Travel Insurance Dubai

Dubai is the second largest Emirate in the United Arab Emirate (UAE). It is the most populated city in the UAE and is located on the Persian Gulf. The Emirati is surrounded by Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in northeast and Oman at the southeast border. Dubai is well-known for its modern architecture, white-sand beaches, tall buildings and branded showrooms. Millions of tourists arrive in Dubai every year making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Dubai is a mix of architectural wonders and natural scenery that attracts tourists of different tastes. Foreigners ensure to get themselves covered by a travel insurance policy before they start their trip to Dubai. The city is home to Burj Khalifa which is one of the tallest buildings in the world. Jewellery lovers can have a marvellous time at the Deira Souk’s gold market. If you love marine flora and fauna, Dubai Aquarium is the place for you. You can have a date with history at the Bastakia. Or you can simply spend a lazy day at the pristine Jumeirah beach and gaze at the vastness of the sea.

Dubai may be the perfect tourist spot but nobody can guarantee a trip free of any emergency. You may be absolutely healthy but can still get unwell, thanks to the extremely hot and humid weather. What will you do if you meet with an accident while scuba diving? What if someone steals your handbag containing all your travel documents and money? It is important to keep yourself protected from any unforeseen situations that may spoil your travel plans and you can do so only with a travel insurance Dubai plan.

About 10.85 million people have already visited Dubai until August 2019. Most of these people had a travel insurance Dubai plan at the time of their arrival in the city. This is because possessing a travel insurance policy is compulsory to obtain a Dubai visa as per the visa guidelines. Make sure to compare policies by different insurers before you buy a travel insurance Dubai plan.

Fast Facts about Dubai

Entry Essentials to Dubai

People who are not a citizen of the United Arab Emirates require a Dubai visa in order to enter the Emirate of Dubai. It is mandatory for all foreign nationals, including Indians, to obtain a Dubai visa to travel to and stay in this Emirate. The visa should be obtained before they commence their travel from India. Only Indians who have a valid US visa (except work visa) or US Green Card are eligible for Dubai visa on arrival.

You can apply for a Dubai visa according to the purpose of your travel. People travelling to study in Dubai can apply for a Study Permit while tourists can obtain a Tourist visa. No matter which type of Dubai visa you want to apply, you need travel insurance as a pre-requisite of obtaining the visa.

Types of Dubai Visa

The Government of Dubai offers seven types of Dubai visas to foreigners who wish to travel to this Emirate. The traveller should apply for a type of visa on the basis of their purpose of travel. Here is a list of the various types of Dubai visas:

• Tourist Visa
• Visit Visa
• Transit/ Stopover Visa
• Study Permit
• Service Visa
• Work Permit
• Medical Treatment Permit

The Tourist visa is available for both short-term visits as well as long-term visit. While the short-term tourist visa is available for up to 30 days, the long-term visa is available for a maximum of 60 days. The Dubai visit visa is issued for either 30 or 90 days. Transit passengers can obtain Dubai transit visa for a maximum duration of 48 to 96 hours.

Similar to choosing the type of Dubai visa, you should also select the type of travel insurance on the basis of the purpose of your travel. You also keep in mind the duration & frequency of the trip and the age of the travellers in mind at the time of buying a travel insurance Dubai plan.

Documents Required for Dubai Visa

Each applicant has to submit a few documents along with their Dubai visa application. Take a look at the various documents to be submitted according to the type of Dubai visa you wish to apply for:

Tourist Visa Requirements:

• Copy of passport’s first and last page
• Visa application form
• Recent picture on a white background
• Sponsorship from a Dubai-based hotel/ airline/ tour agency
• Confirmation of booking with the hotel/ airline, which is applying for Dubai visa on your behalf
• Copy of Residency visa (if the country of nationality & permanent residency are different)
• Travel insurance policy
• Minimum annual income of USD 8,000 or evidence of investments (including income tax documents)

Visit Visa Requirements:

