Q: What do I need to know or what are the rules I have to follow when in Dubai?

Responsibilities of travellers: Adhere to all official measures and requirements established by the Dubai Government and other countries before travelling and after returning to Dubai. Disclose any symptoms before travelling by filling in the form provided by airlines. Tourists will bear the costs of examination and treatment abroad, in the event they are infected with COVID-19, so are advised to have international health insurance coverage that covers COVID-19 before travelling. Take precautionary measures and self-monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19 Follow the isolation guidelines in the case you show symptoms on arrival and the result is “positive”.

Question 1

Is the UAE and Dubai open for all tourists?

Accepted Answer

Effective from 30 August 2021, tourist visa applications are open to travellers from all countries. Depending on a passenger's nationality, they can get a visa on arrival, or apply for a pre-arranged visit visa from Dubai Immigration before travel. Please reach out to The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and check your country’s latest travel advisory on outbound trips.
Travellers from certain countries will be required to:
- Have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate with a QR code issued within 48 hours of the time the sample was collected from an approved health facility.
- Take a rapid PCR test, to be conducted at the departure airport (and issued with a QR code) within six hours of departure. Visit Emirates airline for further details.
Please check the following links for the most up-to-date requirements ahead of travelling to or transiting through Dubai: Emirates airline | FlyDubai

Question 2

Is it safe to travel to Dubai? What measures do you have in place?

Accepted Answer

The national vaccination campaign commenced in December 2020 and is progressing at a great pace with over 80% of the population fully vaccinated. For the latest number on doses administered please click here.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) alongside other relevant authorities continue to prioritise, monitor, and assure the safety and the well-being of all visitors to, and residents of Dubai as the utmost priority. Dubai Tourism continues to work diligently under the guidance from the World Health Organization to maintain rigorously high standards of public hygiene and safety, so the wellbeing of all residents and visitors remains uncompromised.
Dubai has also been recognised by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and received its Safe Travels stamp for its safety protocols in place.

Question 3

Do I need travel insurance when coming to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ensure you have medical travel insurance with international coverage that covers COVID-19 before travelling.
Customers purchasing an Emirates airline or FlyDubai ticket from 1 December 2020 benefit from additional multi-risk travel insurance provided by AIG Travel or NEXtCARE, including cover for COVID-19 and overseas medical expenses. Please see the following links for more information and a supporting FAQ: Emirates airline | FlyDubai

Question 4

What are the procedures from my departure destination ahead of travelling to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Please check your country’s travel advisory for latest guidance on outbound trips, as well as your carrier requirements.
Fulfil entry visa requirements to visit the UAE.

Question 5

Following arrival, what are the procedures for exiting Dubai Airports?

Accepted Answer

Tourists are required to download the COVID-19 DXB app iOS - Android
Tourists who show symptoms on arrival and test positive for COVID-19 after being re-tested must comply with a 10-day isolation:
- A person who is infected with COVID-19 will remain in isolation for 10 days (home or facility). The isolation ends after completing the 10 days with improvement in symptoms and no fever for at least three consecutive days, without any fever reduction medication.
- For more information, please visit this Dubai Health Authority page.
- For those that are a COVID-19 close contact case, please check this link.
- The traveller will bear the cost of treatment and quarantine unless their carrier is Emirates or FlyDubai.
Customers purchasing an Emirates airline or FlyDubai ticket from 1 December 2020 benefit from additional multi-risk travel insurance provided by AIG Travel or NEXtCARE, including cover for COVID-19 and overseas medical expenses. Please see the following links for more information and a supporting FAQ: Emirates airline | FlyDubai
Compliance with all precautionary measures applied in Dubai (wearing masks, maintaining 2m social distance and washing hands regularly).

Question 6

Do I need a COVID-19 test when travelling to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

- All tourists and residents arriving into Dubai from any point of origin (including GCC countries) must hold a negative PCR test certificate, for which the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to the time of departure.
- Travelllers from certain countries must hold a negative PCR test, taken no more than 48 hours prior to the time of departure. Please see the following links for a list of countries which this is now applicable for:
  • Dubai Airports
  • Emirates
- Negative COVID-19 certificates must be printed in English or Arabic; PCR certificates in other languages are acceptable if they can be validated at the originating station (the date and time of the test must be detailed). The printed certificate must have a valid QR code. No hand written, SMS or digital certificates will be accepted.
- UAE nationals are exempt from the above, but will be required to take a PCR test on arrival at Dubai airport, unless the country of origin requires a pre-travel test.
- Tourists may test at any lab accredited by their health authority in their country. If you are travelling with Emirates, please click here for a list of accredited labs.
- For select destinations, residents and tourists may be required to take two COVID-19 PCR tests: one before departure, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai. Please click here for a list of destinations where this is applicable.

