1. Make sure you have a valid passport and Visa before traveling to Dubai.

You can check your Visa requirements here: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/plan-your-trip/Visa-information

2. If you need to exchange money, the currency in Dubai is the dirham, which is shortened to AED.

3. It’s recommended to have travel insurance before your trip, which can provide assistance in case of an emergency or unexpected events.

4. Power sockets used in Dubai are of Type G plugs, which have three rectangular pins. If you’re bringing electronic devices from another country, you may need to bring an adapter to fit these sockets.

5. Research the type of hotel you want to stay in, as there are a variety of options available including luxury resorts, budget-friendly hotels, and serviced apartments.

SiGMA highly recommends you select one of our above partner Hotels:

i. InterContinental Dubai Festival City

ii. Crown Plaza Festival City

iii. Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City

6. Be aware that most hotels in Dubai have a dress code for their restaurants and bars, so it is best to check with the hotel beforehand.

1. Buy a SIM card in Dubai. Roaming charges fees are extremely high.

Dubai has only 3 main telecom service providers: Virgin Mobile, Du and Etisalat. Etisalat is one of the biggest mobile carriers in the UAE.

These SIM cards are available at the Dubai Airport, numerous shopping destinations and outlets across Dubai

2. The metro and bus system in Dubai is convenient and affordable option for getting around the city.

DFC – Dubai Festival City (the location of our Event) is accessible by RTA buses and water taxis. DFC is also accessible by metro from the Creek Metro Station which is just 5 km away.

3. The Dubai Tram is also available in some areas of the city, mainly around the Marina area and the Jumeirah beach residence.

4. The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) provides an application called “Wojhati” that allows you to plan your trip, check the time of arrival of the bus and metro and also to pay for your fare.

5. The 2 most popular taxi apps are Uber UAE & Careem

6. If you plan to travel outside of the city, consider taking a bus or renting a car as the public transportation is not as developed in the outer areas.

If you plan to rent a car, be aware that you will need to have a valid international driver’s license and be familiar with the local traffic laws.

7. In case of emergencies while on holiday in the UAE, call:

911 for Police
998 for Ambulance
997 for Fire Department
996 for Coastguard
Visitors may also find these numbers helpful:
+971 800 4438 for tourist security issues
+971 800 342 for the Dubai Health Authority
+971 600 545 555 for consumer-related concerns

8. Make sure to also have the contact information for your hotel and the nearest embassy or consulate.

1. Depending on your nationality you can get a Visa on arrival, or you can apply for your prearranged visit Visa from Dubai Immigration before you travel.

2. If you require a Visa to enter the UAE, you can apply via approved airlines, hotels, travel agencies or tour operators.

3. Required documents for a Prearranged UAE Visa:

Colour photograph of applicant

Colour copy of applicant’s passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months.

The original application form, available at all Emirates ticketing offices.

Proof of relationship if applying for family member ‑ birth certificate, marriage certificate and family book

All Documents to be submitted as hard copy

4. Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar & Saudi Arabia) can travel within GCC countries and enter Dubai with their National Identity Card (ID Card).

5. As an added security measure, Immigration Authorities at Dubai International are now conducting random eye screening for visitors to Dubai.

1. For those delegates staying in one of our partnered hotels, the following documentation are required;

Completed Visa Application form

Scanned coloured Clear copy of the passport (strictly colour copy), with a minimum six (6) months validity in PDF format.

Scanned copy of the credit card [front side] in PDF format

Completed Credit Card Authorization Form or Third Party Authorization Form, whichever is applicable.

Scanned copy of a coloured passport size photograph (strictly colour copy) in PDF format.

2. Please note a refundable deposit of AED 5,000.00 per person will be blocked from the credit card provided by the Hotel, this will be returned to the same credit card after the Visa holder has exited the country and provided the Hotel with a clear scanned copy of the exit stamp in the passport.

3. Please be kindly advised that the Hotel will be able to apply for the Visa about 10-14 days prior to your arrival, subject to availability.

4. The Visa charge which is 550- AED per Visa and is non-refundable once the Visa request is submitted to the immigration.

5. The Hotel requires a confirmed reservation in their hotel in order to process a Visa request.

6. In case of cancellation of the room reservation the Visa will be automatically cancelled. Along with the Visa charge an additional fee for the cancellation of the Visa for the value of 105/- AED will be applied to the same credit card by the Hotel.

7. The approval of the Visa is a pure decision of UAE Immigration Authority in Dubai, the hotel is not responsible for approvals or rejections. Any delay in processing or release of Visas is entirely at the discretion of local authorities. Immigration Authorities will not disclose reasons for rejections as for security reasons.

8. We strongly advise you not to travel to the UAE without an approved Visa as the hotel will not be responsible for arriving at the airport and the immigration will not allow you to enter the country.

9. The entry and the exit must be through airports only and the Visa permit is valid for one entry only through UAE airports.

10. Certain nationalities and passport holders such as people from India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, might be required to do alternative arrangements by the airline such as an Ok To Board before travelling. We highly recommend you to check with the flight company at least 72 hours before take-off time.

11. As per Dubai Immigration restrictions, the Hotel can apply for Visas of the following passport holders: Afghanistan – Bangladesh – Iraq – Syria – Yemen – Palestine – Morocco – Tunisia – Algeria and Israel. However, please be aware that the Visa is subject to approvals. In the event, it is not approved; the Visa charge will still apply.

12. Country of residence or Visas of other countries are not considered by the immigration’s side.

13. Should you require an Invitation Letter for your Visa application, kindly fill in your details here.

1. Be aware of the dress code, which is conservative. Avoid revealing clothing and dress modestly in public places.

2. Avoid public displays of affection, as they are not tolerated in Dubai

3. Be aware of the laws regarding alcohol consumption, which is only allowed in designated areas such as bars and restaurants.

4. Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and avoid making any disrespectful gestures or comments.

5. Avoid bringing in any illegal drugs, as penalties for drug offenses are severe in Dubai.

6. Take note that photography of government buildings, military installations, and airports is prohibited.

All passengers travelling to Dubai are no longer required to present a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate or perform PCR tests.