• Copy of passport’s first and last page
• Visa application form
• Recent picture on a white background
• Sponsorship from a Dubai-based resident/ hotel/ tour agency
• Copy of the passport of the UAE-resident sponsoring the applicant
• Copy of sponsor’s employment contract or salary certificate
• Proof of relationship between the traveller and the sponsor, attested by the UAE Embassy)
• Copy of sponsor’s marriage certificate, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE Embassy (if sponsoring spouse)
• Copy of children’s birth certificate, attested by the UAE Embassy (if sponsoring his/ her own children)
• Copy of Residency visa (if the country of nationality & permanent residency are different)
• Travel insurance policy
• Minimum annual income of USD 8,000 or evidence of investments (including income tax documents)

Transit/ Stopover Visa Requirements:

• Copy of passport’s first and last page
• Visa application form
• Recent picture on a white background
• Flight booking confirmation of onward journey from Dubai to the destination
• Confirmation of booking with the hotel where you would be staying
• Copy of Residency visa (if the country of nationality & permanent residency are different)
• Travel insurance policy
• Minimum annual income of USD 8,000 or evidence of investments (including income tax documents)

 Study Permit Requirements:

• Copy of passport’s first and last page
• Visa application form
• Recent picture on a white background
• Sponsorship from a UAE-based school or university
• Copy of Residency visa (if the country of nationality & permanent residency are different)
• Travel insurance policy
• Minimum annual income of USD 8,000 or evidence of investments (including income tax documents)

Service Visa Requirements:

• Copy of passport’s first and last page
• Visa application form
• Recent picture on a white background
• Sponsorship from a Dubai-based airline
• Confirmation of booking with the airline, which is applying for Dubai visa on your behalf
• Copy of Residency visa (if the country of nationality & permanent residency are different)
• Travel insurance policy
• Minimum annual income of USD 8,000 or evidence of investments (including income tax documents)

Work Permit Requirements:

• Copy of passport’s first and last page
• Visa application form
• Recent picture on a white background
• Sponsorship from a UAE-based company/ employer
• Copy of sponsor’s company signature card
• Copy of Residency visa (if the country of nationality & permanent residency are different)
• Travel insurance policy
• Minimum annual income of USD 8,000 or evidence of investments (including income tax documents)
• Copy of work license, if any
• Copy of educational certificates, attested by a relevant authority
• Copy of applicant’s driving licence (if the job is of a driver)
• Letter of approval from the Health Ministry (if travelling to work as a doctor)
• Letter of approval from the Ministry of HRD (if travelling to work as a teacher)

Medical Treatment Permit Requirements:

• Copy of passport’s first and last page
• Visa application form
• Recent picture on a white background
• Sponsorship from a UAE-based hospital or healthcare provider
• Copy of Residency visa (if the country of nationality & permanent residency are different)
• Travel insurance policy
• Minimum annual income of USD 8,000 or evidence of investments (including income tax documents)

Dubai Visa Procedure

The procedure to apply for a Dubai visa is simple and applicant-friendly. You can apply for a Dubai visa online as well as offline. If you want to apply for a Dubai e visa, you can follow the steps given below:

• Visit the official website of the Government of the UAE/ UAE-based tourist visa service provider
• Select the type of visa you want to apply
• Fill up the details on the Dubai visa application form
• Upload all the required documents
• Pay the visa fee
• Submit your Dubai visa application

The passport of the applicant should be valid for at least 6 months. The Government of Dubai takes about 24 hours to process a visa application in India.

You can find all the details related to the Dubai visa on the official website of Dubai Tourism. You can visit the Embassy/ Consulate of the United Arab Emirates in India. You won’t find a separate Embassy/ Consulate for Dubai in India since Dubai is an Emirati of UAE and not a separate country.

