Guide to Dubai - Dubai's 2025 city plan

Entry requirements for Dubai: passport, visa, necessary documents

Dubai guide and most important information – do you need a visa to fly to Dubai? What documents do I need to fly to Dubai? A visa to Dubai is free and is stamped in your passport when you cross the border of the United Arab Emirates for most European citizens. Citizens with European Union passports have the most liberal visa regulations. You do not need to complete any visa applications in advance. You do not have to answer any questions when applying for it. It is a tourist visa that allows citizens to stay in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). The rules differ depending on your nationality, so before travelling, check whether your passport entitles you to enter the UAE on a free tourist visa.

The only document that allows you to cross the border of the United Arab Emirates is a passport. You must have a passport to enter Dubai. Important! Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your planned trip. ID cards are not accepted as travel documents, nor are temporary passports. This means that you will not be able to cross the UAE border with a temporary passport.

What medicines can I take to Dubai?

There are several important rules for transporting medicines to Dubai. It is worth remembering them to avoid problems at the airport. What medicines can I take to Dubai? According to information available on official government websites, the amount of medicines cannot exceed a three-month supply. Medicines must be in their original packaging and must not be expired. If the medicine has been prescribed, you must have the prescription with you. Read the list of medicines prohibited in Dubai. Do not take these with you!

There are no mandatory vaccinations required in Dubai. In the case of psychotropic drugs, as well as CDB, it is possible to transport them to Dubai only for a 30-day cycle of use. It is necessary to have an original medical prescription and a medical certificate translated into English or Arabic.

Alcohol and cigarettes in Dubai

Dubai guide to alcohol and cigarettes - Can you drink alcohol in Dubai? Yes, drinking alcohol is permitted in Dubai from the age of 21. Alcohol can be purchased in some restaurants and bars (this is not common, but rather found in better restaurants), but you cannot buy it in grocery stores. Tourists can buy beer, wine and whisky in special alcohol shops such as MMI (Maritime and Mercantile International) or African+Eastern. You will need to show your passport to make a purchase. These shops have dozens of locations throughout Dubai and can be easily found by entering their name in Google Maps. You can read more about alcohol here: Where to buy alcohol in Dubai and what are the prices?

Important! In Dubai, it is absolutely forbidden to consume alcohol in public places. Can you bring alcohol from home to Dubai? Yes, you can buy alcohol in the duty-free zone in your country and bring it to Dubai if it does not exceed 4 litres of spirits or 24 cans of beer (maximum can capacity 355ml). You can also buy alcohol upon arrival in Dubai in the Duty Free zone, where you will find alcohol at promotional prices, especially whisky.

Is smoking allowed in Dubai? Yes, you can smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes and iqos in Dubai, but only in designated areas. Cigarettes and other tobacco products should not be smoked in public places or around other people. There are specially designated areas, often near benches or under buildings, where you will find ashtrays. Cigarettes cost around AED 22-30 (5.3€-7.3€) in shops. E-cigarettes are not popular in Dubai, but you will easily find shops selling e-cigarette accessories. The same applies to IQOS in Dubai and other tobacco products.

It is worth knowing that you can carry IQOS and electronic cigarettes on board the aircraft. This is possible provided that the device is placed in your hand luggage.

Accommodation in Dubai

Dubai is a huge city with thousands of hotels, hostels and private apartments. There is something for everyone here: from luxury hotels of the highest standard to cheap hotels with basic equipment. The most popular accommodation search engines, such as Booking, Airbnb and Agoda, operate in Dubai. Where to stay in Dubai? Check out our recommended accommodation and districts in Dubai. However, before booking your accommodation, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Firstly, always consider the location. Dubai is a truly large city, several times larger than the average European city. Sometimes it can take over an hour to get from one end of the city to the other. It is worth choosing accommodation close to tourist attractions and public transport. Secondly, prices. Accommodation prices in Dubai vary depending on the month. In summer, the off-season is the cheapest, while the high season, from October to March, is more expensive, with the highest prices during the peak season (December, January, February).

The best accommodation option in Dubai for your holiday is our apartments in Dubai. You can choose from a range of high-standard private apartments in the Dubai Marina and JBR districts. The flats have a different number of beds, so the offer is suitable for couples, families and groups of friends. The apartments from Two Continents are in a great location: close to the beach, restaurants and shops open 24/7, and the beautiful Marina full of yachts, clubs and walking alleys. From the apartment, you will be able to enjoy a magnificent view of the city, you will have a kitchenette or a full kitchen at your disposal, and in the buildings you will find a free gym and swimming pool.

Fantasy Apartment/ Photo: Two Continents

What language is spoken in Dubai?

Is it possible to travel around Dubai without knowing English or Arabic? Yes, it's no problem. In Dubai, as in the entire United Arab Emirates, the official language is Arabic. However, everyone knows English, and signs at the airport, restaurant menus and information in hotels are in two languages: English and Arabic. You will have no problem communicating in English in the city, even without knowing the language! Holidays are not a language test – if you don't know any foreign languages, you have a translator on your phone that will help you communicate with everyone. Sometimes it's enough to explain with gestures. In Dubai, everyone is helpful and patient, so you'll get by everywhere even without knowing the language – and if you do, English is more than enough.

Safety in Dubai

Is Dubai safe? Let's start by breaking down the stereotypes you may have read in ‘books’, seen in “films” or found in ‘articles’. Most of these materials are created to attract attention and clicks on controversy. Dubai is one of the safest places in the world, repeatedly voted one of the top five safest cities in the world. Theft does not happen here, local residents do not lock their flats, and any crime is marginal compared to Europy i reszty świata. You can walk around at any time of the night and feel safe. Single women can travel to Dubai without fear - you are in no danger here.

What is not allowed to do in Dubai?

Dubai - what to watch out for during your holiday? Please note that breaking certain laws in Dubai can be severely punished. You should absolutely not drink alcohol in public places or behave in a vulgar manner, wear clothing with offensive prints or clothing promoting drugs (e.g. caps, T-shirts with marijuana leaves), or show disrespect for religion or cultural heritage. Threatening or insulting another person may be punishable by a fine. There are many speed cameras in Dubai, so speeding may result in fines. Drug offences are punishable by long prison sentences. Read the list of things you must not do in Dubai.

