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• United Arab Emirates

Book Cheap Flights to UAE

The United Arab Emirates is an Arabian Peninsula nation situated along the Persian Gulf. Consisting of seven emirates, the UAE is populated by over 9 million people. Famed for its glamourous shopping malls, lavish lifestyle, incredible architecture and pristine beaches. Popular attractions in the UAE include Burj Khalifa in Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Indulge in cosmopolitan flair and enthralling landmarks because cheap flights to the UAE are now available! The country’s hub airport is Dubai International Airport (DXB), a 15-minute drive from the centre of Dubai.

Popular flights to United Arab Emirates

Why visit uae.

Historic Landmarks

From historical landmarks like the Bastakia quarter and the Ottoman-inspired Al Badiyah Mosque, to human-engineered masterpieces, like Burj Khalifa and Palm Islands sprung out of the desert, the UAE’s landscapes are peppered with artistic design.

Shop ‘til you Drop

Meander through the perfume-filled souks bursting with rich fabrics and antique treasures. A more sophisticated shopping experience will lead you through the stylish Dubai Mall - where opulence and entertainment await.

Adventure Time!

Take the family on a whirlwind of adventures with a wild choice of theme parks and water parks at your fingertips. From indoor ski slopes and motorsport circuits, to exotic zoos and sand boarding, the UAE offers never-ending adventure!

General information

Essential details you need to know before your trip

Best time to visit UAE

The most popular time to visit the UAE is between November and March when the cooler ‘winter’ weather makes outdoor activities much more favourable. Rainfall occurs in the form of short outbursts that clear away quickly, so feel free to browse the museums and shopping malls before heading back to the beach. Activities like snorkelling and kayaking are popular at this time, but be prepared for tourist crowds and overpriced accommodation. Summers are brutal with temperatures rising to a sweltering 40°C between June and August. Outdoor activities are very uncomfortable, but shopping malls, hotels and all major buildings and transport modes are air-conditioned. Make sure you stay well-hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen when outside. On the upside, hotel prices and airfares are significantly cheaper and you’ll have the pearly-white beaches and golf courses all to yourself! You may be able to catch shoulder-season discounts in April and September, just before and after the tourist rush. The dates for Ramadan change annually, so check ahead of time should you wish to avoid travel over this period. Most restaurants close during the day but food is still served in hotels. The Eid celebrations, marking the end of the Ramadan fast, see the streets abuzz with festive hype and activity. Other exciting events held throughout the UAE include the Dubai Shopping Festival in January, the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in October and Dubai Food Festival in February.

Weather & Climate in UAE (Abu Dhabi)

Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month

Health & Safety

The UAE exudes opulence, glamour and sophistication, where visitors indulge in the finer things in life. With its awesome skylines, ingenious architecture, insightful museums and varied landscapes, the UAE has much to offer the curious traveller.

Abu Dhabi is the island capital, home to the expertly-designed Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque , a beautiful blend of modern style and ancient Islamic architecture. Abu Dhabi is a gateway to exploring the rolling desert landscapes, where adventure awaits in the form of dune-buggy trips, sand boarding and camel trekking. Experience the desert’s sheer beauty with Bedouin-style dinners under the sparkling, breathless night sky. Grab your racing gear and swimsuit and head down to Yas Island to check out Ferrari World and Water World.

Dubai is the lavish business capital, where shimmering stretches of coastline, fine dining and extravagant shopping malls are the order of the day. The landmark skyscraper, Burj Khalifa , boasts the highest observation deck in the world, while Palm Islands and Jumeira Beach are where the rich and famous like to kick back and relax. For a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, browse the world-famous souks in the Deira district; while the Bastakia quarter is a slice of historical Old Dubai.

History-enthusiasts should visit museum-filled city of Sharjah , where the Museum of Islamic Civilisation, Sharjah Fort and the diverse Sharjah Arts Museum are well-worth seeing.

The shimmering Al Jahili Fort is one of Al Ain ’s landmarks and forms the gateway from where to explore the sweeping rocky range of Jebel Hafeet.

Frolic along the pearly-white beaches of Fujairah – home to the luminescent Fujairah Fort and Al Badiyah Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE, built in 1446 AD.

Add a unique tweak to your Arabian adventure and see some camel racing in Ras Al Khaimah where you can soak off in the Khatt natural sulphur springs.

Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to the UAE online at Travelstart!

The cities throughout the UAE are generally very safe with no violent crime known to occur towards tourists. The locals are very charming and outgoing, just be aware of well-dressed ‘businessmen’ trying to lure you into a scam. Watch out for petty theft around crowded areas.

The UAE is governed by Islamic law and tourists are expected to behave accordingly. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have a fairly liberal dress code and tourists are permitted to wear swimsuits and bikinis on the beach and at hotel pools. However, moderate dress, especially for women, should be considered at all times in respect of local customs. Alcohol consumption in public spaces is illegal and you should always carry some form of ID if you plan on visiting bars and nightclubs. Avoid discussing politics and showing public displays of affections – this could lead to imprisonment or deportation.

Feel free to photograph tourist attractions, but it is considered polite to ask before photographing someone, particularly women.

The major cities have excellent medical facilities, but medical care can work out costly. If carrying prescription medications, label it clearly and have a prescription letter.

A comprehensive travel-insurance policy to cover theft and medical expenses is strongly recommended.

Discover popular cities in United Arab Emirates

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About Travelstart

Travelstart is Africa’s leading online travel agency that helps today’s business and leisure travellers search, compare and book the best flight, bus, hotel, car hire, holiday packages and activities all in one place.

With a huge focus on affordable travel and simplifying the travel booking experience for our customers, visit the Travelstart website or download the Travelstart app, to find some of the lowest fares around. Pay quickly and safely online with your preferred payment method and you’re off!

What we believe

Freedom is a wonderful word. Our freedom was given to us by our parents and grandparents. Millions sacrificed their lives so we could sip skinny lattes at Brandenburger Tor Gate, go shopping on Corzo Venezia in Milan or surf in Jeffreys Bay. We take freedom for granted, like oxygen. But it’s slowly been chipped away. Thousands of invisible battles are fought every day in front of our very eyes. Increased government control, corporate corruption, red tape, social media censorship, surveillance in the name of protection, fake news, price fixing. The list is endless.

Travelstart assists and upholds our precious freedom to move, to meet, to be curious, to go to exotic locations and to explore new cultures and be inspired by new people. We help you to meet with distant relatives, to make business across borders, lovers to meet and to keep the world an open place. Freedom to Move is precious ­to us and something we find worth fighting for. It’s something we find worth living for.

Travelstart employees

In 8 countries

Passengers travelled with us

Visitors annually

Travelstart Core Values

Our vibrant company culture is kept alive by the 4 core values we live by…

Keep it simple

Embrace artful simplicity in every task you take on, with the team and the Travelstart customer in mind

Romance the customer

Listen. Action feedback. Go over and above. The Travelstart experience is both efficient and enjoyable.

Swim upstream

Challenges exist yet creativity comes from necessity. Stay agile and seize opportunities in adversity.

Warrior spirit

To succeed against all odds, to make travel simple, we are always challenging ourselves and the norm.

Travelstart has been in the news, see what we have been up to!

The Travelstart Story

Founded in Sweden in 1999, Travelstart is the brainchild of entrepreneur, former DJ and family man Stephan Ekbergh. In true start-up fashion, Sweden’s first online travel agency was initially run from an old coffee roastery in Helsingborg. Nearly two decades, plenty of learning, growth and one African immigration later, Stephan still heads up TravelLab Group (TLG) from sunny South Africa. Now based in Cape Town, Travelstart operates in 8 countries with offices in other core markets including Nigeria, Egypt and Dubai. With the Travelstart Group including SafariNow, NightsBridge, Club Travel and Flightsite, our travel family consists of 170 staff spread across 8 cities, all passionate about making travel simple in Africa and the Middle East.

Look at our Frequently Asked Questions for answers.

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Travelstart UAE   Reviews

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Reviews 1.5.

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BEWARE!! BEWARE!! A total scam like all other customers stated in previous reviews. Bought my ticket from Dubai to Amsterdam pre covid, and when covid hit airlines offered a full refund or free date change (open ticket) never received anything from this crappy agency, kept calling over than 10 times with 10 emails nothing as well their reply is automated and here's their message for over than 2 years!!!: Good day, Dear Customer Plaese accept our apologies Thank you for your email Kindly be noted that a follow-up email has been sent to the airline and when we have a further update we will communicate with you What a joke agency, stay away from them and don't book

Date of experience : September 01, 2022

TravelStart are the worst third party…

TravelStart are the worst third party or company I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. They responded after 3 days saying “audio call are not possible we are only reachable via email” A pathetic excuse of a company and for Turkish airlines to partner with these people they really need to rethink this. Shocking customer service. I have asked countless times to be contacted regarding my booking as there is no number to reach them on and have yet to have a helpful response. Pay the extra money and fly with someone with a bit of dignity and efficiency!

Date of experience : June 17, 2022

After 8 months of emails and follow-ups I finally got a full refund for my roundtrip ticket DXB- NYC. I had to pay Travelstart an extra charge of Dhs 400 to process my refund request back in July. I'm glad this issue was finally resolved.

Date of experience : October 20, 2020

Travelstart scam

Worst travel agency, I was trying to book a ticket to Zanzibar, after putting all the information and card details they claimed the amount but showed booking failed, been trying to contact them, no replay and they dont have phone number. Total scam stay away and will file police case against the company with the office address.

Date of experience : June 22, 2021

Bad Experience on REFUND from Montreal to Kuwait.

