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Dubai International Airport fully rolled out its “Smart Travel” biometric system to US passport holders in mid-2025. You no longer need to stamp your passport at a manned counter; instead, simply look at the camera at the Smart Gates for facial recognition entry. This reduces immigration wait times from 45 minutes to under 60 seconds during peak arrival banks (11 PM – 2 AM). However, you must have entered the UAE at least once before to register your biometrics, or register quickly at the kiosk upon arrival.

United Airlines and Emirates expanded their codeshare partnership in late 2025, adding new connectivity options through Newark (EWR) and Dulles (IAD). While direct capacity remains stable, the new agreements mean seamless single-ticket bookings from secondary US cities like Charlotte or St. Louis to Dubai are now cheaper and more reliable. Additionally, Air Canada increased its Vancouver-Dubai frequency to daily service starting November 2025 to meet high winter demand.

Generally, no—WhatsApp calls and FaceTime audio/video are blocked by UAE telecom regulations. While text messages work fine, voice calls will not connect unless you are using a VPN (which is technically a legal grey area). The official alternative is to download the “Botim” app, which is the government-approved VoIP service. Most hotels and tourists simply use Zoom or Microsoft Teams, which usually work without restrictions on hotel WiFi networks.

In malls and hotels, the dress code is relaxed—shorts and t-shirts are fine, though swimwear is for the beach only. However, mosques like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque enforce strict modesty: men must wear long trousers (no shorts), and women must cover their hair, arms, and legs completely (an Abaya is usually provided or required). In public spaces, avoid clothing with offensive slogans or excessively sheer fabrics to be respectful.

Yes, but only in licensed venues like hotels, clubs, and restaurants—and specific rules vary by emirate. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are very open, serving alcohol freely in tourist areas. However, Sharjah is a “dry emirate” where alcohol is strictly prohibited everywhere, including hotels. Public intoxication is a serious crime nationwide; never drink on the street or appear drunk in public spaces, as this can lead to arrest.

Download the Careem app—it’s the local “super app” that lets you book standard RTA (beige) taxis at meter rates, which are 30-40% cheaper than Uber. Uber exists but only offers “UberSelect” (Lexus/Tesla) luxury cars at a premium. A standard taxi from DXB to Dubai Marina costs about $25-30, whereas an Uber might run $40-50. Careem also allows you to pay for standard taxis via credit card through the app, avoiding the need for cash.

Tipping is not mandatory but is highly appreciated, as service staff wages are relatively low. A service charge is often included in the bill, but this usually goes to the restaurant ownership, not the waiter. A tip of 10-15% cash directly to your server is the gold standard for good service. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 Dirhams is customary and polite.

Tap water is technically safe and desalinated, but pipes in older buildings can affect quality, so almost everyone drinks bottled water. It’s cheap and readily available everywhere. If you want to be eco-friendly, many 5-star hotels now provide filtered water stations or glass bottles to reduce plastic waste. For brushing teeth, tap water is perfectly fine.