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Travel Preparation

Travel preparation

We are excited to welcome you to the United Arab Emirates. As you prepare to travel to the United Arab Emirates, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your stay in the region is as positive and rewarding as possible. 

On this page you can find information about currency, visa information, what to wear and health information. More information is available on the Visit Dubai website.  You will find that visitors can easily navigate using English or Arabic. Signage is in both languages.

Dubai is a cosmopolitan metropolis and global city on the Arabian Peninsula. The city is one of the ten most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is also considered one of the most modern and progressive cities within the Middle East and Arab countries. You will find a multitude of things to do in this bustling city!

Sharjah is known for its Arabic and Islamic architecture as well as its libraries, Islamic museums, and cultural centers. The city is known as the cultural and literature hub of the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah offers visitors a view into Arabic and Islamic art, literature, and architecture.

Currency

The currency of the UAE is the UAE Dirham (AED). The Dirham is tied to the US Dollar (AED3.68 = US$1).  Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Visa Information

Depending on your country of origin, you may need to apply for a visa to enter the UAE. Up-to-date information is available on the governmental website: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/do-you-need-an-entry-permit-or-a-visa-to-enter-the-uae

Please email us [info@iatul2023.com] for assistance with specific visa requirements.

Visit Visa

Visit Visas allow the holder to stay in the country for 30 or 90 days from the date of entry and are valid for 60 days from the date of issue.

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a Visit Visa on arrival in the UAE:

France, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Liechtenstein, Belgium, Greece, Luxembourg, Poland, Switzerland, Estonia, Portugal, Malta, Spain, Cyprus, Denmark, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Andorra, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Monaco, South Korea, Brunei, Ireland, New Zealand, The Vatican, Canada, Japan, San Marino, United States, United Kingdom, Russia.

Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are not required to obtain a visa to enter the UAE.

GCC residents are granted a 30-day visa on arrival.

Tourist Visa

Visitors who do not get a visa on arrival can obtain one through a tour agency or hotel and may be granted a 30-day or 90-day Tourist Visa in the UAE.

Remember that visa laws can change frequently, so it is always advisable to check with the UAE Embassy in your home country before you travel.

Recommendations of dress

In March, the weather will already be starting to warm up, with daily highs in the mid 20s-30s°C (77-90°F). Wearing light, natural fabrics will help in the heat. However, buildings are generally kept quite cool, so ensure you bring a light top to layer when needed. 

Arab customs prefer that men and women dress conservatively. For men, this means wearing trousers or long shorts, and for women, it is recommended to cover both shoulders and knees. It is not necessary to wear a headscarf. Though Dubai is a large international city with flexibility around this, Sharjah is considerably more conservative. 

Health Information for Conference Attendees:

The UAE has excellent healthcare options available. We urge international travelers to arrange travel insurance that includes health care coverage (including COVID-19 treatment). 

As of October 2022, masks are no longer required unless you are in public transportation, hospitals, or places of worship. Of course, if wearing a mask is your preference, please feel free to do so – you will see plenty of people still wearing masks. 

Should you exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 during the conference, we can provide testing resources and support.