Dubai
Dubai
From a humble village to a cosmopolitan city Dubai has transformed from a humble fishing village to one of the most cosmopolitan and innovative cities in the world today. Tracing its origins back to 3,000 BC, Dubai's inhabitants made their livelihood from fishing, pearl diving, boat building and sea trading, before the discovery of oil in the late 1960s. In 1971, Dubai joined its neighbours to form the United Arab Emirates, safeguarding the area's prosperity.Hitta resa
Head off-road with Dune Buggy Dubai to discover the thrills of the desert. You can find activities to suit whatever level of adventure you crave. The Morning Dune Buggy Safari features an early bird hour-long ride in your own open buggy. If you're looking for more, try the Evening Desert Safari. Here, you'll go dune bashing in a brand new Land Rover. After the drive, you'll sit down for live entertainment consisting of a traditional dance show. Food, beverages and henna painting enhance the experience with sand boarding and camel riding available to keep the excitement going until late at night.
Thrill-seekers can get their kicks at sea in JBR Beach, where Dubai’s latest toys are getting hearts racing. Flyboarding, also known as water jet-packing, sees adventure lovers fitted into a small board and strapped to a specially-made backpack that sucks up seawater, before spitting it back out, propelling the rider into the air. If you have never tried it before, no worries. Even beginners will be able to manoeuvre themselves around the marina – just be prepared to make a splash crash-landing the first few attempts.
Have fun on the water and at the same time take in some of Dubai’s famous landmarks with a jet-ski session. Nemo Watersports and Dubai Jetski offer tours that present the best of Dubai from the water. Each tour is accompanied by a qualified instructor and you can go as fast or slow as you like. With its pristine coastline and azure blue waters, it's the perfect place to master new moves.
Direct your taxi driver to Dubai's most famous sand dune, Big Red, where you can hop on a quad bike and navigate the sandy landscape yourself. Available to hire by the half hour, the quad bikes are speedy and a helmet must be worn while riding. Follow the natural trail of the dunes, kicking sand in the face of your fellow riders as you hurtle and bounce over Dubai’s most iconic patch of sand. Big Red is easy to spot along the Dubai-Hatta (E44) highway. Ask your driver to wait, or hire one for the day.
This is one for true adrenaline-seekers. Strap this snowboard-like contraption to your feet and glide down the dunes, just like you would at the slopes of Ski Dubai. While it's possible to rent a sandboard at Big Red, there are a number of tour companies that offer the full experience including Dream Explorer Dubai, Desert Rangers and Lama Dubai. It may look tricky but you'll soon learn all the tips and tricks to make it down the dunes smoothly.
Take in the rugged landscape of Hatta, nestled in the rocky Hajar Mountains. Explore the centuries-old attractions or simply take in views of the striking scenes from your own camping tent. Hatta has been enjoying a renaissance of late thanks to an array of new hotspots including a dedicated adventure centre, luxe lodges and a trailer-park themed resort. For more overnight thrills, try glamping in the serene sands of the Arabian desert. Leading operators including Platinum Heritage and Arabian Adventures offer their own unique take on glamping in Dubai, complete with astronomy sessions, private majlis areas and after-dark wildlife spotting.
Featuring the largest and most diverse number of wildlife species in the UAE, Al Warqa’s Dubai Safari is home to 2,500 animals. Adventurers can encounter monkeys, lions, giraffes, crocodiles and a whole lot more as they explore the park's four themed sections: the Arabian, Asian, African and Safari Village. While its solar-powered driving vehicles and world’s first drive-through crocodile exhibit are impressive feats, the park has big plans in store as it aims to provide a safe haven for 5,000 animals by 2020.
Step away from the city and float 1,200 metres above the desert dunes with a hot air balloon tour. The adventure usually starts at sunrise, followed by an hour-long flight that's worth the early wake-up. Following whichever way the desert breeze blows, you'll get breathtaking views of the rolling red sands, rising sun, grazing gazelles, and majestic Hajar Mountains. With a variety of packages to choose from, you can make it a romantic rendezvous, corporate celebration or an unforgettable family experience.
Head off-road with Dune Buggy Dubai to discover the thrills of the desert. You can find activities to suit whatever level of adventure you crave. The Morning Dune Buggy Safari features an early bird hour-long ride in your own open buggy. If you're looking for more, try the Evening Desert Safari. Here, you'll go dune bashing in a brand new Land Rover. After the drive, you'll sit down for live entertainment consisting of a traditional dance show. Food, beverages and henna painting enhance the experience with sand boarding and camel riding available to keep the excitement going until late at night.
