Passport and Visa
Nordic citizens are automatically given a visa on arrival in Dubai (tourist visa, 30 days). Check that your passport is valid 6 months after the return journey. The passport must not be cracked or missing sides. Temporary passports are not accepted.
Vaccinations and health
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that applies to care abroad. Examine what your home insurance covers. Additional travel insurance can be ordered through Phoenix Travel. Bring documentation of current travel / health insurance. Medicines should be stored in the original packaging where it is clear what type of medicine it is. If you use prescription drugs, you should have a copy of the prescriptions in English that you can get from the pharmacy or from the doctor who prescribed them. Store the medicines (with prescription) in your hand luggage.
Weather and clothes
You should cover your shoulders and knees and avoid short shorts and dresses as well as tank tops that do not cover the upper part of the chest and shoulders. Pirate pants are a suitable alternative for those who do not want long pants in the heat. Avoid overly tight clothing or transparent garments. Women can buy a shawl to easily and quickly cover shoulders and upper body with. Never wear swimwear or what may be perceived as challenging attire outside the beach or pool area, even if you are only going a short distance. This applies to both women and men. Men can of course have a bare torso on the beach or by the pool, but not at the supermarket or at the ice cream kiosk.
Climate table for Dubai
| Dubai | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Christmas | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max ° C | 23 | 24 | 27 | 32 | 36 | 39 | 41 | 41 | 39 | 35 | 30 | 36 |
| Min ° C | 16 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 30 | 33 | 33 | 29 | 27 | 29 | 19 |
| Precipitation etc. | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Currency
United Arab Emirates: Dirham (AED)
Transport and Communications
Taxi, local bus or metro. The taxis have taximeters.
Security
Personal security in the United Arab Emirates is high compared to most other countries. Crime is thus at a low level internationally.
Food and drinks
Dubai is an international metropolis with a world-class matching food scene. Here you will find restaurants representing cuisines from around the world. In Dubai, it is very common for people to go out and eat, which has contributed to Dubai being a very vibrant city where you can easily find fantastic food in all price ranges. If you are eager to explore the classic food traditions of the Middle East, you will be full. Enjoy the very best of Iranian, Lebanese and Arabic cuisines. Although it is forbidden to drink alcohol in public in Dubai, but in the hotels, restaurants and nightclubs that are licensed, it is possible to buy beer, wine and spirits just like in most other countries in the world.
Shopping
The shops usually close quite late (usually 21 or 22). Some smaller shops are closed for siesta between 13 and 15, but the malls are open throughout the day and often do not close at midnight, sometimes even later. Some smaller shops have closed on Fridays and some of the larger malls only open after Friday prayers in the afternoon. Dubai’s traditional marketplaces, the souks, do not open until four o’clock.
Other information
Time difference: Dubai is three hours before Swedish winter time. When the time is 12.00 in Sweden, it is 15.00 in Dubai. During Swedish summer time, the time difference is only two hours.
Beverages: There is no widespread drinking culture in Dubai similar to that found in, for example, the United States. Those who work in the service professions in Dubai are often immigrants with low wages and tough working conditions. So for their sake, and to make a little difference, feel free to leave a tip.
Language: the official language is Arabic, but many also speak very good English.
Electricity: The mains voltage is 220 volts. The connectors are of the same type as in the UK, which is why you will need an adapter.