Question 7

Will children and newborns be subject to COVID-19 PCR tests as well?

Accepted Answer

Infants and children below 12 years old are not required to do the COVID-19 PCR test. All older ages are required to conduct the COVID-19 PCR test.

Question 8

Is there going to be a mandatory quarantine for tourists?

Accepted Answer

No, only if they test positive with COVID-19.
Please check carrier and Dubai travel requirements for COVID-19 PCR testing.
Passengers who need to get a COVID-19 PCR test done at arrival in Dubai should either wait in their place of residence or hotel, or undergo institutional quarantine until they receive their results, which is expected within 24 hours. UAE citizens and diplomats are exempted. Please click here for a list of countries where this is applicable.

Question 9

If I show symptoms on arrival at Dubai Airport and test positive, what happens?

Accepted Answer

If the result is positive, compliance with 10-day isolation becomes mandatory.
- A person who is infected with COVID-19 will remain in isolation for a duration of 10 days (home or facility). The isolation ends after completing the 10 days with improvement in symptoms and no fever for at least three consecutive days, without any fever reduction medication.
- For more information, please visit this Dubai Health Authority page.
- For those that are a COVID-19 close contact case, please check this link.
Alternatives for isolation include institutional quarantine (dedicated hotels/facilities), home or hospitalisation and potential options based on the patient’s assessment. The 10-day isolation period will be completed while following all necessary precautionary measures and monitoring of symptoms.

Question 10

Are transit travellers required to follow the same procedures related to conducting COVID-19 PCR test and signing the health declaration form etc.?

Accepted Answer

Passengers from certain countries transiting through Dubai must conduct a PCR test before departure, please refer to this link for further details.
The Negative PCR COVID-19 certificate must be printed in English or Arabic; PCR certificates in other languages are acceptable if they can be validated at the originating station. No hand written, SMS or digital certificates will be accepted.
Passengers must check their country’s travel advisory for latest guidance on outbound trips, as well as the carrier requirements.

Question 11

What are the procedures when departing from Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Passengers departing Dubai Airports will need to do a PCR test only if it is mandated by the country they are travelling to.
A rapid PCR or Rapid Antigen test will be available at the airport to travellers departing from Dubai if their destination country requires it.
Passengers are advised to check the travel protocols of their carrier and arrival destination.

Note: Airlines have the right to deny travellers if they display any symptoms of COVID-19.

Question 12

What do I need to know or what are the rules I have to follow when in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Responsibilities of travellers:
- Adhere to all official measures and requirements established by the Dubai Government and other countries before travelling and after returning to Dubai.
- Disclose any symptoms before travelling by filling in the form provided by airlines.
Tourists will bear the costs of examination and treatment abroad, in the event they are infected with COVID-19, so are advised to have international health insurance coverage that covers COVID-19 before travelling.
Take precautionary measures and self-monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19
Follow the isolation guidelines in the case you show symptoms on arrival and the result is “positive”.

Question 13

Do I have to wear a mask during my holiday in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Masks are compulsory, as is keeping a two-metre physical distance.
You must wear a mask unless exercising, eating or drinking, in a car with your family, or driving alone.

Question 14

Do tourists have to pay for the treatment and quarantine stay in a hotel if they show symptoms and/or require a second test and the test is positive?

Accepted Answer

The traveller will bear the cost of treatment and quarantine.
Customers purchasing an Emirates airline or FlyDubai ticket from 1 December 2020 benefit from additional multi-risk travel insurance provided by AIG Travel or NEXtCARE, including cover for COVID-19 and overseas medical expenses. Please see the following links for more information and a supporting FAQ: Emirates airline | FlyDubai
Alternatives for isolation include institutional quarantine (dedicated hotels/facilities), home or hospitalisation and potential options based on the patient’s assessment.
- A person who is infected with COVID-19 will remain in isolation for 10 days (home or facility). The isolation ends after completing the 10 days with improvement in symptoms and no fever for at least three consecutive days, without any fever reduction medication.
- For more information, please visit this Dubai Health Authority page.
- For those that are a COVID-19 close contact case, please check this link.
- The traveller will bear the cost of treatment and quarantine unless their carrier is Emirates airline or FlyDubai.