Hi I am facing a similar experience with Travelstart.ae!! :( I had to cancel a ticket for my daughter, who was traveling to get engaged. Due to some unfortunate passport expiration issue. The Qatar airlines would not allow her to board her flight and we had to cancel the ticket on the spot. This happened in Dec,2017. Now I requested a refund from Travelstart.ae where I booked the ticket and they told me the amount of the refund and confirmed it to be 267 KWD. and they told me to wait 4-6 weeks for a refund to be sent!! I am now 10 weeks , 6 emails and 2 phones calls and waiting and still no refund!! Is there someway to complain to authorities about this company's activities and non compliance??

Date of experience : March 02, 2018

This company is a scam

This company is a scam, thye show you a price then when you enter you card detail the price changes, this price change is regardless of the type of card used and no alternative method of payment. So why do this way? because they know no one will notice it and basically they are robbing the customer. If not why not include it in the price as its not an option there is no alternative.

Date of experience : October 30, 2018

This is the worst travel agency ever

This is the worst travel agency ever. My husband & i booked a ticket to Manila last April 24, but because of the worldwide pandemic issue our flights has been cancelled, from then onwards we never got a proper response from them. My email would be goes from one linked to another. I have a thread of emails, and has been asked about our details thousands of times, yet none of them can give us a proper answer regarding about our refund. This company acts as if they do not have a family who’s suffering from the same situation everyone is going through. Never will i ever booked a flight from here again, not even if ur rate goes down to 1dirham. Never.

Date of experience : August 31, 2020

Extortion by Travelstart

I bought airline tickets through Travelstart for AED7100, but now the airline has canceled the flight because of Coronavirus but has said they will refund the full amount. So far, so good. The problem is that the airline cannot refund us directly, but have to refund through Travelstart who are keeping AED1200 and charging us another AED900 fee for administration fees. So we'll still be out of pocket by AED2000!

Date of experience : March 15, 2020

Give my money back

Give my money back! I bought 3 ticket in travelstart.ae 2019 to 2020 worth 9k aed.,but because of pandemic the airlines cancelled our flight! They informed that they will refund the money after lockdown and when the omanairlines get back on track after 24 weeks! Am sending them always email in their costumer service but they ignore me.,its been one year already i didnt recieve any refund from my ticket! And then today i recieve a payment link from travelstart that i have to pay 395 dirhams before i get 3890 from my 2 tickets and the other tickets i bought i have to pay another amount because of cancellation fee and agent fee!! Give back our money!!

Date of experience : June 21, 2021

This is just the WORST agency EVER

This is just the WORST agency EVER. I missed a flight and just couldn't get a hold of them in any kind of way. When I'm sending emails I'm getting Auto response to call a number and when i call that number it doesn't even ho through i even hadvto book another flight ticket. I've tried contacting themfor weeks and to eventually get through to a number in India they said they will revert to me in 4 days and 2 weeks later I'm yet to receive a response. I habe 2 other friends who had an issue with Travelstart. They both booked and didn't even receive their flight tickets and as always travelstart is hard to get a hold of one had to call the airline directly and the other had to go to the airport counter. I NEED A RESPONSE FOR MY TICKET ASAP.

Date of experience : October 17, 2021

BEWARE!! THIS MERCHANDISE HACKS YOUR INFO!! I was unlucky to purchase flying tickets with this awful company. For reasons related to their incompetent in finalizing the bills, they couldn't charge the full fees of these tickets from my Visa card. So, and without any prior notice, they hacked my Master Card, the one I used a year earlier this incident, and charged the full fees! This is against any professional dealings you would expect from any merchandise. I warn you, stay away! You don't know what they will do to your information! They hack, they store confidential information, I assume they would forge documents and steal whatever available to them. DON'T RISK IT!! STAY AWAY!!!!

Date of experience : September 30, 2017

Not trustworthy

Not trustworthy. Do not expect any service post booking, rather book through the airline website directly or trusted consultants.

Date of experience : June 20, 2022

Actually No stars should be given.

Actually No stars should be given. I am senring email after email for oast 10 days but no response and no acknowledgement as well. Poor customer service. Plz do not book through them. I booked through them because got a voucher from Najm and now it seems whole money will be lost.

Date of experience : June 14, 2020

This company should be reported to…

This company should be reported to legal authorities. It is a commercial scam. I have experienced problems at each and every step of the process of buying, cancelling and trying to get reimbursed for a ticket. I have been waiting for seven weeks for reimbursement, after being promised reimbursement in 2-6 weeks. There is no honesty and clarity in any of their dealings. It is either a totally incompetent group or, as I fear, a commercial scam.

Date of experience : November 07, 2018

14 months and still waiting for a…

14 months and still waiting for a refund. The only communication I get from them is through a DM on twitter and it just keeps saying to be patient and the application is in process.They are not helpful at all and would not recommend them.

Date of experience : January 19, 2021

They just block the seats

They just block the seats, then deduct their service charge. Later on the sent an email asking for the credit card copy and which must be sent in 30 minutes. after that, the tickets not come true and they asked to raise the fare. The booking canceled but they didn't refund the collect (Bad) service charge

Date of experience : November 03, 2019

Good Evening i am Muhammad Waseem

Good Evening i am Muhammad Waseem. I am book one tickat throught travel star. Booking ref number AE07934700. Can you plz refund my money i am very thanks full to you waiting for your reply

Date of experience : July 20, 2020

This serves as a warning so that u will …Nightmare with Travelstart

This serves as a warning so that u will not do the same mistake as I did. I booked a ticket from TRAVELSTART company through Wego application. I payed 5,769AED to TRAVELSTART through debit card and they sent me E-Confirmation ticket. After 7 hours the company cancelled my ticket. What the F!###### After several calls and arguments with the TRAVELSTART staff with their lies and b### reasons, they cannot do anything. They just give me an option that if I wish to continue i need to pay more since the ticket changed its price or if i wish to refund it will takes 14 days. I google the reviews and the people had the same experienced with me, others are even worst. It's almost a scam. Now i dont know when i will get back my money, i need to wait how many days and purchase a ticket again in a higher price. Please spread this! before others will be the next victim.

Date of experience : August 04, 2017

Travelstart caused me much stress and…

Travelstart caused me much stress and frustration with respect to a refund. It took 3 months and many calls to their customer service centre and emails before the company refunded me for the ticket. ( I paid an extra 289 AED so that my ticket would be refundable and when I asked for a refund was informed that the rules for that ticket had subsequently changed and was no longer refundable). I also paid for seat selection and when I tried to actually select seats, it was not allowed. I was charged 390 AED to correct the spelling of a passenger's name, one letter had to be deleted. Furthermore, I had to pay for a new ticket and was promised that the original ticket would be refunded. My parents aged 76 and 82 respectively were afraid to travel with the one name spelt incorrectly and were under much stress until the day of their travel. It took a week up to the date of travel to correct this. Initially, I was told that it couldn't be done and that I had to purchase a new ticket. The airline concerned informed me that there was no need for a new ticket if I paid the admin fee of 390 AED. TRAVELSTART still owes me 693.66 for other items. As per Travelsart's email of 19 October 2018, I was informed that an amount of 693.66 will be reflected in my account within 2-3 business days. Upon checking with my bank, to date, this amount has not been reflected in my credit card account. I have all the email evidence of this company's poor business practices and urge travellers to be wary of purchasing airline tickets with this company.

Date of experience : March 09, 2019

Online flight travel ticket cheaters - Travelstart.ae

I had booked a ticket for my daughter to travel from Dubai to New York return through travelstart.ae I had paid extra money for securing her luggages in case of flight delay, cancellation, lost or delayed. My daughter's onward journey was fine while she returned back to Dubai on the June 2nd through Kuwait Airways, her baggage didn't arrive with her in the same flight. Kuwait airways had provided a memo regarding the same and my daughter received her baggage almost 27 hours later disrupting her planned return to India. It was severe mental stress and we did contact travelstart.ae for compensation within 24 hours of the flight arrival though we submitted all the documents they requested. I have called them, spoken to them and have mailed all the documents to the staff in Dubai. Everytime someone picks the phone, they pretend as if they don't know anything but all the mails are their in the system. I am really frustrated to call them again and again and decided to put in the media so that entire world knows it is a cheating company and try to avoid it. Please ever avoid this website and don't repent in the future about your great loss.

Date of experience : July 01, 2019

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Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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United Arab Emirates

Travel Advisory July 13, 2023

United arab emirates - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates due to   the threat of missile or drone attacks and terrorism.

Country Summary:  The possibility of attacks affecting U.S. citizens and interests in the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula remains an ongoing, serious concern.  Militant groups operating in Yemen have stated an intent to attack neighboring countries, including the UAE, using missiles and drones.  Missile and drone attacks in early 2022 targeted populated areas and civilian infrastructure.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

While residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE, the country continues to face the threat of terrorism.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Arab Emirates.

If you decide to travel to the United Arab Emirates:

• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook   and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Arab Emirates.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

6 months validity after date of arrival. 12-page U.S. emergency passports are not accepted. Passports with the “X” gender marker are not accepted.

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for tourist stays under 30 days

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy abu dhabi.

Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4. Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Telephone: +(971) (2) 414-2200 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(971) (0) 2-414-2200 Fax: +(971) (2) 414-2241 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Dubai Corner of Al Seef Rd. and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rd Dubai, U.A.E. Telephone: +(971) (4) 309-4000 Emergency Telephone: +(971) (4) 309-4000 Fax: +(971) (4) 311-6213 Email:   [email protected]

Note: The normal work week in the UAE is Monday through Friday.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

U.S. citizens are subject to all UAE immigration laws.

