How to go to Dubai from KSA

Dubai is only 2 hours away from Saudi Arabia and it is the best destination for a 3-4 days vacation. We have been looking forward to our EID Vacation since this is the only time that we can get out of work and live a stress free life.

1. Check Tickets Online - usually tickets are more expensive during Eid. So if you really wanted to pouch through with this vacation, better plan ahead and search for tickets at least 3 months in advance. My favorite site to check tickets online is the sky scanner website. You can also download their apps on your smartphone or iPhone and it look like this

 

 2. Book Hotel- you can book hotel in advance at no extra cost and no cancellation fee, all you need is a credit card to guarantee your reservation. There are many booking sites online that offers this deal but my favorite booking site is Booking.com like sky scanner they also have an application that you can download on your gadgets. Booking.com logo looks like this..

3. Get Visa- the normal process like in getting your Schengen Visa is to have the tickets and booking confirmation first. In UAE however, there are other options. You can get a tourist visa which is sponsored by a hotel or a travel agency which fortunately you can also get online and no need to visit the UAE embassy in Riyadh. You can also have a family sponsored Visa if you have relatives living in UAE. If you are a GCC Resident i.e. you are an expat living in KSA or any other countries under the Gulf Country Council the easiest way for you is to get Visa On Arrival. There are rules in getting VISA On Arrival and you can get it here. The Visa on Arrival for GCC Residents in KSA depends on the profession written on your Iqama, usually professionals like doctors, lawyers etc. and their dependents under their sponsorship can get Visa on Arrival. If you are in doubt you should call the UAE Embassy in Riyadh, The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs- Dubai or directly call the Dubai Airport and get connected with the immigration dept.

What Are the Requirements in Getting Visa on Arrival:

1. Passport valid for at least 6 months

2. Original Iqama

3. Exit Re- Entry Visa

4. Letter of Employement - not required but a very good supporting document in case your Job Description is questioned 

5. AED 220 as payment. 

Procedure in Getting Visa On Arrival:

1. Pay AED 220 at the Foreign Exchange Counter. They will give you a form to fill up.

2. Once the form is filled up queue at the Immigration and present all the above documents.

3. The Eye Scanning procedure is also done in that section.

4. They will stamp your Visa and Passport for a 30 day Visit Visa.  

Then off you go to visit Dubai. 

NOTE: If you think your job is not listed better get visa on advance to save you the trouble of being held at the immigration or being sent where you came from. 

Read My Definitely Dubai Experience on my next post.

Hope this helps...Happy Trip!