Business trip to Dubai. Find out what you need to know!

Dubai is one of the most frequently visited business destinations. It's the Middle East's conference and exhibition center. Year-round international trade fairs, meetings with business partners from around the world, and a dynamically developing service sector have made business trips to this city a daily occurrence for many Polish companies. Amidst the rush of preparations and planning for business trips, it's essential to ensure that all entry formalities are met.

Do you need a visa for Dubai?

Polish citizens do not require a visa to enter Dubai (or, more broadly, the United Arab Emirates) for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. Visa-free travel is possible thanks to international agreements. If you plan to stay longer in Dubai or work, you will need the appropriate work, residence, or long-term visa.

Passport requirements for entering Dubai

A biometric passport is required to enter Dubai. This document must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry. The UAE authorities prohibit entry with an ID card or a temporary passport. At Dubai Airport, you will receive a free passport stamp, which entitles you to a stay of up to 90 days for tourism and business purposes.

Business trip to Dubai – what does it look like in practice?

Poles can visit Dubai for business purposes on a short-term visa-free basis. This means you can:

• participate in conferences,
• visit trade fairs,
• conduct talks with contractors/potential partners,
• attend training sessions, presentations, and networking meetings.

However, you cannot perform paid work locally (i.e., be employed by a local company without obtaining a work visa).

In what situations is a Dubai visa required?

Obtaining the right type of visa is necessary if you plan to:

• stay in Dubai for more than 90 days,
• open a business,
• invest in real estate,
• start a permanent job.

Below, we briefly discuss the basic types of visas.

Work visa

This type of visa is issued to individuals seeking employment in the United Arab Emirates. The process is handled by the employer, who applies to the local government office. The document is typically valid for two years, and in the next step, it allows you to obtain resident status.

Resident visa

A residence visa is granted to people who live in Dubai for a longer period, e.g., for work, running a business, investing, or owning real estate.

Long-term visa

It allows for stays longer than the standard 90 days. It is intended for individuals who are not working but are involved in business projects or are in Dubai for family reasons. The UAE authorities can also grant a so-called golden visa, entitling them to a long-term stay of 5 or 10 years. Investors or educated professionals (e.g., doctors or scientists) can apply for this visa.

Dubai travel insurance

Regardless of whether a visa to Dubai is required, always remember to have travel insurance. Medical costs in the United Arab Emirates can be very high, and medical treatment often begins only after a cash deposit. Never choose the cheapest insurance options, as they often don't cover all essential medical services. Travel insurance should be tailored to your needs and plans for the entire business trip. Therefore, ensure you have comprehensive coverage that will provide you with peace of mind and security in the event of an unexpected event.

Other useful information about your business trip to Dubai

Dubai is modern and open to business, but strict regulations apply, so when traveling on business, it is worth having:

• confirmation of hotel reservation or stay address,
• return ticket or for an onward business trip.

It is worth remembering a few other key principles that are important in Muslim countries:

• Make sure you dress appropriately. European attire is acceptable in hotels and offices, but in public places, it's best to avoid wearing clothes that are too short,
• do not photograph government or military facilities or officials,
• Respect Ramadan – during this period, eating, drinking, or smoking in public is not allowed from sunrise to sunset,
• Do not post offensive content about the UAE online – even on social media.

In Dubai, the official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Public holidays are Friday and Saturday, although the private sector often works on Saturdays. The best time for business travel is from October to April. Temperatures during these months are around 25 - 30°C.

Is it allowed to take medications for personal use?

Please note that the UAE has strict regulations regarding the import of medicinal products. Some common medications available in Poland may be prohibited or require a permit. You can only bring a three-month supply of medications in their original packaging. Additionally, you must have an original prescription with dosage instructions and a medical certificate that has been translated into either English or Arabic. You can apply for permission to transport medications online. Details and a list of controlled substances can be found on the official website of the Emirati Ministry of Health.

Local transport in Dubai

For short stays (up to 30 days), you can drive if you have an international driving licence and rent from a licensed rental company. A credit card is required to secure a deposit for on-site rentals. However, driving a private or company car is not permitted. Only after obtaining the appropriate visa and a longer stay can you apply for a local driving licence. Traffic regulations in Dubai are very strict. The radar system is extremely effective, and the fines issued are high.