• Passport Validity:  A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry is required to enter the UAE. The UAE government does not accept 12-page emergency passports for entry to the UAE. The UAE government also does not accept passports with the “X” gender marker for travel to, in, or through the UAE. Travelers with these passports will be denied boarding or entry.
• Personal travel of 30 days or less:  A U.S. citizen with a regular (non-emergency) passport with an M or F gender marker may obtain a no fee visitor visa upon arrival. The UAE government does not accept passports with the “X” gender marker for travel to, in, or through the UAE. Travelers with these passports will be denied boarding or entry.
• Stays longer than 30 days:  Visitors on a 30-day visa may request a visa extension, which is at the discretion of immigration officials. Anyone planning to work or study in the UAE must obtain the appropriate visa.
• Medical Exam:  A full medical exam is required for work or residence permits. The exam and tests for HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis B, tuberculosis, leprosy, and pregnancy must be performed after arrival. U.S. citizens have been detained and deported for testing positive for HIV, active tuberculosis, or hepatitis. Medical exams performed outside of the UAE will not be accepted.
• Travel on Diplomatic or Official Passports:  U.S. citizens traveling to or through the UAE on diplomatic or official passports are required to obtain a visa before travel (transit passengers only require a visa if exiting the airport). This requirement is strictly enforced by UAE officials and those not meeting the requirement will be denied entry. U.S. military travelers should not assume military ID cards will be accepted, but should consult the Foreign Clearance Guide.

Land Exit Departure Fee:  All travelers who depart the UAE by land and who are not citizens of a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country must pay a departure fee. The fee is 35 UAE dirhams and is payable only in the local currency.

Please verify this information with the  Embassy of the United Arab Emirates  before you travel.

Exit Controls:  The UAE maintains tight exit controls. All travelers must exit the country with the passport on which they entered. Travelers should visit a UAE immigration office prior to departure to obtain an exit pass if they plan to leave the UAE without the passport on which they entered.

Travelers both departing the UAE and transiting will be barred from exiting the UAE if there are any criminal or civil legal cases against them. Travelers have been arrested at the airport and have had their passports seized due to outstanding financial cases, unsettled legal disputes, and late credit card payments, including for cases that were previously unknown to the traveler. In such cases, some individuals have been arrested and detained for long periods of time. Individuals will be barred from leaving the UAE until legal cases are settled in full. This affects all persons whether they are in the UAE as residents, tourists, or transit passengers with no intention of exiting the airport. UAE residents can verify with UAE authorities whether they have an exit ban due to outstanding cases in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. More information on this process can be found on the  UAE Government Portal .

The Government of the UAE requires that all persons residing in the country have a national identification card. U.S. citizens who are working or living in the UAE should visit the  Emirates Identity Authority website  for more information on card registration procedures and requirements.

Cancellation of Visas:  All UAE visas must be formally cancelled through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) before a new visa can be issued. This includes visas that have already expired or have never been used. Travelers may be denied entry to, or not permitted to depart, the UAE if previous visas have not been properly cancelled. More information on the process is available on the  UAE Government portal .

Dual Nationality:  The UAE does not recognize dual nationality. The UAE recognizes only the citizenship of the passport on which a person enters the UAE. The embassy may be prohibited from providing certain consular services to those who did not enter the UAE on a U.S. passport.

The UAE has imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on all foreigners seeking residency. Travelers for tourism are not tested or requested to provide information about HIV/AIDS status. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of the UAE  before you travel. Information about  dual nationality  and the  prevention of international child abduction  can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read the embassy’s  Customs Information page .

Current restrictions:

Weapons and Law Enforcement Equipment:  The transportation of arms or items that may be considered law enforcement or military equipment is strictly prohibited without written approval from the UAE government. Do not transport any arms or items that may be considered law enforcement or military equipment. Such items include, but are not limited to:

• Weapon parts and tools
• Functional, inert, or decorative ammunition, even one bullet
• Empty or spent shell casings
• Any other military or police equipment

U.S. citizens, military personnel, and U.S. government/military contractors found to be carrying such items, even in the smallest quantities, will be arrested and face strict criminal penalties, including imprisonment, large monetary fines, forfeiture of the items, and deportation , even though airlines and U.S. authorities allowed shipment on a U.S.-originating flight.

Other prohibited items:  Importation of the following items is also prohibited under UAE law: pornographic material, non-Islamic religious pamphlets for missionary activities, e-cigarettes, fireworks, ivory, chemical and organic fertilizers, laser pointers, radar jammers/other unauthorized communication devices, products and medications containing cannabidiol (CBD), endangered animal species, and any objects, sculptures, paintings, books or magazines which do not adhere to the religious and moral values of the UAE. Possession of any of these items can lead to detention and lengthy jail sentences.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

U.S. citizens in the United Arab Emirates should exercise a high level of security awareness. The possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests in the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula remains a serious concern. The UAE’s normalization of relations with Israel in September 2020 increased the potential for attacks in the UAE, including by Iran-backed entities. Separately, rebel groups operating in Yemen have stated an intent to attack neighboring countries, including the UAE, using missiles and unmanned aerial systems (drones). Yemen-based Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks against the UAE on January 17 and 24, 2022, targeting populated areas and civilian infrastructure.  The January 17 attack resulted in multiple impact sites in Abu Dhabi and three fatalities. The Houthi rebels have publicly stated their intent to continue such attacks. In the event of a missile and/or drone strike, follow the guidance found here .

Both historical and current information suggest that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), al-Qaida, and affiliated organizations continue to plan attacks against Western targets; these attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, including suicide operations, assassination, kidnapping, hijacking, and bombing.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Boating: The UAE and Iran have had a long-standing dispute concerning jurisdiction of Abu Musa, approximately 20 miles from Dubai. Fishing or sailing in these waters may result in seizure of vessels and detention of passengers and crew in Iran. Obtaining consular assistance in Iran for U.S. citizens is difficult and can only be done through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran , which acts as a Protecting Power, providing limited U.S. consular services.

Crime: Violent crimes and crimes against property are rare. U.S. citizens should take the same security precautions in the UAE that one would practice in the United States or any large city abroad.

Harassment and Assault: U.S. citizens, especially women, should take precautions against the possibility of verbal and physical harassment or sexual assault when walking alone, consuming alcohol, or riding in a taxi cab. Taxi passengers should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxicab and should be sensitive that "small talk" can be misinterpreted as over-friendliness or even a form of propositioning by some taxi drivers. Taxis driven by women for the exclusive use of female passengers are available in some airports and by dispatch. Female travelers can identify these dedicated vehicles by their pink roofs.

Some victims of sexual assault have been prosecuted for violating laws against sexual relations outside of marriage. The law puts a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that sex was not consensual. In cases where the victim has failed to demonstrate so, both parties have been prosecuted, and sometimes sentenced to jail time, followed by deportation.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in the UAE. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +971 2 414 2200. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulate General for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

As each emirate has its own independent judicial system, legal procedures and penalties vary throughout the country.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  UAE authorities do not routinely notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate of a U.S. citizen’s arrest.  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate immediately.  If you are not allowed to do so, ask a friend or family member to contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate. See our webpage for further information.

Alcohol:  Alcohol is sold only in very limited areas including certain restaurants and hotels. Public drunkenness and driving under the influence, regardless of one’s blood alcohol content level, are considered very serious offenses. Persons arrested on alcohol-related offenses are regularly detained for many days as they await a court hearing. Penalties may include hefty jail sentences, substantial fines and, for Muslims (even those holding U.S. citizenship), lashings. Note: The possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the emirate of Sharjah.

Drugs: UAE law imposes the death sentence for convicted drug traffickers. Possession of even trace amounts of illegal drugs (including in the bloodstream) can result in lengthy prison sentences of up to 15 years. Bail generally is not granted to those accused of drug crimes.

Possession or consumption of marijuana in any form, including detections of trace amounts in the bloodstream, is illegal in the UAE, even if a doctor’s medical card is presented. Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are illegal in the UAE. Possession or importation of CBD products, including those found in prescription and over the counter medications in the United States and other countries, are prosecuted in the same manner as marijuana possession. The UAE's anti-narcotics program also includes poppy seeds on its list of controlled substances. The importation and possession of poppy seeds in any and all forms, including as dried decorative plants, are strictly prohibited.

Persons may be charged and convicted even if the controlled substances were ingested outside of the UAE as long as traces are still present in the bloodstream upon arrival in the UAE. If suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, individuals may be required to submit to blood and/or urine tests and may be subject to prosecution.

Travelers with questions regarding the items on the list of controlled substances should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai .

Codes of Behavior and Dress: Public decency and morality laws throughout the UAE are much stricter than in the United States. Penalties for public displays of affection or immodesty may be imposed. Sexual relations outside marriage are illegal in the UAE and convicted individuals have been punished by lengthy jail sentences. Pregnancy outside of marriage can result in arrest and detention. Doctors may ask for proof of marriage during pre-natal visits, and those giving birth in the UAE must present a marriage certificate to receive medical care and register the child’s birth. Failure to do so has resulted in the arrests of both unmarried mothers and fathers, as well as deportation.

Individuals may be arrested, fined, and/or deported for committing any of the following acts: making rude gestures, swearing, touching another person without his/her permission, and making derogatory statements about the UAE, the royal families, the local governments or other people. Travelers should keep in mind the cultural differences among the many people who coexist in the UAE and should be cognizant that unwitting actions, including clothing choices, may invite unwanted attention.

Debt and Financial Crime:  Crimes of financial fraud, including passing bad checks and non-payment or late payment of bills (including hotel bills, hospital bills, traffic or parking fines, and late payment of credit cards, utility bills, etc.), are regarded seriously in the UAE and often result in imprisonment and/or fines. A personal check written as a guarantee for the payment of a personal or business debt may be submitted to a local bank for collection at any time for the full amount of the check. If the account holder does not have sufficient funds, he/she may be charged with passing a bad check. Bail generally is not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for crimes involving fraud. Debtors can be held in prison until their debts are paid or until an agreement is reached between the parties. Passports may be seized by the UAE government to guarantee that debtors settle their cases. Financial cases may be further complicated by debtors being unable to work in the UAE without passports while still being held responsible for their debts.

