Everything you need before you pack.

Three broad categories

GCC citizens enter with national ID. Many nationalities receive a visa on arrival. Everyone else applies in advance, usually through an airline, hotel or sponsor.

Passport validity

Six months' validity from the date of entry is the normal requirement, and airlines enforce it at check-in.

Always confirm at source

Durations and eligibility change by decision, not by season. Check the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security before you book.

The dirham is pegged

The UAE dirham has been pegged to the US dollar at 3.6725 since 1997, so the dollar rate you see is the rate you get.

Cards everywhere, cash still useful

Cards are accepted almost universally. Keep small notes for the abra, souk stalls, roadside markets and parking in the northern emirates.

Tax and refunds

VAT is 5%, and visitors can reclaim it on qualifying purchases at the airport with the original receipt and the tagged goods.

Between emirates

Roads are excellent and distances short: Dubai to Abu Dhabi is about 90 minutes, Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah about 75. Intercity coaches run frequently on the main corridors.

Inside the cities

Dubai's Metro covers the airport and most of the main sights on two driverless lines, and one Nol card also covers tram, bus and the public abra.

Driving

Many licences are recognised for visitors, and hire cars come with Salik tolls billed automatically. For the east coast and the northern emirates a car is genuinely the practical option.

October to April

The outdoor season, with average highs from the mid-twenties to low thirties. It is also festival season, so book accommodation early.

June to September

Highs around 40°C and humid on the coast. The country moves indoors, rates drop sharply, and the mountains stay cooler.

Ramadan

Dates move with the lunar calendar. Hours shift, evenings come alive with iftar, and visitors are welcome — eating and drinking in public during daylight is the thing to avoid.

Dress

Beachwear on the beach, shoulders and knees covered in malls, souks and government buildings. Mosques ask for long sleeves and a headscarf for women, usually lent at the door.

Photography

Ask before photographing people, particularly women and families. Government, military and some heritage interiors are off limits.

Alcohol

Served in licensed hotels and venues in most emirates. Sharjah is dry. Public intoxication is an offence everywhere.

Emergency numbers

999 for police and ambulance, 997 for fire, 996 for coastguard. Response times are short and English is spoken.

Heat

Carry more water than feels necessary, plan the middle of the day indoors in summer, and treat shade as a resource rather than a preference.

Wadis and the sea

Wadis flood fast after mountain rain — never camp in a bed. On the east coast, swim from patrolled beaches and respect flag colours.

SIM and eSIM

Visitor SIMs are sold at every arrivals hall on presentation of a passport, and eSIM plans work on arrival without a counter.

Calling apps

Some voice and video calling services are restricted on local networks. Licensed alternatives work, and hotel wifi policies vary.

Accessibility

Metro stations, major museums and most malls are step-free, and accessible taxis can be booked in the larger emirates. Older heritage sites are the exception — ask ahead.