Emergency Contact Information

The following information is a list of primary contacts with whom we have been working in the development of your project.  These may be helpful to you in case of an emergency.

Delegation Support Representatives

Your Delegation Manager will be assigned approximately 60 days before departure.  The contact information will be part of your Final Information, provided at 30 days prior to the delegation convene date.

Local Office Representatives UAE

Mr. Balu Menon

WORLDWIDE ADVENTURES INDIA (P) LTD

Phone: +91 981 099 4589 (available on both call and WhatsApp)

Email: balu@worldwideadventuresindia.com

Emergency Contact Information

Ms. Dawn Davis, Director

Citizen Ambassador Program

Cell: +1-509-251-9532

Email: ddavis@culturalvistas.org

Weather

With a coastal location on the Arabian Peninsula, Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a warm climate all year. The ‘winter’ months last from October to May with warm temperatures ranging from 20–35°C (68–95°F). The summer season lasts from June to September with hotter temperatures reaching the mid-40s (~110° F).

As the summer heat and humidity dissipates, Abu Dhabi and Dubai enjoy a wonderful mild November. The cooler weather brings with it a noticeably more vibrant atmosphere as the city moves outdoors and begins to welcome many international visitors looking for some winter sun.

Packing

The essentials- Before you leave your country, we recommend you make sure you have the following:

• Passport
• Covid Vaccination Certificate
• Air tickets (or E-tickets)
• One other picture ID, such as driver’s license    
• Expense money
• Insurance policy- if you have purchased independent travel insurance
• Personal Medications

Luggage

• Suitcases, both hard and soft sided (wheeled versions are OK), with a small padlock (must be unlocked for air travel).
• Daypack for camera gear, water bottle, and personal items needed during the day 
• (optional) Small roll-up duffel to carry home purchases.

Business attire in the UAE is formal with modesty placed at the forefront. Arms and legs of women should be covered to the elbow and to the knee.  For Men, a suit and tie are the norm for professional meetings. Women should dress in formal business attire, pant suits, knee length skirts with jackets or tops that cover the shoulders and down to the elbow, and it is easiest to carry a scarf or pashmina to throw on your shoulders in the air-conditioned building and facilities.

Below are a few articles which address attire in the UAE:

Dress Code for Abu Dhabi – How to dress in the United Arab Emirates? (travelabudhabi.ae)

What to Wear: Abu Dhabi Dress Code – Abu Dhabi OFW

Recommended Mosque Attire: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (szgmc.gov.ae)

Pre-departure and Arrival Information

Arrival Information

Upon arrival, our ground team representative (contact information will be included in your Final Information) will meet you before immigration, holding a paging board, identifying: Cultural Vistas, Citizen Ambassador Program.  This includes all private transfers. – see your Travel Essentials Information sheet, provided with Final Information, listing your Airport Representative contact information. Carry this with your travel documents.

Passport Information

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after your journey ends and should have a minimum of one blank visa page for entry and exit stamps.

A tourist visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into the United Arab Emirates. Tourist visas, which are valid for stays of up to 30 days, are currently being offered free of charge on arrival at all points of entry (subject to change without notice). Guests need not obtain a visa prior to departure.

Note: Individuals who were born in Israel or hold Israeli passports are generally not permitted to enter the United Arab Emirates.

Name badges

Your name badges will be distrubuted upon arrival by your airport representative or Delegation Manager. Please wear your name badge throughout the program, so you are easily identified as a member of the delegation.

Rooming List 

The Rooming list will be included in your final Information, sent at approximately 30 days prior to your delegation convene date.  Take a few moments to make sure you are assigned as per your request.  Please advise me immediately of necessary changes.

Luggage tags

Airline regulations require identification tags on your luggage.  Most airline provide these at their check-in counters at the time, if you do not have one.

 You will receive Citizen Ambassador Program Luggage tags to identify your luggage throughout the program.  

Luggage limitation 

 For international flights to and from UAE each person in economy (coach) class is limited to two suitcases with weight of each piece not to exceed 50 pounds. Should you exceed this limit, an excess luggage charge is enforced and will be collected by the airline.

