- Lindsay Galloway
- BBC Travel
Image source, Hugh Sitton/Getty Images
The United Arab Emirates is in the midst of changing corona strains, making it one of the most widely vaccinated and widely tested vaccines in the world, enduring the effects of epidemics.
The United Arab Emirates tops Bloomberg’s list of top 53 countries dealing with Govt infection. The ranking was based on 12 factors, including the quality of health care, the number of casualties and the number of re-openings in the country.
The curfew has been re-imposed in many parts of Europe due to the Omigron Corona strain, allowing the UAE to travel with a lower number of infections.
Due to the epidemic, its most populous city, Dubai, has become a global investment destination, a global tourist destination.
“Everyone must work together to protect each other,” said Kathy Johnston, chief executive of Mirzam Chocolate and a resident of the city for more than 30 years.
“People support local ideas and projects because of its credibility. The processes involved are a little slower and more focused. I feel like being here now is on a different planet than it was two years ago, and I like it.”
Why should I go now?
First of all, the locals say that the weather is good now. “It’s best to come here from October to May because there will be no cruel, unbearable sun,” said Tala Mohammed, who lives in Dubai.
During that time, outdoor performances and rooftop areas on the city’s numerous beaches, indoor patches are more likely to be spent.
In addition, the 2020 Expo in Dubai, which runs until the end of March 2022, is a 6-month-long exhibition featuring halls showcasing internationally unique innovations and future plans.
Image source, Francois Nel / Getty Images
“Don’t miss this exhibition, definitely don’t miss it,” says Johnston. “You spend a whole week in it. Wait three hours in line for Japanese sushi food. Taste barley pudding with duck at the Baron restaurant. Dream under the stars at the Australian Exhibition Hall,” he says.
Travel with pre-preparation:
It has become more self-sufficient due to its diligent work over the past decade, investing primarily in solar power, water storage, green building and infrastructure. Expo 2020 will also feature a display of projects such as a farm with solar trees, 9,000 plants and herbs that provide shade while generating energy.
The epidemic unexpectedly sparked a growth among local ingredients and culinary professionals, Johnston said, adding that such food-based industries have evolved over the past two years.
His favorite restaurants are Arboli Pro with Arabian influence, Dressind Studio for high quality dinner and breakfast, The Born Coffee Bar and Hubby for sweet potato pancakes.
Mohammed also recommends Eden House and its omega menu for unique dishes mixed with local products with Japanese influence. “For example, sutto with Spanish food honey sold in Ras Al Khaimah (100 km northeast of Dubai in the United States) is an example,” he says. Since there are only 8 seats available, bookings must be made well in advance as there will always be full seats booked.
Vipa Dhawan, a travel consultant for the Ocean Travel Group, who lives in Dubai, recommends a Boca restaurant that uses local ingredients, including salmon from the United Arab Emirates fish farm and milk from a local camel’s dairy; He also recommends ‘The Sum of Us’, one of the first eco-friendly cafes in Dubai and offers a 10% discount on customers who use straws made from avocado seeds and bring reusable cups.
Image source, Getty Images
To learn more about the sustainability efforts being made in Dubai, Dhawan recommends visiting the Emirates Bio Farm, the country’s largest private natural farm. “Book a group trip there and a session until sunset,” he says. “It gives you a detailed view of the surrounding land, and also offers the opportunity to harvest your own vegetables, as well as the annual temporary restaurant (pop-up) experience here.”
To enjoy the natural desert here, Al Maha recommends the resort and spa. Located in Dubai’s first national park, the five-star resort aims to preserve the unique ecology of the desert and the Arabian oryx animals that inhabit it. The 300 oryx animals now roam freely there after decades of conservation efforts. Tourist guides offer wildlife tours by hiking and 4 * 4 safari vehicles, camels and horses.
Image source, Francois Nel / Getty Images
Opened in December 2021 for an experience in the heart of the city, the new 25-hour One Central Restaurant celebrates the country’s traditions by immersing visitors in the theme of the Arabic storytelling ‘Hagawati’. The experience begins with the circular ‘Fountain of Tales’ library with over 5,000 books. It continues with performances by local artists, art and decoration inspired by Bedouin. It is located in a way that submits to ancient and modern nomads.
Find out before you go
Restrictions are constantly changing due to the spread of the Omigron strain. So, go to the UAE Government Travel Related Website and find out the latest announcements and requirements. Tourists who have been vaccinated are allowed to travel here. However, they should get a Corona Rapid test before going here. Those who have not been vaccinated must provide a PCR test negative taken 72 hours prior to going there. Travel for those coming from and through some African countries is currently suspended.
Travelers are required to download the official Al Hosn Processor for Infectious Disease Monitoring and Health in the United Arab Emirates. The processor uses a color-coded (gray, red, green) system to reflect test results and vaccine status based on colors. The Dubai Health Authority offers the DXB Smart Processor for use on Android and iOS mobile phones.
It monitors the current corona rate in the United Arab Emirates, monitors test results, and provides travelers with information on vaccination status in the Emirates.