Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and has more than 100,000 British expats. It is home to the tallest building in the world and the fifth largest shopping mall in the world. It is a great city for commerce, business, and an exciting nightlife.
Despite the conservative infrastructure in the UAE, Dubai has been designed to accommodate Western socialization. However, there are still strict restrictions on what should be considered normal in the UK, so if you are traveling there make sure you know what to do to avoid false mistakes and make sure you buy good travel insurance.
Dubai's currency is the UAE dirham, which is one of the currencies available on the Post Office Travel Money Card. This is a prepaid card that gives you easy access to your vacation funds while you are away.
Healthcare for the British in Dubai
Medical care in Dubai is similar to that in the UK and is considered to be of a high standard. It is imperative that you have good travel insurance as Medicare may be denied if you cannot provide a valid document or do not have sufficient funds to cover your treatment in person.
It is recommended to have an emergency box along with vacation insurance.
If you are in a medical emergency, call 999 as you do in the UK and request an ambulance. Make sure to contact your travel insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of your situation.
According to FCOopens in new window, Britons returning from Dubai were sometimes diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. Although the cases date back to 2017, the sources of the outbreak have not been identified. The disease is caused by bacteria that live in water and can be transmitted by inhaling contaminated water droplets, for example in baths or saunas.
Most importantly, several prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are common in the UK are banned in the UAE and require more than one prescription and doctor's note to bring them into the country. You will need to determine if you can take these drugs and what permits you may need from the UAE Ministry of Health to do so.
The UAE Ministry of Health opens in a new window and has a list of prohibited drugs that are important to consult. If you need a drug that is banned in the UAE, you can contact the Drug Enforcement Department at drugcl.csc@moh.gov.ae or call +971 2 611 7240 for advice.
The dangers of traveling in Dubai
Crime rates are relatively low in Dubai, but the same caution is always recommended as in any large city. Avoid traveling alone, especially in unfamiliar areas and at night, and especially if you are a woman.
It is recommended to use licensed taxis or just Uber. Safety standards are extremely high and the penalties for breaking the law are extremely severe.
You could also inadvertently fall under the law. There are a number of illegal things in the Emirates that are legal in the UK.
First, alcohol. As a tourist, drinking is only legally permitted in licensed settings, and drinking or being drunk in public places can lead to arrest. Also, if you are visibly drunk while traveling in Dubai (for example, at the airport as a stopover), you can be arrested. If you plan to rent an apartment or live in Dubai, you will need to obtain a license to drink alcohol at home. If you are going to take a day trip to Sharjah, remember that alcohol is strictly prohibited there.
E-cigarettes are illegal in the United Arab Emirates and can be confiscated upon arrival.
While the use of illegal drugs is not recommended anywhere, their use in Dubai can carry some of the most severe penalties in the world. It is also considered possession if it is discovered that you have drugs in your bloodstream from using them before visiting Dubai.
Other travel considerations in Dubai
Previously, people with Israeli stamps or visas in their passports would have had a difficult time entering the UAE. However, immigration authorities have warned that British subjects in this situation should not have difficulty entering.
In public places, everyone is expected to dress modestly. This means covering the shoulders, arms, and legs. The underwear cannot be seen and the use of cross stitch can carry heavy penalties.
Sex outside of marriage is illegal, and if you are traveling with a single partner, you may need to sleep in separate rooms in your hotel. The penalties can be hefty if the Dubai authorities discover that you are cohabiting, even in a hotel, with someone you are not married to or close to.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Dubai, however, efforts have been made to assimilate knowledge of homosexuality within the confines of a very conservative society. The private life of anyone is respected, however, same-sex marriage from any country is not recognized in the UAE and all types of sexual relations outside of marriage are illegal. Any public display of homosexuality runs the risk of arrest and prosecution.
Ramadan is a very important time in Muslim countries, and it is important that you respect local customs if you are not Muslim yourself. In particular, eating and drinking in public places while locals are fasting is insensitive and can cause discomfort. It is best to eat in private whenever possible.
Criticism of the UAE or its businesses, organizations and industries is not allowed, even on social media. It is not wise to express a negative political opinion of the state to anyone, but talking about politics and global trade is fine as long as they are respected.
The UAE suspended diplomatic relations with Qatar in 2017. Expressing sympathy with Qatar, whether out loud or on social media, can be dangerous.
It is a legal requirement that you carry your passport or recognized identity document with you at all times. This may not include copied documents.
Culture in Dubai
Dubai is a very modern city, world famous for its architectural ambition, ambition and luxury shopping Dubai is a very modern and globalized city, without a path of historical cultural influence, however there are a number of interesting sites in the area from the antiquity. For something more traditional within the city, visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Dubai's culture is highly focused on entertainment and leisure, which means there is no shortage of things to do. There are shops and restaurants representing a variety of international cultures in Dubai, including a North Korean restaurant. The offer of cultural food and drink within Dubai is extensive, and a wide range of cultures is represented in the evening entertainment.
The nightlife is very active, with high quality music and entertainment throughout the city.
The Islamic culture on which the city is based is represented in retail throughout the city. Traditional home furnishings, perfumes and clothing are widely available in the region, and within the modernity of the shopping malls, the architecture and feel of the souks has been rebuilt.
Getting around Dubai
Brits in Dubai can rent a car with a British driver's license. Make sure you have the proper driving insurance, along with travel insurance.
Driving is safe and renting an air-conditioned car can be a comfortable way to get around. Touring the luxury car show is a popular pastime for the people of Dubai, and driving is a popular means of transportation.
Public transport is very modern and of high quality. The metro covers a large part of the city and offers good views, as most of the line is above ground. The buses are popular with residents, and the bus stops are air-conditioned when you need to wait. This is one of the most profitable ways to get around.
There are a large number of boat trips available, from simple transportation to luxury yachts.
Travel insurance for Dubai
Dubai also offers a growing number of adventure activities in and out of the city. These are usually conscientious and well-organized affairs, but it is very important to ensure that you are covered by your travel insurance to participate in them.
If you want an additional level of coverage, please discuss it with your insurance company. It may also be covered for activities, but only under certain circumstances; for example, you may only be covered if you wear a helmet and are not traveling above certain altitudes.
Travel insurance is not just limited to medical problems. If you lose your luggage or your flight is delayed, travel insurance can help cover the costs incurred. If you buy your travel insurance at the same time you book your vacation, you can receive compensation if something like illness or major family problems prevents you from going.
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