Dubai essentials

Visas and entry (checked 21 October 2026)

Citizens of many countries can get a 30-day visa on arrival, with a 10-day grace period for extension. The UAE government says the list may change from time to time, so check u.ae and with your airline before you travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter.

Before you fly

Check your own government’s travel advice and your airline’s flight status before you travel; Dubai’s official tourism site keeps a travel-updates page at visitdubai.com/en/travel-advisory (checked 21 October 2026).

Dress and etiquette

Dress modestly in malls, souks and other public places, with shoulders and knees covered; swimwear is for the beach and the pool. At mosques, cover your arms and legs, and women should cover their hair. Ask before you photograph people.

During Ramadan, avoid eating and drinking in public in daylight where you are asked to, and check opening hours, which often change.

Alcohol, medicines and drones

Alcohol is served only in licensed venues, mostly in hotels, to guests aged 21 and over (as at venues such as Luna). Sharjah is an alcohol-free emirate.

Some prescription medicines are controlled in the UAE: check the official rules before you pack them. Drones must be registered with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, which has a tourist category, and flown only in approved zones (dcaa.gov.ae).

The airports

Most flights land at Dubai International (DXB), which Dubai Airports says remains the main hub while a new terminal is built at Al Maktoum International (DWC), about 60 km away. The Metro Red Line serves DXB’s terminals.

Metro, tram, trains and boats

The Metro’s Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Road past Downtown and Dubai Marina, with Route 2020 to Expo City; the Green Line serves Deira and Bur Dubai. The tram runs through Dubai Marina and JBR. Pay with a nol card (rta.ae). Abras cross the Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira.

Etihad Rail’s Dubai Station, at Jumeirah Golf Estates, has a transfer bridge to the Metro, and trains reach Abu Dhabi in about 64 minutes (etihadrail.ae).

When to go

October to April is the cooler, most comfortable time to visit; summers are very hot. Plan outdoor sights for early morning or evening.

Health and emergencies

Call 999 for the police, 998 for an ambulance and 997 for the Civil Defence (fire); for non-emergency police help in Dubai, call 901 (u.ae; Dubai Police). See our health page for hospitals with 24-hour emergency departments. Carry travel insurance that covers medical costs.

Questions and answers