Dubai

Dubai is the most famous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), It Is the capital city of the Emirates of Dubai. Seven Emirates include; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Shajarah, Ajman, Umm Ai Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Dubai is a major transport hub, financial hub, Tourism sector attracting millions of visitors who visit Dubai to experience the Luxury hotels or visit modern attractions such as; the Burj Khalifa “The worlds tallest building”, Dubai Mall “The largest shopping center”, Palm Jumeriah “An artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree”.

Dubai has a diverse population with expertise in different sectors of the world living and working in the city. The city is crime free with a tolerant atmosphere, where various religious affiliations coexist. Dubai offers a wide range of experience;

Some of the activities in Dubai Include;

• Ski Dubai
• Desert Safari
• Dubai Marina
• Theme Park
• Water sports
• Cultural Experience
• Expo
• Shopping
• Dinning
• Sightseeing
• Entertainment

Important info you should know before travelling to Dubai;

1. New Visa Categories & "Screening" (2026)

Dubai introduced several new visa reforms in late 2025 that are fully active now:

• The "Maritime Tourism" Visa: If you are arriving via a cruise or private yacht, there is now a specific visa category for this.

• Kenyan Nationality Scrutiny: As of January 2026, Kenyan passport holders (and several other nationalities) may face additional immigration pre-approval. It is highly recommended to apply for your eVisa at least 14 days in advance and ensure you have a "confirmed" return ticket and hotel booking, as "dummy" bookings are being flagged by the GDRFA system.

• Mandatory Insurance: The UAE now strictly requires Travel Health Insurance that covers COVID-19 and general emergencies for all tourists.

2. Transport: The "Next-Gen" Nol Card

Dubai is currently in the middle of a 550 million AED upgrade to its public transport payment system.

• Account-Based Ticketing: You no longer just "buy credit"; you link your Nol Card to a digital account.

• Minimum Balance: The minimum balance to enter the Metro or Bus is now 7.50 AED. If you have less than this, the gate will not open.

• Top-up Tip: Download the nol Pay app. By 2026, most physical kiosks at smaller bus stations are being phased out in favor of digital/mobile top-ups.

3. Alcohol Laws: The 2026 Reality

Dubai has become much more "tourist-friendly" with alcohol, but the rules are specific:

• Tax Update: A 30% sales tax on alcohol was reintroduced in 2025. This makes drinks in hotel bars significantly more expensive than in previous years.

• Buying at Shops: Tourists can buy alcohol at MMI or African + Eastern retail stores by simply showing their Passport (you no longer need a permanent resident license).

• Zero Tolerance: While you can drink in licensed venues, public intoxication (being visibly drunk in a mall or on the street) remains a serious offense that can lead to immediate deportation or heavy fines.

4. Strict Drone Ban

• Recreational Ban: As of 2026, recreational drone flying for tourists is strictly prohibited in almost all urban areas of Dubai.

• Hefty Fines: Fines for flying a drone without a specific commercial permit and DCAA (Dubai Civil Aviation Authority) registration can range from 50,000 to 500,000 AED. Even "mini" drones under 250g are included in this ban.

5. Airport Arrival: DXB vs. DWC

Check your ticket carefully. While Dubai International (DXB) is the main hub, many more airlines have migrated to Al Maktoum International (DWC) in 2026 as part of the city's massive airport expansion project.

• Note: DWC is much further from the city center (near Jebel Ali). A taxi from DWC to Downtown Dubai can take 45–60 minutes and cost significantly more than from DXB