Dubai is pretty much nonpareil; the city is a microcosm of a megapolis: tall structures, blinding lights, glittering beaches, beautiful faces, style, luxury, elegance and wonder. It is an example of political stability and peace in what is supposed to be one of the most troubled regions of our planet.
It is a potent cocktail of heritage and futuristic endeavour and achievement. It grows with every passing minute and its diversity is profound. There is a little something for everyone, right from food lovers to shopaholics, art connoisseurs to hardcore travellers. Dubai has all the potential to morph into the happiest city in the world and once you're there, you will never want to leave.
There's extra good news for you if you're an Indian, because Dubai has just launched a visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens who simultaneously hold a United States visa or green Card. The visa, however, will only be valid for a period of 2 weeks. The cost of the visa is a measly 120 Dirham (approximately Rs. 2,100) and can also be extended by another 15 days via an application.
U.A.E government, in association with Emirates has now also launched a smartphone app via which you can apply for your visa. If you are flying on Emirates, you can apply for an e-visa through the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) app, which is free for Android and iPhone, both. The app can be used to request for a single-entry visa for 96 hours, 30 days, or 90 days, based on their Emirates itinerary. The process is simple: download the app, log in with an email address, key in your last name and Emirates PNR number and make the online payment. The e-visa will take up to four business days to arrive in your email.
You can also apply for an e-visa to Dubai via your Indigo flights as well. You can apply for it via the Indigo website or app.
Exploring Dubai and Around In Just 5 Days
There are innumerable fascinating places to visit in Dubai and every one of them is more surprising than the other. Here is a five day Dubai itinerary to help you make the most of your time in this magical paradise.
How To Reach Dubai
Almost all travellers arrive into Dubai by air as its vast and perpetually busy airport has flights to and from most major international cities. In fact, Dubai is a very popular stopover destination and the Dubai International Airport is one of the fanciest and busiest airports of the world.
Getting Around in Dubai
Getting around the mighty city of Dubai is difficult if in case you love walking. It is therefore imperative for you to take some form of public transport in order to look around and Dubai definitely has a plethora of options. There are metered taxis and then there is the metro, the monorail, public buses, water buses and even traditional wooden boats (Abras) for that matter. You must purchase a rechargeable Nol Card so that you can use the public transport.
Visa Requirements To Visit U.A.E
US citizens and citizens of Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia do not require a visa to enter the U.A.E., but they must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and a return ticket. Non-U.S citizens from 51 countries can easily get a visa on arrival.
For Indians, a tourist visa will cost Rs. 7775. The tourist visa is valid for 30 days and is non-renewable. For more details related to the visa requirements, you can visit the official site.
Earlier, we established that most of the countries require a Dubai visa to explore this fascinating country. While the visa fee is not exorbitant, it is neither cheap. So is the fact that one must furnish the proof of confirmed flight itinerary for approval of a Dubai visa. That being said, a Flight itinerary is thus crucial to avail your visa.
Amazing Things to Do in Dubai
The Dubai Museum is the oldest structure of the city and beautifully documents the history of the emirate. A great introduction to the city and the story behind it.
Of all the brilliant places to visit in Dubai, Burj Khalifa tops the list because it is an absolute wonder in its own right. Buy yourself a ticket to be on the (world's highest) observation platform of the tallest building on this planet. It is pretty much akin to a VIP experience and is a hallmark of Dubai tourism.
The largest shopping mall in the world, the Dubai Mall is home to an elaborate aquarium, an ice-skating rink, a hundred food stalls and even an indoor theme park. Also popular for its gold souk (marketplace), this giant will invariably find a place in every Dubai itinerary.
The dancing Dubai Fountain with the Burj Khalifa in the background is among the most visually stunning of all places to visit in Dubai.
Rise early to make the most of your Dubai itinerary in the form of the Dubai Hot Air Balloon ride and relish the pleasant views of the desert. This is undoubtedly one of the most memorable things to do in Dubai.
One of the most popular things to do in Dubai, the Dubai Desert Safari is an adrenaline pumping excursion. Sandboard through the sand dunes of Dubai in a 4WD, ride a camel and then perhaps even treat yourself to a henna tattoo. This is undoubtedly the drawcard of Dubai's tourism.
With perhaps the most remarkable architecture of all the lavish malls in Dubai, visiting the Ibn Battuta Mall is like stepping into a part of Egypt, ancient Persia or maybe even Tunisia.
Visit the extraordinary artificial island of Palm Jumeirah and see one of the most iconic hotels in the world, the Atlantis. This megaproject is audacious and downright outlandish but totally worth witnessing.
Spend time at the iconic Jumeirah Beach and feast your eyes on the third tallest hotel in the world, the luxurious Burj Al Arab.
Take a day trip to the Hatta Mountains
Located atop the Hajar Mountains in the emirate of Dubai, the rugged beauty of the Hatta Mountains is perfect for those who love adventure. Its freshwater pools belong to a different planet altogether. The quaint heritage village of Hatta Wadi is also worth visiting and will only embellish all of your delightful memories of Dubai.
A two hour ride from the city of Dubai, you must ideally book a Hatta Mountain safari tour with a reputed travel agency. You will be provided a 4X4 vehicle, all transfers will be arranged and the entire trip should last around six hours. Make sure you carry your passport with you and also some food if possible. Get ready to be enthralled by the desert scenery and magnificent meandering trails of Hatta.
Sail out to the Norway of Arabia
The Musandam Peninsula is the northernmost bit of the Oman Sultanate and Khasab is its proud capital. The Norway of Arabia, Khasab is home to the most stunning fjord-esque craggy inlets. Cruising the vast sea will help you experience its charm and grandeur and the memories will certainly be indelible.
Explore the impossibly beautiful fjords of Khasab, a part of the Musandam peninsula on a dhow (a traditional Omani boat). A good three hours away from Dubai, taking an organised Dhow tour is probably your best bet in order to reach Khasab. All transfers will be provided and you should ideally go to a reliable travel agency for the same.
Best Rated Places to Stay in Dubai
1. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort - Rs.31805
2. Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates - Rs.18489
3. Jumeirah Creekside Hotel - Rs.13433
4. Executive Suite in Central Marina - Rs.8492
5. Gloria Hotel - Rs.8114
Best Rated Places to Eat in Dubai
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In order to savour some wonderful Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine coupled with a great shisha session, reserve a table at the Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge. The brilliant views of the desert are the icing on this decadent cake.
This is a great place to go drinking and have a good time while watching an exciting game of football. The staff is friendly and reservations are essential.
Perhaps the snazziest place in Dubai, Amal serves Asian and Indian food and everything on the menu is a work of art. You must have a reservation.
So this concludes this Dubai itinerary, designed for first-timers, nature-lovers, shopaholics and everyone in between. Have you already been to Dubai? Share your insights as reviews, photos and travelogues with the millions of travellers on Tripoto.
All hotel prices are approximate and on a per day basis. They were last updated on March 15th, 2016.