Currency in Dubai

The currency in Dubai, as in the entire UAE, is the United Arab Emirates dirham. One dirham is approximately 0.25 euros, 0.2 pounds or 0.3 dollars. Its abbreviation is AED. Converting prices in shops is simple and intuitive.

Clothing and culture in Dubai

Tourists often worry about cultural issues and clothing before leaving for a holiday in Dubai. After all, the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country with a different culture. There is nothing to worry about – the culture and clothing in Dubai are very similar to those in Europe. How should you dress in Dubai? Clothing in Dubai is completely unrestricted, so men can wear shorts and T-shirts, and women can wear dresses or shorts. The exceptions are mosques, places of worship and government offices. In these places, clothing must be appropriate, i.e. in a mosque, men must cover their knees and shoulders, and women must be covered to the ankles, with their shoulders and hair covered. Don't worry, during our trips to the mosque in Abu Dhabi, you can rent Arabic clothing for women and men that meets local standards. The most important thing about clothing is not to dress vulgarly or reveal intimate parts of the body.

Dubai - what is worth knowing about the local culture? People in Dubai are very nice, helpful and hospitable. You will often be asked ‘how are you’, ‘how are you doing’ and the like. It is best to respond politely and leave it at that. The local culture is a cosmopolitan mix of Arab traditions, people from India and Pakistan, and numerous expats from all over the world. Remember that you are in a city with a Muslim majority, so you should respect local holidays and important dates, such as the month of Ramadan.

Weather in Dubai

Our free guide to Dubai cannot ignore the most important thing: the weather. A successful holiday largely depends on good weather. When is the best weather in Dubai? When to go on holiday to Dubai for good weather for sightseeing and sunbathing?

We recommend the period from October to the end of April for a trip to Dubai. This is the perfect time to visit Dubai - hot or warm months, but with favourable conditions for sightseeing and sitting on the beach. Detailed information about air temperature, water temperature and all the most important information about the weather in Dubai can be found in our articles (they will help you plan your sightseeing in Dubai during your holiday):

• Weather in Dubai in January
• Weather in Dubai in February
• Weather in Dubai in March
• Weather in Dubai in April
• Weather in Dubai in May
• Weather in Dubai in June
• Weather in Dubai in July
• Weather in Dubai in August
• Weather in Dubai in September
• Weather in Dubai in October
• Weather in Dubai in November
• Weather in Dubai in December

Time in Dubai

Dubai is in the GMT+4 time zone, which is the same across the entire United Arab Emirates. What’s the time difference between Poland and Dubai? The time difference is 2 hours ahead from March to October, and 3 hours ahead from October to March.

Does Dubai observe daylight saving time? No, there is no daylight saving time in Dubai. This means that while you're on holiday in Dubai, the time difference from Poland will usually be 3 hours, or 2 hours during the summer months.

Ramadan in Dubai – are there any restrictions for tourists?

In Islam, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the most important month of the year. It is celebrated every year, and during this time Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink during the day. At the end of Ramadan, the feast of thanksgiving, Eid al-Fitr, is celebrated with great fanfare. During this time, various attractions are organised in Dubai, including fireworks displays.

Many people planning a trip to Dubai during Ramadan wonder if they will be able to fully enjoy the city. As in other Muslim countries, some local shops, especially in the old part of the city, may be open for shorter hours. The rest remains unchanged. No one will punish you for drinking or eating in public during the day. What's more, you will be able to eat freely in restaurants and cafes. However, it is worth respecting the local culture and not dressing too provocatively, as well as eating and drinking away from public places, even if only a few steps away from people. Detailed information can be found here - Dubai Ramadan guide for tourists.

During Ramadan, Dubai becomes a colourful and magical city. This is all thanks to the decorations that colour the streets, especially at night. In addition, March and April are the perfect time to travel to Dubai because of the weather. The temperature is around 32 degrees Celsius, and the nights are getting warmer. In recent years, Ramadan has been praised among travellers as a time when you can explore the city ‘at your leisure’. It is also worth noting that during Ramadan, all attractions in Dubai operate as usual - the only difference may be the opening hours, i.e. some attractions (some attractions operate for shorter hours, some for longer, it is worth checking the hours on a regular basis).

Sockets in Dubai - what type of plug?

The United Arab Emirates uses type G electrical plugs, which are compatible with the British standard. They have three pins that allow connection to 220-240 volt electrical sockets. Therefore, when travelling to Dubai from the United Kingdom, it is worth taking the appropriate adapters with you. Most hotels and some restaurants have universal sockets for all types of plugs.

Two Continents Apartments have adapted sockets, so you do not need to bring any adapters with you. However, it is worth having at least one with you in case you need to charge your phone outside your flat.

Hitchhiking in Dubai

Hitchhiking is not legal in the United Arab Emirates. If you like hitchhiking as a form of travel, do not do it in Dubai. The police are very sensitive to violations of the law regarding illegal travel. Attempting to hitchhike in Dubai is punishable by law.

Travel insurance for holidays in Dubai

When planning your holiday in Dubai, don't forget to purchase travel insurance. Holidays are a time for rest and relaxation, but even then, unforeseen situations can arise. Travel insurance protects you against the costs of medical care, emergencies and even insures your luggage in case of loss. A word from Hubert Pleskot, owner of Two Continents:

"From my point of view, I do not recommend travelling abroad without travel insurance. If you don't know where to buy insurance for your trip to Dubai, I highly recommend my colleague Adrian Duda. You can contact him by email at [email protected] or by calling +48 692 349 147 in Poland. He can also serve customers from other countries. You can also use insurance comparison websites of different popular companies in your country. You can read more about insurance for Dubai here - what insurance to buy for a holiday in Dubai?

Payment in Dubai: card or cash?

How to pay in Dubai? You can easily pay for purchases, restaurants and bazaars with cash or card. In Dubai, you can pay by card or cash in 99% of places. Only small stalls in Old Dubai or outside the city may not have a payment terminal. In our experience, the best way to pay in Dubai is with a Revolut card. The card is free and Revolut's free plan is definitely enough for a holiday in Dubai and beyond.

