More than 100,000 British expats live in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is home to the world’s tallest structure and the world’s fifth largest shopping mall. It’s a colossal metropolis brimming with trade, business, and vibrant nightlife.
Dubai is geared to suit Western socializing, despite the UAE’s traditional infrastructure. However, there are still strong limits on activities that would be considered common in the UK, so if you’re going, make sure you know how to act to avoid making a faux pas, and make sure you have adequate travel insurance.
The UAE dirham is the local currency in Dubai, so bring extra dirham notes or load the currency onto a prepaid travel money card to have access to your vacation funds while you’re abroad.
Healthcare for Brits in Dubai
Dubai’s healthcare is comparable to that of the United Kingdom and is regarded as of high quality. You may be denied medical care if you cannot provide a valid policy or do not have sufficient means to finance your treatment individually if you do not have adequate travel insurance.
It’s a good idea to keep a stash of cash on hand in case of an emergency, as well as travel insurance.
If you have a medical emergency, dial 999, like you would in the United Kingdom, and request an ambulance. Make sure to contact your travel insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of your predicament.
Brits returning home from Dubai have been diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease on occasion, according to the FCDO. The outbreak’s sources have yet to be determined, despite the fact that the instances stretch back to 2017. Inhaling the mist from contaminated water, such as in showers or steam baths, can cause the condition, which is caused by bacteria that dwell in water.
Importantly, a number of prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals that are widely used in the UK are forbidden in the UAE, and bringing them in requires more than a prescription and a doctor’s note. You’ll need to figure out whether you can bring these pharmaceuticals in at all, and if so, what approvals you’ll need from the UAE Ministry of Health.
Travel risks in Dubai
Although crime in Dubai is very low, it is nevertheless prudent to practice the same vigilance that you would in any large city. Traveling alone, especially in new locations and at night, should be avoided. Also, be in mind that some people, such as lone travelers or ladies, may be a target.
It is strongly advised that only licensed taxis or Uber be used. The safety standards are quite high, and the penalties for breaching the law are extremely harsh.
You could potentially unwittingly break the law. A lot of things that are forbidden in the UAE are legal in the United Kingdom.
First and foremost, there is booze. It is only lawful for tourists to drink at licensed establishments, and drinking or being visibly drunk in public can result in arrest. Furthermore, if you are clearly inebriated while traveling through Dubai (for example, at an airport stopover), you may be detained. You will need to obtain a license to drink alcohol at home if you plan on renting an apartment or becoming a resident in Dubai. If you’re planning a day trip to Sharjah, keep in mind that alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Electronic cigarettes are prohibited in the UAE and may be seized if you bring them with you.
While using illegal substances is never a good idea, doing so in Dubai can result in some of the worst penalties in the world. It’s also deemed possession if you had narcotics in your bloodstream from before you came to Dubai. It is possible to face the death penalty if you distribute drugs.
Other travel considerations in Dubai
Previously, those with Israeli stamps or visas in their passports would have had a hard time entering the UAE. However, immigration officials have stated that British individuals in this position should have no problems entering the country.
Everyone is obliged to dress conservatively in public. This means that the shoulders, upper arms, and upper legs should all be covered. Underwear must not be visible, and dressed as a person of a different gender might result in serious consequences. Gender fluidity and non-binary genders are unlikely to be recognized by authorities.
It is unlawful to have intercourse outside of marriage, and you may be asked to sleep in separate rooms at your hotel if you are traveling with an unmarried partner. If Dubai authorities discover you are cohabiting, even in a hotel, with someone you are not married to or closely related to, the sanctions might be severe.
Although homosexual partnerships are prohibited in Dubai, efforts have been made to integrate homosexuality knowledge within the limitations of a conservative community. The privacy of individuals is protected, however homosexual weddings from any country are not recognized in the UAE, and all sex outside of marriage is prohibited. Any public demonstrations of homosexual intimacy carry the possibility of being arrested and prosecuted.