Travel Insurance Dubai

Dubai witnesses one of the largest tourists influx annually. While everyone talks about its skyscrapers and white sand beaches, they forget about the risks that a traveller might face. Dubai is home to some of the extremely poisonous animals, including snakes and scorpions. Participating in adventure sports such as sky diving and shark diving put you under constant threat. You also need to keep an eye out for the pickpockets. Moreover, the desert climate of Dubai can easily make you unwell.

If you get sick, meet with an accident or face an emergency, your entire trip can come to a standstill. Getting treated at a hospital in Dubai can be very expensive and might use your entire trip budget. The only way to keep yourself prepared for any unforeseen emergencies and enjoy your trip peacefully is by purchasing a travel insurance Dubai plan.

A travel insurance Dubai plan is travel protection that will safeguard you from any unpredictable adversities that you may face during your trip. It will cover any unforeseen expenses that you may incur as a result of an emergency. It will also provide you with the required medical and financial assistance in the unknown surroundings of Dubai. In case of a loss, your travel insurance Dubai plan will reimburse the amount to you.

A travel insurance Dubai plan will cover you against all possible threats that you may face during your trip. Some of the most common covers include medical cover, medical evacuation, daily hospital cash, personal liability, personal accident, loss of passport and emergency financial assistance. Your travel insurance Dubai plan will also cover any travel-related emergencies such as delay or loss of check-in baggage, missed connection flight, trip delay, flight delay, trip cancellation & curtailment and flight hijack.

Buying an international travel insurance Dubai plan is mandatory for all foreigners who wish to travel to Dubai. If you don’t have a valid travel insurance plan, the Government of Dubai will not grant you a visa for your trip. Therefore, make sure to buy a travel insurance Dubai plan prior to the day of your departure from India.

A wide variety of travel insurance Dubai plans area available to different types of travellers. You can select the ideal travel insurance Dubai plan as per the purpose and frequency of your travel. Take a look at following variants of travel insurance Dubai plans offered by insurers in India:

• International Travel Insurance
• Domestic Travel Insurance
• Family Travel Insurance
• Senior Citizen Travel Insurance
• Student Travel Insurance
• Group Travel Insurance
• Corporate Travel Insurance
• Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

The extent of coverage varies from one type of travel insurance plan to another. For example, a family travel insurance Dubai plan will offer a sum insured on a family floater basis. Similarly, a student travel insurance Dubai plan will offer customized coverage including sponsor protection, study interruption cover, bail bond, pregnancy cover and compassionate visit.

A travel insurance Dubai plan can be bought both online and offline. To buy the travel insurance policy online, you can visit the official website of the insurance company from which you wish to buy the plan. You can also compare travel insurance Dubai plans by different insurance providers online to make the right choice. In case you want to buy the travel insurance Dubai plan offline, you will have to visit the branch of the insurance provider.

Best Time to Visit Dubai

Dubai has a desert climate and therefore, the summers can get unbearably hot and humid. If you want to avoid the heat as much as possible, the best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months i.e. from November to March. However, January and February witness the maximum tourist footfall, thanks to the popular Dubai Shopping Festival that happens around the same time. During these months, not only the place is heavily crowded but also sees a surge in hotel and airfares. To avoid all of that, you should plan a trip to Dubai in November, December or in March.

Transportation in Dubai

Dubai has a good public transport system. You can easily travel from one place to another using one of the many means of transport available in Dubai. It is good to be aware of the various modes of transportation you would need to reach different tourist places.

Travellers are advised to buy the NoI Card as soon as they arrive in Dubai. This card can be used to travel in multiple public transport systems in Dubai, including buses, metros, water buses. The cost of an NoI Card with a validity of 90 days to 5 years ranges from AED 2 to AED 25.