Another option is traditional cash exchange. As you already know, the currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED, approximately 1 AED = 0.25 euro, 0.2 pound). It is not widely available around the world. If you are unable to exchange currency before your trip, then a good option is to take euros or dollars, which can be exchanged on site, even at the airport, which, surprisingly, does not offer such a bad exchange rate. Personally, I recommend exchanging money in the city centre, for example at Al Ansari Exchange currency exchange points.

What is worth buying at Dubai Airport?

If you are returning from Dubai, the airport is a great place to buy a few things before you go home. Similarly, if you land in Dubai, some products will be cheaper in the duty-free zone than in the city. What do we recommend buying at Dubai Airport?

• Perfumes and cosmetics – there is only 5% VAT in Dubai, so perfumes and cosmetics are much cheaper than in Europe. You can buy luxury brands here at good prices.
• Alcohol – alcohol is legal in Dubai, but you can buy it cheaper in shops at the airport. They often have attractive promotions on whisky, gin, rum, etc.
• Souvenirs – traditional decorations, magnets, camel figurines, traditional jewellery, etc. A good idea for gifts and souvenirs from Dubai if you forget to buy something in the city.
• Luxury clothing brands and accessories – there are shops of well-known clothing brands at the airport where you can find exclusive items at good prices.

What to eat in Dubai? Restaurants and local cuisine

A stay in Dubai and other cities in the UAE is an opportunity to try local delicacies and dishes for which the Emirates are famous. From our recommended dishes, you must try: falafel, which are fried chickpea or broad bean patties with spices, as well as shawarma, which is the equivalent of Turkish kebab. Don't forget to try manakeesh – pastry sprinkled with thyme, cheese or minced meat, sugar cane juice, and swirl ice cream from the Polish brand MilkyIce, which is taking the United Arab Emirates by storm.

If you are looking for a restaurant, be sure to check out our list of restaurants, where you will find all the recommended restaurants in Dubai. The list is in Polish, but you can easily use it if you know English or other languages. Bu Qtair is particularly worth a visit – a restaurant with history and tradition serving seafood. If you are looking for cheap restaurants, you can read the list of the 10 best cheap restaurants in Dubai. When it comes to prices, you can eat very cheaply in Dubai, in the normal price range, as well as very expensively. There is something for everyone, as Dubai has restaurants and bars serving cuisine from all over the world. The cheapest eateries are usually found in Old Dubai, while the better and more expensive ones are in the tourist areas of New Dubai. We have created an article about prices in restaurants in Dubai. If you like fast food, you will find every fast food chain in the world in Dubai.

A very popular way to eat in Dubai is to order from restaurants and have your food delivered to your hotel room or apartment. You can do this through apps such as Careem, Talabat or Deliveroo.

It is worth purchasing a monthly premium membership in these apps for the duration of your stay (and cancelling it immediately for subsequent billing periods) to get free delivery. Food delivery apps offer discounts on deliveries from many restaurants and eateries, ranging from 10% to even 50%.

Where to shop for groceries in Dubai?

We recommend doing your grocery shopping at the VIVA supermarket. It offers a wide selection of products at affordable prices from different parts of the world, including Poland. It is the cheapest store in Dubai, and its location in Dubai Marina is ideal for tourists (example location of the store). Another cheap and very good store is Lulu Supermarket, which also has many locations throughout Dubai. The Spinneys supermarket is well-stocked. You will find the largest selection at Carrefour, but it is a more expensive store – however, it has more imported and interesting products. Small Carrefour stores will be more expensive, but the large ones in shopping centres (e.g. in the Mall of the Emirates – location) have very competitive prices compared to cheap supermarkets and a great selection. The most expensive shopping will be in private supermarkets open 24 hours a day.

Helpful apps in Dubai

If you want to explore Dubai, you will definitely find some apps useful to make your stay easier. They will help you navigate, get discounts on food and order a taxi without any problems. We recommend the most helpful apps in Dubai:

• Talabat and Deliveroo – with these apps, you can order food to your door without leaving your home, choosing from over 1,000 restaurants. What's more, many restaurants offer 50% discounts! Every day, a different restaurant has such an attractive discount.
• Caarem – this is a great app for ordering taxis in Dubai and estimating taxi fares. Regular Dubai taxis are marked in the app as ‘Hala Taxi’. In the app, you can also order food from restaurants (many restaurants have permanent 50% discounts), shop with delivery to your flat and much more.
• Instashop, NowNow, Noon – these apps allow you to order groceries to your home. Carrying five packs of water from the supermarket will no longer be a problem. You can order groceries to your door without wasting valuable holiday time standing in shops.
• Waze – a navigation app that is much better suited to local roads than Google Maps, for example. We recommend it for driving a rental car.
• NolPay – a public transport app that allows you to top up your NOL card with your phone. However, you must first purchase it physically.
• Amazon – the app works great here! Products ordered at 10 p.m. can be waiting at your door as early as 11 a.m. the next day. It is worth considering buying electronics in Dubai.
• Dubai Mall App – an app for the largest shopping centre in the world. It has an interactive map that will help you find your way around, and believe us – it is extremely easy to get lost in this giant!

Where to buy souvenirs in Dubai?

If you are looking for places to buy souvenirs in Dubai, avoid the new part of the city, known as New Dubai. You will pay several times more for the same, and often even poorer, quality. The cheapest souvenirs can be found in Old Dubai or in less touristy parts of the city. It is also worth paying attention to souvenirs in ordinary supermarkets, but those far from the tourist centre of Dubai, as they also often offer cool souvenirs at low prices. The best and most popular place to buy souvenirs is Old Dubai. There you will find, among other things, dates, cashmere shawls and various spices.

A place we definitely recommend is the Polish shop in Dubai, U Arafata. It is located near the entrance to the famous Gold Souq. You will easily recognise the shop by the Polish flag. This shop is always visited during organised tours of Old Dubai. Lower prices are available for customers from Poland. Just mention that you are from Hubert, and Arafat will know that you are not tourists from the USA. Arafat currently has two shops in Old Dubai - location 1 and location 2. If the sellers overcharge you, don't buy anything - don't feel any pressure and buy souvenirs in a shop that suits you better. It is also worth visiting shops that sell everything for 1 euro. One of them is Bollywood. It's like AliExpress in real life, where you can buy cheap souvenirs, but also lots of small items and even electronics. It's definitely worth buying dates there. As a precaution, we have also made a list of prohibited souvenirs, i.e. those that you cannot take out of Dubai.

