KWSEZ.com - 2nd Global Free Trade & Special Economic Zones Exhibition & Summit

Dubai is one of the few cities in the world that has undergone such a rapid transformation - from a humble beginning as a pearl-diving centre - to one of the fastest growing cities on earth. Dubai today is a tourism, trade and logistics hub and has earned itself the reputation of being the ‘gateway between the east and the west.’ It is also considered as the dynamic nucleus of the Arabian Gulf region.

Home to just over 2 million people from more than 200 nationalities, Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Living in Dubai has a lot to offer. It is safe, politically stable, centrally located, has a good education system and healthcare facilities, modern infrastructure and much more. The sun shines almost every day, the shopping and leisure facilities are impressive, and the salaries are tax-free.

Living in Dubai is exciting, something new and different happens ever so often. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a new project is announced, whether it is the launch of a sports stadium, a mega commercial tower, a residential enclave or yet another shopping mall! Dubai is constantly on the move, striving for greater heights and more facilities and comfort for its residents and visitors.

Dubai is without a doubt a destination of the 21st century. Read any article about the fastest growing city in the region and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll see the words ‘ambitious’, ‘record-breaking’ and ‘staggering’. This meteoric growth has not gone unnoticed, and each year thousands of expats arrive to claim a slice of the action.
If you are planning to make Dubai your new home, take a look at these videos from a cross-section of people who live here and what they have to say: www.thisisdubai.ae/

If you are already living here in Dubai, read the pages of this portal regularly and explore new things to do, places to see, restaurants to dine in, movies to see or enjoy a show.

BUSINESS HOURS
Business: 0800-1300 and 1600-1930, Sunday to Thursday. Most of the multinational companies work from 0900-1800 with a one hour lunch break.

Government offices: 0730-1430, Sunday to Thursday.
Exchange houses: 1000-2200.
Shopping malls: 1000-2200, Sunday to Wednesday and 1000-0000, Thursday and Friday.

CLIMATE
The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. May to September is summer, when temperatures range between 40C and 48C. However, during the winter months, temperatures range from 10C to 30C. Rainfall is predominantly in winter and amounts to some 13cm annually.

CLOTHING
Summer clothing may be worn for most of the year but the temperature can drop during the winter. At the pool or on the private beaches, swimwear is quite acceptable, but when in the city and public areas, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing that may be considered revealing.

CURRENCY
The monetary unit is the Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils. It is fixed to the US dollar at a current rate of US$1 = Dhs3.675.

ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. Standard, British square three-pin plugs are the norm in most hotels. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

LANGUAGE
The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country.

LOCAL TIME
Gulf Standard Time: + 4 hours GMT.

Visas on Arrival

The good news is that the UAE authorities have taken steps to make the visa application process as straightforward as possible. GCC nationals and citizens of 32 countries (nationals of countries listed below) do not require visas prior to arrival at a UAE airport and there are efficient systems in place to simplify the application process for visitors not falling into one of the above categories. If you are coming to work in the UAE you will require a visa that can only be obtained on your behalf by your employer or sponsor.

The kind of visa that you require for entry into the UAE depends on several different factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your planned visit and its planned duration. Please read the following details carefully and refer to the regulations listed below. Note that visa regulations are subject to change so it is always advisable to check with your embassy before travelling.

If you are a national citizen of a GCC country you do not require a visa to visit the UAE. You will simply need to produce your GCC country passport upon arrival at the point of entry into the UAE.

Visas will also be issued to escorts of GCC nationals including domestic helpers for a renewable duration of 60 days.

Documents required include the original passport of the sponsored person and a valid residency visa.

GCC Residents who are not GCC nationals but who have a high professional status such as company managers, business people, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, or employees working in the public sector, their families, drivers and personal staff sponsored by them, are eligible for a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry.
Documents required include the original passport of the sponsored person, a valid residency visa and proof of employment in the country of residence.

Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a free-of-charge visit visa at all UAE

Australia
Andorra
Austria
Brunei
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong

Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway

Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States of America
The Vatican

The visa is valid for 30 days, renewable once.
Canada was dropped from this list in January 2011. However, the indications are that it will be reinstated by May 2013.

The list of eligible countries may vary from time to time and it is therefore necessary to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE prior to departure.

If you do NOT fall into one of the above categories, you will require a visa and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor normally applies for the visa on your behalf.

Valid sponsors may be as follows:
a) Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply, on your behalf, for a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days); or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days); or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days).
b) Airlines & Airlines Handlers apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour Transit Visa.
c) Other organisations based in the UAE may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas.
d) Individuals (relatives or friends) already resident in the UAE may, subject to guidelines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.
Visit Visa
The Visit Visa applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 14 days in UAE, those coming for family visits as well as those on long-term business visits. It requires the sponsorship of any UAE resident or any company or hotel licensed to operate within the UAE. A refundable guarantee is required from expatriates who wish to sponsor distant relatives.

