Travel insurance for Dubai

4. The Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeriah is a man-made island that’s been shaped to look like a palm tree. It stretches out into the sea and is home to luxury hotels like Atlantis, The Palm. The island has beautiful beaches, a large waterpark and a huge aquarium. You can relax on its sandy shores, try jet-skiing or paddleboarding, or enjoy the view from the observation deck at The Palm.

5. Dubai Desert Safari

Want to see more than just the city? Take on an exciting adventure with the Dubai desert safari. You can go dune bashing in a 4x4 car, ride a camel or try sandboarding down the dunes. Many tours stop at a traditional desert camp where you can enjoy a barbecue dinner and watch cultural shows like belly dancing and tanoura spinning. It’s a fun way to explore the desert and learn about local traditions.

6. The Dubai Fountain
Found next to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. It shoots water up to 150m in the air, all timed to music and colourful lights. The show runs every 30 minutes in the evening and is free to watch. For a closer view, you can take a fountain boardwalk or book a boat ride on Burj Lake during the show.

7. Al Fahidi Historical District
Step back in time at the Al Fahidi Historical District. It’s one of the oldest parts of the city, with its narrow lanes, traditional wind towers, mud-brick houses and museums that show what life was like before the city became modern. You can also visit art galleries, sip Arabic coffee in a quiet courtyard cafe or take part in cultural workshops that teach you more about Emirati life and history.

8. Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is a natural waterway that separates old and new Dubai. For a scenic and affordable way to travel, hop on a traditional abra boat for a short ride across the creek. You’ll find souks, or markets, along the banks, where you can shop for spices, golds and textiles and watch wooden dhows being loaded with goods, just like in the past.

9. Jumeirah Beach

Jumeirah Beach is one of Dubai’s most popular spots to relax and swim. The beach has soft white sands, clear blue waters and amazing views of the Burj Al Arab, one of the world’s most famous hotels. There are areas for walking, cycling and water sports, plus cafés and food trucks nearby if you want a snack or cold drink.

10. Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is one of the city’s most eye-catching landmarks. Shaped like a giant picture frame, this impressive structure stands at 150m tall and offers amazing views of both old and new Dubai from the top. Take the lift up to the Sky Deck where you can walk across a glass floor and look straight down, if you’re brave enough. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that show how the city has changed over the years, from a fishing village to a global city.

Why it’s important to have travel insurance for Dubai

You don’t have to take out travel insurance for Dubai but not having it can be risky. The benefits outweigh the risks, especially as medical care, if you need it, can be expensive in Dubai. Travel insurance can help cover these costs.

Travel insurance can also help protect you against other things too. This includes trip cancellations and delays or lost or stolen belongings.

What does travel insurance cover for Dubai trips?

Post Office Travel Insurance can help if something unexpected happens while you’re in Dubai. It can cover:

• Emergency medical costs: If you get ill or hurt, we can help pay for your treatment and help you get back home. Our policies also include 24/7 outpatient support
• Cancelling or cutting your trip short: If you have to cancel or come home early for a reason listed in your policy, we’ll pay you back for unused travel and hotel bookings up to the policy limits
• Lost, stolen or damaged belongings: Like your suitcase, passport or money. Check the cover limits and make sure you report any loss to the police within 48 hours
• Missed or delayed flights: If your international transport is late or you miss it (for certain reasons and with certain cover levels)
• Personal accidents and legal costs: If something serious happens, we can help with legal fees and personal accident claims

You can choose our economy, standard or premier cover level, depending on how much protection you want.

What doesn’t travel insurance cover for Dubai?

Travel insurance helps with a lot but not everything. You might not be able to claim if:

• You don’t tell us about a pre-existing medical condition when you take out your policy
• You do risky sports without the right cover 
• You get hurt, cause damage or lose your possessions due to alcohol
• You break the law or go against local guidance abroad
• You miss a flight by mistake, such as sleeping through your alarm

Always check your policy carefully so you know what is and isn’t covered.

What extra cover can you pay to add?

You can pay to add extra protection to your policy if needed, including:

• Gadget cover: For smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices
• Excess waiver: So you won’t need to pay the first part of a claim
• Trip disruption cover: In case your trip is affected by Covid-19, natural catastrophes, terrorism or airspace disruption
• Extended trip cover: So you can travel for longer on an annual multi-trip policy
• Cruise cover: Essential if you’re taking a cruise
• Winter sports cover: Covers the additional risks involved in skiing, snowboarding or similar

This way, you can tailor your insurance to the specifics of your Dubai trip.

Travel risks and considerations for Dubai

Legal and safety:

• Crime is low in Dubai, but you should take the usual safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or unfamiliar areas, especially if you're travelling alone. Use licensed taxis or ride apps like Uber
• Alcohol is only allowed in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants and bars. Drinking or appearing drunk in public, even at the airport, can lead to arrest. Alcohol is fully banned in Sharjah
• Drug laws are extremely strict. Even tiny amounts in your system from use before arrival can lead to arrest. Drug possession or trafficking can result in long prison sentences or the death penalty

 Behaviour and cultural norms:

• Modest dress is expected in public. Shoulders and upper legs should be covered and see-through or revealing clothing is discouraged. Swimwear is fine at hotel pools, beaches and resorts but cover up before leaving those areas
• Unmarried couples may face restrictions. Sex outside marriage is illegal and, in some hotels, you may be asked to book separate rooms. This is especially true in more conservative areas
• Same-sex relationships are illegal and public displays of affection, especially between same-sex couples, can lead to arrest. While private life is generally respected, the law does not recognise LGBTQ+ identities or relationships
• Criticism of the UAE or expressing sympathy for Qatar (especially online) is a criminal offence

 During Ramadan:

• Don't eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. Many hotels and resorts have private dining areas where tourists can eat during the day

 Travel admin:

• Carry your passport or valid ID at all times. Photocopies may not be accepted if you're asked to show identification

Medical care and vaccinations for Dubai

Dubai has world-class healthcare but treatment can be expensive, especially for tourists.

• Travel insurance should cover medical treatment, emergencies and repatriation
• No vaccines are needed for entry into Dubai, but it’s a good idea to be up to date on routine immunisations like measles, tetanus and polio
• In emergencies, you can call 999 for an ambulance, 998 for a fire or 997 for police

Getting around Dubai

Dubai has a modern and well-connected transport system, making it easy to get around.

• Metro: The Dubai Metro is clean, air-conditioned and easy to use. It connects major attractions, Downtown Dubai and the airport
• Taxis: Taxis are widely available, but it’s best to use official RTA taxis or apps like Careem or Uber
• Car rentals: You can rent a car but traffic can be heavy and parking is expensive in popular areas. You’ll also need an international driving permit if your license isn’t in English or Arabic
• Buses: Dubai has a reliable and budget-friendly bus network which covers most of the city
• Trams and Monorail: The Dubai Tram runs through Dubai Marina and Jumeriah Beach Residence. The Palm Monorail connects the mainland to Palm Jumeriah, stopping at attractions like Atlantis, The Palm