Remember – there is a culture of haggling in Dubai. The starting price offered by a seller in a random shop or at a bazaar in Old Dubai is not the final price. It is worth haggling, unless the price is marked on the label and is non-negotiable. Sellers can be very pushy, so if you just want to browse and look around without buying anything right away, ignore them and move on.

Buying Electronics in Dubai

Electronics in Dubai it’s definitely worth checking the prices. If you’re planning to buy the latest iPhone, chances are it will be over 1000 PLN cheaper in Dubai.

For example: right now, the iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) costs 5299 PLN on the Apple website in Poland, while in Dubai it’s around 4524 PLN (4299 AED) – significantly cheaper.

In local electronics stores, the price difference for phones can be even greater in Dubai’s favor.

Gold in Dubai: where to buy?

Gold is one of the most popular souvenirs brought back from holidays in Dubai. When it comes to buying gold products, there is one place in Dubai that we can recommend with a clear conscience. It is located in the old district of Dubai – Deira, near Arafat's shop. The exact address can be found here. The shop is run by Ansara, who won us over with his friendly and unobtrusive approach to customers. When entering the shop, please inform them that you are from Hubert. We asked the owner and his salespeople not to offer inflated prices. If necessary, you can always compare the prices of the products in other shops.

What are the formalities when buying gold in Dubai? Remember to have a photo of your passport on your phone. When you ask for a receipt, the salespeople will give you a special sticker, which will allow you to get a 5% tax refund at the airport! Other than that, you don't need anything else: no special permits or other documents to buy gold. We would also like to add that 10% of the commission from each transaction goes to us, so all purchases at Ansara not only support his business, but also the development of Two Continents.

Internet in Dubai: SIM card and e-SIM

There are many public Wi-Fi networks in Dubai that you can use for free. Hotels, shopping centres, restaurants and cafés all have their own hotspots. Some Wi-Fi networks do not require a password, while others require you to log in with your email address, for example. Despite the widespread availability of free internet, it is worth having mobile internet on your phone when on holiday in Dubai. What are the SIM and e-SIM offers in Dubai?

It is best to buy a SIM card upon arrival at Dubai Airport. There are three operators in the UAE – Etisalat, Virgin Mobile and Du. The networks offer special internet and call packages for tourists. Their shops are located in different parts of the city, including Dubai airports and Abu Dhabi (except Virgin Mobile). With the most popular operators, etisalat.ae and du.ae, prices for a SIM card start at 49 AED. They offer 2 GB of internet and 30 minutes of calls. For those who use data frequently, I recommend the offer from virginmobile.ae, which includes three packages, starting from the cheapest at AED 150 with 21 GB of internet. A detailed guide and prices of internet packages in Dubai can be found here: How much does internet cost in Dubai?

The second option for mobile internet in Dubai is an e-SIM card. An e-SIM is a virtual SIM card that you do not need to install manually on your phone – all you need to do is install it virtually on your device and you can start enjoying the internet. How does an e-SIM work and how can I buy one? Many companies offer this service, e.g. Revolut and Wizz Air - Wizz Air currently has the most cost-effective e-SIM for Dubai, at around 44 AED for 5 GB of internet.

You can find detailed information about the internet in Dubai in our guide - what internet to buy on holiday in Dubai?

How to call your family or friends from Dubai?

Communicating with family and friends is very important when on holiday. However, you may encounter a small problem in Dubai - video calls and voice calls in many popular European apps are blocked in Dubai. You can get around this ban with a VPN, but they are illegal in the United Arab Emirates, so you use a VPN in Dubai at your own risk. How to call cheaply from Dubai? How to make a video call and talk on WhatsApp?

There are several ways to call from Dubai: via Wi-Fi Calling, which allows you to call phone numbers in for free, video or voice calls via the Botim or Google Meets apps, which allow such calls via Wi-Fi or mobile internet. However, it is worth remembering that WhatsApp and Messenger calls are blocked in the UAE, so they will not be available for use in Dubai. There is a way around this, though: experienced tourists have reported that if you purchase an e-SIM card before departure or use your home number, voice and video calls via Messenger and WhatsApp work in most cases.

Rules for using drones in Dubai

When travelling to Dubai with a drone, you need to be aware of local regulations, otherwise you may face unexpected consequences. In January 2022, the UAE introduced a ban on the use of drones for private purposes on its territory. So if you are flying with a transfer, your drone will be kept in the airport deposit and you will pick it up before your next flight. This means that you cannot bring drones into Dubai for your own use and use them to record views of the city. Only entities that use drones professionally can obtain special permits from the authorities to use drones in the United Arab Emirates. There are plans to lift this ban in the future, but the Dubai government has not yet announced an exact date.

Transport from Dubai Airport to the city centre

Dubai Airport (DXB) is located only a few kilometres from the centre of Dubai. Depending on the location of your accommodation, the journey by your chosen means of transport from the airport should take between 20 minutes and an hour. You can get from the airport to Dubai by metro, taxi, bus or private transport. How to get from Dubai Airport to the city centre?

REMEMBER! To use public transport in Dubai, you need a NOL card - a public transport card for Dubai.

• Metro - the metro is the easiest and cheapest way to get from Dubai Airport to the city centre. There are two red metro stations at Dubai Airport: Airport T1 and Airport T3. From there, you can reach Dubai Mall in about 25 minutes and Dubai Marina in about 45 minutes by metro. You can also change to the green metro line to Old Dubai. You can get to the Burj Khalifa area for 5 AED and to Dubai Marina for 7.5 AED.
• Taxi - when you leave Dubai Airport, you will see plenty of taxis that will easily take you to the centre of Dubai. The journey to your hotel or apartment can take between 20 minutes and an hour, depending on your destination. The cost of a taxi from Dubai Airport to the city centre ranges from approximately 50 AED to Old Dubai (e.g. Deira, Bur Dubai) to around 100 AED to Dubai Marina.
• Bus - there are buses from Dubai Airport that will take you to different places in Dubai, e.g. bus 77 and C01 to Old Dubai (3 AED).
• Private transfer - you can opt for a private transfer, which is particularly cost-effective for larger groups with large suitcases. Write to [email protected] and request a quote for a private transfer from Dubai Airport, providing your arrival date, time and number of people and suitcases.

