Dubai Vacation For American Citizens
Dubai is a fun and exciting vacation destination. Visiting Dubai on vacation is an opportunity to have a taste of different cultures, landscapes, and cuisines. However, there are some things you need to know before planning for a Dubai vacation. Dubai Vacation For American CitizensMost American residents are not allowed to travel to the United States of America since they have violated their visa conditions. They have to wait for 10 years to travel outside US again. If you are one of them, there is a solution for you. You can visit Dubai with a tourist visa and spend your holidays here. Tourist visa is issued for 30 days and it is same in almost all middle east countries apart from Iran and Iraq. You can even take a job in Dubai at a hotel or some other hotel business and apply for residence visa if you want to stay longer. You can plan your vacation with family, friends or alone very easily thanks to internet access everywhere in the city and cheap flights from various destinations including Boston, New York, San Francisco etc. from many airlines. Hotels in Dubai are luxurious and offer great facilities to the tourists.
With an average temperature of 27 C (80 F) over the course of the year, Dubai is a wonderful place to visit year round! The city offers several attractions including the famous Palm Jumeirah island, scuba diving with turtles and Aqua Park on Jumeirah Beach. In addition to its world’s tallest building, there are also 7 other buildings which reach above 300 meters.Lying between the Arabian Sea, Iran, India and Pakistan lies the United Arab Emirates or UAE. As one of the largest and richest countries in the region, tourists are always in good number. Dubai is where most travelers go to as it is a popular tourism destination because of its diversity.
Dubai Vacation For American Citizens
Why Go To Dubai
Dubai and Las Vegas have a lot in common. Both cities share a love for the fantastical, with skylines that shine like beacons against barren desert backdrops. People from all over the world flock to these shimmering oases with the same goal: to play hard. But as a vacation spot, Dubai easily trumps ol’ Sin City thanks to its gorgeous cream-colored Persian Gulf shoreline, international culinary scene and larger-than-life attractions. And the city’s still growing; plans are underway for something bigger and better. At one point, it was estimated that a quarter of the world’s construction cranes could be found here. If that’s any sign, even the sky may not be able to limit Dubai’s growth.
Dubai is a city of superlatives, home to the world’s tallest tower, one of the world’s largest shopping malls, and one of the world’s largest man-made marinas… but on a smaller scale, this emirate is still tied to its days as a modest port town. Traditional wooden abras (boats) float past motorboats on Dubai Creek, the natural sands of Jumeirah Public Beach fringe the carefully sculpted Palm Islands, and the bustling Gold and Spice Souks (marketplaces) thrive amid the larger-than-life Dubai Mall. Despite constantly looking to the future, this city isn’t quick to let go of its past. It’s this dynamic that not only put Dubai on the tourist map but will also keep it there.
Dubai Travel Tips
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. Weather-wise, Dubai really only experiences two seasons: hot and hotter. During the winter months, the city sees blue skies and primo beach weather. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect plenty of company on Jumeirah Beach. You can escape the crowds if you visit during the summer months, but be prepared for triple-digit temps and high humidity levels
Weather in Dubai
SWITCH TO CELSIUS/MM
Average Temperature (°F)
75.2
56.7
76.3
58.1
82.2
62.6
90.3
68.2
98.2
74.3
101.8
79
105.1
84
104.7
84.7
101.7
79.3
95.2
72.9
86.9
64.9
79.2
59.7
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average Precipitation (in)
0.44
1.41
0.88
0.3
0.03
0
0
0
0
0
0.07
0.56
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
See details for When to Visit Dubai
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center
What You Need to Know
- You’ll feel safe here Dubai is unaffected by the turmoil taking place in other parts of the Middle East. The city’s population stems from countries across the globe, and everyone coexists peacefully.
- What not to wear Nearly 60 percent of Dubai’s residents are practicing Muslims, which means that you’ll find conservative attire to be the norm. Avoid wearing anything too revealing.
- Too much sun can be a bad thing Dubai’s visitors often fall in love with the city’s warm, sunny climate. However, it can get really hot, and there aren’t a lot of shady places in the middle of the desert. Lather on sunscreen, drink plenty of water and wear a hat.
How to Save Money in Dubai
- Plan in advance A trip to Dubai will be expensive. But you’ll have a better chance at snagging a lower room rate if you make your hotel reservations two to three months in advance.
- Visit in the summer Most travelers can’t take the heat during this season, leaving little competition for desirable room rates.
- Stay sober Alcohol is rarely served outside of restaurants and bars, where prices are about as high as the Burj Khalifa. You’ll save big bucks if you skip the drinks.
Culture & Customs
Dubai stands as one of seven states (or “Emirates”) that make up the United Arab Emirates; the other six are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain. Each emirate is governed by a sheikh, or Arabic ruler. The sheikh of Abu Dhabi acts as president of the Federal Supreme Council (both the UAE’s legislative and executive body), while the sheikh of Dubai fills the role of vice president. Although Abu Dhabi serves as the official capital of the UAE, Dubai has long been the emirates’ commercial and financial hub.