Thrill-seekers can get their kicks at sea in JBR Beach, where Dubai’s latest toys are getting hearts racing. Flyboarding, also known as water jet-packing, sees adventure lovers fitted into a small board and strapped to a specially-made backpack that sucks up seawater, before spitting it back out, propelling the rider into the air. If you have never tried it before, no worries. Even beginners will be able to manoeuvre themselves around the marina – just be prepared to make a splash crash-landing the first few attempts.
Held annually, Dubai Food Festival celebrates the city's distinct food scene, celebrity chefs and world-class dining experiences. The festival features a fantastic line-up of events from late February to early March. The exciting schedule typically includes Dubai Restaurant Week, where foodies can taste must-try restaurants for less; an array of beachside food stalls at Beach Canteen; Taste of Dubai, where food, culture and music mix for an epic weekend event; and much more.
While modern flavours and techniques influence Emirati food, the cuisine still retains much of its traditional character. A medley of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and nutmeg take centre stage alongside dried fruits and fresh herbs like coriander, mint and thyme. Try traditional harees, mandi and karak tea at restaurants like Logma at The Dubai Mall, JBR's Seven Sands and Al Hadheerah, tucked away among the dunes of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
Join in on one of Dubai's favourite pastimes – the famous Friday brunch. There's a brunch to suit any mood, whether you're seeking a romantic vibe, a fun meal with friends or simply fantastic cuisine, Dubai has you covered. Tried-and-true options include Saffron, Bubbalicious and Zuma. If you're looking for something more offbeat, try an evening brunch at the Mercury Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach or Vida's poolside Urban Picnic.
Whether it’s coffee you're after or a bakery bite there’s no shortage of cafés in Dubai. Park House and Surf Café offer laidback vibes near the beach, while Tom & Serg in Dubai's art district is one of a kind. For a caffeine fix in Dubai's finance district, visit The Sum of Us or try the lavender honey latte at The Brass while shopping in City Walk. If you're passing by Galleria Mall, satisfy your sweet tooth at Home Bakery.
With celebrity chefs, rooftop terraces, spectacular cuisine – foodies can taste delicious concepts in Dubai's amazing fine-dining establishments. Try Peruvian cuisine at Coya, French bistro favourites at Couqley or La Serre, Italian classics at Cipriani or superb seafood at Pierchic. If you're looking for fine-dining with Arabian flair, options offering both gourmet cuisine and a world-class atmosphere include Al Nafoorah, Amaseena and Ewaan.
Some of the world's most esteemed chefs set up restaurants in Dubai, adding to the city's ever-increasing portfolio of high-end dining. Sink your teeth into Italy's finest fare at Social by Heinz Beck, Gary Rhodes' British classics at Rhodes W1 or French cuisine at world-famous La Petite Maison. For more highly-acclaimed cuisine, enjoy a taste of Peru at Lima Dubai or Provençal cuisine at Bleu Blanc by David Myers.
It can be a challenge to get your children to eat what’s on their plates. Fortunately, Dubai is filled with restaurants serving kid-friendly meals, with menus featuring international specialties served with a side of entertainment. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something to enjoy in the city. Try a weekend brunch at The Westin Mina Seyahi, a yummy breakfast by the beach at Pots, Pans and Boards, or unleash their artistic side over lunch at Café Céramique.
Imagine this: the sound of crashing waves, the scent of the beach and a delectable feast on your table. We have the best selection of beachside dining, from fresh seafood at Fish Beach Taverna or international cuisine at Jetty Lounge, to a quick, quirky bite at Al Ijaza Cafeteria and unbeatable sliders at homegrown Salt. For a guaranteed good time with live music or a DJ, visit the favourite local party spot, Barasti. Alternatively, for a fine-dining experience on the water, try Jumeirah Beach Hotel's Villa Beach.
Held annually, Dubai Food Festival celebrates the city's distinct food scene, celebrity chefs and world-class dining experiences. The festival features a fantastic line-up of events from late February to early March. The exciting schedule typically includes Dubai Restaurant Week, where foodies can taste must-try restaurants for less; an array of beachside food stalls at Beach Canteen; Taste of Dubai, where food, culture and music mix for an epic weekend event; and much more.
While modern flavours and techniques influence Emirati food, the cuisine still retains much of its traditional character. A medley of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and nutmeg take centre stage alongside dried fruits and fresh herbs like coriander, mint and thyme. Try traditional harees, mandi and karak tea at restaurants like Logma at The Dubai Mall, JBR's Seven Sands and Al Hadheerah, tucked away among the dunes of Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
From chic outdoor shopping precincts to super-sized city malls, there’s no better place to indulge in retail therapy than Dubai. And it’s not just the shopping that attracts; there’s also ice rinks, ski slopes, fabulous cinemas, spas and restaurants districts to keep you entertained. Take in the attractions of The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Walk and The Beach at JBR as a starting point.