Question 15

If tourists who are spending their stay at family’s, friend’s residences and show COVID-19 symptoms on arrival and require a second test, would they be required to go into quarantine?

Accepted Answer

If the COVID-19 test result is positive, the traveller is required to adhere to the isolation guidelines. The location for isolation will be determined according to the household situation and the health status of the patient (institutional isolation or at the hospital).

Question 16

Do I need a visa and if yes, how do I apply?

Accepted Answer

For all the visa related information please reach out to The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and check your country’s travel advisory for latest guidance on outbound trips.

Question 17

Are the Emirates airline flight routes fully restored?

Accepted Answer

Please click here for information on which destinations Emirates is flying to and from.

Question 18

Have MICE events resumed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, local and international MICE events have resumed as well as leisure & retail events.
All events are following stringent safety and security protocols.
Business events can increase capacity to 100% while adhering to all government-issued protocols.
Institutional events and award ceremonies can likewise increase the number of participants to a maximum of 1,000 people, with no mandatory vaccination requirements.

Question 19

Have live events resumed in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Entertainment activities including classical, theatrical and comedy events can resume upon securing a permit, with event organisers and attendees adhering to the latest safety and precautionary measures. For more information please contact the Dubai Tourism Call Centre Tel: 600 555 559.
Entertainment and sporting events can increase event capacity to 60%, inclusive of audiences. There is no specification on the maximum number of participants.
Free movement events (such as standing concerts) are permitted for vaccinated participants, with a maximum of 5,000 attendees while adhering to health and safety protocols.
Social activities can increase capacity to 60% and not exceed 300 people.
For event vaccination requirements, please refer to latest published protocols.

Question 20

Are destination weddings able to be planned in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, weddings can be planned and hosted in Dubai with an increased capacity to 60%, not exceeding 300 attendees. Elderly people and those with chronic conditions are advised not to attend gatherings.

Question 21

What are the dates for Expo 2020 and where can I get further details?

Accepted Answer

The global mega event will run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. For the latest updates please visit https://www.expo2020dubai.com/ or @Expo2020dubai on social media.

Question 22

Where can I find the official measures and requirements by the Dubai Government?

Accepted Answer

The public will be required to strictly follow precautionary measures, which include:

Maintaining physical distance from others as per guidelines
Wearing a face mask as required

Please find below helpful links to official sources:

Question 23

Can business events currently be hosted in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Dubai has been open for international business events since 1 October 2020, with robust measures in place to ensure the safety of organisers and delegates.

Delegates from around the world can attend business events in Dubai.

Dubai Business Events, the city’s official convention bureau, works with planners and organisers to make sure they understand the guidelines to host business events safely and smoothly.

Download detailed requirements for re-opening events in Dubai and our guide on the current measures in place at venues, business events, and across the city.

Question 24

What are the current special procedures and rules in place when arriving at DXB?

Accepted Answer

Precautionary measures implemented throughout the airport include hand sanitiser stations around the airport, protective plexiglass at check-in and immigration counters, thermal and temperature screening, social distancing markers and increased levels of cleaning and sanitisation. Before travel, visitors must check with their airline for specific details relevant to their country of departure.

All visitors arriving into Dubai from any point of origin (including GCC countries) must hold a negative PCR test certificate, for which the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to the time of departure.

Visitors arriving from selected countries may be subject to additional testing on arrival. The negative COVID-19 PCR test result must be presented in a printed certificate format by the visitor on arrival to DXB. The certificate must be in English or Arabic only. Handwritten certificates will not be accepted.

Upon arrival at DXB, visitors must download and register on the COVID-19 DXB Smart App (Apple or Andoid).

Find out more details about travel to and from Dubai on our Covid-19 travel advisory page.

Question 25

What are the current procedures in place when departing Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Only valid ticket holders will be allowed into the airport building. Travellers must not go to the airport more than four hours before their scheduled flight time. A protective mask must be worn by all travellers. Passengers displaying symptoms are advised to not come to the airport.

Passengers departing Dubai Airports will need to do a PCR test only if it is mandated by the country they are travelling to. A rapid PCR or Rapid Antigen test will be available at the airport to travellers departing from Dubai if their destination country requires it.

Passengers are advised to check the travel protocols of their carrier and arrival destination.

Find out more details about travel to and from Dubai on our Covid-19 travel advisory page.

Question 26

What are the health safety precautions related to Covid-19 followed at events in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Repeated sanitisation of all venues takes place before, during, and after all events.

