About United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the world's most popular travel destinations, renowned for its iconic skyscrapers, luxurious lifestyle, pristine beaches, and rich Arabian culture. Comprising seven emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE attracts millions of visitors each year for tourism, business, shopping, and family visits.
Visitors can experience world-famous attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Dubai Mall, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and the vast Arabian Desert. With world-class infrastructure, excellent hospitality, and a safe environment, the UAE offers an unforgettable travel experience for visitors from around the globe.
Know More →What to Know While Visiting the UAE
Indian passport holders are required to obtain a valid UAE visa before travelling. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE. Keep your confirmed flight tickets, hotel reservations, travel itinerary, passport-sized photographs, proof of sufficient funds, and other supporting documents ready when applying for your visa.
Visa Requirements:
Most Indian travellers require a valid UAE Tourist Visa before entering the country. Ensure your passport has a minimum validity of six months from the date of arrival. Depending on your travel purpose, additional documents such as hotel bookings, return flight tickets, travel insurance, and financial proof may be required.
Food & Drinks:
The UAE offers a diverse culinary experience with traditional Emirati, Arabic, Indian, Asian, and international cuisines. Popular local dishes include:
- Al Harees
- Machboos
- Luqaimat
- Shawarma
- Falafel
- Mixed Grills
- Hummus & Mutabbal
- Knafeh
- Arabic Coffee (Qahwa)
- Fresh Juices & Dates
Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and international dining options are widely available across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates.
Weather:
The UAE has a hot desert climate throughout the year.
- Summer (May–September): 35°C to 48°C
- Winter (November–March): 18°C to 30°C
- Spring & Autumn: Warm and pleasant weather suitable for sightseeing.
The best time to visit the UAE is from November to March, when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities, shopping festivals, desert safaris, and beach vacations.
Currency:
The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and attractions. ATMs and currency exchange centres are easily available throughout the country.
Transportation:
The UAE has one of the world's most modern transportation systems. Visitors can travel using:
- Dubai Metro
- Public Buses
- Taxis
- Uber & Careem
- Trams
- Domestic Flights
- Car Rentals
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have excellent road infrastructure, making travel convenient and efficient.
Language:
The official language of the UAE is Arabic. However, English is widely spoken and understood in hotels, shopping malls, airports, restaurants, business centres, and tourist attractions.
Connectivity:
The UAE offers excellent mobile and internet connectivity. Visitors can purchase local SIM cards from providers such as:
- Etisalat by e&
- du
- Virgin Mobile UAE
Free Wi-Fi is available at airports, hotels, shopping malls, cafés, metro stations, and many public places.
Shopping & Souvenirs:
The UAE is one of the world's top shopping destinations. Popular souvenirs and shopping items include:
- Gold & Diamond Jewellery
- Arabic Perfumes (Oud & Bakhoor)
- Dates & Dry Fruits
- Traditional Arabic Coffee Pots (Dallah)
- Luxury Watches
- Camel Milk Chocolates
- Spices & Saffron
- Handmade Carpets
- Traditional Emirati Handicrafts
- Pashmina Shawls
- Designer Fashion & Electronics
Visa Requirements
For Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf (GCC) states, Visa is not required to enter Dubai. The GCC nations are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. For Australia and the United States citizens, Dubai Visa stamp is provided upon getting into Dubai, which is free of cost and permits for 90 days stay in Dubai.
For Indians, it is required to arrange a visa well in advance of the travel date. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before you travel to Dubai.
Documents Required for UAE Visa:
-
Passport Copy
Submit a clear scanned copy of your passport's first and last pages. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of travel. -
Recent Passport-size Photograph
Provide a recent colour passport-size photograph with a white background. The photograph should be clear and meet the UAE visa photo specifications. -
Passport External Cover Page
A scanned copy of the passport's front cover is required for identity verification and document matching. -
Hotel Reservation
Submit a confirmed hotel booking or proof of accommodation covering the entire duration of your stay in the UAE. -
Return Flight Ticket
Provide a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your intended departure from the UAE after your visit.