Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and a diverse melting pot where almost all attires and cultural expressions are accepted. Swimwear is permissible at beaches, waterparks, public pools and spa areas but is not considered appropriate in areas such as business districts and shopping malls.
Dressing conservatively is appreciated in Dubai's historic neighbourhoods and places of worship. There are...
The Golden Visa is a 10-year residency visa for property owners, those investing significant capital in the UAE, or entrepreneurs – as well as individuals with outstanding talent, or who have made exceptional humanitarian contributions.
Other people, including specialist workers in a range of fields and elite recent graduates can also apply for a Golden Visa: find more information on the...
The Green Visa is a five-year residency visa offered for skilled professionals, freelancers and self-employed people. All applicants must have university degrees or an equivalent, and meet the relevant income requirements.
Learn more and apply >
Eligibility
Freelancers / self-employed
Freelance or self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human...
Marhaba! Dubai is a warm and friendly city and you will come across many people who will greet you with a smile and wish you well. A handshake is customary, but do note it is typically accepted that this should be initiated by women.
Public displays of affection are best kept to a minimum. Holding hands is acceptable, but kissing and hugging in public areas is not permitted.
Alcohol is served...
To tip or not to tip? The short answer is, there are no rules when it comes to tipping in Dubai. How much you tip varies from profession to profession, and is also largely down to personal preference. It is customary to offer a little extra in most cases, but it certainly isn’t compulsory. Everyone arrives in Dubai with their own customs and expectations, but one thing that's always...
It’s quite easy to drive in the Arab Emirates where the rules are not very different from those in Europe. It is not a good idea to violate traffic regulations because it can be quite costly. The average fine is 400-500 dirhams (~$109-136).
The UAE has roads of excellent quality and uses right-hand traffic. All signs are recognisable and are duplicated in English.
Specific rules...
Dubai is home to hundreds of nationalities and both Arabic and English are spoken across the city. Learning a few Arabic words can certainly make the trip more memorable! As you explore the city you're very likely to hear Russian, Tagalog, Hindi, Urdu, Portuguese and many other languages. Follow our detailed guide for a list of handy phrases.
Essential Arabic words and phrases for your Dubai...
Visa types
If you're planning a visit to Dubai, there are various types of tourist visas to accommodate different travel needs, depending on your eligibility:
A single entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days or 60 days
A multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days or 60 days
A multiple-entry long-term tourist visa, valid for five years
A transit visa, one for 48...
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