Lavish gold jewellery, hand-woven fabrics, oud fragrances and bargain knick-knacks – you'll find it all in our bustling souks, or Arabian markets. While the emirate lives up to its reputation as a thriving modern city, the souks have been a crucial part of daily life and trade for centuries. For an immersive cultural experience, visit the gold, spice, perfume and textile souks in Dubai's historical neighbourhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai and, for a modern take, visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Souk Al Bahar.
If you're looking for stylish boutiques, al fresco dining or simply a leisurely promenade along the waterfront, head to The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Along this buzzing boulevard, there's plenty of opportunity to satisfy your retail cravings with an array of fashion, home and handicraft shops and boutiques. For more laidback fun, head to La Mer in Jumeirah 1. This vibrant precinct reflects a seafresh theme, with plenty of bustling beachside attractions including a free-jumping inflatable playground for little ones and fun-fuelled watersports at Sea Breeze.
There’s no place like Dubai for shopping. From The Dubai Mall's Level Shoes store to the glorious Fashion Dome at the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai offers a glamorous and indulgent retail experience. Excellent locations are matched with superb in-store service, immersive brand activations and beautiful store designs to create an unforgettable experience. For a more exclusive touch, the city's best malls also offer personal shopping and styling services, chauffeurs so you can save your energy for shopping, and even at-home delivery of all your purchases. Ready, set, shop.
Go off the beaten track to one of Dubai’s emerging boutique shopping districts such as d3 (Dubai Design District), which showcases an array of quirky and contemporary products, or Al Quoz, which features cutting-edge galleries and contemporary Arabian interiors. There’s also excellent boutique shopping at City Walk, BoxPark, JBR, La Mer and Jumeirah. Check out S*uce, Urbanist, Comptoir 102, and keep an eye out for pop-up markets with local designers. There are also plenty of homegrown fashion labels including All Things Mochi, L’Afshar, Taller Marmo and Bil Arabi to choose from.
From organic produce and local design markets like Police Academy Park's Ripe Market to seasonal events like the Ramadan Night Markets, Market OTB and Beach Canteen, Dubai loves a good market. Don't miss the chance to take home treasures from Dubai's oldest markets like the gold, spice, perfume and textile souks, or a sample the best of modern Arabia at a seasonal pop-up.
Whether it’s about having fun with your family and friends or getting your hands on the hottest fashion trends, Dubai has a festival for every shopper. The city's immersive shopping experiences offer chic and affordable items, while giving shoppers the chance to celebrate their newly aquired buys with plenty of rewards. Check out the annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) for exciting activities, fantastic events and great offers.
Take a walk in edgier precincts including Dubai Design District (d3) and Alserkal Avenue for a look at Dubai's homegrown favourites. The city boasts its own boutique chocolatiers, Mirzam, that crafts indulgent sweet treats from their factory at Alserkal. Meanwhile The Lighthouse at d3 has a curated selection of travel accessories and lifestyle products. There are also plenty of homegrown fashion labels including All Things Mochi, L’Afshar, Taller Marmo and Bil Arabi to choose from.
From chic outdoor shopping precincts to super-sized city malls, there’s no better place to indulge in retail therapy than Dubai. And it’s not just the shopping that attracts; there’s also ice rinks, ski slopes, fabulous cinemas, spas and restaurants districts to keep you entertained. Take in the attractions of The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Walk and The Beach at JBR as a starting point.
Lavish gold jewellery, hand-woven fabrics, oud fragrances and bargain knick-knacks – you'll find it all in our bustling souks, or Arabian markets. While the emirate lives up to its reputation as a thriving modern city, the souks have been a crucial part of daily life and trade for centuries. For an immersive cultural experience, visit the gold, spice, perfume and textile souks in Dubai's historical neighbourhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai and, for a modern take, visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Souk Al Bahar.
