United Arab Emirates
The information below is provided by Lonely Planet readers and is not verified by Lonely Planet. For the official lowdown, contact your nearest embassy or check out our Travel Links.
Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings
We had a bit of a hassle when we visited Dubai for three days from Oman. We travelled by bus, and stopped at the Omani border at Al-Wajaja to get an exit stamp. However, the bus didn't stop at the UAE control at Hatta (20km up from Al-Wajaja), nor did it on the way back, so we had no stamps for UAE. On return, the Omani guards insisted that we leave our bus, return to UAE and get entry and exit stamps (because we "could have come from the sky"). We also had to pick up a white form (Business/Tourism Reciprocal Entry Form) to get back in for free. So, the message is, it's worth getting the bus drivers, who were both ignorant about procedure, to stop at both borders to get the necessary stamps, or risk being stranded as we were, in the middle of the desert (as the borders were so far apart). And also the white form will save six rials and the hassle of getting a new visa.
Neil Holden, UK (Aug 03)
Europeans and westerners can get the visa at the airport, but with effect from 1st January 2003, the charges for a 30 days tourist visa are Dh150 and it is not renewable. This rule is not being enforced yet.
Alexander Kiel, UAE (Feb 03)
EU nationals no longer need a Visa for UAE. You just get a stamp in your passport on arrival. This also enables you to cross freely to Oman. You should use Hata Road as it has border posts on both sides.
Miquel Trujillo, Spain (Nov 02)
Many people do not need a visa for Dubai!!! And you can buy your Qatar visa when you arrive in Doha for Qr55. I was told by the embassy in DC that I must come and collect a visa in order to visit and have an invitation letter from someone there. YOU DON'T!! I found this printed in the Emarites inflight magazine.
Visas required by all except:
Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
EUROPE:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Leichtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Vatican City, Canada, Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea.
canadense, Canada (Aug 02)
I've just found out that you really don't need visas for the UAE anymore if you have an Australian passport.
Vanessa Lawrey, Australia (Jan 02)
Travel Tips
We visited the East Coast of UAE near Khor Fakkan. We went to see Rifaisa Dam. To get there, turn inland, a right hand turn if you are coming from the Corniche at the Emarat gas station. The gas station is before the mosque on the main road that goes to Fujairah. Follow the road to a T-Junction where you turn left. Follow the road for about 0.5 km until you see the track on your right side just before the bridge. There is a sign in Arabic indicating Rifaisa Dam.
The story that the dam was built over a village is true. The water level has dropped by about 4m exposing walls from the village. The remains are visible on the opposite shoreline from the dam. Also, you can see distinctly where the water level used to be because the sides of the mountains that used to be underwater have a whitewashed look. There are also half submerged trees in the middle of the dam with bare, bleached looking branches stretching out from the water. A very eerie sight. Further inland, away from the water and the dam, the old terraced fields are also visible on the same side as the village ruins. Stone walls terraced on the sides of the base of the mountain indicate that the area used to be cultivated.
Naella Masud, Canada (Dec 02)
In Dubai try to fit in a visit to the fish market off Al-Khaleej road near the huge Hyatt Hotel. It is great fun to wander around and see everyone bartering over the day's catch. The fish are offered to both wholesalers and to the public so there is no problem with wandering around.
Adjoining the fish market is the superb fruit and vegetable market. This really is the place to come for a wonderful choice of goods at rock bottom prices. Dates are especially cheap, and of superb quality. In fact, all the merchandise looked great and the displays were attractive and great for photos.
The Bastakia Quarter looks like a building site at the moment because there is so much restoration work going on. However, visitors shouldn't be put off as the houses are wonderful. A real gem is the premises of the Dept. of Heritage which the public are invited to wander into.
Do be aware that many people discourage tourists from supporting camel racing due to the continuing use of very young children.
Rachel Metcalfe (Dec 02)
During Ramadan most local restaurants offer iftar buffets for hungry Muslims and everybody else. They have a good variety of Arabian food and you can try everything for Dh20.
Beate Schmahl (Nov 02)
Khor Fakkan seems to have strict rules about what you can wear when bathing. I saw a sign on the beach saying 'swimming dresses' must be worn. Later I heard that you must be fully covered when on the beach. There is also a police station on the corniche.
Miranda Diboll, UAE (Oct 02)
Moving About
There is a bus to the airport from the small bus station in Deira on Al-Sabkha Road near the intersection with Deira Street. Buses cost Dh3 (no extra charge for bags), leave at 23 and 53 minutes past the hour, and operate 24 hours a day. This is very close to many of the hotels near the Gold Souq or on Beniyas Square (Nasr Square).
In Sharjah, shared taxis for Dubai do not pickup at the stand near the central market, but rather at a stand beyond Rolla Square. However, it is easy to get them on the side of the road just before the overpass (about half a km toward Rolla Square from the Central Market).
Trygve & Karen Inda, USA (Jan 03)
The most convenient way to get to Dubai centre from the airport is using a taxi. But if you want to save some money don't pick one of those waiting in line in front of the arrivals hall. The fare from the airport has a surcharge. You can try to pick one up from in front of the departures hall but most drivers won't want to pick you up unless no other driver is watching. Otherwise you can use the bridge to cross the main avenue in front of the airport and go to parking B. From there get down to the road and pick up a taxi there. The bus station is a good place for them to stop. To go to the airport there is no such surcharge. All taxis in Dubai now have a metre.
Miquel Trujillo, Spain (Nov 02)
In Ajman there is a new road system being built which is a bit of a nightmare at the moment if you are following the town map in Lonely Planet's Oman & the United Arab Emirates guide.
Simon & Caroline Bourne (Oct 02)
Scams & Warnings
On Christmas day we were deeply involved in the rescue of a drowning man. Sadly in spite of our efforts the poor man died in front of his wife and daughter. The following day we were told by local residents that two people had drowned on that same beach the previous week. The event on Christmas day was quite sensational involving the use of an ambulance and helicopter, yet neither of these events were reported in the newspapers. All swimmers reported a strong undertow yet there was no warning on the beach nor were there any life guards. The beach in question was Umm Sequim - be careful.
Elizabeth Bullingham, UK (Feb 02)
Gems, Highlights & Attractions
The ruins of Queen of Sheba's Palace are in the village of Shimal near Ras al-Khaimah. The road has been tarred all the way. At the People Heritage Revival Association building, turn left, go straight, pass the green/white mosque on your left. Continue until you come to a T-Junction. Turn left. Continue to the green water tank. There is a large gap in the fence, enough for a car to enter. Cement steps have been placed about 3/4 of the way up and then it is loose rock. Definitely a place worth exploring. You can find many pieces of pottery, some glazed and many seashells.
Naella Masud, Canada (Dec 02)
^ back to top
|