In Muslim countries, Ramadan is a very sacred month, and it is crucial to observe local customs if you are not a Muslim. It is particularly rude and upsetting to eat and drink in public while the local populace is fasting. It is preferable to eat quietly during Ramadan if at all possible.
It is forbidden to criticize the UAE or its related businesses, bodies, or industries, including on social media. It’s not a good idea to communicate harsh political views about the government to anyone, but discussing global politics and commerce is fine as long as it’s done respectfully.
In 2017, the UAE suspended diplomatic relations with Qatar. It can be risky to express sympathy for Qatar, whether verbally or on social media.
It is mandatory to have your passport or other recognized form of identification with you at all times. This may not include documents that have been copied.
Culture in Dubai
Dubai is a tremendously modern city, known around the world for its bold, modern architecture and high-end shopping. Although Dubai is a very contemporary and globalised city with little historical cultural influence, there are a handful of historically significant sites in the area. The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a more typical shopping experience within the city.
Because Dubai’s culture is mostly centered on leisure and entertainment, there is never a shortage of things to do. Dubai has shops and restaurants representing a wide range of worldwide cultures, including a North Korean eatery. Dubai has a diverse choice of cultural food and drink, as well as nightly entertainment that represents a diverse range of cultures.
The city’s nightlife is extremely vibrant, with high-quality music and entertainment available across the city.
The Islamic culture that sustains the city is reflected in the city’s retail outlets. Traditional home furnishings, fragrances, and apparel from the region are freely accessible, and the architecture and feel of souks have been rebuilt within the modernism of malls.
Getting around in Dubai
Brits having a UK driver’s license can rent a car in Dubai. Make sure you have the right insurance for driving, as well as travel insurance.
Driving is safe, and renting an air-conditioned automobile might be a convenient way to get around. Cruising about Dubai showing off fancy automobiles is a popular hobby, and driving is a regular means of transportation. In certain circumstances, a 1968 International Driving Permit may be required.
The public transportation system is quite contemporary and of excellent quality. Because most of the line is above ground, the metro covers a big area of the city and provides excellent views. Residents like buses, and bus stops are air-conditioned for when you have to wait. This is one of the most cost-effective modes of transportation.
There are several boat cruises offered, ranging from simple transportation to luxury ships.
Do I need travel insurance for Dubai?
If you’re an overseas traveler visiting the United Arab Emirates, the government has made it obligatory to obtain travel insurance that includes Covid-19 coverage. If you become ill or have an accident while traveling, travel insurance with medical coverage can assist protect you and cover the costs of emergency care or transportation home (repatriation).
In addition, both inside and outside of Dubai, an increasing number of adventure activities are available. These are normally well-organized and safety-conscious, but it’s crucial to double-check that you’re protected by your travel insurance before participating.
If you want a higher level of protection, talk to your insurer about it. You may also be covered for some activities, but only under specified conditions – for example, cycling may only be covered if you wear a helmet and don’t ride over certain elevations.
If you plan on participating in extreme sports while you’re there, such as quad biking in the sand dunes, you’ll certainly need more coverage than a basic travel insurance policy provides to account for the increased risk. Compare the add-ons offered by different insurers to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Medical difficulties aren’t the only reason to buy travel insurance. Travel insurance can assist cover costs if your things, such as luggage, are lost, damaged, or stolen, or if your flight is delayed. If you purchase travel insurance at the same time as you book your vacation, you may be eligible for a payout if unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, prohibit you from going.
Do you need travel insurance to enter Dubai?
Only if you require a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates is it necessary to purchase travel insurance for Dubai (of which Dubai is a part of). If you don’t have proof of travel insurance, you won’t be able to apply for a visa. You are free from this requirement if you do not require a visa to visit the UAE or if you can obtain a Visa on Arrival.
At Insubuy, you may get a free quote and buy a travel health insurance plan that complies with Dubai’s statutory standards.
Is travel insurance mandatory for UAE from India?
