Getting to Dubai.

Is there an airport in Dubai?

By default many people around the world think that because Dubai is such a tiny-winy city, it is difficult to get here. I have to say, all of those people are so wrong like you have no idea! As they say, size does not matter! Dubai has 2 humongous airports.

1. Dubai International Airport
2. Al Maktoum International (partially operational but, the largest airport in the world)

Dubai international airport has 3 terminals (4th one is being built). Unless you are flying from North Korea you should get here without any problems. Most major global airlines fly to Dubai directly too.

The best is to take an Emirates Airlines flight. Don't think that I work for them, but i have to say it is by far the best airlines I have flown with in my life. I have not tried Singapore Airlines though. Many of my friends say SA is also perfect. So, if you live in states you can get a flight from Texas, New York and California I guess. The reason I mentioned to fly with Emirates Airlines is because they have their own dedicated terminal, not just a lounge. Every Emirates flight arrives in Terminal 3. This alone should make you feel exclusive, even if you are flying in economic class. I don't even want to mentioned what priorities you would get, if you fly first or business class. There is also Fly Dubai, which is a newly launched budget airline.

If you wish to fly directly to the capital of the UAE, you had better take Etihad Airways flight. They also have fantastic on-board service.

Do you need a visa? I don't know :-)

First things first. If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you may get a short-term tourist visa on arrival, that is valid for 30 days.

1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Brunei
6. Canada (not valid since 02 Jan 2011)
7. Cyprus
8. Denmark
9. Finland
10. France
11. Germany
12. Greece
13. Holland (Netherlands)
14. Hong-Kong
15. Iceland
16. Ireland
17. Italy
18. Japan
19. Liechtenstein
20. Luxembourg
21. Malta (not 100% sure about it, need to be checked with DNRD)
22. Malaysia
23. Monaco
24. New Zealand
25. Norway
26. Paraguay (it is not officially listed on DNRD website)
27. Portugal
28. San Marino
29. Singapore
30. South Korea
31. Spain
32. Sweden
33. Switzerland
34. United Kingdom
35. United States of America
36. Vatican City

What if you are not a citizen of above mentioned privileged countries? In this case, you will be required a visa upon entrance to the country. There are several ways of getting the visa. I will walk you through them.

1. Formal way of getting the visa of course is to go to the UAE embassy or consulate and apply for it. You will be asked for passport copy, photo/s, travel insurance and certainly visa fees. That is it. You are ready to fly to Dubai.
2. If you are flying with Emirates, they do provide short-term tourist visas for their passengers. Check with your local Emirates office about tourist visa to the UAE. This is the fastest way of getting the visa issued at no time.
3. Another way of getting the visa is along with your vacation package. Usually all travel agencies that sell UAE vacation packages also include a tourist visa.
4. If you have a friend or a relative residing in Dubai, you can ask them to help you with entry permit. Everyone is allowed to invite and sponsor their friends or relatives. It is dead simple to do too. Your friend/relative needs personally approach Dubai Immigration and Naturalization Department and fill some applications (quick tip: they should first get your passport copy and photo to any typing centers which are conveniently located within the premises of DNRD, and get the application ready). Once application is ready, simply hand it over to an immigration officer who will then process the visa. Since DNRD always tend to keep changing entry permit rules and fees, I have not written them down here. Should you be interested just drop me an line so i can check the current rules and fees for you.

In case this post does not answer to your specific question about entry permits to the UAE, let me know via email so I can get in touch with you in person and deliver that information for you.