All staff must wear face masks and gloves (if in contact with people).

All attendees must wear face masks.

All attendees and staff must maintain 2 metres distance, as indicated on all floors especially in high traffic areas.

Venues can accommodate up to one person per 4 square metres of available space.

Hand sanitiser provision is mandatory throughout all venues.

Question 27

How is food safety being ensured?

Accepted Answer

Minimum 2 metres physical distancing in buffet queues, and staff must serve; there is no self-service.

All other food and beverage must be individually pre-packed and served by staff.

Special public areas must be designated for delegates to consume food and beverages.

Question 28

What rules are in place when staying and moving around Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Dubai is open and as a destination, the city adopts the highest international health and safety standards enabling the city to ensure the wellbeing of all our visitors remains the highest priority.

Everyone must observe physical distancing guidelines and abide by the instructions and preventive measures outlined by concerned authorities for example wearing masks and washing hands regularly.

Family entertainment, attractions, observation decks, public transport, parks, beaches, pools as well as shopping malls and restaurants & cafes are open and operating whilst adhering to strict safety measures as announced by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

Question 29

How do hotels maintain safety standards?

Accepted Answer

Hotels are open and continue to operate rigorous sterilisation and disinfection procedures as per Dubai Municipality requirements, extensive and strict contact rules for staff; and, compulsory wearing of masks for staff who are in direct contact with customers.

Question 30

Are taxis operating in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Taxi drivers wear face masks and gloves, with frequent sanitation of vehicles. A maximum of two passengers can be seated at the back and no passenger in front.

Question 31

Are there any restrictions on nationalities?

Accepted Answer

There are no nationality restrictions. However, Immigration reserves the right to reject applicants for national security reasons.

Question 32

Can I apply if I’m already a resident in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

No, this programme is not applicable to those holding a residency visa OR who have an application already under process for residency.

Question 33

Will I be charged income tax while in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals.

Question 34

What services will I be able to access if I’m living in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

This programme will provide applicants with the ability to live in Dubai in a similar manner to residents, by providing access to phone lines, resident ID cards, banking facilities and the ability to rent accommodation or send children to school.

Question 35

Can I leave the UAE and then return once I have been approved?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have a multiple entry visa during the tenure of this programme; however you cannot be out of the country for more than 6 months continuously or your visa will be automatically nullified.

Question 36

Will I be able to rent a property myself, or will I have to book via a hotel or holiday homes operator?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to rent a property with the Emirates ID; however most private rentals are for a 1-year contract only. For short- and medium-term letting, you can look at holiday homes and hotel accommodation as alternatives.

Question 37

Will I be able to take a loan out from a bank with this programme?

Accepted Answer

This will be at the local banks’ discretion based on their criteria and your eligibility.

Question 38

Will I be able to buy or rent a car under this programme?

Accepted Answer

Renting a car is possible with an Emirates ID. Buying a car is possible but financing the purchase will be at the local banks’ discretion based on their criteria and your eligibility.

Question 39

Will I be able to apply to send my children to school in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will be able to enrol in Dubai’s education facilities.

Question 40

Will I be able to hire a nanny or driver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but this can only be done via a third-party agency; you will not be able to sponsor one yourself

Question 41

Are you able to renew the visa after one year?

Accepted Answer

As this programme is for one year only, you will need to re-apply as per the standard application process.

Question 42

Will I be able to rent an office?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to rent a property with an Emirates ID; however most private rentals are for a 1-year contract only. For short- and medium-term letting, you can check with Dubai’s many co-working space operators, accelerators and incubators.

Question 43

What working spaces are available in Dubai to use?

Accepted Answer

Dubai has a wealth of co-working spaces offering flexible packages ranging from hour-long meeting rooms through to weekly, monthly or quarterly bookings. These can also be rented as a hot desk or private desk. Dubai’s hotels also have many business centres for use, and most cafés and shopping centres also offer free or paid Wi-Fi options.

Question 44

Will I be able to sponsor other family members or friends who want to visit Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Under the programme, you will be able to sponsor your spouse and children.

Question 45

Is any currency acceptable for the monthly income?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, the equivalent should be a minimum of US$5000 monthly.

Question 46

Can I come to Dubai on a tourism visa and transfer to this programme once there

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can come on a standard tourism visa, get acquainted with the city and apply to transfer to the one year programme once you’re ready. Please note that fees can change depending on whether you are applying from within Dubai or from overseas.

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