How to get to the UAE?
Tourists and visitors to the UAE can arrive into the UAE by land, sea or air. The UAE is well-connected by major airlines of the world. Road transportation is by private cars and public buses. Several cruise-ships have added Abu Dhabi and Dubai on their Asian itineraries.
By road
It is possible to drive into the UAE from the neighbouring countries of Sultanate of Oman and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Visitors driving into the UAE require an international driving permit and a valid vehicle insurance.
Residents of GCC countries can drive in the UAE with their driving licence issued by the country they reside in. Citizens of the following countries can drive with their driving licence issued by their home countries: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.
There are several entry points along the borders; some are reserved for GCC citizens.
You could also arrive by buses operated by national transportation companies. All visitors must have the correct exit permit from the country of origin and a UAE entry permit/visa.
The UAE has a network of excellent and well-maintained roads, making it an easy destination to explore by car. Vehicles are driven on the right-hand side of the road. Traffic signs are generally in English and Arabic.
Driving and traffic laws
Read about driving and traffic laws in the UAE.
Public parking facilities
Read about public parking facilities in the UAE.
Note that tourists and visitors with disabilities and limited movement capabilities are entitled to temporary free use of allocated disabled parking spaces.
In case of a road emergencies
Read what to do in case of a road accident.
Useful links:
- Getting to Dubai by land - Dubai Corporation of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, VisitDubai.com.
By sea
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are popular stops on the itineraries of major cruise lines. The UAE ports provide modern facilities and fast processing of entry/exit at immigration counters in terms of visa clearance. The ports provide easy transportation to the cities.
Cruise ships as large as the Queen Mary 2 have visited the state-of-the-art Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid.
You can cruise into the UAE through one of the following seaports:
- Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Zayed Port
- Mina Rashid, Dubai
- Port Khalid, Sharjah
- Ras Al Khaimah Ports.
For further readings, you can refer to:
- Cruise into Abu Dhabi - Department of Culture and Tourism, VisitAbuDhabi.com
- Arriving by boat or ship - Dubai Government portal
- Getting to Dubai by sea or cruise - Dubai Corporation of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, VisitDubai.com
- Getting to Sharjah - Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, SharjahMyDestination.ae
In case of a marine accident
Read about what to do in case of a marine accident.
By air
The UAE's national airline is Etihad Airways. It flies from and to Abu Dhabi. Other airlines in the UAE are:
- Emirates and its low-cost carrier partner FlyDubai. Emirates flies from and to Dubai International Airport. FlyDubai departs from and arrives at both: Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
- Air Arabia - It flies from and to Sharjah International Airport. It is the first and the largest Low Cost Carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa.
- Wizz Air Abu Dhabi- Based at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is the 6th national airline of the UAE. It offers low-cost economic travel from Abu Dhabi to a number of countries in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
- Rotana Jet - It operates both executive charter and scheduled airline services covering domestic and international areas. Flights operate from and to Abu Dhabi.
- Royal Jet - Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Royal Jet is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation and Presidential Flight. It operates chartered flights and flies from and to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
International passengers could refer to the airline directory for more airlines arriving into the UAE.
Booking air tickets
Fly direct to the UAE
The UAE's airlines offer direct connections to most cities in the world including to the faraway continents of Americas and Australia.
You can use these airlines' offers for online booking facilities, incorporating eTicketing. Payments can be done quickly and efficiently using many options including: credit and debit cards, eWallet or real-time bank transfer.
Book and check-in online
You can book air tickets online through their websites.
- Etihad Airways - from and to Abu Dhabi
- Emirates Airline - from and to Dubai
- Fly Dubai - from and to Dubai
- Air Arabia - from and to Sharjah
- Air Arabia Abu Dhabi- from and to Abu Dhabi
While booking tickets, you can choose a seat (could be for a fee), choose your meal (if available), book special requirements (such as a wheelchair) or transportation to and from the airport.
The UAE-based airlines offer online and mobile check-in to most destinations.
You can earn loyalty points every time you fly with them. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards and benefits including worldwide flights and shopping offers.
Ok to board
Note that although you may have booked your air ticket and have even obtained an entry permit/visa, you may not be allowed to board the flight unless you have the 'ok to board' approval from the airlines. You need to submit a request to the airlines for the 'ok to board' approval in the format prescribed by the airline.
Useful links from Emirates Airline:
Related links:
- Earn miles - Etihad Airways
- Emirates skywards - Emirates Airline
- Skywards - FlyDubai
- Air rewards - Air Arabia.