Take a look at the various means of transport in Dubai:

• Bus - Bus is one of the most convenient and economical means of transport in Dubai. The city’s fleet of about 1,500 buses connects different corners of the city, including tourist spots. In fact, the bus stops in Dubai are also air-conditioned in addition to the buses.
• Metro - Dubai Metro is the city’s one of the most reliable and widely used public transport systems. It is recognized as the longest fully-automated mail rail network in the world. The network currently operates only two lines, which connects major tourist destinations in the city. Just like the buses, Dubai Metro also accepts payment through NoI Card.
• Abras - Abras are the water taxis that are run on the Dubai Creek. These are basic wooden boats that carry people from one point to another. It is one of the oldest means of transport in Dubai and is extremely popular with tourists to avoid vehicular traffic on roads. Payment for an Abra ride needs to be made in cash.
• Water Bus - A network of water buses or boats are operated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. It is a modern and advanced version of Abras that transports people from one place to another via water routes. Payment for water buses can also be made through NoI Cards.
• Cab/ Taxis - Cabs or taxis are widely available throughout Dubai. All taxis in Dubai are metered and can be booked easily using the Smart Taxi App. It is the best mode of transport for commuting to short distances.
• Tram - Trams services are also available in Dubai since 2014. It connects the Jumeirah Beach Residences, Dubai Marina and runs along the Al Sufouh street. It also connects the Palm Monorail with the Dubai Metro.
• Monorail - A monorail network is operated on the Palm Islands. Launched in 2009, it is the first monorail network in the Middle East. It is one of the quickest ways of travelling in this area and connects to the Dubai Tram. Payment for travelling through monorail has to be made in cash.
• Car - Tourists can easily rent cars during their trip to Dubai. People, who would be driving the car, should possess a valid international driving license, credit card and a third party car insurance policy as per the laws of Dubai. Contrary to the Indian system, cars in Dubai are driven on the right side of the road.
• Bicycle - Bicycling is another mode of transport available in Dubai. Foreigners can easily rent a bicycle to commute in Dubai, which is an environment-friendly and healthy alternative.

It is advised to all foreign nationals to possess a travel insurance Dubai plan to keep themselves protected from any eventualities that may occur while travelling in a car or a common carrier in Dubai.

International Airports in Dubai

There is only one international airport in the Emirate of Dubai. Foreign nationals can arrive in Dubai by taking a flight to the Dubai International Airport. But before you land in Dubai, you should possess a travel insurance Dubai plan. This is important to protect yourself from any unforeseen incident at the Dubai Airport such as delay in check-in baggage arrival, loss of check-in baggage, flight delay, missed connection flight, etc.

Dubai Weather

The Emirate of Dubai has a desert climate. This means the place observes a hot and dry climate throughout the year with a hint of humidity during the winters. Broadly, weather in Dubai can be divided into two seasons:

• Winter - November to March
• Summer - April to October

Summers in Dubai are usually very hot and dry making it difficult for people to step out of their houses. If you visit Dubai during the summer months, you won’t be able to do much sightseeing or participate in outdoor activities. On the other hand, winters are more pleasant and bearable. The temperature is comparatively not burning hot and is a little humid around this time. Dubai experiences rainfall only during the months of December and March.

 August is the hottest month in the year with 45 degrees Celcius considered as normal temperature. On the other hand, January is the coldest time of the year in Dubai with a temperature of around 14 degrees Celcius. It is best to purchase a travel insurance Dubai plan while travelling to this Emirate in order to evade any unwarranted medical expenses incurred due to extreme weather conditions.

Top Tourist Spots in Dubai

Dubai is a city of many marvels. Right from the world’s largest gold market at Deira Souk to Dubai Frame, this Emirate has something to capture the interests of every tourist. Take a look at some of the most popular tourist spots in Dubai:

• Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Aquarium
• Dubai Museum
• Bastakia
• Dubai Frame
• Burj-Al-Arab
• Jumeirah Beach
• Dubai Opera
• Kite Beach
• Dubai Miracle Garden
• Deira Souk
• Global Village
• Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Alserkal Art District
• Dubai Fountain
• Dubai Creek

People with a travel insurance Dubai plan can enjoy all of these places without any worries as they are adequately protected against any eventualities by their insurer.