Photography:  Taking photographs of UAE military facilities, sensitive civilian sites, airports, some beaches, or foreign diplomatic missions – including the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General – may result in arrest, detention, and/or prosecution by local authorities. Travelers should be aware of signs which indicate where photography is prohibited. Note that it is illegal to take photographs of other people without their consent. In addition, engaging in mapping activities, especially mapping that includes the use of GPS equipment, without coordination with UAE authorities, may have the same consequences. (This does not apply to use of publicly available online maps.)

Drone Operation: The flying of drones is prohibited in certain areas and may result in arrest and imprisonment. Individuals should not operate drones without prior approval from local authorities.

Social Media:  The UAE has strict laws regarding use of the internet and social media. Individuals have been arrested and criminally convicted for posting information on social media sites (such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) that local authorities determined was disturbing to the order of the UAE. Users of social media should be cautious about online posting of information that might be deemed to insult or challenge the local or national government. Individuals should avoid posting insults or derogatory information about governments, institutions, or individuals.

Charity and fundraising activities are closely regulated by the UAE government, and it is against the law to conduct any private fundraising activity online (including those conducted on popular fundraising websites for personal causes).

The UAE National Media Council has rules for conducting business as a social media influencer in the UAE. Influencers must apply for trade and e-media licenses in order to promote brands on social media in the UAE. 

Terrorist Organizations List: On November 15, 2014, the UAE government announced a list of 85 groups it considers to be terrorist organizations. Individuals who are associated with groups on the UAE list could be detained at UAE borders, have their assets frozen, and/or be prosecuted for membership in a terrorist organization.

Religious Proselytizing: While individuals are free to worship as they choose, and facilities are available for that purpose, religious proselytizing is not permitted in the UAE. Persons violating this law, even unknowingly, may be imprisoned or deported.

Employment in the UAE: Although it is common for a local sponsor to hold an employee's passport, it is illegal to do so under UAE law. Many contractual or labor disputes can be avoided by clearly establishing all terms and conditions of employment or sponsorship in the labor contract at the beginning of any employment. Should a dispute arise, the UAE Ministry of Labor has established a special department to review and arbitrate labor claims. If an employee leaves his/her job without properly canceling the employment visa, the employer can file charges that can lead to imprisonment, fines, and/or deportation. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General do not intercede in employment disputes.

U.S. citizens have become involved in commercial or financial disputes that have prompted local firms or courts to take possession of the U.S. citizen's passport, effectively preventing the individual from leaving the UAE. In addition, local firms have been known to file criminal complaints, which may lead not only to travel restrictions but possible criminal penalties, including jail time. A list of local attorneys is available from the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.

Document Authentications: U.S. citizens intending to reside and work in the UAE are generally required by the UAE government to present authenticated personal documents for themselves and accompanying family members such as marriage and birth certificates, adoption and custody decrees, certificates of good behavior from police, and educational documents to include diplomas and certificates. The authentication of U.S. documents is done completely in the United States. For information, contact the State Department’s Office of Authentications . Determining the exact requirements with one’s prospective employer is strongly recommended before arrival in the UAE.

LGBTQI+ Travelers: The UAE government does not accept passports with the “X” gender marker. This applies to travel to, in, or through the UAE. Although the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General are not aware of any recent arrests or prosecutions for consensual, same-sex relations and cross-dressing, they remain illegal in the UAE. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: While in the UAE, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations somewhat different from what they find in the United States. The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, air travel and other transportation, access to health care, or the provision of other state services, and the law is enforced. The UAE government refers to persons with disabilities as “people of determination.” Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access.

The UAE has several modern cities with good services and accessibility of lodging, public transportation, sidewalks, and buildings. Outside of newly constructed areas, accessibility is not comparable to the United States and navigating with a visual impairment or using a wheelchair is difficult due to sidewalks in disrepair or without curb cuts, poor road crossings, and inaccessible buildings and public transport. Public transportation in Dubai is wheelchair accessible. However, the buses that connect Dubai with the other emirates in the UAE are not wheelchair accessible. See the UAE government information on accessible transport and parking facilities. See our  Traveling with Disabilities  page.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Adequate health facilities are available, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. While most common conditions can be appropriately treated in the UAE, complex medical conditions may be better treated in the United States. Providers may recommend a large number of procedures and tests, some of which may be unnecessary.

• Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient, except in emergencies.
• Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

For emergency services in the UAE, dial  999 .

Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. You may be denied care, even in an emergency, if you are unable to provide a cash deposit up-front. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Medication:  Many prescription and over-the-counter medications are prohibited in the UAE, and possession of such substances without the appropriate approval is generally treated the same as possession of illegal narcotics. All tourists and residents of the UAE should seek prior approval, via an online form, before carrying certain types of medications, narcotics, or chemical substances to or through the UAE. The service can be accessed directly on the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s  website . Travelers can also find updated lists of prohibited medications requiring prior approval on the same website.

Travelers with prescription medication must have their prescriptions issued by licensed doctors and authenticated by the appropriate authorities. In order for a U.S. prescription to be fully authenticated, it must be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the U.S. state in which the prescribing doctor is licensed, then by the U.S. Department of State, and finally by the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC.  Additional information on authentication of documents  can be found on the State Department’s website and on the  Embassy and Consulate General website . Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Further queries may be directed to the  UAE Ministry of Health’s Drug Control Department  in Abu Dhabi.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information, go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

• Air pollution is a significant problem in UAE. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you, and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
• People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General maintain a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in the UAE. Drivers often drive at high speeds. Unsafe driving practices are common, especially on inter-city highways. On highways, unmarked speed bumps and drifting sand create additional hazards. Pedestrians should also use great care on the roads of the UAE – over 25 percent of road fatalities are pedestrians.

The police emergency number and ambulance number is 999 . Response time by emergency services is adequate; however, medical personnel emphasize transport of the injured to the hospital rather than treatment on site.

Traffic Laws: Country-wide traffic laws impose stringent penalties for certain violations, particularly driving under the influence of alcohol. In the UAE, there is zero tolerance for driving after consuming alcohol.

Persons involved in an accident in which another party is injured automatically go to jail until the injured person is released from the hospital. Should a person die in a traffic accident, the driver of the other vehicle is liable for payment of compensation for the death (known as "dhiyya"), usually the equivalent of 55,000 U.S. dollars. Even relatively minor accidents may result in lengthy proceedings, during which both drivers may be prohibited from leaving the country.

In order to drive, UAE residents must obtain a UAE driver's license. Foreign driver’s licenses are not recognized for residents of the UAE; however, U.S. citizen visitors who are not UAE residents can drive using a valid driver’s license issued by his or her state. An international driver’s license may be required in some emirates. The UAE recognizes driver's licenses issued by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states only if the bearer is driving a vehicle registered to the same GCC state. Under no circumstances should anyone drive without a valid license.

If you are in an accident, UAE law mandates that you remain at the scene until authorities arrive. The use of front seat belts is mandatory in the UAE. Driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are posted. Making a right turn on a red light is not permitted unless there is a special lane to do so with a yield sign. Parking is not allowed where the curb is painted black and yellow. Digital cameras are used extensively on Emirati roads for registering traffic violations, including speeding. Fines can be substantial and must be paid prior to departure from the UAE. Individuals with outstanding traffic fines may be detained at airport immigration.

Please see our Road Safety page for more information .

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the United Arab Emirates’ Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the United Arab Emirates’ air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the UAE should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport and the NGA Broadcast Warnings website.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

United Arab Emirates was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  United Arab Emirates . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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5 exciting UAE startups and SMEs in the travel and tourism industry to keep an eye on 

Keeping up with our travel and tourism theme for May, we are showcasing 5 UAE-based startups that are leading some exciting innovations in this sphere.

Today, we are showcasing 5 UAE-based startups and SMEs that are developing and providing some exciting products and services within this sector.

Hotel Data Cloud

Hotels rely on complex distribution networks with hundreds of booking channels to sell their rooms. These channels require detailed descriptive content about the hotels, highlighting their features, amenities, services, and facilities. Distressingly, the content currently available is incomplete and even inaccurate, misleading, and obsolete.

Hotel Data Cloud (HDC) is a content distribution platform that is enabling hotels to easily share detailed content and comprehensive information in a standardized, globally consistent format. HDC captures over 600 attributes per property, multilingual descriptions, images with corresponding metadata and also temporary changes, such as ongoing renovations. This reduces manual workload and lets hotels efficiently control the narrative of their listing across all booking channels, improving their discoverability and leading to increased bookings and revenue. 

Launched in 2018 by travel pioneers Nisma Benani, Charaf El Mansouri, and Leah Howe, Dharma is a travel tech startup that allows influencers and brands to build modern and exciting travel brands that cater to a shifting industry shaped by COVID-19 influence and changing consumer expectations. 

DHARMA was one of the first startups accepted into Mubadala’s Hub71 program, with the founding team relocating to Abu Dhabi from New York and Marrakech. So far, it has worked with Eric Cantona, the sporting legend and former captain of Manchester United, Culture Trip, an international travel media publication, Bitso, a cryptocurrency unicorn, and Equinox, a global luxury fitness brand.

Stella Stays 

An Emirati-owned startup founded in 2019 and based in Dubai, Stella Stays is attempting to resolve many of the problems faced by travelers, be it in traditional hotels or overly unpredictable holiday homes offered by platforms like Airbnb.

Combining the peace of mind offered by a professional hotel service with the comfort of a holiday home, Stella Stays is bringing the best of both worlds to its clients and bridging a major gap that has emerged in recent years within the sector. 

In the vein of a platform like Booking.com, Musafir is an AI-enabled travel company that offers travel agencies a white-label turnkey solution to distribute hotel, rental, flights, transfers, visas, and vacation packages for both corporate and leisure travellers. 