Please note that only Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 of Dubai Airport have access to the metro line. If you want to get to the centre of Dubai by metro and you land at Terminal 2, which is located away from the other two terminals, the fastest way to get there is by taxi (approximately 40-45 AED) or a free shuttle bus between terminals 2, 1 and 3. You can find it by following the signs in the terminal or by asking the airport ambassadors for help (you will recognise them by their black and blue suits and white shirts).

Second airport in Dubai - Dubai Al Maktoum

There is a second airport in Dubai: Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport, where you will most often land on charter flights from travel agencies. How to get from DWC airport to the centre of Dubai? There are two stops at the airport: Al Maktoum International Airport, Departure 1 and Al Maktoum International Airport, Arrivals. From there, you can take the F55 bus to the Expo 2020 Metro Station, where you can change to the red metro line to the centre of Dubai (bus fare: 3 AED). The night bus line is called N55. You can also take a taxi - a taxi from Dubai Al Maktoum Airport to the centre of Dubai costs 100-150 AED.

Transport from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports to the centre of Dubai

Tourists going on holiday to Dubai often land at two other airports in the UAE: Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. How to get from these airports to Dubai and how long does it take?

Abu Dhabi Airport is located about 100 kilometres from Dubai, in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. It is a large, international airport, modern and convenient for passengers. You can get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi Airport in 1 to 2 hours. How to get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi Airport?

• Bus - there are two buses to Dubai from Abu Dhabi Airport: E102 or Abu Dhabi Airport Express. Both buses have the same travel time, but differ in price and frequency. The Abu Dhabi Airport Express costs 35 AED, tickets can be purchased at the airport, and the bus runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every hour. The E102 bus costs 25 AED, payment can only be made with a NOL card, and the frequency is approximately one bus every hour and a half.
• Taxi - you can get from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai quickly and comfortably by taxi. You can catch a taxi in front of the airport or order one using the Careem or Hala Taxi app. The cost of a taxi from Zayed International Airport to Dubai will vary depending on your destination in Dubai and can range from 200, 250 AED to even 400 AED.
• Private transfer - you can opt for a private transfer, which is particularly cost-effective for larger groups with large suitcases. Write to [email protected] and request a quote for a private transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport, specifying your arrival date, time and number of people and suitcases.
• Rental car - you can get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi Airport by car, e.g. rented from the car rental company Modena Car Rental, which, for an additional tax, delivers cars to locations other than Dubai. The journey time from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes.

Sharjah Airport - is located about 30 kilometres from the centre of Dubai, in the emirate of Sharjah, adjacent to Dubai. It is a small, modern airport. Without traffic jams, you can reach the centre of Dubai in about half an hour. How to get from Sharjah Airport to Dubai?

• Bus - there is a free Air Arabia shuttle bus from Sharjah Airport to Dubai once a day to the City Centre Al Shindagha stop in Old Dubai at 8:00 a.m. (towards the airport at 6:00 p.m.) or buses with several changes. The cheapest way is to take the metro to the nearest metro station in Dubai and change there.
• Taxi - you can easily get from Sharjah Airport to Dubai by taxi in about 30-60 minutes, depending on the time of day and traffic, and the price is around 80-150 AED.
• Private transfer - you can opt for a private transfer, which is particularly cost-effective for larger groups with large suitcases. Write to [email protected] and request a quote for a private transfer from Sharjah Airport, specifying your arrival date, time and number of passengers and suitcases.
• Rental car - you can get to Dubai from Sharjah Airport by car, e.g. rented from the car rental company Modena Car Rental, which, for an additional tax, delivers cars to locations other than Dubai. The journey time from Sharjah Airport to Dubai is approximately 35-50 minutes.

Public transport in Dubai

The cheapest way to get around Dubai is by public transport. In Dubai, you will find a metro, tram and buses. From our experience, transport for one person during a 7-day holiday should not cost more than 80 AED. At each metro station, you can buy a card called the NOL Silver Card from a ticket machine, which you can top up as you travel. The NOL card is essential for every journey on public transport! You can buy it from a machine at every station or at the ticket office. Each journey costs between 3 and 7.5 AED. Remember that the NOL card is essential for travelling on public transport in Dubai. You can pay at the ticket machine with cash or card.

Tourists on holiday in Dubai mainly use the metro. There are two lines to choose from: red and green. The red metro line will take you to most of the most important places in Dubai, such as the airport, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Mall of The Emirates, Museum of the Future, etc. The green metro line is mainly used to get around Old Dubai. There is one tram line, which makes it easy to get around Dubai Marina. Buses go to most places, but their journey time is longer than the metro and on most routes buses lose out to taxis. For more information on public transport in Dubai, see the article – guide to getting around Dubai by metro.

What's more, you can also use taxis. Alongside public transport, they are the primary means of transport for getting around Dubai. They are cheap, comfortable and easy to order. The rate per kilometre is lower than in Krakow or Warsaw. How much does a taxi ride cost in Dubai in 2025? You will find the answer to this question in the article: How much does a taxi cost in Dubai?

Car rental in Dubai

Some tourists value comfort and independence on holiday and therefore rent a car. What is car rental like in Dubai? There are many international and local rental companies here, but we recommend the Polish-founded car rental company Modena Rental Car Dubai. They offer compact cars, SUVs and sports cars. Get a 5-10% discount on all available cars (the discount depends on the length of the rental and the type of vehicle). To take advantage of this unique promotion, simply enter the code ‘Two Continents’ when booking. For the full offer and more information, visit modenacar.com.

If you have any additional questions or would like to make a reservation, contact the rental company via WhatsApp: +971 58 580 5861 or +971 58 544 0353, or send an email to [email protected].

Driving in Dubai

What is driving in Dubai like? Do you need an international driving licence? An international driving licence is not required for tourists in Dubai. To make navigation easier and avoid traffic, it is worth installing the Waze app, which provides up-to-date traffic information, plans optimal routes and helps you save time and fuel when travelling around the city. It works much better than Google Maps.

