I Traveled to DUBAI During COVID-19 - Here's What It Was Like

Continuing to reacquaint myself with travel after the lockdown of 2020, I have been venturing out to new as well as familiar destinations. “Vaccinated and ready to go” is my new motto. So, I was extremely happy to be invited by Reed Expo to attend the Arabian Travel Mart (ATM) taking place in Dubai in May and hosted by Impact DMC for the tour. I have visited Dubai many times in the last 20 years, and it is new and different every time. Fully vaccinated, tested negative, I’m ready,  able, and outta here.

The ATM represents many of the top destinations, airlines, hotels, and events not only in the Middle East, but around the World. It also takes place in Dubai. A Win-Win for me.

Dubai is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Fueled by Crude, it offers the second most five-star hotels in the world, at least one, arguably six-star, and the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai and the UAE is the business hub of Western Asia and continue to dominate in style, culture, and opulence. It is currently one of the destinations with the highest rate of vaccination with nearly everything open. I still brought my mask. Ok, let’s go… Next step

Before you go

Dubai requires a negative result for a nucleic acid test (PCR test) for Covid-19 on arrival. The sample for the said test must be taken not more than 72 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure from the first port of embarkation en route to Dubai. You may also be subject to undergo COVID?19 PCR testing on arrival in Dubai and based on your date of arrival and home nation may be subject to a follow-up test. See Travel.State.Gov and/or Emirates.com for the latest information.  You do not need a separate Visa, as one will be issued upon arrival at no charge if you are staying less than 30 days.

Getting there

The UAE and Dubai specifically are one of the easiest destinations to get to from the US. There are numerous flights from airports all over the US with direct and non-stop flights. I chose Emirates Airlines, the official airline of Dubai, and the upcoming EXPO 2020 (yes, I know it is already 2021). Emirates Airline has lived in the category of Top Airlines in the World nearly since its inception in the mid-1980s. They always deliver comfort, modern planes, and excellent service. it is one of the airlines that I look forward to the flight. Standard (for life during a pandemic) precautions were in effect. Mask requirement at the airport and on the plane, social distancing and they sanitized everything. I wore a face shield with my mask in the common areas and until seated. I also had my disposable gloves. Service was as it always is on Etihad, excellent, even though some items were pre-packaged, and contact was limited. The crew was always available and made you feel safe and welcome.

Upon Arrival

When I arrived at Dubai International Airport, the procedure for Immigrations and Customs was easy. Everyone spoke English and signage is also. There were no long lines or rude service. I love Dubai Airport, as it is one of the nicest and easiest shopping malls that also happens to be an airport. If you have ever been to the Dubai Shopping Festival, then you know what I mean. The experience of Dubai started the minute I got on the flight and does not diminish at the airport. I pre-arranged airport transfer to my hotel, but there are also numerous car services, cabs, buses, the Dubai Metro (subway), and even UBER.

My Stay

I selected two different hotels during my stay. I wanted to see several hotels and resorts updating my design ideas for group and meeting programs.

I stayed at the Address Boulevard first. Address Hotels + Resorts is the first brand launched by Emaar Hospitality Group. The Emaar name can be seen on many of the top buildings all over Dubai.

Address Boulevard overlooks the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, with easy access by sky ramp to the largest shopping and entertainment destination in the world – The Dubai Mall. The hotel was not just in an ideal location for touring and shopping, but has excellent rooms, service, and amenities. Request a balcony room looking directly at the Burj Khalifa for a perfect selfie.

I also stayed at the new SLS Dubai. Located in the downtown district. The SLS Dubai offers spectacular, unobstructed views of the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, as well as Dubai Creek.

The SLS has numerous, top dining and entertainment facilities, two magnificent infinity pools (sunrise and sunset) situated atop the 75-story tower offering an incomparable 360-degree view of Dubai, making the pools among the highest not just in the city, but globally. The pool deck is the place to see as well as be seen. The SLS has large rooms with all the comforts and balconies that look directly at the creek and downtown. Request a room with a view of the Burj Khalifa.

I did find time after all my meetings and tours to enjoy some of my favorite activities. You should include the light show at the Dubai Fountain and visit the Dubai Mall and the Aquarium. Do not forget to 4X4 in the sand dunes followed by dinner under the stars (Desert Safari). Relax at the Dubai Miracle Garden. Take a traditional water taxi across the creek and shop at the many Souks and a City Tour that includes the Burj Al Arab, perhaps for tea. Finish with a Dhow Cruise on the creek or Yacht along the marina.

Plan for at least five days as you will probably want to spend one full day in Abu Dhabi, another great destination that you will regret missing.

HEADING HOME

The US CDC currently requires a Negative Covid Test with the sample taken no more than 72 hrs. before your flight to the US. The hotel, through the concierge or your tour operator, can arrange the test. They will email you confirmation of the results and you can save it to your phone and/or print it out before your flight. You will need it to check in at the airport. so, carry a copy with you. Check with the CDC to confirm the regulations before you go (CDC.Gov). Always reconfirm your transfers and flight at least 24 hrs. before your departure.

The flight home on Emirates continued the excellent standard they are known for.

I will be back, as we combine the Maldives and Dubai when we host a group to EXPO 2020 in Feb 2022.

See you on the plane…