Musafir’s advanced platform uses real-time data analytics to respond dynamically to market conditions while taking into account customer segmentation, demand, digitise, and more - enabling them to address their customers’ needs, tap into recovery growth and enhance the trust of travellers.

Another online marketplace, Wego has been on a notable growth trajectory as of late, acquiring multiple travel brands like Cleartrip and Flyin.com to expand its regional footprint. 

Originally founded in Singapore in 2005, the travel tech scale-up has since moved its headquarters to Dubai, from which it hopes to grow a thriving business with ambitions for growth and expansion. It has since secured support from notable regional stakeholders, including Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP).

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How to start a travel and tourism company in the uae.

April 15, 2024

The UAE travel and tourism industry is going from strength to strength. Pre-pandemic, Dubai alone attracted almost 17 million visitors per year with tourist spending reaching over AED 143bn.

As the country continues with its rapid recovery, these figures are set to soar once again. By 2028, it is estimated that the travel and tourism industry will contribute approximately AED 280bn to the UEA’s economy.

Of course, this presents an incredible opportunity for any entrepreneurs with the skills to make a mark in this growing sector. If that’s you, keep reading to find out:

• An overview of the tourism industry in Dubai, UAE • Steps to start a travel and tourism company in Dubai, UAE • Documents required to open a travel or tourism company in the UAE • Cost of starting a travel business in Dubai • How Creative Zone can help

An overview of the tourism industry in Dubai, UAE

With millions of visitors flocking to its shores every year, Dubai is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. It is unsurprising, then, that travel and tourism is one of the biggest and most thriving sectors in the emirate. By 2026, Dubai’s direct tourism contribution is forecast at approximately USD 20.9bn.

Further investment into the country’s infrastructure as well as continued construction of private hotels and resorts is set to drive yet more tourists to the emirate. So too will the continued work of the Dubai Tourism Strategy 2020, designed to attract 20 million visitors per year and make Dubai the first choice for international travellers.

This puts a vast audience of potential customers before the UAE’s travel agencies and tour operators.

Steps to start a travel and tourism company in Dubai, UAE

Before taking the first steps to applying for your travel and tourism licence in Dubai, you’ll first want to seek the advice of a local expert such as Creative Zone. After a short consultation to understand the needs of your business, we can guide you through the following four-step process.

Step 1: Registering your company name

The first step is to choose and register a name for your new company. As part of this process, you will need to adhere to several naming conventions. This means avoiding any words that could be considered offensive or blasphemous. You should also make sure that your chosen name is not similar to any other existing businesses or institutions.

As your name must be unique to your business, it is also best to put forward a few options in case your preferred choice is already taken. Once you have made your decision, we will submit your trade name registration on your behalf.

Step 2: Acquiring a business licence

Once we have helped to choose and register your company name, we will then assist with your travel and tourism licence application. The process here will differ depending on whether you are setting up in the mainland or in a free zone.

Mainland licences are issued by the Department of Economic Development or equivalent municipality. Free zone licences are issued by free zone authorities. In either case, your dedicated contact at Creative Zone will manage the process on your behalf, to ensure a speedy and straightforward application.

Step 3: Completing the visa processes

You will also need a UAE residency visa to live and work in the UAE. While this process is a little more comprehensive than the trade licence application process, with the right support, it is both fast and straightforward. To obtain your visa, you will need to undergo medial and fitness test, a chest X-ray and blood test.

As the holder of a UAE visa, you can sponsor the visas of your dependants, such as children, spouse, parents and domestic staff, too.

Step 4: Opening a bank account

The final step before you can start trading, making and taking payments in the UAE is to open a corporate bank account. This is not always the easiest process for non-GCC citizens, however, the team at Creative Zone can help lighten the load.

After getting to know your requirements, we’ll put you in touch with the banks that are most likely to offer the services you require.

Documents required to open a travel or tourism company in the UAE

You will be required to submit some or all of the following documents when applying for your UAE travel and tourism licence:

• • Trade name registration
• • Articles of incorporation (if necessary)
• • Passport copies for all shareholders

Cost of starting a travel business in Dubai

A UAE trade licence starts at AED 13,800. However, there are many other costs to consider on top of this. You will also need to account for visa and staff costs as well as fees for any additional trading permits that may be required.

For a full and personalised breakdown of the costs involved, get in touch with the team at Creative Zone.

How Creative Zone can help

The process of business setup in Dubai, UAE, has been tested and honed over decades. For that reason, it is usually fast and straightforward. However, this is only the case when you closely follow the company formation process and ensure that all documents and applications are clear, complete and correct.

To make sure that’s always the case, it pays to partner with the expert team at Creative Zone. We offer a range of solutions designed to help entrepreneurs get up and running in the UAE. Our dedicated team give you fast, reliable and unbiased advice on your specific requirements.

Whether you need support with a mainland, offshore or free zone company setup, or visas and bank account opening, Creative Zone is here to help. So, let us deal with the hassle of registering your company while you focus on your business. Get in touch today to find out more.

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How to start travel agency in dubai, uae.

Due to its prominence as one of the world’s most enticing cities, Dubai is often viewed as a popular tourist destination. Foreign investors are attracted to Dubai’s expanding tourism industry for a variety of reasons, including the possibility of establishing travel agencies there.

As a direct result, travel agencies in Dubai earn very large profits. In addition, you do not need to be a resident of Dubai or an Emirati national to open a travel agency there.

This means that you, regardless of your country of origin, are allowed to begin this profitable business in Dubai. Now that we’ve established why and how you should open a travel agency in Dubai, let’s examine the advantages of doing so.

Recent data reveals that Dubai receives more than 15 million yearly tourists . In addition, as the COVID-19 outbreak nears its conclusion, the tourism sector is showing indications of recovery and expansion. This means that the current time is great for launching a new tourism company in Dubai.

Furthermore, Dubai revised its previous laws regarding property ownership. It is now permitted for non-citizens to solely own a firm, rather than relying on a local agent.

Due to Dubai’s growing economy, the city is a prime location for foreign investors seeking to build tourism companies. 

If you are looking to start a travel agency in Dubai, there are some important things you need to know. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps to starting your own travel agency in Dubai. So, what do you need to do? Keep reading for all the information you need!

Benefits of Starting a Travel Agency in Dubai

Opening a travel business in Dubai can provide its owners with a lot of advantages, despite the fact that the process may appear like it would take a long time. Among them are considerable salaries and a huge incoming and outgoing market. This is due to the fact that many inhabitants of Dubai leave the United Arab Emirates for their holidays, while at the same time many people from other countries travel to Dubai.

Tourism Sector Makes Most of DUBAI’S GDP

It is believed that the tourist industry in the UAE is expanding at an annual rate of about three percentage points and that tourism makes up almost 10 percent of the GDP of the UAE. The UAE government places a lot of attention on the tourism sector.

The travel businesses in the United Arab Emirates thus reap the benefits of a sector that is already thriving. In addition, the individuals who live in Dubai have not lost their enthusiasm for traveling all over the globe. Because of this, every travel agency in Dubai will see a meteoric rise in profits.

Ease of Access to Enter the Country – Boosting Sales

In recent times, a number of nations have implemented policies that require either no visas or visas upon arrival. Consequently, the money generated by the tourist business has expanded significantly; even the government of the UAE has made its visa policy more liberal. 

The majority of modern nations, including a significant number of GCC nations, have electronic borders and do not need visitors to obtain visas to enter. This is one of the reasons why the number of people visiting the UAE each day has been steadily increasing.

Tax Exemption

Because the United Arab Emirates is a tax-free nation, owners or visitors visiting Dubai do not have to worry about paying any taxes while they enjoy the city’s splendor and friendliness. The majority of the world’s most exclusive hotels, clubs, yachts, and gulf clubs are concentrated in the city of Dubai.

Easy To Start Up

Travel agencies in Dubai are required to issue licenses to any foreign national who resides in the emirate and has a valid permit to do so. This exemplifies the expedient and transparent procedure that the government uses to make it possible for investors to launch their own travel agency in Dubai.

Once you get a license for a travel agency in Dubai, you will have the ability to organize a variety of activities falling within the MICE umbrella (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions). Due to the fast development of Dubai’s MICE business, more opportunities have been available to foreign investors.

Steps to Start a Tourism Business in UAE

The market is closely regulated, so expert counsel might spare you troubles down the road if you’re unsure how to launch a travel agency firm. Let’s deep dive into these steps:

Step #1: Define Your Business Activity

You must choose the kind of travel company you want to operate, such as whether you choose to specialize as a travel agency, an incoming tour operator, or an outbound operator. There is a multitude of activities to choose from throughout the many markets that you might potentially serve.

Step #2: Choose Your Company Name

When it comes to naming businesses, the UAE is quite strict; thus, it is crucial to be aware of the laws governing this practice. Simply said, you should avoid using any language that may be seen as disrespectful or obscene. You must avoid using any name that is presently being used by a respected organization. If you want to name your company after yourself, your name should not be abbreviated in any manner.

Step #3: Choose Your Desired Business Location

If you have a mainland presence, you will be permitted to deal with the UAE market and compete for government contracts. You also have the option of using free zones , which provide a zero percent tax rate, total exemption from customs duty, the possibility to repatriate one hundred percent of revenues, and a variety of other attractive advantages.

Even if your free zone company is unable to participate in direct trade with the UAE market, there are potential solutions that might make this a reality in the future. Given the significance of this decision, a professional in the formation of enterprises will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
• Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone (RAKEZ)
• Dubai Airport Free Zone
• Dubai Studio City DSC Free Zone

Step #4: Apply For Tourism License

The time has arrived for you to submit your application since everything is in its appropriate place. 