But Dubai wasn’t always the economic powerhouse it is today. Before oil was discovered in the mid-1960s, Dubai’s economy relied solely on fishing and a moderately successful pearl industry. But once oil became a point of trade about 10 years after its discovery, the economy soared, and continues to do so. The current UAE vice president of and prime minister and Dubai Sheikh, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is strongly invested in the city’s growth and status as a tourist hot spot.
The emirate’s role as a commercial heavyweight attracts expats from around world. Dubai’s population features citizens of 200 different nationalities, and each has left its own imprint on daily life. However, the dominant religion here is Islam, and Muslim culture greatly impacts Dubai’s society. As a result, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly here – that means no exposed chests, thighs or midriffs – and alcohol is not commonly found outside of international hotels and restaurants. Those who visit during Ramadan (the Islamic month of fasting) are encouraged to refrain from eating or drinking in public places.
Despite its size, Dubai has earned a reputation as being one of the safest places in the Middle East. The UAE remains removed from the political and religious conflicts taking place in other parts of the Middle East. Women visiting Dubai should also feel safe to move about freely. However, women are often taken aback by Emiratis’ tendency to stare; note that these gazes are most likely out of curiosity, not rudeness.
Although the official language is Arabic, Dubai’s trade history and booming tourism market means that almost everyone speaks English. American travelers can also rejoice in the fact that most major credit cards are accepted at stores, hotels and restaurants. For those paying in cash, the official currency here is the Emirati dirham (AED), which is equal to roughly $0.27. Check what the current exchange rate is before you arrive and have cash on hand when visiting Dubai’s traditional souks (markets).
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What to Eat
Emirati food, the principal cuisine in Dubai, is all about one thing: spice. Put down the salt and pepper; in Dubai, all the flavor you’ll ever need is already sprinkled into the dish from a wider variety of seasonings, few of which you may not be familiar (Is za’atar in your spice cabinet? What about cardamom?). There are so many interesting and exotic dishes to sample in Dubai, the best way to navigate its rich culinary landscape is by starting with the basics.
Al machboos is the Emirati’s staple dish – think what red beans and rice are to New Orleans – and something you can’t skip on your tasting tour of the Emirates. A favorite in the home and at restaurants, al machboos appears to be a simple dish – your choice of meat topped with rice – but packs a big punch flavor-wise, because it’s seasoned with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, dried lemon and yellow raisins. Thanks to Dubai’s location along the coast, fish is plentiful and widely used as the choice of meat in hardy dishes. M’hammar will satisfy any seafood lover’s craving for the taste of the Arabian Peninsula, prepared with locally caught fish and served with sweet yellow rice, caramelized onions and of course, a host of spices. Believe it or not, camel is widely available throughout Dubai, but is typically served on special occasions and often considered a food eaten among VIPs.
Other traditional fare to look out for are chebab, Emirati pancakes infused with saffron and cardamom and topped with yogurt and date syrup; khameer bread, which is stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, and kunafa, the Middle Eastern take on a cheese Danish. Arabic coffee is an experience in itself, especially for those who often take theirs with only cream and sugar. This coffee features regional lightly roasted beans mixed with saffron and cardamom. The ingredients are ground, boiled then strained and served in small cups. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth here either. Emiratis love their desserts. The most traditional is luqaimat, which is batter deep fried in ghee and served with local date syrup (think doughnut holes with a Middle Eastern twist). Another classic dish is balaleet, which features sweet vermicelli noodles with raisins, saffron, cardamom and other spices. And if you’re visiting during Ramadan, try Assidat al-Boubar, a pumpkin pudding made with rosewater that’s widely served after the fast is broken.
A huge part of what has shaped Dubai’s food landscape is the melting pot of cultures (more than 200 nationalities) that share the city. Aside from Emirati establishments, you’ll find restaurants serving everything from classic French fare to dim sum. If you want flash, definitely go to one of the Burj Al Arab‘s restaurants. There’s also La Petite Maison, a Michelin star-rated French import that sits near the Four Seasons. For beloved (and cheaper) casual eateries, head over to Al Samadi Sweets for Lebanese and Arabic dessert, or kick back and relax at Seven Sands, the oceanfront restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Residence. For more information about where to eat, check out the Dubai tourism board’s website.
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Getting Around Dubai
The best way to get around Dubai is by taxi or by metro. Although prices are high across the board in Dubai, a taxi here or there won’t break the bank. Plus, they provide the freedom to move at your own pace without the hassle of navigating traffic. Dubai’s metro system transports passengers to major areas of interest, including Burj Khalifa and the Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airport is about 10 miles from downtown Dubai. You can also rent a car at the airport, but be forewarned: driving here is not for the faint-hearted.
See details for Getting Around
Entry & Exit Requirements
Americans visiting the United Arab Emirates must have an official U.S. passport that is valid for at least six months following your arrival date. Travelers must also possess a return ticket or other proof that they will be leaving the UAE within that 30-day timeframe. For visits exceeding 30 days, travelers must obtain a tourist visa prior to departure. Americans exiting the UAE by land transportation will be subject to departure fee of 35 dirhams (about $9.60), payable only in local currency. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department website.