Traffic in Dubai is chaotic and it is worth driving carefully. The quick left lane rule rarely works, drivers overtake in any lane. There are many speed cameras, so do not exceed the speed limit - you may face heavy fines. During rush hour, Dubai is very congested, so it is better to avoid driving in the city at this time, especially around Downtown and Old Dubai. You can find out more in the article on traffic rules in Dubai

Bicycles in Dubai

Electric bikes are one of the coolest ways to explore the city. We have created a comprehensive guide to cycling in Dubai, but for most tourists, Careem city bikes are the best option. If you want to rent city bikes in Dubai, download the Careem app to your phone. Then you need to create an account, verify it with your phone number (British numbers are accepted), and then with a special 4-digit code. The last step is to purchase a subscription. Careem currently offers four different subscription plans that allow you to use bikes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The cheapest, one-day subscription costs AED 29, while the weekly subscription costs AED 59. The monthly plan for bike rides costs AED 99.

Dubai sightseeing plan

How many days do you need to visit Dubai? It depends on your individual preferences, but in our opinion, a week is the optimal time to see the most important attractions of Dubai. If you plan to explore the city on your own, we have something special for you: We have prepared a week-long trip plan for Dubai! It includes all the attractions and activities that we consider to be the most important and not to be missed. Some may say that a week in Dubai is not enough, but you can always come back again! This free online Dubai itinerary will help you with your sightseeing. Important - it includes accommodation in Dubai Marina. Dubai weekly sightseeing itinerary:

• Day 1:

On the first day after arrival, it is best to explore the immediate area around your accommodation to understand how to get around Dubai, what is where, what is in the vicinity of your accommodation, and where the nearest shop is. This day is worth spending exploring the area - the Jumeirah Beach Residences district with a long promenade full of restaurants and attractions, and JBR beach. Right next door, you will find Bluewaters Island, where you can visit Ain Dubai, the largest Ferris wheel in the world. Finally, take a long walk around Dubai Marina, strolling along Dubai Marina Walk and continuing on to Dubai Harbour, which offers a perfect view of the Marina's skyscrapers.

• Day 2:

On the second day, we suggest exploring the whole of Dubai and seeing the most important sights in the city, as well as getting a full understanding of how public transport works and how to get around the city. Take the metro in Marina and visit the Museum of the Future in Dubai (it is better to buy tickets in advance), the Dubai Mall, where you can easily spend a few hours walking around and admiring its vastness, have lunch at one of the restaurants or fast food outlets in the Dubai Mall, immerse yourself in the marine world at the Dubai Mall Aquarium and take a photo of the Dubai Waterfall, and finally, leave the Dubai Mall towards the Burj Lakes and take some great photos with a view of the Burj Khalifa! If you don't want to do it alone, you can visit all the most important attractions of New Dubai during a guided tour in English around New Dubai. Everyone wants to visit Burj Khalifa at least once, which is no surprise – after all, it is the tallest building in the world. We suggest combining this with the New Dubai tour and going up at 7 p.m. to watch the fountain show from above. You can buy tickets for the Burj Khalifa 24&125, Burj Khalifa 148 and Burj Khalifa 154 floors here.

• Day 3:

On the third day, we suggest visiting the following attractions: Desert Safari. The tour offered by our agency includes meals, transport from the hotel and lots of unforgettable experiences. Dubai is a city built in the desert, which is why I particularly recommend this 6-hour trip, with jumping over sand dunes in sports jeeps and views of the sun setting over the desert horizon. The Desert Safari is also an opportunity to take unforgettable photos and experience a real Bedouin camp. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, there are fewer people on the Desert Safari than on weekends, so the experience is better - we recommend these days the most.

• Day 4:

The fourth day is a good time for a trip to Abu Dhabi. We organise trips to the capital with an English-speaking guide, who will introduce you to the history of the United Arab Emirates and show you the most important sights of Abu Dhabi. This city, or at least the great Sheikh Zayed Mosque, is a must-see for everyone at least once in their lifetime. An alternative is to visit the Dubai Frame and Palm Jumeirah - The View viewpoints, as well as the magical Miracle Garden and the nearby Globall Village, or take a hot air balloon flight in Dubai or a helicopter flight in Dubai.

• Day 5:

On the fifth day, after four days of intensive sightseeing, we recommend relaxing at the Atlantis Aquaventure water park and visiting the Atlantis The Palm hotel. After leaving your apartment in the Marina, head to the Palm Jumeirah station and then take the tram that runs around the artificial island. The cost of a return ticket is 30 AED, and you can buy tickets for The Palm Monorail in our shop (where you will pay less, around 29 AED for a return ticket). If you are a group, it will be cheaper to take a taxi. After returning from the Atlantis hotel, take a taxi to Public Beach by Burj Al Arab to see the famous sail hotel up close. You can immediately take advantage of Jetski water scooters while taking photos from the water. We offer scooters at the best prices, cheaper than in Europe, and the experience is fantastic! You can end the day at Kite Beach, which in our opinion is the best beach in Dubai, or at one of the restaurants in Souk Madinat, Dubai's Venice.

• Day 6:

On the sixth day, we recommend a visit to the Old Town - after all, you have to see Old Dubai and buy some souvenirs! Start your trip by taking the metro from Marina to Al Ghubaiba station, changing from the red line to the green line at Burjuman station, from where you can walk to Bastakiya, the oldest part of Dubai, and then to the Dubai Museum and the bazaars (Souqs) - the Gold Souq and the Spice Souq. Take a local boat (Abry), which will take you to the other side of the river to the gold and spice souqs for 1 AED (about £0.25). Personally, I do not recommend buying souvenirs at the souqs, as the sellers inflate the prices terribly. In the old part, there are lots of shops selling everything for 10 AED, and I suggest shopping there and visiting the bazaars just for the experience. If we had to recommend one shop with good prices and a wide range of products, it would be the aforementioned Sklep u Arafata. Don't forget to mention that Hubert sent you! If you don't feel like organising everything on your own, we organise a guided tour of Old Dubai in English three times a week.