Shopping Attractions in Dubai

Dubai is considered one of the best shopping destinations in the world. From designer brands to local handicrafts from around the world, you can find everything in Dubai. Moreover, Deira Souk in Dubai is the world’s largest gold market and a paradise for gold lovers. Take a look at some of the best places to shop in Dubai:

• Deira Gold Souk
• Wafi Mall
• Dubai Mall
• Ibn Battuta Mall
• Mall of the Emirates
• Bur Dubai Souk
• Global Village
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah
• Burjuman Centre
• Al Fahidi Street
• Karama Shopping Complex
• Perfume Souk

Eating Out in Dubai

Apart from shopping and gorgeous locations, Dubai is also known for its food. The local cuisine at Dubai has a middle eastern touch and is available in immense varieties.

You can try Al Machboos, which is a popular rice-based dish, at the Al Barza Restaurant & Cafe. You can visit Enab Beirut and try Manousheh, which is a local pizza-like dish in Dubai. Besides you can also try the delicious Al Harees at Al Jawareh Traditional Restaurant.

Vegetarians can relish Tabbouleh at the Shababeek Gourmet. They can also try Fattoush and Falafel amongst local cuisines during their trip to Dubai.

People with a sweet tooth should definitely try Luqaimat, which is a sweet dumpling topped with sesame seeds and date sauce. Kanafeh is another popular sweet dish and you can try at Feras Aldiyafa Sweets in Dubai Marina.

If you are visiting Dubai around February-March, you should try mouth-watering delicacies at the Dubai Food Festival. Cheese lovers can go to the Dubai Cheese Festival while Dubai Hummus Festival is a must-visit for people who like hummus. Flavours of Dubai and Tawlet X are other festivals that a food lover can visit during his trip to Dubai

If you have an inclination towards food trucks, you should definitely eat at Salt at the Kite Beach, GObai (multiple locations) and Calle Tacos at Zabeel Park & Creek Park.

Some of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai are Masti, Calicut Paragon, Carnival by Tresind, Armani/ Amal, Ashiana, Bombay Brasserie, Little Miss India, Mint Leaf of London, Tresind, indigo by Vineet, Jodhpur Royal Dining, Khyber, Rang Mahal, Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor and Treat among others.

Best Hotels in Dubai

Dubai is a place that redefines luxury if you talk about hotels. The city, however, provides a vast spread of luxury as well as budget hotels to suit the pockets of each traveller. In case you want to experience a comfortable stay with fabulous hospitality, you should consider staying in one of the following hotels during your trip to Dubai:

• Burj Al Arab
• One & Only The Palm
• Raffles Hotel
• Armani Hotel Dubai
• Atlantis The Palm
• Four Seasons Resort Dubai
• The Bvlgari Resort Dubai
• JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
• Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai
• Xclusive Hotel Apartments
• Jumeriah Al Qasr
• Rove Downtown
• Citymax Al Barsha
• Park Hyatt Dubai

It is recommended to all travellers to get a travel insurance Dubai plan as soon as they make a hotel reservation. If by any chance, you have to postpone or cancel your trip to Dubai, all your expenses and losses will be covered by your insurance provider if you have international travel insurance.

Things to Do in Dubai

Dubai is a top tourist destination in the world. Naturally, there are many interesting things to attract foreigners arriving in Dubai. For starters, there are several tourist spots and architectural marvels to view in Dubai.

When in Dubai, go to the top of Burj Khalifa and get spellbound by the enormous view of the city from its Observation Deck. You can also get mesmerized by the water dance show at the Dubai Fountain, which is the largest choreographed fountain system in the world.

Visiting the manmade island of the Palm Jumeirah is a must for all foreigners arriving in Dubai. You can also witness the majestic sand dunes at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Visit Jumeirah Beach for its pristine beauty and spend a lazy day looking at the sea. You can test your watersports skills at the Kite Beach or simply enjoy a game of volleyball. You can also gaze at the stunning city lights and skyscrapers from the Dubai Marina while taking a ride on a water bus.