• Outline Of Your Business Plan
• Clean Criminal Ceertificate
• No-Objection Certificate from Civil Authority
• Passport Copy of Proposed Owners
• 2 Colour Passport sized photographs

Step: #5 Apply for UAE Visa

Ensure that your application is submitted within 30 days of an employee’s entry into the nation. By this time, they should have been awarded a tourist or visit visa.

Simply register on the Ministry of the Interior’s e-channels website to get staff entry permits (another name for a provisional 60-day employment visa). After obtaining entry permission, employees are able to activate it by conducting what is known as an “in-country status change.” This is a crucial need for obtaining a comprehensive work visa.

Step #6: Open Corporate Bank Account

If your firm lacks a business license, no bank will recognize it. However, you should select your bank with caution, since making a mistake might be costly.

The majority will need a continual minimum balance between one million and five thousand UAE Dirhams. In addition, some need proof of residency for at least one shareholder, while others do not, and some do not require this at all.

Tourism License Cost in UAE

The cost of a license to operate as a travel agency depends on a variety of criteria, such as the size of your company, the kind of commercial activities you want to participate in, etc. Minimum initial expenditures should be about 20,000 AED.

Is Starting a Tourism Business in Dubai Profitable?

International investors often choose Dubai as their preferred site to do business because of its status as one of the world’s most important financial centers. Since it has had such rapid development over the last several decades, Dubai has emerged as one of the most attractive locations for entrepreneurs looking to start their firms and profit in the process.

The favorable tax environment, excellent infrastructure, and various development prospects in free trade zones with first-rate facilities are just a few of the criteria that foreign investors consider before choosing Dubai as a destination for their business.

How can Airzone help you Start a Travel company in Dubai?

At Airzone, we help businesses establish their foundation in the United Arab Emirates by helping them find the best service. Getting started is easier when you contact us straight away. We can help you connect with the right service providers to help you grow your business in the UAE. 

We can help you connect with our trusted partners that can help you register a new company, and receive a Dubai trade license or free zone license in the UAE. While you concentrate on establishing your business, we’ll connect you with the right people to handle everything from the visa application procedure to any and all important administrative obligations.

Despite the fact that starting a travel agency in Dubai may seem like a daunting task, there are several benefits that come with doing so. With around 16 million international visitors, Dubai’s tourism sector is quite lucrative. 

Travel companies may apply for licenses to hold a range of events in Dubai’s MICE industry, which is well-developed. To start a travel agency in Dubai, a non-Dubai resident with a valid residence permit may apply for a license to operate one. When things go awry, Airzone is here to assist.

If you want to learn more about how to set up a business in Dubai , we have a comprehensive guide for you. With a thorough understanding of the UAE’s business scene, you should be well prepared to establish a company in the country.

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• How to Start a Travel and Tourism Company in Dubai?
• business ideas

• By uaeadmin

Table of Contents

The UAE is a premier business hub for enterprises of all sizes – be it a budding SMB or an established firm. Therefore, your decision to  start a travel and tourism company in Dubai .

You can take care of events under MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) when you launch such a venture. It’s a profitable opportunity for business investors to establish their agency’s name and participate in real-time engagement with the audience.

Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about the steps to secure  tourism business in Dubai, UAE  when you connect with the business consultants at the  UAE Expansion . We provide end-to-end business assistance to facilitate a risk-free business setup in the United Arab Emirates.

How to open a travel agency in Dubai?

Incorporating a travel agency is a lucrative  business idea  as it’s among the booming industries of the region. Thus, entrepreneurs can set up a tourism firm in Dubai by following the steps mentioned below:

• Finalise your operational Activities and corporate structure
• Pick the desired trading name
• Apply for a travel and tourism company licence
• Get a permit for your travel agency
• Obtain the required visas

Here, we discuss all these steps in detail to make it easier for you:

1. Finalise your operational activities and corporate structure

The best part about launching a travel agency business is the flexibility to choose the legal structure of your choice. You can start an LLC (limited liability company), joint venture, or representative office, among several others in the country.

Moreover, you need to list down the operational activities you’ll be conducting in Dubai once you’ve finalised your travel agency’s legal structure. This list is duly examined by the concerned governing body.

2. Pick the desired trading name

Next, you need to reserve a trading name for your tourism business in the Emirates. All legal establishments must have a unique name for their enterprises to be considered a legal functioning corporation.

Therefore, finalise a business name that’s memorable, catchy, and indicative of all the services you intend on offering. Entrepreneurs also need to ensure that they don’t infringe any naming convention laws maintained by the UAE’s government.

In addition, remember that you need to use an individual’s full name if you wish to keep it as your travel agency’s official business name.

3. Apply for a travel and tourism company licence

The next step is to procure a tourism licence to set up your travel agency business. Investors need to frequently communicate with the concerned economic department and DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing) to obtain a  travel agency licence in Dubai .

Additionally, don’t forget that a tourism licence isn’t a one-time government fee. You need to renew it year on year to ensure that it’s valid throughout your legal tenure. The business experts at the  UAE Expansion  support you to handle your business licence by overtaking all the formalities.

4. Get a permit for your travel agency

The DTCM issues numerous tourism allowances. Therefore, you need to secure the ones that meet your operational requirements. Furthermore, remember that your tourism business can be deemed non-compliant if you don’t hold the obligatory approvals.

Listed below are a few permits issued by the DTCM:

• Inbound tour operator: a tourism licence for travel agents who handle foreign visitors who have arrived for a conference, seminar, etc. Furthermore, the permissible operational activities include visa management, hotel reservations, and more.
• Outbound tour operator: you can get the outbound tour operator allowance if your business model is to sell tourism packages abroad.
• Travel agent:  a travel agent licence in the Emirates entitles you to carry out various operational activities. These include selling tickets, hotel bookings, car rental services, and many other permits.

5. Obtain the required visas

It’s paramount to obtain visas for yourself, and your relatives to ensure everyone’s safe stay in Dubai. You can easily apply for residence visas when you  start a travel and tourism company in Dubai.

It’s a four-stage process, and you need to share the necessary documents alongside your visa application to obtain the desired visas. You can connect with the advisors at the UAE Expansion in case you face any hassles with visa management.

What are the benefits of incorporating a travel agency in the UAE?

Opening a company in the UAE is highly profitable, thanks to the business-friendly reforms maintained by the government. Listed below are some of the advantages when you set up a tourism enterprise in this region:

• 1. Dubai’s tourism industry is observing substantial growth and continues to unfurl lucrative figures each year. Individuals from different customs, languages, and ethnicities visit the UAE and have a ball time in the country.

Therefore, incorporating a travel agency in the Emirates becomes risk-free, thanks to the lucrative tourism industry.

• 1. You can organise several events under MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) when you obtain a  tourism licence in the UAE.

This helps you raise brand awareness for your firm while also getting a priceless opportunity to communicate with your audience.

Paperwork required to start a travel and tourism agency in Dubai

You need to share all the essential documents to legitimise your venture in the UAE. Here’s a summarised list of documents that you are entitled to share with the concerned department:

• Duly filled application form
• Passport copies of the applicants
• Copy of identification documents for the UAE nationals and a family record called the Khulasat Al Qaid
• A notarized copy of the manager’s certificate of experience
• Certificates of good conduct of the owner and the manager
• NOC issued by the Civil Aviation Authority

Launch your tourism company in Dubai, UAE today!

Your decision to  invest in Dubai ’s tourism sector is the right one. Why? Because of the government’s supportive business reforms and the booming travel industry.

The entrepreneurs don’t need to pay corporate or professional taxes, and repatriation of 100% of their capital gains is also viable. Therefore, simply collaborate with the company incorporation experts at the  UAE Expansion , and we’ll take it from there.

We rectify all your doubts on the steps to  start a travel and tourism company in Dubai . In addition, we also become your silent partners and handle all the other formalities at competitive prices. Book a free consultation with us to know more!

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[Editor's Note: This article, initially published on April 17 during Dubai Metro service disruptions, has been updated to reflect the full resumption of operations.]

Dubai Metro services were severely impacted as the UAE saw unprecedented rain on Tuesday. Operations nearly came to a standstill, leaving around 200 commuters stranded at several stations.

Since Wednesday, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been working round the clock to carry out maintenance work, which impacted operations at Metro stations. Free shuttle buses were provided to help passengers reach their destinations.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels .

If you're commuting via Dubai Metro today, here's a guide to stations on Red Line and Green Line:

Services are now operating normally on the Red Line in both directions, the RTA announced on Friday.

Trains are no longer stopping at Equiti, Mashreq, Onpassive and Energy stations.

Services are now operating normally on all Green Line stations, the RTA announced on Friday.

Below is a map of the Dubai Metro, for your reference:

Around 200 commuters have found themselves stranded at Jebel Ali Metro Station without access to amenities for hours, following the suspension of Dubai Metro operations towards Centrepoint.

In the wake of heavy rains pounding the city , commuters were left seeking answers from the service providers authority. One resident said, "There is no clarity on when metro services will resume. Tempers are running high as the Zoom stores are closed and toilets are clogged."

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• UAE weather: Cloudy skies with rains expected in some areas on Wednesday
• UAE witnesses record-breaking rains, highest in 75 years
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Seagliders that will travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 25 minutes to be built in UAE

Seagliders that travel at high speeds over water will be built in the UAE following the signing of an agreement between the US maritime transport company Regent and Abu Dhabi Investment Office on Thursday.

Boston start-up Regent has also signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi's Department of Transport to integrate its electric-powered seaglider into the existing UAE transportation network, with a focus on high-impact routes, such as offshore services to Delma Island and Sir Bani Yas Island.

Regent is in the development stages of its passenger craft, Viceroy, which uses wing-in-ground effect to travel at speeds of up to 290kph within a wingspan of the water's surface, cutting travel times between coastal cities by more than half.

