Travel to Abu Dhabi to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Travel in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & United Arab Emirates?

• An emirate is a type of province of a country governed by a member of the elite, ruling class, such as a sheik or an emir.
• An emir is a noble title for a monarch. In Arabic, “emir” can have the meaning of “prince.
• The United Arab Emirates is a country of seven more or less independent emirates, each governed by a sheikh or emir. In addition to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, there are four other (lesser-known) emirates: Ajman, Umm Al Qaywayn, Fujeirah and Ras al-Khaimah.
• Like many other oil states, the United Arab Emirates is a bizarre mix between modern buildings (especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi), capitalism and Islam.
• You drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in about 2 hours.
• Extra special about the United Arab Emirates are the artificial islands in the shape of a palm and the world.
• Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the most densely populated, especially Dubai has a worldly feel.
• About 90% of the population consists of expats and life is quite pricey partly because of this.

Updates Abu Dhabi, Dubai & United Arab Emirates

• More about Abu Dhabi, Dubai & United Arab Emirates, updates and contributions, see the link below.

What to bring to Dubai: highlighted

Featured items:

• Documents: passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. An online and/or offline copy of your passport is always useful.
• Money: cash in dirham (AED) for the first few days – you can withdraw money almost everywhere, so bring your credit card too, but cash is handy for taxis or tips.
• Care: high factor sunscreen – the sun is merciless.
• Outdoor and practical: cap or hat and sunglasses. You will definitely need them.
• Clothing: light clothing that covers shoulders and knees (for cultural locations and the sun). In winter you can bring an extra layer, but even then it is usually still 24 degrees. Also bring sweaters or cardigans for indoors, because sometimes it really is like walking into a freezer.
• Shoes: sandals/flip-flops for the beach and closed shoes for desert trips (the sand is HOT!).
• Reusable water bottle, because you will need to drink a lot of water!
• Medication and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers and ORS (dehydration is a thing).
• Safety: Moneybelt or fanny pack for your valuables.
• Technology and equipment: world plug type G – you can try whatever you want, but your Dutch plug won't fit...
• Woman: scarf or light shawl – handy if you want to visit a mosque.

What else can you take with you?

• Reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
• Quick-drying towel and swimwear for the beach or pool. In terms of swimwear, what people wear varies - from bikini to burkini.
• Dustproof cover or packing cubes - desert dust is really everywhere.
• E-reader or offline entertainment - because there is wifi (or alcohol) not everywhere.
• If you go in winter - a light raincoat.
• International driving license, if you want to rent a car.

What knowledge is useful if you go to Dubai?

• Learn about local norms and values, such as: no public displays of affection, no eating/drinking in public during Ramadan, and dress appropriately.
• Know the traffic rules.
• Know the differences between what men and women are allowed and able to do.
• Friday is Sunday – weekends are Friday and Saturday.

Are there mosquitoes in Dubai?

• Yes, but not that many. You will mainly find them around stagnant water or in the suburbs.
• No malaria or dengue, so don't panic.
• You will rarely have problems with them in the city, but take some anti-mosquito spray with you just in case if you are very sensitive to mosquito bites.

Are there sand flies in Dubai?

• Less in the city, but they can certainly be annoying in the desert and coastal areas.
• If you are camping in the desert or near mangroves: take a mosquito spray with DEET or Picaridin.
• In the winter, mosquitoes and sand flies are more of a problem.

Can you buy DEET or other mosquito repellents in Dubai?

• Yes, at drugstores such as Boots, Life Pharmacy and some supermarkets such as Carrefour.
• It can be more expensive to buy it there, and the concentration of DEET is often lower than in Europe.
• So just bring your favourite mosquito spray from home if you trust it.
• You can also find natural remedies in Dubai with citronella or eucalyptus, if you want something mild and more natural.

Where can you get your food and drink in Dubai?

• Supermarkets such as Carrefour, Spinneys, Lulu and Waitrose – range from affordable to luxury.
• Malls: huge food courts with everything from sushi to biryani.
• Restaurants are plentiful – from Michelin to hummus on a plastic chair.
• Street food is limited, but there are food trucks and lively markets.

Can you buy a beer or wine in Dubai, or take it with you to Dubai?

• Yes, but only in specific places:
  • Hotels, clubs and a few licensed restaurants.
  • You can buy alcohol from official outlets (such as African + Eastern or MMI), but only with a tourist permit (online or upon arrival).
• You are allowed to bring: up to 4 litres of alcohol per adult (21+).
• Drinking in public is prohibited, including on the beach or in the park. This can lead to a fine or worse.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Dubai, or take it to Dubai?

• No. Just no.
• No soft drugs, no medicinal cannabis, no CBD oil with traces of THC – everything is strictly prohibited.
• Fines, imprisonment or deportation are lurking and even residues in your urine or luggage can cause problems. No joke.

How does the healthcare system work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

What is the quality of healthcare in the United Arab Emirates?

