Top 5 things to do when you arrive in the UAE

While the UAE has recently eased COVID-19-related restrictions, Masks are not mandatory in most public places, you still need to follow certain guidelines, such as having a “green pass” on the Al Hosn app. The app is available to residents and tourists. As a visitor, you can update your COVID-19 vaccine or testing record by following these steps:

1. When you download the app, you will have the option to log in as a guest.
2. Click Next.
3. Enter your passport number and nationality and mobile number. This can also be an international mobile number. However, you need to make sure that the mobile number you provide is the same number that you will submit to the immigration at the airport when you arrive in the UAE.
4. Review your information and click Continue.
5. Enter the six-digit OTP (One Time Password) sent to your mobile device for verification.
6. Verify your profile upon arrival in the UAE.

The UAE has three major telecom service providers – Etisalat, du and Virgin Mobile. You can purchase SIM cards from these service providers through the kiosks located in the Arrivals Terminal at Emirates International Airport. If you don’t have time to pick up your SIM card at the airport, just head to the nearest mall once you’re settled and you’ll find an Etisalat, du or Virgin mobile store where you can buy a SIM card. Read more here.

While you can pay with an international credit card in most places, having some dirhams in your wallet may help. Simply go to a currency exchange office near the airport or your hotel or place of residence to exchange your home country’s currency for dirhams. To find the latest exchange rates, click here. https://gulfnews.com/gold-forex

In Dubai, you can easily get around the city using the bus, metro, tram or water transport such as abras. To benefit from public transport options, You need to buy a Nol card. But this card is not only needed when you use public transport services in Dubai, it can also be used as another payment method when you take a taxi or even go shopping.

In Abu Dhabi you need Hafilatkain Sharjah, the public bus card is called selka. If you are visiting Ajman and want to use public transport, you need to use Egyptian card.

Finally, to get yourself settled in the UAE, it is advisable to download certain travel-related apps.

For public transport, you can download the S’hail app in Dubai, which is managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). In Abu Dhabi, you can download the Darbi app managed by the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). Both apps will give you all possible public transportation options to choose the route you wish to take.

For taxis, download the ‘Careem’ app or the ‘Uber’ app to book a taxi with Dubai Taxi Service.

In Abu Dhabi, you can download the “Abu Dhabi Taxi” app.

All of the above apps are available for Apple and Android devices.

In every emirate, you can also hail a free taxi on the road.

If you’re wondering what your driving options are as a visitor, Read our detailed guide here.