Home to more than 150 nationalities, Dubai boasts the most modern amenities found anywhere in the world – both in its entrepreneurial business environment, and things to do, see and experience. As the Middle East’s fastest-growing, most dynamic and exciting cosmopolitan city, Dubai is a true melting pot of different cultures and lifestyles.
Dubai Means Business
The best way to understand Dubai’s wonders and achievements is to see them first-hand. The city has firmly established itself as a leading commercial and trade hub with a state-of-the-art infrastructure and a world-class business environment.
Economic Powerhouse
Dubai is at the centre of a bustling region emerging as a major force within the global economy. A region that stretches from North Africa to South Asia and the Caspian Sea to South Africa – that comprises 42 countries and some of the world’s fastest growing emerging markets. Central to Dubai’s ethos is to be a city where it is easy to do business.
Multi-cultural Lifestyle
Expatriates comprise over 80% of Dubai’s population. More than 150 nationalities live and work together within a safe environment with a far lower crime rate than many other major international cities.
World-class Infrastructure
Dubai’s growing number of international firms, service companies, SMEs and financial institutions attract a highly skilled workforce. The city’s businesses and expatriate population enjoy tax-free benefits. Schools accredited to international standards and top healthcare facilities are plentiful. Superb recreational facilities include eight championship golf courses.
Diverse Economy
The UAE is well-known for its liberal outlook and commitment to free trade. Contrary to popular belief, only 30% of UAE GDP comes from oil revenues. Within Dubai’s own diverse, robust economy this figure is closer to 7%. Its modern business infrastructure includes a high-quality and high-tech commercial office environment. This is frequently within free-zones allowing 100% foreign owned businesses and complete tax-free repatriation of revenue earnings.
Culture and Etiquette
Dubai is a modern city that welcomes visitors from around the world. Here are some points to help you get familiar with Dubai’s culture and etiquette.
VISA INFORMATION
The type of visa needed to enter Dubai depends on several factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your planned visit and its duration.
Apply for Visa
Visa on Arrival
Visa for GCC Residents and Nationals
Anyone not eligible for a visa on arrival will require an entry permit prior to arrival to the UAE and someone to sponsor it. Sponsorship can be from a UAE citizen or resident, company, airline or hotel. Visa Invitation Letter Should you wish to process your visit visa on your own and would like DXB Live to issue you an invitation letter, please apply through the registration link.
NOTE:
- In order for DXB Live to issue a visa invitation letter, you need to have a completed paid registration for the event. Visa letters cannot be issued to non-participants.
Visa Application Should you wish for DXB Live to process your visa application, please apply though the registration link. All visas once issued by DXB Live are a single entry tourist visa which have a 60-day validity to enter the UAE. The visa stay validity is 30-days from the date of entry.
NOTE:
- In order for DXB Live to process your visa, you need to have a completed and paid registration and visa application. Visas can only be issued for participants of the conference.
- Visa fees are non-refundable.
- Additional visa processing fees may apply.
- Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval. In case an application has been rejected, a new visa application will need to be processed and necessary charges will be applicable.
- Passport validity should be a minimum of 6 months from the intended date of arrival.
All visas on arrival are to be applied for by the individual themselves. Visa on Arrival (30-day visit eligibility) Passport holders of the following countries / territories, do not require an advance visa arrangement to visit the UAE. Simply disembark your flight at Dubai international Airport and proceed to immigration where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visit visa free of charge.
| Andorra | Japan | Monaco | United Kingdom and South Ireland |
| Australia | Kazakhstan | New Zealand | United States of America |
| Canada | Macau | San Marino | Vatican City |
| Hong Kong, China | Malaysia | Singapore | |
| Ireland | Mauritius | Ukraine, Brunei |
NOTE:
- Passport should be a standard passport and have a validity for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival.
- Holders of a non-standard passport and travel documents may have different requirements.
- Indian nationals holding a normal passport valid for a minimum of six months from the arrival date, and a visit visa or green card issued by the USA which is valid for a minimum of six months, or holding a UK or EU residence, can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days for a charge of USD 33 / AED 120 (subject to change). They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days for USD 69 / AED 250 (subject to change).
Visa on Arrival (90-day visit eligibility) Passport holders of the following countries / territories will be able to have their passport stamped at immigration at the Dubai international Airport for a multiple entry 90-day visit visa. This visa will have a validity of 6 months from the date of issue.
| Argentina | Czech Republic | Italy | Paraguay | Solomon Islands |
| Austria | Denmark | Kiribati | Poland | South Korea |
| Bahamas Islands | El Salvador | Latvia | Portugal | Spain |
| Barbados | Estonia | Liechtenstein | Romania | Sweden |
| Belgium | Finland | Lithuania | Russian Federation | Switzerland |
| Brazil | France | Luxembourg | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Uruguay |
| Bulgaria | Germany | Malta | San Marino | |
| Chile | Greece | Montenegro | Serbia | |
| Costa Rica | Honduras | Nauru | Seychelles | |
| Croatia Maldives | Hungary | Netherlands | Slovakia | |
| Cyprus | Iceland | Norway | Slovenia |
NOTE:
- The visa has a validity of 6 months from the date of issue.
- Citizens of the above European countries are entitled to apply for a pre-arranged visit visa if their 90-day visa on arrival has been fully utilized.
Visa on Arrival (180-day visit eligibility) If you hold a Mexican passport you’re eligible for a multiple entry 180-day visit visa that’s valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 180 days in total.
If you are a citizen of a GCC country, you do not need a visa or sponsor to visit the UAE. However, anyone accompanying GCC nationals or GCC residents must obtain an online visa before arriving to UAE. The UAE Ministry of Interior provides an online visa system for expat residents in GCC countries who wish to visit the UAE – eChannels. The application system also features an online payment method. On approval, the eVisa will be sent to the applicant’s registered email. The eChannels system allows the following individuals to apply:
- UAE Nationals: The system allows them to apply for the individuals they sponsor.
- Expatriate residents in UAE: The system allows them to apply for a visa or entry permit, and to renew or cancel them. GCC nationals living in the UAE – for the individuals they sponsor.
- GCC nationals living in the UAE: They can apply for the individuals they sponsor.
- Residents of GCC: They can apply for entry permit to the UAE.
- Visitors: Prospective visitors may also apply for entry permit/visit visa.
NOTE:
- Obtaining the eVisa before you travel to UAE is a must.
- GCC residents or GCC citizens sponsoring a non-resident or non-citizen will not receive approval for the guest’s application if the sponsor is not accompanying guest upon entry.
- UAE nationals, residents, and firms may apply for a new visa or visa renewal through an online smart system UAE eChannels’ under the Ministry of Interior.
Emirates Airlines
Our story
The Emirates story started in 1985 when we launched operations with just two aircraft.
Today, we fly the world’s biggest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, offering our customers the comforts of the latest and most efficient wide-body aircraft in the skies.
We inspire travelers around the world with our growing network of worldwide destinations, industry leading inflight entertainment, regionally inspired cuisine, and world-class service. Read on to find out more.
The milestones in Emirates’ Incredible Journey
On 25 October 1985, Emirates flew its first routes out of Dubai with just two aircraft—a leased Boeing 737 and an Airbus 300 B4.
Then, as now, our goal was quality, not quantity. And in the years since taking those first small steps onto the regional travel scene, we’ve evolved into a globally influential travel and tourism leader known the world over for our commitment to quality.
With a fleet of more than 265 aircraft, we currently fly to over 155 destinations in more than 80 countries around the world. Over 1,500 Emirates flights depart Dubai each week on their way to destinations on six continents, and our network is expanding constantly. You can read on to find out more.