No, travel insurance is not yet required in Dubai. It will, nevertheless, always come in handy in bad and unpredictable scenarios like travel delays, medical emergencies, baggage delay/loss, adventure sports, and so on.
Spending a small amount on foreign travel insurance is always preferable than suffering large losses in the event of an emergency.
Furthermore, if you’re an adrenaline addict who has a lot of adventure sports planned for your trip, it’s best if you have insurance.
Is travel insurance mandatory for India?
No, not all nations need travelers to purchase travel insurance. Certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, Austria, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, do, nevertheless, require confirmation of travel insurance when issuing a visa. Also, anyone over the age of 60 who plans to go to the United States, Canada, or Australia must have travel insurance.
When traveling to any country, it is a good idea to have travel insurance on hand. People who want to travel overseas hunt for the cheapest air tickets, which are usually non-refundable and non-modifiable. This implies that if a family emergency arises and you are unable to go to your destination, there are very slim odds that you will be able to make adjustments or receive a refund. In such cases, travel insurance can assist you in reimbursing the insurance provider for those unforeseen charges.
It’s also worth thinking about the expense of healthcare, which is significantly greater. Medical treatment in other countries is typically 3 to 10 times more expensive than in India. Let’s take a look at the average medical costs for a few procedures in various countries:
Does Dubai visa comes with insurance?
To enter Dubai, UAE, you must have travel insurance. The UAE government has issued a visa regulation requiring all UAE tourists to have a valid medical insurance policy at the time of visa application; external health insurance is not recognized.
Medical costs in Dubai are as high as its skyscrapers, so if you want someone to look after you, get a Dubai travel insurance policy that covers all medical crises as well as other situations like airline delays, passport loss, personal liability bonds, luggage loss, and so on.
Is Indian health insurance valid in UAE?
Indian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates can now get health insurance for their relatives back home.
Aster DM Healthcare and RAK Insurance have teamed together to offer primary member policies that cost between Dh225 and Dh3,800 per year.
Accidents and care are covered under the policies in India’s 5,500 hospitals. He or she can add a spouse, children, parents, and in-laws who live in India if the principal member is a UAE resident.
The age limit for adding family members is 70, and the plan can be renewed until a member reaches 75. Newborns are not automatically protected and must wait until the insurance renewal anniversary before being added. Congenital conditions aren’t covered either.
The plan, dubbed Arise, also offers outpatient benefits in India at Aster DM Healthcare’s eight hospitals.
Is Passport required for Dubai from India?
Yes, citizens of a select countries do not need to apply for a visa in advance to visit the UAE.
and will be able to secure a visa upon arrival. Indian citizens with a regular passport and a valid visa
A Dubai visa can be obtained with a visa, a Green Card issued by the United States, or residency in the United Kingdom or the European Union.
for a maximum stay of 14 days. The Green Card, the US Visa, and the UK Resident
Permits and EU Resident Permits must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of issuance.
arrival in the United Arab Emirates The visa on arrival will be valid for 14 days and can be extended for another 14 days.
a similar period only once The passport must be valid for at least six months.
The charge for an admission permit will be Dirham 100 for six months (Rs 1,750).
Is it mandatory to have travel insurance?
No, having travel insurance is not required by law. Some tour companies, especially in countries like the United States where there is no public health service, will need you to have a policy in place before they confirm your journey. You may believe that travel insurance is more important in places like these, but it is usually worth it in general.
You should make sure that you and your loved ones are fully covered while on vacation for your own peace of mind. Accidents sometimes happen, and dealing with them when you’re not at home is more challenging. When the stakes are so high, it’s not worth taking a chance.
What is not covered in travel insurance?
Baggage delay, damage, and loss plans do not cover all of your belongings. Glasses, hearing aids, dental bridges, tickets, passports, keys, cash, and cell phones are all common travel insurance exclusions. These things are sometimes covered, but only up to a particular cost limit, so if you have several expensive electronic items (such as a laptop, tablet, and mobile phone), you may not have enough coverage to cover the loss of all of them.