Best Time to Travel to Dubai

Dubai has a subtropical, arid climate, with lots of sunshine and blue skies for most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent—mostly during the winter months—but flash floods can occur. The summer months, from June to September, are too hot. Mid day temperatures range from 35°C to 42°C and occasionally rise up to 49°C at the height of summer. During this period there is a sharp drop in night time temperatures, with these falling to 20°C to 28°C. From December to March, the climate is considerably more equable with mid day temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C and falling to as low as 9°C at night.

The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months, November-March. April and May are still pleasant, although it will be warming up. Summers are hot and humid.

Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The dates change slightly each year depending on the sighting of the new moon, but it's generally in the period September-October of the Western calendar. As a sign of respect, non-Muslims are also required by law to refrain from eating, drinking, chewing gum, dancing, singing and smoking in public places during daylight hours. Much of the city shuts down during this time (food and drink outlets are closed in the day, except in hotels), so keep this in mind if your planned visit coincides with Ramadan. However, the city comes to life in the evenings, when all the restaurants reopen with extended working hours into the night.

What to Pack

Lightweight summer clothes are suitable for most of the year, but it's a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater because the air-conditioning in restaurants and cinemas can be pretty powerful. In winter, it can cool down quite tremendously in the evenings, so a heavier jacket is necessary if you are out in the desert or dining alfresco.

• Sunscreen with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

• Sunglasses

• Hat or Cap for shade from the sun

• Light cotton / Linen clothing

• Insect Repellent if Camping overnight in Desert

• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard and  American Express are accepted)

Health and Safety in Dubai:

In regard to nonpolitical hazards, Dubai officials boast their city is crime-free, but it's still a good idea to take commonsense precautions. Petty thievery does occur occasionally, so don't let your guard down. And it can occur everywhere, but do stay away from the poorer neighborhoods.

One of the biggest health dangers in Dubai is the sun: Make sure you stock up on sunblock. Pack a hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and remember to drink plenty of water.

Sanitation is generally excellent in the main tourist areas of the city; the less touristy parts of town are a bit more basic. Tap water is considered safe, but most people drink bottled water.

: "Do greet Gulf Arabs with a friendly "salaam aleikum". They will appreciate the gesture and be far more likely to chat with you or help you out. "

Festivals & Culture of Dubai

It is very much fair to say that Dubai culture is global in nature because of its heavy expatriate population. The official religion in Dubai is Islam. However, because of the presence of foreign cultures, other religions are also practiced in the Emirate.

Dubai culture is very much happening. Because of the mixed demographic, you will see all kinds of celebrations and festivals in Dubai. Dubai festivals are a big part of Dubai culture.

The biggest of all festivals is the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF held late January to late February). It, along with the Dubai International Film Festival (held in mid December) are together a big part of Dubai culture. Dubai culture generally is (or has become) very vibrant. The other big annual celebration in Dubai is the month of Ramadan (usually mid September).

Middle East Cuisine

Arabian food makes up an important part of most buffet spreads. There specialties include:

• Hoummus: a dip made from chick-peas and sesame seeds.

• Tabbouleh: chopped parsley, mint and crushed wheat.

• Ghuzi: a whole roast lamb on a bed of rice mixed with nuts.

• Wara enab: vine leaves stuffed with rice.

• Koussa mahshi: stuffed courgettes.

• Shawarma - grilled shavings of lamb or chicken, mixed with salad and rolled inside a pocket of Arabic bread.

Shopping in Dubai

Dubai definitely deserves the title of shopping capital of the Middle East. Shoppers need not look hard or far for something to spend their money on. Low customs duties make luxury goods less expensive than in most countries, and Dubai Duty Free at the airport is a great place for last-minute shopping—it's won lots of awards as one of the best duty-free operations in the world.

Good buys include clothes and fabrics, carpets and rugs, electronics, sporting goods, perfumes, jewelry and, of course, gold. The Gold Souk in Deira by the Creek is one of the largest retail gold markets in the world. Local souvenirs worth hunting for include locally grown dates, Arabic coffee and coffee pots, silver and brass swords and khanjars (curved daggers), ancient rifles, shisha pipes, porcelain prayer beads, antique silver jewelry, brass trinkets, silver and wooden miniature dhows, Persian carpets, and heavy, dark rosewood and walnut furniture.

Entry Formalities and Dubai Visa:

Visitor Visas are the most common Dubai Visas granted by the Government of Dubai and are typically short term and are meant for travelers who wish to visit Dubai

The documents required when applying for a Dubai Tourist visa are:

• Dubai Visa Application form

• Confirmed Airline ticket photocopy.

• Hotel accommodation Receipt / Voucher.

• Guarantee of Return: A Covering Letter from Company / SELF.

• Photocopies of the First and the last two pages of the Passport.

• Photocopies of the traveled and valid visa pages. (Incase the Pax has an old passport, then the photocopies of the first page along with any valid visa or travel history)

• Invitation Letter if any, from the host in UAE.

• NOC from parents / husband, Photo ID of parents/ husband. Copy of the host passport / residence visa.

• Financial Documents (in case of applicant qualifying under Economical status criteria)

  • IT return acknowledgement

  • Salary Slips / appointment letter with CTC breakup.

  • Fixed deposit receipt/s.

Eligible Criteria:

1. Criteria I: Travel Record

   • Applicants who have traveled at least once in the last 5 years to or has a valid visa for countries like USA, UK, Schengen countries, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Canada, Switzerland and Japan OR at least twice in the last 5 years to any country other than Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Myanmar. 

2. Criteria II: Financial records

   • Applicants not qualifying as per Criteria I (Travel Record), is required to submit either Form 16 or last 2 Years Income Tax return with a minimum gross income from business, profession or employment which should exceed INR.2lakhs per annum. OR Investments amounting to INR.5Lakhs or above, in form of Fixed deposits in Banks or Post Office with a validity of more than 12 months.

3. Criteria III: Invitation from immediate family member residing in Dubai on family status

   • Spouse and children below 21 years of age AND / OR parents above 60 years of age can be invited.

4. Criteria IV: Repeat Passengers with entry and exit stamps of Dubai in the Passport.

5. Criteria V: Additional documents required in below specific circumstances:

   • Newly Married Couple: Incase of the spouse name not endorsed on the passport. - Marriage Certificate / Notarized Affidavit on a Rs.100/- stamp paper. - Newly married couples traveling immediately after marriage required submit NOC from parents with photo id proof, Wedding card and Marriage photograph of the couple.

Dubai Visa Processing Time:

• 30 Days Dubai Tourist Visa : 3 - 4 Working Days

• 96 Hrs (04 Days) Dubai Visa : 2 – 3 Working Days

• 30 Days Sharjah Tourist Visa : 3 – 4 Working Days

NOTE:  "The decision to grant or refuse a visa is the sole prerogative of the Government of Dubai / DNRD. As a Travel Agent, we will not be able to  influence the same. "