How to Prepare for Dubai Travel When Time Is Short?

The first thing you do when planning a trip to Dubai is check whether you will need a visa to enter Dubai. there are some passport holders that qualify for the on arrival visa to Dubai and others must have a prearranged visa to be allowed entry.

If you must have the visa, prepare to apply for one. Depending on your travel needs you can opt for either the 30 days or 60 days single or multiple entry visa. 

Once you have you have settled on the visa you need, gather the requirements such as passport and a picture of yourself. Your passport should be valid for more than 6 months for you to be able to apply for a Dubai visa. After that you can proceed to apply for the visa.

Visa application can be a tedious process for some people. If this is the case of you, you can reach out to a reputable visa agency based in Dubai such as Arabiers for assistance. 

Arabiers will handle the challenging application process by applying the visa on your behalf.  All you need to do is send them the required documents via WhatsApp and when the visa is ready they will send it to you. 

If you have limited time until your intended travel time, you may opt for the express visa service. This service gives priority to your visa and it will be ready in 4 to 8 hours.

The next step you to take once your visa is ready is to book a flight to Dubai. we advise you to select the direct flights to Dubai to save on time that is lost on layovers. 

Consider a UAE based airline such as Etihad and Emirates because they offer direct flights from many destinations across the world. You can as well opt for other airlines that suit your needs such as cost.

Remember to book your accommodation prior to travelling to avoid last minute hassle. Get your accommodation in convenient places that offer close proximity to popular areas that you consider visiting. 

Some of the areas you can opt for include Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina. Also, consider your budget when choosing accommodation since the prices vary from one place to another. For instance, downtown Dubai around Deira is relatively cheaper than Dubai Marina.

Once you have got your visa and tickets it is crucial to have your travel documents in order. You should also get a comprehensive travel insurance to cover any health emergencies that might happen during your stay in Dubai.

For the hardcopy documents you will be carrying such as visa, passport, travel insurance and tickets it is advisable to also get the digital copies on your phone for easy access in case you need them.

It is essential to prepare what you will carry with you like clothing when travelling to Dubai. Dubai is hot all year round and therefore you need to pack light and breathable clothes. 

Dubai experiences winter from November to march so if you are travelling during this period you can carry a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Despite being a cosmopolitan city, Dubai and UAE in general is a culturally sensitive society. Therefore, it is important to dress modestly in public areas such as malls. Also, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and kneels when visiting cultural and religious sites.

Remember to pack essentials such as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the scorching sun. Also get some comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the experience. 

Upon arrival you need to get transport means from the airport to your accommodation. You will also need to move from one point to another during within Dubai. You can opt for airport transfers, public means or rent a car and drive around by yourself.

If you choose airport transfer, pre-book your airport transfer cab to come and pick you once you arrive in Dubai. Alternatively, you can get a taxi or uber which is convenient and well regulated. 

You can also opt for public means such as Dubai metro which is cheaper and covers major tourist areas. To conveniently move around in public transport ensure you get a BOL card at the metro station or airport.

If you are a driver and have a recognized international drivers license you can rent a car and driver yourself around the emirate. Make sure you check your eligibility to drive and abide by the Dubai traffic laws.

When you have limited time to prepare you need to plan your itinerary well so as to ensure you capture the key areas in Dubai. Choose to visit the major tourist attractions such as Dubai mall, Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. 

Confirm if you will need tickets to access these attractions and if you can, book for the tickets in advance. This will help you stick to your itinerary and also allow you to visit the sites at your preferred time. 

Downtown Dubai is the best place to concentrate on if you have limited time since the key attractions there are close to each other.  

Dubai is known for its thrilling desert safari tours, so you can book for a half day desert safari for adventure. Get a reputable travel agency such as Arabiers which offers desert safari packages that include pick up and drop off. 

Some of Dubai’s key tourist attractions such as Burj Khalifa or Museum of the future need to be booked prior to visiting. This will save you time since you will not have to queue for long to buy tickets at the entrance.

Check if the restaurants you plan to dine in need prior reservations and book a table. If you will be going for a dhow cruise and you want a package that includes BBQ dinner, you need to make prior reservations. 

Dubai uses the local currency called UAE dirham. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and taxis as you move around. However, most places accept credit cards, so this should not be a major concern. You can change currency at the airport when you land.

If you want to save on time and avoid long queues at the immigration checks and security checks in the airport, you can use the fast track services. Fast track service is a service offered in Dubai Airport to help customers clear fast though dedicated lanes. 

You will get help in luggage handling if you book for this service and also a personalized agent who will guide you through all the processes. This will save you significant amount of time.

Once you get at the airport you can buy a local SIM card or an eSim to ensure you stay connected for easy communication with your family and friends and easy navigation. However, most of the public places such as hotels, airport and malls offers WIFI to help their customers stay connected. You can opt for WIFI but it is limited to public areas which might be inconvenient.

Being a culture sensitive society, Dubai has preserved some traditional cultures that are practiced in different parts of the Emirate. For instance, public display of affection and wearing of revealing clothes in some places is frowned upon.  

You need to also familiarize yourself with the law of Dubai to avoid getting yourself on the bad side with the authority. Drinking alcohol in unauthorized areas can get you into legal trouble and you may be penalized. Alcohol is only allowed in licensed bars, restaurants and hotels. Being intoxicated in public is prohibited.