30 Days Visa
Citizens of the following countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days with a 10-day grace period for extension: Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Russia, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City Please note: - Citizens of the above countries can obtain a visa upon arrival for 30 days from the date of entry with their normal passports - The visa is extendable and the total validity, if extended, would be 60 days from the date of entry - Passports should be normal and valid for more than six months - This visa is considered a multiple-entry visa, which allows the visa holder to consume the 30-day visa validity regardless of whether the visa holder is inside or outside the UAE. Any number of days the visa holder stays outside the UAE would be calculated from the 30-day validity of the visa
90 Days Visa
Citizens of the following countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa on arrival for 90 days: 90-day visa - extendable: Argentina, Bahamas, Nauru, Solomon Islands, South Korea Please note: - Citizens of the above countries can obtain a visa upon arrival for 90 days from the date of entry with their normal passports - This visa type is extendable - Only normal passports are accepted and need to be valid for more than six months 90-day visa - not extendable: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland Please note: - Citizens of the above countries can obtain a visa upon arrival for 90 days from the date of entry with their normal passports - This visa type is not extendable - Only normal passports are accepted and need to be valid for more than six months - The visa holder can use the 90-day visa upon arrival, to be consumed within 180 days from first entry
Transit & Stopover Visa
A transit visa is available for all passport holders (please contact your nearest travel operator to check if your passport is eligible) for a duration of 48 to 96 hours. Passengers must have a valid onward flight booking outside of the UAE and a valid hotel booking for the duration of the stay in the country. It is advisable to plan ahead and apply for a visa in advance, before booking your stopover and transit through Dubai. 48-hour visa - Free for applications through travel agents and airlines - Available on arrival at the airport and subject to charges 96-hour visa - Visa fees apply for all applications through travel agents and airlines - Available on arrival at the airport and subject to charges Terms and conditions: - Transit visas are bookable via local travel partners - Visa processing fees apply for both 48- and 96-hour visas - Travellers require a confirmed hotel booking for the duration of their transit in Dubai - Travellers require a confirmed flight ticket departing from Dubai within the duration of their transit - Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval - Standard duration applies for all visa applications and is subject to immigration approval and security clearance - Travellers can apply for transit visas at the airport, which is subject to immigration approval and security clearance Emirates Airline also accepts online visa applications, provided by VFS Global Services. Simply head to the 'Apply for your UAE Visa' section of emirates.com, select your preferred visa category and enter the itinerary details. A visa form will then be shared via e-mail, which needs to be filled out and submitted along with the necessary visa fees. Your visa application needs to be made at least four working days prior to your arrival in the UAE.
Overview of visa types
Transit/Stopover Visa: Duration: 48 to 96 hours Validity: 14 days from the date of issue Prerequisites: Valid onward flight booking outside of the UAE and confirmed hotel booking for the duration of the stay in the country Service Visa: Duration: 14 days from the date of entry Validity: 14 days from the date of issue Prerequisites: Sponsorship from a hotel or tour operator Tourist Visa: Duration: Long-term visa for 60 days or short-term visa for 30 days from the date of entry, depending on the visa type Validity: 60 days from the date of issue Prerequisites: Sponsorship from a hotel or tour operator Visit Visa: Duration: 30/90 days from the date of entry, depending on visa type Validity: 60 days from the date of issue Prerequisites: Sponsorship from a UAE resident, tour operator or hotel Work Visa: Companies have to apply for an employee's work visa. Visa duration and validity are subject to the terms of the employment contract. Prerequisites: Passports must be valid for at least six months at the time of the entry to the UAE and only recent colour photographs (no polaroids) with a white background will be accepted. Those who are already in the UAE can apply for a change of status while still in the country, or they can exit the UAE and come back.
How to apply?
1. Contact your local travel partner who will apply on your behalf for a Service Visa (14 days), Tourist Visa (30 days), Visit Visa (90 days) or Transit Visa (48 to 96 hours). 2. Individuals (relatives or friends) who are UAE residents may, subject to guidelines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa. 3. You can also apply for a visa through Emirates' Visa Services: https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/uae-visas/ For more information on visas, please visit: www.dnrd.ae
30 Days Visa
Citizens of the following countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days with a 10-day grace period for extension: Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Russia, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City Please note: - Citizens of the above countries can obtain a visa upon arrival for 30 days from the date of entry with their normal passports - The visa is extendable and the total validity, if extended, would be 60 days from the date of entry - Passports should be normal and valid for more than six months - This visa is considered a multiple-entry visa, which allows the visa holder to consume the 30-day visa validity regardless of whether the visa holder is inside or outside the UAE. Any number of days the visa holder stays outside the UAE would be calculated from the 30-day validity of the visa
90 Days Visa
Citizens of the following countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa on arrival for 90 days: 90-day visa - extendable: Argentina, Bahamas, Nauru, Solomon Islands, South Korea Please note: - Citizens of the above countries can obtain a visa upon arrival for 90 days from the date of entry with their normal passports - This visa type is extendable - Only normal passports are accepted and need to be valid for more than six months 90-day visa - not extendable: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland Please note: - Citizens of the above countries can obtain a visa upon arrival for 90 days from the date of entry with their normal passports - This visa type is not extendable - Only normal passports are accepted and need to be valid for more than six months - The visa holder can use the 90-day visa upon arrival, to be consumed within 180 days from first entry
