Muslims to eat, but this is usually behind closed curtains and out of sight. Businesses also change their operational hours, so it is important to check in advance and adjust your tourist activities accordingly.

Safety:

The country is really safe to travel and world ranked at #31.

Visa Requirements

Visits less than 30 days do not require a visa. However, your passport does need to be valid for SIX MONTHS from the date you are to enter the country.

Currency: 

The Emirati Dirham (AED, Dhs, dhs) is the local currency.  The current (and most constant abroad) exchange rate is 3.67 = 1 US Dollar. The UAE does not accept any other cash currency. However, the country widely accepts credit cards. Visitors can be exchange funds at the airport, local banks, and hotels with your passport.

Transportation: 

The most popular and convenient form of transportation for visitors are taxis. Always check if the taxi driver has a working card machine.  If the taxi driver accepts cash, make sure that the driver has change because most do not carry large amounts of change. Taxis are easily accessible, with availability at places such as popular tourist spots, hotels, malls, and groceries stores.

Buses are another and much more affordable option for transportation throughout the Emirates. Additionally, the Metro is a popular option in Dubai, but requires A Nol card or ticket.

Planning to drive a car during your visit requires an international driver’s permit to travel to some emirates. Visitors must first obtain an international driver’s permit in their home country and present that documentation when renting the vehicle in the visiting country.

Local Laws:

Public displays of affection and anything outside of hugs or holding hands are discouraged.  Alcohol beverages are not allowed outside in public (parks, beaches, etc).  Only licensed hotels, clubs, restaurants, and bars serve alcohol.  To purchase alcohol in the UAE, you will need a liquor license. Recently However, tourists can also use their passport to purchase liquor from licensed establishments.

There is a ZERO tolerance for consuming alcohol and driving. There are a plethora of taxis and driving services throughout the city. If you plan to partake in alcoholic beverages, it is best to use some type of car service. Vacations are meant to be fun and relaxing, but do not let your “fun” get you locked up abroad.

Bottom line: Be respectfully of the local laws.

Prayer Calls:

Five times a day you will hear prayer broadcasts playing from the mosques.  Prayer times are set by the movement of the sun as follows: Dawn, Midday, late afternoon, right after sunset, and a time between sunset and midnight. There are also weekly Friday prayer services. During prayer times, shops and restaurants usually close. There are times customers can stay in the store, but will need to remain respectful of the prayer calls. Although prayer calls are mandatory for adult Muslims, there is no expectation of non-Muslims to participate.  

What to Wear: 

How you dress depends on where you are visiting in the UAE.  For example, Abu Dhabi is more conservative than the more westernized Dubai, so the dress code would be slightly different. Additionally, you would dress different at museum versus hanging out at a brunch.

The culture requires visitors to dress modestly. Usually, locals dress in their traditional wear.  The men wear a kandurah and guthra (headpiece) and the women wear a long black abaya and shayla (head wrap).

However, tourists do not have to wear traditional clothing unless visiting a mosque. The culture discourages women wearing overly revealing and tight clothing, showing cleavage and midriffs, short shorts, and t-shirts with offensive slogans. Women should carry a lightweight scarf to cover up inside buildings because it gets really cold. 

Men can wear trousers, t-shirts, and shorts.  Avoid wearing sleeveless tank tops, short shorts, and t-shirts with offensive slogans.

It is important to note there are certain times it is appropriate to wear shorts and sleeveless tanks, such as at some resorts and beaches.

Lastly, There are usually no restrictions for children until the age of puberty. 

What to Pack: 

Unfortunately, I have experienced losing luggage a couple of times while traveling to UAE.  Imagine traveling across the world to a foreign country and all you have are the clothes on your back because your bags were lost in transition. Yeaaaa it sucks. The first time I may have freaked out. My cool mask went out the window.

The good news is the airline always accommodates my needs and works quickly and efficiently to ensure I receive my luggage within 24 – 48 hours. Although this usually gives me an excuse to go shopping at some of those luxurious malls, I would rather have the chance to wear my pre-planned vacation outfits. During our recent family vacation, one of the suitcases arrived after our trip concluded.  We received the suitcase about a week later.  Unfortunately, the suitcase contained items for our photoshoot that were hard to find in the UAE.

To err on the side of caution, ALWAYS pack a couple of extra outfits in your carry on bag and some comfortable sandals just in case anything happens with your luggage. 

Other Essentials:

Sunscreen: The UAE is HOT! The best way to protect yourself is with quality sunscreen. Here are some of my favorite recommendations!

You can shop these on my page on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app.

Don’t have LIKEtoKNOW.it? No worries, I got you covered! These options are easily available on other sites. Check out the links below!

Black Girl Sunscreen; Black Girl Sunscreen Kids; Babyganics Sunscreen; Demalogica Prisma Protect; Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream; and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer.

International Adaptable Charger: This is one of the best travel investments I have made and comes in handy at airports and hotels. The cool thing is that most international adapters have several plug-in for other countries as well.  The UAE standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz, which differs from some countries.  Remember to check your appliances and electronics that require a higher voltage.

VPN: Virtual Private Networks are important gems to invest in when traveling abroad. Some countries will restrict access to a lot of sites that are available in your home country. A VPN will help access those blocked sites and secure your private and sensitive information when using Wi-Fi.

Medicines: Some prescriptions available in other countries are illegal in the UAE. Although it is important to pack your medications, be mindful of whether the drug is permissible. This country has a ZERO tolerance policy for drugs.  Make sure to check the banned drug list.  Carry a doctor’s note for prescription drugs just in case.

Of course you will need some luggage to carry some of the items mentioned in this post. Click here for my go to travel suitcase!

The UAE has a huge time difference from some countries. There is an 8 hour ahead (9 hour during daylight savings) time difference from the United States EST. These jet lag relief pills will help cope with the time adjustment upon landing. Trust me, the jet lag will hit you when least expected.

COVID-19 Update:

Due to the pandemic, The UAE has enforced certain restrictions and implemented some general house keeping to enhance the safety of the country and curb the spread of Covid-19. Below are a couple of examples:

Abu Dhabi:

Before traveling to the UAE, visitors must present a negative PCR test at the departure airport that was conducted within 96 hours. Upon arrival, a second PCR test must be administered. If your country is on the green list, you will only need to self-quarantine until you receive a negative test result. If your country is not on that list, get ready for a ten day quarantine friends; even if your test result is negative.

Visitors are allowed to entry into the Emirate of Abu Dhabi within 72 hours of receiving a negative Covid test. A PCR test is mandatory on Day 6 when staying for six or more consecutive days and Day 12 when staying for 12 or more consecutive days. The first day of arrival into the Emirate is counted as Day 1.

Dubai:

Dubai’s rules are a bit more flexible, but not by much. People must present a negative PCR test result at the departure airport that was conducted within 96 hours. Officials select some visitors to test again depending on their country, or if they are experiencing symptoms upon arrival at Dubai’s airport. Those selected tor receive a PCR test, must stay in quarantine until your negative test result. Afterwards, there is no need to quarantine. If testing positive, you must remain in isolation. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in extreme penalties.

I am heading back to the UAE this year and hope COVID does not force me to postpone this trip again like last year (fingers crossed)! I will update this post with more COVID-related news accordingly.

Hopefully these tips give you some insight for your trip to the UAE!

Next Up:

Legal and Abroad takes ABU DHABI AND DUBAI! Look out for my next blog post documenting my initial trip and detailing cool things to explore as first timer in both of these amazing places! Stay tuned!

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