The company, which has demonstrated its float, foil and fly technology in testing on a quarter-scale model, is now building a full-scale 20-metre wingspan model capable of carrying 12 passengers and two crew to test its use before going into full production next year at its base in Rhode Island.

You're talking 50 per cent reduction in operating costs, which ostensibly all gets passed on to the customer as savings by going to seagliders Billy Thalheimer, Regent

Regent has had significant support from the industry and investors in raising its $60 million Series A Funding, including Abu Dhabi's Strategic Development Funds and Neom Investment Fund , which made the single largest investment in the round.

There has also been backing from Japan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Lockheed Martin and Shark Tank star and billionaire Mark Cuban , with total investment now standing at $90 million.

Co-founder and chief executive Billy Thalheimer said Regent also has a backorder of more than $9 billion from airline and ferry operators for both the Viceroy craft and the larger 100-passenger Monarch, which he expects will transform regional transport for coastal areas.

Regent has manufacturing and test facilities in Rhode Island and is "looking at other sites within the US" to develop its building capacity, Mr Thalheimer told The National .

To help meet orders in the Middle East, Europe and Indo-Pacific regions, Regent will "localise sea glider manufacturing in Abu Dhabi", he said.

"We’re working right now with Adio on the plan. Our intention is to establish manufacturing by the end of the decade," he said.

"The next step is to pull in all the relevant players, do site identification, manufacturing readiness and figure out what the whole plan looks like as to when can we start and what manufacturing will entail in Abu Dhabi."

Regent will be part of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (Savi) cluster, located in Masdar City, which aims to develop smart and self-driving vehicles for air, land and sea use.

Established as a multi-modal hub in October, Savi is expected to contribute between Dh90 billion and Dh120 billion ($24.5 billion to $32.7 billion) to the UAE's economy and generate up to 50,000 jobs.

Badr Al Olama, the director general of Adio, said Regent will "shape the future of coastal transportation".

"With immense speed and efficiency, I’m confident Abu Dhabi will see the global deployment of electric seagliders and these will dramatically change how goods and people move between the world’s coastal areas going forward," Mr Al Olama said in a news release on Thursday.

Production capacity will depend on demand, but Regent already has firm orders from an unnamed Abu Dhabi-based commercial operator and another in Egypt.

Final details on what will be built in Abu Dhabi are still being thrashed out, he said, but the plan is to have full production facilities in the emirate.

"What we're manufacturing is still part of the discussion," Mr Thalheimer said.

"The intention is to manufacture something but the goal would be full seagliders, and the next step is really figuring out what it actually looks like, putting the nuts and bolts of the details of the deal together."

Fly like a bird

Wing-in-ground effect technology has been around for more than 60 years and is based on using aerodynamic lift plus air pressure generated by flying close to the water surface – the same principle that allows gulls to glide low over the water.

Regent’s seaglider is designed with an intermediary position between boat and glider, popping up on a hydrofoil, allowing it to navigate busier waterways and inclement weather.

Once it has motored out of a harbour on a hydrofoil, the seaglider takes off at a low speed using the water as a runway, then flies over the waves at a top speed of 290kph.

It allows for quick access around coastal waters, particularly from islands to mainland, and is capable of serving routes of up to 300km with existing battery technology and 800km with next-gen batteries.

Abu Dhabi's Department of Transport, in an agreement announced at the DriftX event on Thursday, will integrate the use of seagliders in the emirate, starting with Delma Island, where 10,000 residents mainly use a once-daily flight to access services on the mainland, and Sir Bani Yas Island, home to a protected wildlife reserve and the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.

"Currently, it’s [Delma] serviced by Q400 turbo props with one flight a day," Mr Thalheimer said.

"You can imagine how inconvenient it is to have to take an aircraft which only goes once a day to leave your home to access economic opportunities, education, medical care. Seagliders increase the flexibility and access to the mainland for those on Delma Island."

Smart plans

Abu Dhabi has been working on providing residents with smarter, more efficient modes of transport.

In February, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen signed a twin-city agreement to share knowledge and collaborate on smart city projects across several areas including infrastructure, city planning, green mobility, transport, advanced technology, autonomous solutions, sustainability and urban development.

Abu Dhabi is also trialling driverless taxis in the emirate, while flying taxis are expected to hit Abu Dhabi and Dubai skies next year, cutting travel times significantly between the two emirates.

Mr Thalheimer said the seagliders will also help with inter-emirate connectivity and offer commuters an option to avoid busy motorways between Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.

"Right now, if you look at Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah, you're talking about a two and a half hour drive, at best. But [with seagliders] you will be able to do day trips and can do that trip in under an hour.

"It’s sort of like a Gulf Metro that seagliders would create here, which the DoT can operate."

The trip between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is one of the busiest road journeys in the UAE. Offering high-speed connections on water between the two cities would cut travel times by more than half.

"Seaglider would be about equal on that route. It would be a little faster than a car because you’re moving faster but obviously a car goes door to door but the seaglider has to go to the dock first.

"It would be about 25 minutes in terms of the voyage itself. So we can cut the travel time in half."

In December, Regent signed an agreement with Aramex, the Middle East's largest courier firm, to develop electric seagliders for middle-mile logistics.

It is also working with Saudi Arabia's Neom project to provide connectivity around the islands along the coastline, particularly Sindalah.

"Neom is looking for better connectivity – faster, cheaper, greener, more comfortable connectivity throughout the islands of the Red Sea," he said.

Of particular interest for airlines and ferry operators is the Monarch, which Mr Thalheimer said will enter into service "before the end of the decade".

"All of this technology, the ground effect even the hydrodynamics of the hydrofoil scales really well with size," he said.

"Aircraft flying at altitude, the bigger they get, the heavier they get, the more energy intensive they get, the harder it is to fly large aircraft with batteries."

He said ground effect offers an efficient form of flying that gives it a distinct advantage over aircraft.

"Always being over a place to land is very efficient in terms of how much reserve fuel you need to carry and the hydrodynamic scale very well with size," he said.

"You're talking 50 per cent reduction in operating costs, which ostensibly all gets passed on to the customer as savings by going to seagliders and by going to that large Monarch variant."

What is cloud seeding and did it cause record rainfall in Dubai?

Huge downpours which caused widespread disruption in the United Arab Emirates city have been attributed to a process that encourages rainfall - here we take a look at what the experts have said.

Wednesday 17 April 2024 21:37, UK

A record amount of rainfall was said to have caused "absolute carnage" in Dubai on Tuesday - with schools closed, flights suspended and people working from home.

More than 14cm (5.6 inches) of rain soaked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) city on Tuesday - the heaviest rainfall there since records began in 1949, the state-run WAM news agency said.

As people in Dubai continue to face disruption due to the downpours, some have suggested the rain could have been caused by a practice carried out by humans known as "cloud seeding".

Here we take a look at what the process involves and whether it was responsible for Dubai's wet Tuesday.

What is cloud seeding?

The practice is a type of weather modification process whereby small planes fly through clouds burning salt flares which can increase precipitation to help make it rain.

The UAE, located in one of the hottest and driest regions on Earth, has been leading the effort to seed clouds and increase precipitation.

Did cloud seeding cause the storm?

Following the downpour , several reports quoted meteorologists at the National Centre for Meteorology, the UAE's meteorology agency, as saying they flew six or seven cloud seeding flights before the rain.

Flight-tracking data showed that one aircraft linked to the UAE's cloud seeding efforts flew around the country on Sunday.

However, the meteorology agency told Reuters news agency there were no such operations before the storm.

It comes as a number of experts have also said it is unlikely the downpours would have been caused by cloud seeding.

What have the experts said?

Sky News weather producer Chris England said he doubted cloud seeding contributed to the downpour, as the evidence of the practice working is "pretty slim at best".

He added: "Some studies have indicated climate change will bring an increase in rainfall to the area."

Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London, also said it was misleading to talk about cloud seeding as the cause of the rainfall.

"Cloud seeding can't create clouds from nothing. It encourages water that is already in the sky to condense faster and drop water in certain places. So first, you need moisture," she said.

"Without it, there'd be no clouds."

Update: TOWIE stars stranded by floods forced to hitchhike

Dr Otto added that rainfall was becoming much heavier around the world as the climate warms because a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture.

Professor John Marsham, Met Office joint chair at the University of Leeds, said speculation around cloud seeding is a "distraction from the real story here".

"We know that man-made climate increases extreme rainfall - this is well understood physics as warm air holds more water.

"A rainfall event such as the one that caused the Dubai floods, which covered a large area and where over Dubai a year's worth of rain fell in one day, cannot happen without large-scale weather conditions driving enormous convergence of water vapour in the atmosphere and so extreme rainfall.

"Any possible effect of any cloud seeding in these circumstances would be tiny."

Professor Maarten Ambaum, a meteorologist at the University of Reading who has studied rainfall patterns in the Gulf region, said: "The UAE does have an operational cloud seeding programme to enhance the rainfall in this arid part of the world, however, there is no technology in existence that can create or even severely modify this kind of rainfall event."

Read more from Sky News What missiles could Israel use in an attack? Shannon Matthews' kidnapper dies Scotland set to scrap key climate targets

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If it wasn't cloud seeding - what did cause the storm?

Prof Ambaum said the UAE is characterised by long periods without rain and then "irregular, heavy rainfall".

He added: "These storms appear to be the result of a mesoscale convective system - a series of medium-sized thunderstorms caused by massive thunderclouds, formed as heat draws moisture up into the atmosphere. These can create large amounts of rain, and when they occur over a wide area and one after another, can lead to seriously heavy downpours. They can rapidly lead to surface water floods, as we have seen in places such as Dubai airport."

Meanwhile, climate scientists say that rising global temperatures, caused by human-led climate change, are leading to more extreme weather events around the world, including intense rainfall.

