🌍 FAQ – Destination: Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Canadian travelers do not need to obtain a visa before departure. A free 30-day visa is stamped directly in your passport upon arrival. Your passport simply needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
Yes. The UAE is considered one of the safest destinations in the world. Crime rates are extremely low, infrastructures are modern, and travelers generally feel very comfortable everywhere.
October to April offers ideal weather, beautiful beaches and pleasant evenings. May to September is very hot, but perfect for great hotel deals and indoor attractions. Dubai is truly a year-round destination.
Yes. Alcohol is served in most licensed hotels, bars and restaurants. "Dry" hotels do exist, but GoDubai never recommends them in our packages.
Dubai is very modern, and visitors dress much like they would during summer in Canada: normal vacation attire such as shorts, dresses and t-shirts. The only time a dress code applies is when visiting mosques, where modest clothing is required.
Absolutely. The water is warm and pleasant 12 months a year, and hotels offer excellent pools.
Tourists notice almost no change during Ramadan. Restaurants, attractions and activities operate normally, and it is actually a calmer and very enjoyable time to visit. The only exceptions concern the desert safari, where certain shows may not be offered and alcohol may be restricted for that specific activity.
Dubai: Desert safari, Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, The Frame, View at the Palm, Atlantis Aquaventure, yacht or dhow cruises, Ain Dubai. Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, TeamLab, Ferrari World, SeaWorld. There are hundreds of activity providers and quality varies significantly. GoDubai partners only with premium, vetted suppliers to ensure high-quality experiences.
Yes, absolutely. Dubai and Abu Dhabi complement each other and together create the full UAE experience. Dubai dazzles with its modern attractions, while Abu Dhabi brings a cultural, architectural and spiritual depth you won't find elsewhere. It also offers stunning natural beaches, notably Saadiyat, one of the most beautiful in the Gulf. Only 1 hour 45 minutes from Dubai, Abu Dhabi offers major landmarks such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan and the Emirates Palace. Skipping Abu Dhabi is like going to Paris without seeing Versailles, beautiful, but incomplete.
Yes, as long as cultural norms are respected. LGBTQ+ travelers visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi without issues. Hotels welcome same-sex couples, no questions are asked at immigration, and tourists are left in peace. The only guideline is that public displays of affection are discouraged, for all couples, LGBTQ+ and heterosexual alike. Overall, it is safe, accessible and simply requires a bit of discretion in public spaces.
Yes, Canadian driver's licenses are accepted. However, we generally do not recommend driving as traffic can be heavy, navigation complicated and parking inconvenient. Taxis, Uber, Careem and private drivers are far more practical and affordable.
The UAE Dirham (AED). Debit cards, Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere.
Because the destination is far and the shortest direct flight is around 12 hours, we recommend staying at least 10 nights to fully enjoy the trip. The cost of the international flight is the same regardless, so it's worth maximizing your time once there.
Yes, a few simple ones: avoid public displays of affection, do not photograph government buildings, consume alcohol only in authorized venues and dress modestly inside mosques. It is also strictly prohibited to bring, use or possess cannabis or CBD products in the UAE.
The UAE does not check travelers' criminal records upon arrival. Entry procedures focus on passport validity, customs rules and travel documentation.
Yes. Tattoos are completely accepted in the UAE. You can move around freely with visible tattoos, this poses no issue for entry, hotels, attractions or everyday activities.
Yes. Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world, and without proper planning, it's easy to miss key experiences. Many activities sell out, some attractions require advance booking, and inefficient routing can waste valuable time. Good planning helps avoid long lines, book activities at ideal times and enjoy a smooth, stress-free trip. GoDubai creates clear, detailed itineraries so you don't miss a thing.
In most cases, no. The UAE already offers an extraordinary amount to see and do, and most travelers don't have the time or need to add Oman to their itinerary during a first visit.
Not necessarily. With over 13,000 restaurants, cafés and bars, Dubai offers options for every budget, from very affordable local eateries to upscale restaurants and world-class fine dining. There is truly something for everyone.
All-inclusive options exist, but we strongly do not recommend them. Dubai is a major world metropolis, similar to Paris or New York, where the joy of the trip lies in exploring neighborhoods, beaches, attractions and its vibrant dining scene. However, adding a short all-inclusive extension in another emirate, such as Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah or Abu Dhabi, is an excellent idea. These regions offer true beachfront resorts perfect for ending your vacation with relaxation. In short: all-inclusive in Dubai, no. All-inclusive as an extension, yes.
Yes. You can bring personal medications as long as they are in their original packaging and ideally accompanied by a prescription. Common medications pose no issue. Never bring cannabis, CBD or THC products, as they are strictly prohibited.
No specific vaccines are required to enter the UAE. It is simply recommended to be up to date with routine vaccinations (tetanus, MMR, etc.), but this is not mandatory. There are no COVID-19 vaccine requirements or health restrictions currently in place.