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Dubai and Abu Dhabi as prominent emirates, offers a modern and well-developed healthcare system.
• The healthcare sector is largely based on a mix of public and private institutions and is often praised for the high quality of medical technology and facilities.
• Health insurance (MEC) is generally mandatory for expats and residents, and access to medical care is regulated by this. There is no public insurance for expats in the United Arab Emirates.
• In addition, as an expatriate, you must obtain a Medical Fitness Certificate to apply for a residence visa. This can be done in the United Arab Emirates, or before you arrive.
• Pharmacies are plentiful, and many medicines are also available without a prescription. Medicines are quite expensive.
• You do need official statements from your doctor to bring medicines such as sleeping pills and antidepressants. They are generally not available locally. Please note that regulations can differ per emirate.

How does the public healthcare system work in the United Arab Emirates?

• Public healthcare in the UAE is available to Emirati citizens and, in some cases, expats with valid insurance.
• Abu Dhabi and Dubai have excellent public hospitals such as Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and Rashid Hospital.
• Healthcare in public facilities is usually cheaper than in private clinics, but can still be expensive for those without local insurance. Expatriates without local insurance must pay for their care up front and need a health card. The costs are the same as in the private sector.
• To obtain this health card, you will usually need to show an Emirates ID, your passport and proof of employment, among other things.
• First aid is often free for residents and low-cost for those with local insurance, after which the cost of care can increase considerably.

How does the public healthcare system work in the United Arab Emirates?

• The private healthcare sector is larger, very well developed and often offers quicker access to specialists and more luxury compared to public hospitals.
• Private hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are often considered to be among the best in the world. They are equipped with modern technology and often have internationally trained doctors, but costs are generally high. Having health insurance is therefore highly recommended.
• Private hospitals do not always treat major traumas and complex emergencies, these are usually treated in the public domain.
• In some emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expatriates must have private insurance. In Abu Dhabi, the employer must provide this to the employee and his/her family, in Dubai the employer is only responsible for the employee's insurance.

How is the GP arranged in the United Arab Emirates?

• Most expats and expatriates visit a specialist or a hospital directly.
• You can usually make an appointment with a specialist or hospital without a referral.
• General practitioner care is available, mainly in private institutions, but this is often less common. People usually only go to the general practitioner for routine consultations.

How is the dentist arranged in the United Arab Emirates?

• Like other healthcare, dental care is also of high quality in the United Arab Emirates. You will find both public and private providers. However, most expats use private clinics for faster service and modern facilities.

How is pregnancy care arranged in the United Arab Emirates?

• The UAE offers excellent care for pregnant women and new mothers, but it comes at a price if you don’t have insurance.
• Be aware that you must be married to have a baby according to Islamic law, so always carry your marriage certificate with you when you go to the hospital.
• Pregnant women can choose from a wide range of public and private hospitals and clinics. Most expats choose private hospitals.
• There are many ultrasound scans, a wide range of antenatal classes and many expats choose to hire a doula.
• Home births are not legal in the UAE and expectant mothers must check in at least 24 hours before their due date.
• After birth, the baby stays in the room with the mother and the mother receives extensive breastfeeding support. Some expat insurances do not fully cover maternity care, so check carefully.
• Breastfeeding in public is generally accepted, as long as it is done discreetly. Expats generally use nursing cloths to cover themselves.
• Abortion is allowed under certain circumstances. 

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in the United Arab Emirates?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in the United Arab Emirates?

• The UAE is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with a low crime rate. However, there are some things to keep in mind.
• Street crime is rare. Beware of petty theft in busy places.
• Alcohol consumption is limited in licensed areas. Driving under the influence is severely punished.
• There are also quite strict rules of conduct that you may not be used to. For example, pay attention to your behavior in public: no public affection, insults, or political statements. But also rules on homosexuality, abortion, etc.
• Caution is advised when posting online about the UAE; criticism of the government can have legal consequences.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in the United Arab Emirates?

• The UAE has a good health infrastructure, so diseases such as malaria or dengue are not a problem.
• There is no mandatory vaccination schedule for most travelers. Check this with your vaccination doctor.
• Tap water is technically drinkable, but most people prefer bottled water because of the taste and possible contaminants in the pipes. Be sure to avoid sunstroke and dehydration in the hot climate of this country!
• In addition, sand and dust in the air (from continuous construction and blowing sand) and sandstorms can be a problem for people with respiratory problems.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in the United Arab Emirates?

• Traffic in the United Arab Emirates can be quite intense, especially in large cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• The infrastructure is modern, with well-maintained roads and an efficient metro system in Dubai.
• Outside of the cities, roads can be less well-maintained.
• High speeds and aggressive driving are common problems.
• Driving under the influence is not tolerated and is severely punished.
• Dubai has a well-developed public transport system (metro, bus). In Abu Dhabi, the use of taxis is more popular.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in the United Arab Emirates?

• Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for the United Arab Emirates if you are going to live there for a while?

• Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.