The purpose and length of your stay determines what kind of visas or other permits you'll need. If you're visiting the United Arab Emirates for 30 or fewer days, you'll just need a passport with a minimum of six months of validity left and you'll need to apply for a no-fee visitor visa right at the airport. If you're staying longer, you'll need to apply for a visa before your trip. The application and other instructions can be obtained from the website for the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (uae-embassy.org), which is in Washington, D.C.
If you're looking for adventure, consider going on a desert safari, which will take you into the Arabian Desert to get an authentic Arabian experience complete with camel rides, belly dancers and traditional foods. Cool off at one of Dubai's white sandy beaches or at Aquaventure, a 42-acre water park at Atlantis The Palm hotel. The park has water roller coasters, river rapid adventures, water slides, a private beach and children's play areas. You might have to see Ski Dubai to believe that it's possible to go skiing in the Middle East. Ski Dubai, the region's first indoor ski resort, makes real snow and features five runs for skiing and snowboarding, along with an interactive snow park.
Dubai is home to many different lodging options, ranging from over-the-top luxury hotels to no-frills, wallet-friendly options. If you're looking for luxury, look no further than Al Qasr, a palatial hotel on a private island, or Burj Al Arab, the sail-shaped hotel with the reputation of being "the world's most luxurious." Each of the two-story suites at Burj Al Arab has floor-to-ceiling windows and upscale amenities, such as chauffeur service and personal butlers. If you’re traveling on a budget, Novotel World Trade Centre, situated within the Dubai Convention and Exhibition Centre complex, is among the most reliably affordable options. It has free shuttle service to area malls and Jumeirah Beach, along with amenities such as valet parking, several on-site restaurants and an outdoor pool.
Dubai is nestled in a Muslim country, and it's important for you to brush up on etiquette and customs to avoid offending the local people you'll come in contact with. For example, avoid eating with your left hand, as the left is viewed as unclean. Keep your feet on the floor, because showing the bottom of your foot is considered insulting. Additionally, avoid taking any pictures of local military members or sensitive sites such as mosques, both of which can result in your being arrested by the authorities. Although women visitors are not expected to adopt traditional clothing, they will need to cover their heads to visit mosques.
