Medical Tourism in UAE: Guidelines
The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a great combination of the old and modern day world. It is primarily conservative where people still follow old cultural customs and beliefs. However, the infrastructure and facilities resemble the modern world and Dubai, especially, can be safely called as the Middle-Eastern Vegas.
Therefore, it becomes all the more important to know about the UAE in detail prior to traveling to any of its Emirates. The following sections will help you understand more about the UAE and what to expect there.
What to expect?
- Accommodation: The accommodation expenses in the UAE depends on how well you can spend. There are budget hotels in a city like Dubai, which is known for its happening nightlife and luxury shopping. One night stay at a budget hotel in Dubai may cost anywhere between $50 and $60. Hostel accommodation is not quite popular in the UAE.
- Food: A one-time meal in Dubai may cost around $7 at a cheap hotel or a restaurant and a fast food meal may cost around $6 per meal. If you decide to eat at a mid-range hotel, you may have to spend around $30 for a single meal. Groceries worth a week may cost anywhere around $70.
- Transportation: The transportation network in the UAE is well developed and maintained. From buses to metro and taxis, you can get whatever you need to reach the destination of your choice.
Based on the charges for different services, you can prepare yourself to spend anywhere around $80 in a city like Dubai for a single day. You can apply a few budget tips to minimize your expenses, but if you decide to make your stay as luxurious as possible, expect to spend far greater than just $80.
Need help finding the right hospital?
Special Guidelines For Medical Tourists
- Seek approval from your physician or medical provider before planning a leisure trip to the selected destinations.
- Always keep your proof of treatment and visa with you all the times.
- Keep all your medications, including the ones to be used during an emergency, with you during your entire trip.
- Seek advice from your physician whether you need to take any precautions or avoid certain activities.
- Interact with the locals for advice on where to eat and stay. People in the UAE are quite sweet and hospitable and they do provide great suggestions.
- Try to choose accommodation close to your hospital.
- Try to avoid overcrowded places or places that may stress you out.
Do’s
- Try to safeguard your valuables and other belongings.
- Prefer to take travel insurance.
- Indulge in tipping, even though it is not compulsory.
- Women must keep their shoulders covered when away from the beach.
- Use a mosquito repellent when visiting date groves or camping near the mountains.
- Respect the religious places and do not insult anyone.
- Wait for someone to offer a hand for a handshake.
Don’ts
- Avoid photographing Muslim women.
- Avoid taking photographs of the telecommunications equipment, airports, military areas, docks, government buildings, and industrial installations.
- Do not wear revealing clothes such as shorts, tops, and bikinis to public places. If possible, confine them to the beaches.
- Men should avoid staying bare-chested when away from the beach.
- Avoid wearing swimsuits when on a beach in Sharjah.
- Do not initiate a handshake first.
- Avoid a handshake with a woman.
Get complete information about popular tourist destinations in the UAE
There are a number of tourist destinations in the UAE, located across different Emirates, that make it one of the best leisure destinations in the world. Read the following sections to know more.Must Visit Places in the UAE
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai
- Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Le Meridien Al Aqah, Fujeirah
- Iris Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Ripe market in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Kite Beach, Dubai
- Sharjah Aquarium
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
- Global Village, Dubai
- Emirates Palace, Dubai
The UAE Culture and Food
Emirati food is a great combination of Asian and Middle-Eastern cuisine. A majority of restaurants in the UAE feature cosmopolitan food, that is, cuisines from different parts of the world are available in the seven Emirates.Of all the cuisines, the Indian, Lebanese, and Iranian cuisines are the most popular and commonly available in the UAE. Any tourist planning a visit to Dubai or any other emirate must try out these three cuisines during their stay.
The UAE is inhabited by a mixed population and most of them are Muslims. Nationals from India, Pakistan, Iran, and other Arab countries started to relocate to the UAE after 1971 when it was no longer under the British Empire.
Everything from the food to architecture and music to attire and lifestyle, deep influence of the Arabian, Persian, and Iranian culture can be seen in the UAE. There are several mosques scattered across the country and every Muslim prays five times a day when called upon by the minarets of mosques.
Even though Western-style clothing is popular in the UAE, people still prefer to wear traditional clothing.
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Activities and Night Life in the UAE
The Emirates in the UAE, especially Dubai, are known for its vibrant nightlife. Dubai has a cascade of nightclubs and pubs and global DJ events and club nights are conducted on a regular basis. A number of globally renowned artists, including David Guetta, Katy Perry, Nicky Minaj, and Chris Brown have already performed in Dubai.
There are plenty of things that you can do at night during your visit to the UAE. However, make sure to check the rules of the place that you are planning to visit. For example, there are a few clubs that have strict dress codes for both men and women and avoid going to a club during the month of Ramadan (most of the clubs are closed around this time).
Some of the popular things and activities to do in Dubai include the following:
- Desert Safari
- Mall
- Museum
- Deep sea fishing
- Outdoor movie
- Dancing at Barasti
- An indoor ski resort in the Mall of Emirates
- Camel Safari
Written By Vanshika Rawat
Vanshika Rawat is an experienced content developer. She is very knowledgeable in the field of science and healthcare and has worked under brilliant scientists during her higher education. Vanshika obtained her degrees in Masters in Science and Bachelors in Science (Microbiology with Hons.) from renowned institutions - Panjab University and University of Delhi.