Customs & Immigration 

Before traveling overseas, it is a good idea to become familiar with Customs procedures and know what to expect before you depart. Below is a link to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site that includes general information on traveling overseas and returning back into the U.S. U.S. Customs and Border Protection | Securing America’s Borders (Links to an external site.)

Currency and charge cards

 We suggest you take a small amount of cash in small denomination bills and plan to use the ATM for removal of cash onsite from a credit card or checking account. Major credit cards are accepted for purchases at most shops and hotels. It is a good idea to notify your credit card company of your travel plans since making purchases in a foreign country is most likely not part of your typical purchasing pattern. Your credit card company may delay approving any charges unless you notify them ahead of time. 

The main currency of the UAE is Dirham, which is shortened to AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham). While Amex, VISA and Mastercard are accepted widely, smaller shops in the markets tend to accept cash only so it’s always a good idea to carry some with you. 

Special dietary requirements

We will do our best to accommodate special dietary needs, however, please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or limitations due to logistics can make it extremely difficult and at times impossible to accommodate dietary restrictions. It is important to bring a flexible attitude and supplemental snacks if you have dietary limitations.

If your dietary needs have changed since you enrolled on the program, please inform us at immediately. 

Communications

• Telephone: The international dialing code for UAE is 971. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.
• Email & Internet Access: Internet access is available at all our hotels.

Electricity

The electric voltage is 220V AC. British-style three-pin wall sockets are standard, although some can also accommodate two-pin plugs. Bring a converter and plug adapter kit for appliance use.

Gratuities 

Most of the tips associated with this program for bus drivers, porters, restaurant staff and hotel luggage service have been included in your program cost. Their tips will be paid from the program office. Tips for your Delegation Manager HAVE NOT been included, as the Delegation Manager is critical to the success of the program and will be the individual with whom you interact the most.  Your Delegation leader will coordinate the tip for the national guide, collecting from each of you to make up this gratuity.  I suggest $8-12 dollars a day, per person.  If any of the others, including bus drivers and hotel staff have impressed you, providing additional gratuities to specific individuals whom you would like to recognize their excellent service addition gratuity is always appreciated. 

 

Medical Resources and Covid-19 Precaution Requirements

Health and safety

It is recommended that all passengers travelling have personal insurance to assist with any medical and other costs. Please do not forget to take a copy of your insurance policy with you.

Be prepared for extreme weather. Between June and September, temperatures can exceed 50°C. Sand and dust storms are also common. In extreme heat, stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water.

When travelling in markets and public areas, take care of your belongings and leave valuables back at the hotel. It is wise not to accept gifts of food or drink from any strangers. Take care with your passport, credit cards and money – a money belt to fit beneath your clothes is highly recommended. Avoid walking alone after dark in isolated places, including pedestrian underpasses.

 Medical services

Please understand that your local guides and Delegation Manager do not necessarily possess first aid training. People with serious medical concerns must take this into account while choosing any destination. We recommend that you bring an ample supply of personal medications with you in your carry-on luggage. The standard of public medical facilities in major cities is adequate. However, services might not be available in remote areas.

 Covid-19 Precaution Requirements for Entry into UAE

Make sure you are vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to United Arab Emirates. Vaccinated travellers to the UAE are not required to present a negative result of RT-PCR test for COVID-19 at the airport of departure

 Covid-19 Precaution Requirements for Return to the United States

Currently, the United States is not requiring visitors or returning US Citizens to present a negative result of RT-PCR test for COVID-19 at the airport of departure.

 Citizen Ambassador Program Vaccine Requirement

As a condition of participation in the Citizen Ambassador program and to ensure the health of your fellow delegation members and your meeting hosts, you are required to be fully vaccinated and have received boosters as appropriate.

 If you have a medical waiver, from a healthcare professional, please provided a copy to the Citizen Ambassador Program Team. You will be required to present a valid, negative result of an RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours before arrival or a recovery certificate (containing a QR code) from COVID-19 issued within 30 days before departure if they were infected with the virus.

Visit the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov or the Government of Canada at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for comprehensive and up-to-date country entry requirements as well as information for onward travel.