• Day 7:

On the seventh day, which is the last full day of the trip, I recommend taking advantage of the following attraction: Yacht Cruise in Dubai, which we organise on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting from £27 per person for the cheapest one-hour night yacht cruise. The most popular, three-hour Sunset Yacht Cruise starts at 85 EUR per adult. The idea of a cruise was a real hit! Since October, every cruise has been sold out and we always sail with a full complement of passengers. A yacht cruise with a beautiful view of the sunset is the perfect way to say goodbye to Dubai and see all the most important sights while relaxing with unlimited soft drinks on board, as well as the skyscrapers of Dubai Marina at night from the yacht. Before the afternoon cruise, it's worth popping into the second most famous shopping centre in Dubai, the Mall of the Emirates, to see the famous Ski Dubai ski slope inside the building, as well as shopping at the Dubai Marina Mall or visiting the EXPO2020 site.

• Extras:

Other attractions that you can add to your itinerary include Skydiving in Dubai, perfect for true adrenaline junkies. Skydiving is the fastest and easiest way to experience the thrill of free fall at speeds of over 200 km per hour. If you enjoy cultural events, you can go to La Perle, which offers an extraordinary show combining theatre and water acrobatics. We suggest that couples and families with children take advantage of the services of a private photographer. A session with a professional is a wonderful souvenir. Check out the offer of photo sessions in Dubai. Instead of a trip to Abu Dhabi, or just for a day, you can go on a trip to Oman, specifically a trip full of water attractions to the Omani region of Musandam.

The best attractions in Dubai

Dubai guide - it would not be complete without a list of the best and most popular attractions in Dubai. The list of the TOP 15 most important attractions in Dubai will help you better plan your holiday and book attractions. Our list of the best attractions in Dubai:

• Yacht Cruise in Dubai - there are 5 versions of the yacht cruise: morning, afternoon, sunset, evening and night. We highly recommend the sunset cruise, with magnificent views of Dubai from the water!
• Desert Safari - Desert Safari is a real desert adventure, with dune bashing in sports jeeps, views of the sunset over the desert sands, a visit to a Bedouin camp and free time to take crazy photos on the sands of the Dubai desert, on the border with Oman.
• Burj Khalifa - climbing the world's tallest building is a mandatory part of any holiday in Dubai. In our shop, you can buy tickets for the 124th, 125th, 148th and 154th floors.
• Jet skiing at Burj Al Arab - adrenaline combined with water madness is an opportunity to go wild on the water. Jet skis in Dubai are a great attraction for active people and a chance to take an epic photo on a jet ski with Burj Al-Arab in the background.
• Ain Dubai - Ferris wheel - the largest Ferris wheel in the world is located in Dubai and is twice the size of the famous London Eye! During the 38-minute ride, you are guaranteed amazing views of Dubai.
• Dubai Mall - shopping in the world's largest shopping centre? Of course! See hundreds of shops, dozens of restaurants and many attractions inside, such as an ice rink and an artistic waterfall.
• Museum of the Future - want to look into the future? In Dubai, you can do just that by delving into the world of the futuristic Museum of the Future.
• Dubai Frame - The Dubai Frame is a unique and beautiful structure and one of the best viewpoints in Dubai, from which you can see both the new and old parts of the city.
• The View – Palm Jumeirah - Palm Jumeirah is impressive, but this unique palm-shaped artificial island is even more impressive from above. At The View viewpoint, you can enjoy a unique perspective of the Palm and the neighbouring Dubai Marina.
• Miracle Garden – this beautiful garden of wonders is the largest flower garden in the world and the perfect place to take pictures or spend time with your children or on your own as a nature lover.
• Aura Skypool - is the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool. Located on the 50th floor of the Palm Tower Nakheel on Palm Jumeirah, it offers unique views of the Dubai skyline.
• Sky Views Observatory - is an unusual viewpoint over Dubai Downtown, where you can admire the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the surrounding area from glass-enclosed rooms while sliding down a completely glass slide for an adrenaline rush.
• Helicopter flight over Dubai - you can also discover the beauty of Dubai from above, admiring all the most important monuments of the city from the air.
• Atlantis Aquaventure - is the largest water park in the Middle East, located right next to the famous Atlantis hotel and providing great fun for the whole family.
• Aquarium & Zoo in Dubai Mall - you can learn about life in the seas and oceans in a unique aquarium located in the Dubai Mall. The second largest aquarium in the world has a 48-metre underwater tunnel, allowing you to observe marine life from a new perspective.

Attractions in Dubai for families with children

Dubai is a city for everyone. It offers a wealth of attractions for people of all ages, including the youngest. Dubai is a great place to take your kids and give them an unforgettable holiday. Below you will find the best attractions in Dubai for families with children in 2025/26:

