Dubai the land of opulence. A city that has not subdued to it limitations of barren deserts and lack of resources. But rather embraced it to build a city that has it all. From the vast spread of cuisines in local areas to the fanciest of fine dining possible. The architecture of Dubai has made a mark globally and set World Records attracting attention of global tourists to Dubai that it truly deserves.
For me I call Dubai home, having spent about 2 decades there and seeing it grow and open its doors to the future. It’s a special place. I have always enjoyed all that Dubai has to offer and seen a fair share of all the famous tourist spots, local spots to many undiscovered places that are must-visits.
I wanted to share some of the places with you and also let you know the precautions and measures to be followed by my experience while travelling during COVID.
BEFORE DEPARTURE
So here is all that was needed to be done before travel:
Covid Test from an approved lab as per govt rules: Take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test up to four days prior to their date of travel (maximum 96 hours).
Have medical travel insurance with international coverage that covers COVID-19 before travelling.
Even though UAE allows Visa on Arrival for Indians with a valid USA Visa, given the situation I applied for my visa in advance to avoid queues and unforeseen situations after arrival.
Carry extra Print outs of everything. So, you can just hand them out to officials and don’t have to take them back.
I made sure I carried extra Nitrile Gloves and Masks. I also wore a Face Shield throughout which is also mandatory on the flight.
AT THE AIRPORT IN INDIA
So, this is what happens at the airport:
Temperate screening was done right before even entering the airport
There was a sanitization station for us and our luggage after entering
A copy of the tickets, PCR Test, and other documents were also checked before checking in
At check-in they made sure I had my PCR test done from a certified lab with an official seal.
They insured that we had Travel insurance and that we had taken Covid Coverage also.
They checked our temperature again before boarding and made sure we also had face shields on
AFTER ARRIVAL
After landing in Dubai, it was easy sailing but here’s a step by step of what we went through:
So, after de boarding and immigration, there was another Covid Test done at the airport. The results for which can take up to 48 hours. In our case we got ours in 17 hours and were able to get out the next day.
While travelling and considering your dates keep this into consideration as you could end up not leaving your home/hotel for up to 48 hours.
It was such a breath of fresh air to be in Dubai and be back home. Such a refreshing change to be out and about after 8-9 months of quarantine. Though I won’t lie it took me a few days to adjust to it and not be paranoid.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN DUBAI?
Malls:
Dubai has taken exceptional measure in taking care of their safety and resuming all activities. There are thermal scanners in all the malls and around Dubai, which are constantly monitored and are checking everyone entering or exiting these locations.
You can freely shop given the situation, but you have to have your mask on at all times except while sitting and eating on your table in the food court. They have also marked the total capacity of each store to limit crowds in stores. Weekends to get busier but it's still 1/4th the amount of crowd that usually flood these malls.
Restaurants and Bars:
Most of the restaurants and bars have opened up across Dubai. However, they have limited their working hours and table seating's as per their sizes and Govt. Guidelines. Also keep in mind if you go as a group, you’re only allowed 5-8 on a table depending on the size of the place. So, you might need to book more tables if you’re a big group. These tables also need to be reserved in advance and though there is no cover charge for it, most of the restaurants aren’t entertaining walk ins or allowing anyone to stand by the bar.
Once you arrive at the restaurant/bar and make it to your table you can take your masks off while dining or chilling but to use the washroom or anything else you do need to walk around with your mask on.
Mostly all the places have QR code menu. And there are no physical exchanges of menu between anyone. So, if your phone camera isn’t working, take a friend along :p.
None of the clubs are allowing dancing on the dance floor, a table must be booked, and you can only bust a move around that. They also check your temperature while entering and that is standard protocol in each and every restaurant/bar.
Theme Parks/Tourist Spots:
I did get the opportunity to go to IMG and check out the Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Tolerance Bridge, Twisted Bridge, Al Seef, La Mer, JBR, Business Bay, Deira and many more places on my visit and was very pleased with my experience. There was social distancing everywhere, everyone was in masks. There was a sense of security and timely sanitization happening everywhere.
CABS/UBER:
Keep in mind that local cabs are only allowing 2 passengers per taxi unless you get the XL Cars. It’s wise to book Uber at this point and if you are more than 2 then UBER XL or multiple cabs if you’re in a bigger group. It is a little annoying to travel in so many vehicles. But they way I look at it is a small inconvenience is worth the safety. Dubai doesn’t have big distances and you can reach anywhere in about 15 minutes which is not bad at all.
Overall, there’s no place like Dubai and a great option to travel which is convenient and safe for anyone wanting a break from the year that has been. Dubai hold pride in keeping their Covid numbers low and maintaining safety for all its citizens and tourists visiting Dubai.
Hope this helps. Let me know what you guys think!
Have a Magnificent Day!