Esraa Alnaqbi, a senior forecaster at the UAE's National Centre of Meteorology, has said climate change likely contributed to the storm.

She said the Dubai downpour came after a low pressure system in the upper atmosphere and low pressure at the surface acted like a pressure "squeeze" on the air.

That squeeze, intensified by the contrast between warmer temperatures at ground level and colder temperatures higher up, created the conditions for the powerful thunderstorm, she said.

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Hot Oceans Worsened Dubai’s Dramatic Flooding, Scientists Say

An international team of researchers found that heavy rains had intensified in the region, though they couldn’t say for sure how much climate change was responsible.

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By Raymond Zhong

Scenes of flood-ravaged neighborhoods in one of the planet’s driest regions stunned the world this month. Heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates and Oman submerged cars, clogged highways and killed at least 21 people. Flights out of Dubai’s airport, a major global hub, were severely disrupted.

The downpours weren’t a total surprise — forecasters had anticipated the storms several days earlier and issued warnings. But they were certainly unusual.

Here’s what to know.

Heavy rain there is rare, but not unheard-of.

On average, the Arabian Peninsula receives a scant few inches of rain a year, although scientists have found that a sizable chunk of that precipitation falls in infrequent but severe bursts, not as periodic showers. These rains often come during El Niño conditions like the ones the world is experiencing now.

U.A.E. officials said the 24-hour rain total on April 16 was the country’s largest since records there began in 1949 . And parts of the nation had already experienced an earlier round of thunderstorms in March.

Oman, with its coastline on the Arabian Sea, is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones. Past storms there have brought torrential rain, powerful winds and mudslides, causing extensive damage.

Global warming is projected to intensify downpours.

Stronger storms are a key consequence of human-caused global warming. As the atmosphere gets hotter, it can hold more moisture, which can eventually make its way down to the earth as rain or snow.

But that doesn’t mean rainfall patterns are changing in precisely the same way across every part of the globe.

In their latest assessment of climate research , scientists convened by the United Nations found there wasn’t enough data to have firm conclusions about rainfall trends in the Arabian Peninsula and how climate change was affecting them. The researchers said, however, that if global warming were to be allowed to continue worsening in the coming decades, extreme downpours in the region would quite likely become more intense and more frequent.

Hot oceans are a big factor.

An international team of scientists has made a first attempt at estimating the extent to which climate change may have contributed to April’s storms. The researchers didn’t manage to pin down the connection precisely, though in their analysis, they did highlight one known driver of heavy rain in the region: above-normal ocean temperatures.

Large parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have been hotter than usual recently, in part because of El Niño and other natural weather cycles, and in part because of human-induced warming .

When looking only at El Niño years, the scientists estimated that storm events as infrequent as this month’s delivered 10 percent to 40 percent more rain to the region than they would in a world that hadn’t been warmed by human activities. They cautioned, however, that these estimates were highly uncertain.

“Rainfall, in general, is getting more extreme,” said Mansour Almazroui, a climate scientist at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and one of the researchers who contributed to the analysis.

The analysis was conducted by scientists affiliated with World Weather Attribution, a research collaboration that studies extreme weather events shortly after they occur. Their findings about this month’s rains haven’t yet been peer reviewed, but are based on standardized methods .

The role of cloud seeding isn’t clear.

The U.A.E. has for decades worked to increase rainfall and boost water supplies by seeding clouds. Essentially, this involves shooting particles into clouds to encourage the moisture to gather into larger, heavier droplets, ones that are more likely to fall as rain or snow.

Cloud seeding and other rain-enhancement methods have been tried around the world, including in Australia, China, India, Israel, South Africa and the United States. Studies have found that these operations can, at best, affect precipitation modestly — enough to turn a downpour into a bigger downpour, but probably not a drizzle into a deluge.

Still, experts said pinning down how much seeding might have contributed to this month’s storms would require detailed study.

“In general, it is quite a challenge to assess the impact of seeding,” said Luca Delle Monache, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. Dr. Delle Monache has been leading efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve the U.A.E.’s rain-enhancement program.

An official with the U.A.E.’s National Center of Meteorology, Omar Al Yazeedi, told news outlets that the agency didn’t conduct any seeding during the latest storms. His statements didn’t make clear, however, whether that was also true in the hours or days before.

Mr. Al Yazeedi didn’t respond to emailed questions from The New York Times, and Adel Kamal, a spokesman for the center, didn’t have further comment.

Cities in dry places just aren’t designed for floods.

Wherever it happens, flooding isn’t just a matter of how much rain comes down. It’s also about what happens to all that water once it’s on the ground — most critically, in the places people live.

Cities in arid regions often aren’t designed to drain very effectively. In these areas, paved surfaces block rain from seeping into the earth below, forcing it into drainage systems that can easily become overwhelmed.

One recent study of Sharjah , the capital of the third-largest emirate in the U.A.E., found that the city’s rapid growth over the past half-century had made it vulnerable to flooding at far lower levels of rain than before.

Omnia Al Desoukie contributed reporting.

Raymond Zhong reports on climate and environmental issues for The Times. More about Raymond Zhong

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Student pro-Palestine protests spread despite mass arrests

Police raid camps and gatherings at schools across the us, students at george washington university start protest camp to support gaza.

Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza

Thursday marked a week since students at Columbia University in New York started a protest camp over the Gaza war and demands for the school to divest from companies connected to Israel's action in the Palestinian territories.

Leila Obeid, a Jordanian-American student at Barnard College, said she has been at the Columbia camp since last Wednesday and will not leave until the university meets the protesters' demands.

“We have negotiations going on with the university, with the administration, but we know that they're not in good faith," Ms Obeid said.

"And they continue to put their students at risk and continue to reprimand their students who are just here to advocate to stop sending weapons to murder Palestinians in Gaza."

The university's order to have police clear the first protest tents and arrest more than 100 people last week has inspired other schools across the US and around the world to open their own camps.

Activist Jill Stein , the Green Party's presidential candidate for this year's election, visited the Columbia camp on Thursday.

Speaking to The National , Ms Stein accused US President Joe Biden of handing “off the baton for commander-in-chief” to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“He basically passed it to Netanyahu and said, 'Do what you like and we will fund you. We will not draw any red lines. We will be here to apologise for you',” she said.

“This is essentially like handing off the responsibilities … to the incredibly reckless and endangering criminal government of Israel.”

The protests that have caused upheaval at so many colleges and universities across the US made their way to the nation’s capital on Thursday, with hundreds of students demonstrating in support of Palestine at George Washington University.

In the early hours, students set up protest tents on the school’s central lawn, a few blocks away from the State Department .

By midday, about 30 tents had been erected and students were chanting in support of Palestine.

“ Intifada , revolution, there is only one solution and it's free, free Palestine,” the crowd chanted as many waved flags and held posters denouncing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Students have called for their universities to back a ceasefire in Gaza and divest from companies with ties to Israel.

“We’re protesting apartheid and our demands are divestment,” one student, Josh, told The National .

The third-year student said he was not worried about being arrested or expelled like students at other schools.

“They can’t arrest all of us and they’re not going to,” he said. “It's happening nationwide across multiple universities.”

Eric Hirshfield, a former student of the university, told The National that he had stopped by to see what was happening.

Pro-Palestine protests at US universities – in pictures

Activists and students take part in an encampment protest at George Washington University, in Washington. AFP

Mr Hirshfield, who wore a yarmulke and said he was pro-Israel and pro-Palestine, called the protesters “mostly peaceful”.

“I don’t feel uncomfortable,” he said.

“This is America [and you have the] right to protest as long as you don’t infringe upon the rights of others, and they’re not – they’re actually being good. They let me pass.”

Mikkel Rockman, a third-year student at Columbia who served in the Israeli army, told The National that protesters only talk about Palestinian suffering by making Jews and Israel out to be the enemy, but “what that does is it causes more violent rhetoric”.

“They've kind of turned the word 'Zionist' into an insult," Mr Rockman said.

"They've dehumanised us in a way that if you support Israel, and you don't support what they're doing, then you shouldn't be talked to … everything you say is a lie."

The State Department, which has been dealing with staff resignations over the conflict, said Mr Biden's administration is intent on pursuing what is in the “best interest” for the country.

“Of course, we see what is happening there,” State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said.

“But we're also not naive to the fact that, when it comes to any of the foreign policy that we pursue, 100 per cent of the population is not going to agree with what we're trying to accomplish.

“We are clear-eyed in the fact that what we're trying to pursue is in the best interest for the American people and is in the best interest of the national security of the American people.”

In New York, Columbia students faced a looming deadline to negotiate with administrators on how to dismantle their camp.

Sueda Polat, who is part of the student negotiations team at the university, told The National that they refuse to engage in discussions with the university if facing threats of militarised violence.

“I will say that the university students who are here have demonstrated an incredible will and an incredible resolve and resilience to be in this space,” she said.

“And I will say that they're committed to remaining in this space until the demands are met through the negotiations process.”

Protests continue at Columbia University after pro-Palestine camp arrests – video

Protests continue at columbia university after pro-palestine encampment arrests.

There have been calls nationally, including by House Speaker Mike Johnson on a Wednesday campus visit, for the National Guard to be sent in .

The university has denied it ever threatened to request the National Guard's presence.

Overnight, there were mass arrests reported at pro-Palestine camps and protest gatherings at three US schools.

More than 90 people were arrested at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and the campus was closed after the protest.

The USC has faced backlash over a decision not to allow Muslim valedictorian Asna Tabassum to speak at her commencement.

The university also on Thursday announced that it would not hold its main commencement event, instead choosing to host smaller ceremonies at individual schools.

Almost 100 people were taken into police custody at Emerson College in central Boston, while more than 50 were arrested at the University of Texas in Austin.