If you love shopping, you should visit the ancient souks at Dubai Creek. You can also visit the various countries’ pavilions at the Global Village or go for high-end branded products and apparels at the various malls in Dubai.

No matter what you are doing in Dubai, you can enjoy your trip without any worries if you have a travel insurance Dubai plan that guards you against any eventualities that may cause a medical or financial emergency during your trip.  

Top Hospitals in Dubai

Before you begin your trip, you should be aware of the healthcare service providers in Dubai. A medical emergency comes unannounced. It is always better to stay prepared for any adversities and know where to head to in case you need medical attention. We have curated a list of some of the best hospitals offering world-class medical services in Dubai. Take a look at it below:

• MedCare Hospital
• Al Zahra Hospital
• Emirates Hospital
• Mediclinic
• Aster Hospital
• NMC Healthcare
• Zulekha Hospital
• Canadian Specialist Hospital
• Dubai Hospital
• Latifa Hospital

If you face a medical emergency during your trip to Dubai, it can turn out to be quite expensive. Not only will it exhaust your trip budget but also cause a financial burden. People with international travel insurance Dubai or medical travel insurance Dubai plan remain unaffected as all their medical expenses are covered by their insurance provider. Moreover, they are able to avail cashless treatment facility if they get admitted at an empanelled hospital of their insurance company.

Local Law and Etiquette in Dubai

There are certain laws and etiquettes that need to be followed if you are visiting the Emirate of Dubai. They include:

• People in Dubai stand up when a guest or a high-ranking individual enters the room.
• People in Dubai greet others using their right hand. Do not shake the hands of a woman unless she extends it to you first.
• In Dubai, always accept food and beverages from your right hand only.
• Cover your arms and legs when visiting a mosque in Dubai. Moreover, wear swimwear by the pool or at the beach only.
• Dubai has strict laws against drink and drive. Moreover, you can attract a penalty if you create a ruckus in a drunken state at a public place.
• Keep your public display of affection to the minimal in Dubai. Long hugs and kisses are strictly prohibited in public places.
• Do not take pictures of women without their permission.

People who do not abide by the local law and etiquettes can get arrested. It is best to keep a travel insurance Dubai policy by your side to help you out of a difficult situation and provide financial help if you enter into trouble with the local authorities.

Money-Saving Tips in Dubai

Travelling to Dubai can cost you a fortune if you spend your money in an unplanned way. The first step to save money is to buy a travel insurance Dubai plan that can handle any financial emergencies that you may encounter during your trip. You can also follow the tips given below to save money on your Dubai trip:

• Visit Dubai in non-tourist peak season to avoid surging hotel and airfares. January and February are peak tourist seasons and thus, you can avoid visiting Dubai during these months.
• Pick a hotel that suits your budget. Hotels in Dubai define luxury and can be very expensive. You can also save huge if you stay at an apartment instead of a hotel.
• Travel through the metro and pick a hotel near a metro station. Dubai Metro is quite affordable and will help you save a lot of money that you would instead spend on a taxi or cab.
• Choose to eat in Old Dubai. Food and restaurant in Old Dubai are relatively economical than hotels & malls and you end up saving a lot.
• Prefer buying things from a supermarket than regular stores. You can save big if you purchase your daily use items from supermarkets like Waitrose or Carrefour during your Dubai trip.
• Avoid alcohol as much as possible. Alcohol is very expensive in Dubai irrespective of the place you buy it from. Moreover, supermarkets do not sell alcohol to tourists. In short, no alcohol means lots of money saved.
• Look out for offers or deals before you buy anything in Dubai. Shops in Dubai often run offers to attract buyers and you can use them to save a few bucks.

Indian Embassy Information in Dubai

In case of an emergency during your trip to Dubai that requires diplomatic intervention, you can visit the Indian Consulate in Dubai. If you wish to contact the Indian Embassy, you will have to visit the capital city of the UAE i.e. Abu Dhabi. We have listed the contact details of the Indian Embassy/ Consulate in Dubai: