DUBAI

Location and General Information

Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of the same name, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (along with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm al-Quwain). It is located on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf, in the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai ranks second in terms of area (after Abu Dhabi), with impressive infrastructure, liberal policies, and various tourist attractions. It is one of the most extravagant places on Earth, a city of superlatives, where you can find the “biggest,” “tallest,” and “most luxurious.” Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only federal entities with veto power in national legislation on critical national issues.

The city of Dubai covers only 4,114 square kilometers and has a population of about 2 million people. It is in constant expansion with the construction of numerous artificial islands in the Arabian Gulf, undeniably making it a magnificent city, full of superlatives, where luxury is at home.

When you see the vast desert city, full of towering, shining skyscrapers, which Dubai has transformed into today, it is hard to imagine that this unique place started as a small fishing village. Although the discovery of oil in the 1960s marked a turning point for the development of the Emirate, Dubai actually has a rich history that began centuries ago.

In the past, the life of the locals was centered around fishing, pearl diving, boat building, and providing accommodation and assistance to merchants passing through, selling gold, spices, and textiles – exactly the products you can still find in today’s bazaars.

When is the Best Time to Visit Dubai?

Dubai does not have distinct seasons. While you can call them seasons, if you stay for a full 12-month cycle, you'll certainly notice the weather changes.

Dubai has a very pronounced desert climate, making it a very dry and hot city year-round. In the summer (May to September), temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, with daytime averages above 30°C.

Even in winter, the region remains pleasantly warm, with minimum temperatures around 15°C. During the day, temperatures can reach up to 24°C even in the coldest month, January. The water temperature varies throughout the year between 21-32°C, so swimming is comfortable all year round.

As for the best time to visit, Dubai can be visited year-round as there is no rainy season and no storms, though sandstorms can occasionally occur. However, during the summer, the heat may be unbearable for some people. On the other hand, hotels offer huge discounts, even during peak vacation periods due to the intense heat, which can be a bonus if you enjoy warm weather.

Experts recommend visiting Dubai in the winter and spring months. Between December and April, you can expect temperatures ranging from 24-32°C, with 8-10 hours of sunshine per day and pleasant cooling at night. However, keep in mind that January might not be the best time for swimming.

How to Get to Dubai

Direct flights are available from Chisinau with Fly One and Wizz Air.

Entry Requirements and Stay Regulations in Dubai

Under normal circumstances, citizens of Moldova need a visa, which is processed within 3-4 days. Romanian citizens can travel to the UAE with just a regular passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.

The maximum stay period for holders of regular passports is 90 days within a 180-day period.

According to the agreement between the European Union and the UAE regarding short-stay visa exemptions, which came into force on May 6, 2015, European citizens, including Romanians, do not need a visa to enter the UAE.

Getting Around in Dubai

The long distances between Dubai's main attractions are best covered by the metro or taxis. While prices are not the cheapest for hotels or restaurants, taxis are relatively affordable and provide the freedom you need to set your own pace, avoiding the traffic problems Dubai is known for. The metro system is expanding rapidly, and existing lines lead tourists to the city's most important areas, including Dubai Airport (IATA: DBX). The airport is only 8 kilometers from the city center, and access to and from the airport can be made by either metro or taxi, though you can also rent a car. However, driving in Dubai with a rented car is not for everyone, as traffic can be intense, and the speed limit is fairly high.

Taxi Service

Taxi is one of the most efficient modes of transport, with reasonable prices. Taxis are easy to recognize by their red or pink rooftops. Pink taxis are specifically for women, driven by women. All taxis are equipped with meters, with a starting fare around 3 dirhams (60 euro cents), and the fare per kilometer is about 2 dirhams (40 euro cents). The minimum fare for a taxi ride is 10 dirhams (around 2 euros). Keep in mind that Dubai does not use the same address numbering system as Romania; you must provide the driver with a relative address, based on a key intersection or nearby landmark. From Dubai Airport, a taxi to the city costs a flat rate of 20 dirhams (4 euros or 5.5 dollars).

Metro

Although established in 2009, Dubai’s metro system continues to expand at a rapid pace. The main routes are divided into zones, with fares starting from 1.80 dirhams (about 30 euro cents) and going up to 5.80 dirhams, depending on the distance traveled. If you plan to use public transport frequently, it would be useful to purchase a NOL card, valid for both metro and bus travel, and even for water transport. Cards can be purchased at metro stations. The metro operates from 6:00 AM to midnight or 1:00 AM, depending on the day. Fridays have special operating hours, from 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Bus Transport

There are more than 75 official routes within the city of Dubai, and over 15 routes between emirates. Like the metro, bus fares start from 1.80 dirhams and go up to 5.80 dirhams, which can be paid using NOL cards. Although the timetable is quite reasonable, delays due to traffic are common. Since Dubai does not have numbered addresses, bus transport can be confusing. Try to use the metro whenever possible.

Water Transport

Boats have played an important role in Dubai’s transport system and are still used as a primary means of transport for locals and visitors around the Dubai Creek. For just 1 dirham, you can cross the creek on a traditional "abra," a wooden boat that has populated the UAE waters for centuries. Stations are located around the creek in the city center. Boats do not operate on a fixed schedule but depart when they are full, similar to some microbuses. A new addition to Dubai’s transport system is the Dubai Waterbus. These boats are more comfortable, spacious, and equipped with air conditioning. The main station is near downtown Dubai, and a ride costs twice as much as an abra – 2 dirhams. Payment is also possible with a NOL card.

With a Rented Car and Speed Limits

You only need a car in Dubai if you plan to leave the city to visit nearby attractions. While rental cars are relatively affordable (with varying prices), and roads are in excellent condition, Dubai’s road etiquette leaves much to be desired.

The speed limit on Dubai's main roads, especially those connecting emirates, is 120 km/h, but it is common to tolerate speeds of up to 20 km/h higher. This means that on some roads, a speed of up to 141 km/h is considered legal (exclusive). You can rent a car at the airport or from rental centers, mostly located in the city center. To rent a car in Dubai, you need an international driving permit.

Tourist Attractions

Known as the "City of Gold," Dubai offers a complete package: entertainment, relaxation, shopping, strolls, thrilling experiences, culture, history, and impressive tourist attractions.

Dubai is the most popular tourist destination in the UAE and justifiably so. The city boasts a wide range of unique attractions that have helped make it a standout on the Middle Eastern tourism map.

Burj Khalifa

Known as Burj Dubai before its inauguration, it is the tallest building in the world, standing at 829 meters! Officially opened in early 2010, it is the tallest building in the world, with 163 floors. Inside the building is the first Armani hotel in the world, with over 300 rooms designed by the famous Italian designer. The building has set many records, including being the tallest building, the tallest structure, the highest residential space, and the building with the most floors.

For tourists, the main attraction is the observation deck on the 124th floor, "At the Top." It is situated 442 meters above ground, offering a perfect view of other tourist attractions in Dubai. Visitors reach the observation deck via high-speed elevators that travel at 10 meters per second. Burj Khalifa also boasts the highest elevator in use anywhere in the world. There is also the option to visit the 148th floor, the "At the Top-Sky Experience," which has an outdoor observation deck at 555 meters, the highest in the world.

Tip: We recommend booking tickets online to avoid long lines at the entrance. You can select your preferred date, package/type of visit, and time, buy your ticket, and simply show your email confirmation at the entrance. There are no “on-site” tickets for Burj Khalifa.

Dubai Fountain

One of the most important attractions you shouldn’t miss, the Dubai Fountain shoots water up to 150 meters high. Each water jet is illuminated and moves in sync with the musical themes. There are two afternoon shows (1:00 PM and 1

:30 PM) and two evening shows (at 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM), with performances occurring every 30 minutes, until 11:00 PM. The Dubai Fountain is located just in front of the Burj Khalifa, in the heart of downtown.

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest artificial island, shaped like a palm tree. It is a marvel of modern engineering and is home to luxurious hotels, private villas, resorts, restaurants, and shops. You can visit the Atlantis The Palm hotel, an iconic five-star resort, and enjoy an array of water parks, beaches, and entertainment options.

Dubai Mall

It is the largest shopping mall in the world by total area. With more than 1,200 stores, luxury brands, and attractions like the Dubai Aquarium, Ice Rink, and an indoor theme park, the Dubai Mall offers everything you need for an exceptional shopping experience.