90-Day Long-Term Visit Visa (Individuals)
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsor or authorised signatories (signed and stamped).
Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Clear passport copy of the sponsored person
A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached
Proof of family relationship (kinship)
Travel insurance
* Fees: AED 1110 e-DNRD Fees. AED 1120 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.
Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable

30-Day Short-Term Visit Visa (Individuals)
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorised signatories (signed and stamped).
Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Clear passport copy of the sponsored person
A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached
Proof of family relationship
Travel insurance
* Fees: AED 610 e-DNRD fees.AED 620 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from arrival date and non-renewable

30-Day Short-Term Visit Visa (Companies)
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorised signatories (signed and stamped).
Required documents:

Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Copy of the establishment card
Travel insurance
Fees: AED 610 e-DNRD fees. AED 620 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.
Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and non-renewable.

90-Day Long-term Visit Visa (Companies)

E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorised signatories (signed and stamped).
Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Copy of the establishment card
Travel insurance
Fees: AED 1100 e-DNRD fees. AED 1120 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.
Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable.

Tourist Visa
The Tourist Visa is a special category of visa under the Visit Visa type. This can be obtained for individual tourists from East and West Europe, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, the Hellenic Republic, St Kitts-Navis, St Lucia, Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Jamaica, Palao other non-defined American nationalities, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, China, Malta, Cyprus.

The Tourist Visa entitles its holder to a 30-day stay and is non-renewable. The Tourist Visa requires the sponsorship of hotels and tour operators who bring in visitors from the above listed countries.
Tourist Visa for all Nationalities (Tourist companies):
Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Travel insurance

Fees: AED 210 e-DNRD fees,AED 220 e-form fees, AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and renewable for the similar period (30 days), upon payment of a fees of AED 620.
Service is provided through the e-DNRD e-Services.

Multiple Entry Visas
From September 2012, Multiple-entry Visas are being issued to visitors on board cruise ships since their schedule usually includes entering the country more than once in a single trip.
Multiple-entry Visas are also issued to business visitors who have a relationship with either a multinational or other reputable local company, and who are frequent visitors to the UAE. This type of visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and the duration of each stay is 30 days. The validity is non-renewable. The cost of this visa is AED 1000.

The visitor must enter the UAE on a Visit Visa and obtain the Multiple Entry Visa while in the country. The visa is stamped in the passport.

German Citizens
German citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassy in Germany for a one- or two-year multiple-entry visa. No sponsor is required. The maximum duration of stay of visa holders should not exceed three months per year. The visa fee is AED 1500

US Citizens
US citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassies in the US for one to ten-year multiple-entry visas. A sponsor is required and the visa will be granted free of charge. The maximum duration of stay should not exceed six months per visit.

Transit Visa
Transit passengers stopping at Dubai International Airport for a minimum of 8 hours are eligible for a 96-hour transit visa. A valid onward ticket is required
Passports or travel documents must be valid for at least three months.
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for the 96-hour visa on arrival:
Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen.
Transit visas for passengers arriving at Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports can be arranged by Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways for their passengers or by Marhaba Services for those travelling on other airlines. Marhaba Services Tel: 00971 4 2162657; 2164629
email: marhaba@emirates.com

Exhibitions/Festivals/Conferences
Government and Private Establishments

E-forms application form (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorised signatories (signed and stamped).
Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Copy of the establishment card
Copy of the trade licence
Letter from the concerned entity announcing the exhibition, festival or conference
Travel insurance
Fees: AED 210 e-DNRD fees, AED 220 e-form fees, AED1,000 deposit refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.

Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from the issue date and non-renewable.

UAE Visa Requirements For CANADIAN Citizens
In January 2011, the UAE dropped Canada from a list of 33 countries (see above) whose citizens can obtain a free visit visa on arrival. The indications are that the old visa regime will be restored by May 2013.
Check with the UAE Embassy in Canada

Until then, the following regulation apply:
I. Visas Issued from the UAE Embassy in Ottawa:
1) Visa Application form to be correctly and fully completed (typed).
2) Clear and recent passport size photo.
3) Passport copy (Passport must be valid for at least 6 months at departure).
4) Complete the Attachment to the Visa Application & the Application Form.
5) Money order, certified cheque or draft cheque with the correct amount in Canadian currency must be made payable to the UAE Embassy, Ottawa.
6) The amount paid is non-refundable in the event of a visa refusal.
7) The Visa application (with all requirements), a self-addressed prepaid return envelope and the money order must be sent by courier to the UAE Embassy, attention Visa Section.
8) The complete Visa Application must be sent to the UAE Embassy 15 working days before the departure date.

PLEASE NOTE:
Applications should be mailed to the following address:
UAE Embassy
Visa Section
125 Boteler Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 0A4

The Visa Section will accept applications by mail.
II. Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways in Canada can issue the following Visas to Canadian Citizens:
* Visit Visas
* Tourist Visas
* Transit Visas.

III. Please find below contact details for Emirates and Etihad :

1) Emirates Airlines
90 Sheppard Ave.East, Suite 101
Toronto
ON M2N 3A1
Tel: 416-221-0039
www.emirates.com

2) Etihad Airways
25 York Street, Suite 608
Toronto, Ontario
Tel: 416-221-4744
www.etihadairways.com
IV. Travel agencies and hotels in the UAE can issue the following visas to Canadian Citizens:
* Visit Visas
* Tourist Visas
V. Visas Fees:

Multiple Entry Visa $1000 (Valid for 6 months, maximum stay in UAE 14 days each visit)
Long term Visa $500 (Valid for 3 months, not renewable)

Short term Visa $250 (Valid for 30 days, not renewable)