• Legoland – a multi-themed entertainment complex centred around LEGO bricks. The park is connected to a shopping and dining area.
• 60-minute yacht cruise – especially for families with children, we organise a yacht cruise around the marina twice a day – the perfect length for the little ones.
• Atlantis Aquadventure – a water park with the Lost Chambers aquarium and Aquaventure beach. It is located next to one of the most popular hotels, Atlantis The Palm.
• Wild Wadi Aquapark – one of the best water parks in the world, with lots of slides and a huge playground for children. It is located next to the Burj Al Arab hotel.
• Ski Dubai – a ski slope with 5 trails of different difficulty levels. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates shopping centre.
• Global Village – an annual event bringing together cultures and cuisines from around the world, as well as attractions for children. The village is open from October to April.
• Kite Beach – one of the most popular beaches in Dubai, where you can enjoy many water and beach sports. What's more, there are plenty of attractions for children, including trampolines and playgrounds.
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – an underwater tunnel that allows you to observe many species of aquatic animals living in a huge aquarium located in the Dubai Mall.
• Bounce Dubai – the largest trampoline park in Dubai, designed for both children and adults.
• Kidzania – a place for the youngest, where fun meets learning. Here, children can broaden their knowledge about work and how the world works.
• Ras Al Khor – a wildlife reserve where you can see many species of birds, mammals and fish. Admission is free.
• Green Planet – a zoo full of plants and animals living in an artificial tropical rainforest. The garden also has an outdoor nature park for the youngest visitors.
• AYA Universe – is the perfect place for families with children, among others, to take futuristic photos. Upon entering this vast complex, visitors are greeted by extraordinary sound, light and graphic effects.
• Butterfly Garden – is the world's largest indoor butterfly garden. It is home to over 15,000 of these flying creatures representing over 50 species.
• Dubai Safari Park – is a park that houses around 3,000 animals. The park offers the opportunity to observe wild animals in their natural habitat, interactive educational shows and a variety of attractions for visitors.
• Yas Island Abu Dhabi – is a comprehensive entertainment centre on Yas Island in the capital of the Emirates. It consists of Ferrari World, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Seaworld.
• SeaWorld Yas Island – a theme park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, which focuses on marine life. It is a new facility, which was opened in 2023.
• Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi – one of the best water parks in the Emirates, full of slides and other water attractions. It is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
• Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi – is an indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi, based on Warner Bros. cartoons and cartoons. There are numerous attractions, such as rides and live shows.
• IMG Worlds of Adventure – is the largest indoor entertainment park in the Emirates. It brings together characters from famous universes such as Cartoon Network and Marvel.
• Dubai Parks and Resorts – is a comprehensive entertainment centre that brings together three diverse amusement parks: Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park.
• Motiongate Dubai – this Hollywood-inspired park is based on well-known productions from DreamWorks Animation, Lionsgate and Columbia Pictures.
• Glow Garden – a magical park of lights, where you can find installations and elements illuminated by thousands of colourful LEDs.
• Dubai Crocodile Park – a place where you can meet Nile crocodiles. There are 250 of them living in this park. The facility also houses a crocodile museum and a unique aquarium.
• Museum of Illusions – this place offers visitors an extraordinary sensory and visual experience, while also being educational. The best part about this place is that, unlike other museums, you don't have to be careful what you touch.
• Madame Tussauds Dubai – this is the first wax museum in the Middle East. The place is divided into zones that include music, fashion, film, leaders, Bollywood and sports.
• La Perle Dubai – La Perle Theatre in Dubai is one of the most famous cultural venues. This show is a combination of visual effects, live music and amazing acrobatics over water that will delight the audience. It is the most popular artistic attraction in Dubai and a must-see.

Dubai: tips before you go

Dubai for tourists – what is worth knowing? It is a good idea to prepare well for a holiday trip: know what to take with you, how to find your way around and how to plan your holiday. We have prepared some tips on what is worth knowing about Dubai before you go. Dubai 2025 travel guide and our tips:

• Remember to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the Emirates.
• Remember to purchase travel insurance before your holiday.
• Have cash in dirhams (AED) or a payment card with the option of paying in foreign currency (preferably Revolut) in your wallet. Alternatively, you can take US dollars (USD), which can be easily exchanged for local currency in Dubai.
• The cheapest shopping can be done at VIVA Supermarket, souvenirs can be bought at Arafat's shop, and tickets for attractions at the Two Continents shop.
• Before your trip, download the most useful apps from our guide to your phone.
• Bring light, breathable clothing made of natural materials to protect you from the heat.
• Book the most popular tourist attractions, such as the Museum of the Future or the Aura Skypool, at least a month in advance to avoid being left without tickets.
• Don't forget sunscreen with a high UV filter! It will be essential to prevent sunburn in the Dubai sun.
• Remember to avoid public displays of affection, be respectful in mosques and observe the ban on alcohol consumption in public places.
• HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY!

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• What is prohibited to bring to Dubai?

  You cannot bring drugs, prescription medications without a doctor's prescription or medications exceeding a 3-month supply without a doctor's permission, psychotropic drugs or drugs containing CBD without a prescription and a medical statement translated into Arabic or English, as well as alcohol and cigarettes above the limit and items offensive to local culture and religion.

• How many days to Dubai?

  The number of days you spend in Dubai depends on your interests and travel plans. If you want to take advantage of most of the attractions and relax on the beach, a week is enough. If, on the other hand, you want to see Dubai quickly, even 3 days during a stopover before continuing your journey is enough, but there is enough to do in Dubai for up to two weeks.

• What should you watch out for in Dubai?

  Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Assaults and thefts are rare, and crime is practically non-existent. However, it is important to remember to obey the local laws, including not drinking alcohol in designated areas, not insulting other people, local symbols and religions, and dressing appropriately, especially in places of worship.

• How much does a 7-day trip to Dubai cost?

  The cost of a 7-day trip to Dubai will depend on the standard of accommodation you choose, the cost of return flights and the attractions you decide to visit. You also need to take into account the cost of food on site. The price of a 7-day trip to Dubai averages between £1,000 and £2,000 per person.

• How should I dress in Dubai?

  During your holiday in Dubai, you can wear light and airy clothing. Men can wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts, and women can wear dresses or short-sleeved shirts and comfortable trousers or skirts. It is important not to expose intimate parts of the body, and in places of worship, such as mosques or government offices, dress in accordance with local customs.

• What shoes should I take to Dubai?

  When travelling to Dubai, it is a good idea to choose comfortable shoes. Due to the high temperatures and many attractions to visit, light and breathable shoes, such as sandals or light sports shoes, are the best choice.

• Can you smoke cigarettes in Dubai?

  In Dubai, you can smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes and iqos. Smoking is prohibited in many public places, such as shopping centres, restaurants, beaches and bus stops. However, there are specially designated smoking areas where smoking is permitted.

• What language is spoken in Dubai?

  In Dubai, as in the rest of the United Arab Emirates, the official language is Arabic. Everyone in Dubai knows English and you will have no problem communicating in this language or with the help of a translator. Road signs, signs in shopping centres and restaurant menus are always in English.

• Do WhatsApp and Messenger work in Dubai?

  WhatsApp and Messenger work in Dubai to a limited extent, i.e. video calls and voice calls do not work. The way to bypass the block on these calls is to use the internet from an e-SIM card purchased in the UK, use the internet on a european phone number or use working apps such as Botim or Google Meets.

• How much does the metro cost in Dubai?

  The price of a metro ride in Dubai varies depending on the route you take and costs between 3-7.5 AED. For each metro ride in Dubai, you will need a NOL card, which is a city card for public transport in Dubai.

• Do you need a visa to visit Dubai?

  No, you do not need to obtain a visa before leaving for your holiday in Dubai. Upon landing in the United Arab Emirates, you will be issued a free tourist visa in your passport. A tourist visa allows you to stay in the UAE for 90 days within a 180-day period.