Magical Dubai and Abu Dhabi - 7 Days

India is 1 hour and 30 minutes ahead of Dubai – United Arab Emirates

The bus network in Dubai connects all the major landmarks and tourist spots of the city and is very comfortable. You can also take the economical Big Bus sightseeing tour which takes you to all the major attractions and offers live commentary and free admission to the Dubai Museum and a dhow cruise. The metro comprehensively covers all the major landmarks and is another economical mode of transport. Taxis are a convenient way of getting around and are easily available throughout the city. The water bus is another economical and preferred way to travel from Bur Dubai to Deira and vice versa. You can hire a car and drive, but it is not advisable as there is bad traffic congestion in the city. You will need to have a credit card and an international driving license for that

You need a pre-applied visa to come to Dubai. You get a single entry 30-day renewable tourist visa. Ensure that you have a passport with a minimum validity of six months and required travel insurance before you apply.

Being an Islamic nation, you cannot wear short skirts, shorts, micro-minis, see-through clothes, while you are in public. Also, women need to cover their head if they are entering a mosque.

The currency used in Dubai is Arab Emirate Dirham. There are plenty of ATMs throughout the city to withdraw money from. Also, all major international debit and credit cards are accepted at most shopping malls, hotels and restaurants.

Travellers can easily purchase pre-paid SIM cards to call both locally and internationally. SIM cards can be availed in various denominations at the airport itself. Dubai enjoys seamless internet connectivity. Most hotels, restaurants and malls offer free Wi-Fi services. Internet is also available on mobile devices by the service providers

Dubai has world-class restaurants offering everything from traditional Arabic cuisine to British, Chinese, Filipino, French, German, Greek, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mediterranean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swiss and Thai. You can get vegetarian food easily at most of the restaurants.

The minimum age for the consumption of alcohol in Dubai is 21 years. You will need to carry an ID proof while visiting a bar. Drinking alcohol in public places prohibited in Dubai and is punishable under law. You are not allowed to carry alcohol to beaches unless it is owned by hotels with a liquor license.

Though tipping is not mandatory in Dubai, it is always expected. INR 170-350 approximately is the ideal tipping amount for porters, waiters or bellboys. 10% of the total bill amount should be given as tip in restaurants and cafes.

Sure, you can haggle with local vendors at the various souks. However, avoid any type of haggling at the malls.

There are certain restrictions on the amount of alcohol and tobacco products that can be brought in under duty-free: 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 500 grams of loose tobacco are allowed. 4 litres of alcohol/ 2 cartons of beer with 24 cans each are permitted.

Drugs, narcotics, chemicals and organic fertilizers, KhusKhus (poppy seeds) or paan (betel leaves), pornographic material, non-Islamic religious pamphlets for missionary activities, fireworks, ivory, weapons and ammunition, laser pens, radar jammers/other unauthorized communication devices, plants or endangered animals, and any other objects which do not adhere to the religious and moral values of the UAE are prohibited. If caught, serious punishment is awarded to the offender.

Make sure you have the following ready before arrival in Dubai:

The traveller’s valid passport with a validity of at six months
A valid 30 Dubai visa
Travel insurance for all medical emergencies
The most reliable source from where you can get all visa related information is the UAE embassy in your country. Before applying for a visa, ensure that you have a sponsor in the UAE for the same. There are 3 types of visas that you can apply for:

Tourist visa: This valid for 30 days and is renewable.
Transit visa: This is the best option for short trips (if you travelling to Dubai for less than four days.)
Visit visa: You can either take the visa for 30 days or for 90 days. This visa type is not renewable.
Declarations and Allowances:

Dubai customs allows visitors to enter with goods the value of which does not exceed Dh 3000, without paying import fees, provided:

Items are only for personal or professional use
Amount of goods are reasonable
Items are not restricted or prohibited
There are certain restrictions on the amount of alcohol and tobacco products that can be brought in under duty free:

400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 500 grams of loose tobacco are allowed
4 litres of alcohol/ 2 cartons of beer with 24 cans each are allowed
Prohibited and Restricted Goods:

The following items are prohibited in Dubai. Carrying them with you in any form may lead to strict penalties:

Drugs, narcotics, chemicals and organic fertilizers, Khus khus (poppy seeds) or paan (betel leaves), pornographic material, non-Islamic religious pamphlets for missionary activities, fireworks, ivory, weapons and ammunition, laser pens, radar jammers/other unauthorized communication devices, plants or endangered animals, and any other objects which do not adhere to the religious and moral values of the UAE are prohibited here.

For a detailed list of all the items, visit http://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae.