Dubai at a Glance
Customs and Registration in Dubai
30 million passengers a year pass through Dubai International Airport.
National Identity Card
The National Identity Card (NIC) was introduced in 2006. With its advanced ID features, it should soon replace labor cards, passports and other identity cards for Emiratis and expats in Dubai. When the card was first introduced, registration was only possible for Emiratis and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) citizens in the UAE. Now registration is also open to immigrant workers and expatriates in Dubai.
All you need to register is your passport and about AED 170 in fees. As of September 2010, it is also mandatory for children under 15 to register for a National Identity Card. The flat fee per child amounts to AED 140. To register for a National Identity Card, you have to take the following steps:
- Visit one of the many authorized typing centers and complete the e-form. After that, you have to pay the administrative fees for registration and service.
- You will then receive a text message with the date and place to have your photograph and fingerprints taken.
- Go to the EIDA service mentioned in your text message, and do not forget to bring your passport.
- Have your photograph, your biometric information and fingerprints taken.
- You will receive your National Identity Card in the mail.
Entering through the Airport
Expats moving to Dubai will enjoy the advantages of the Middle East’s travel hub, too. With two international harbors, two international airports and its own airline, Dubai is a popular destination for expats and tourists alike. Dubai International Airport caters to the needs of 30 million passengers per year. Here, more than 110 airlines connect over 160 destinations.
If you want to make your arrival easier, you can book the Marhaba service for a faster progress through the passport controls at the airport. For a small fee, an airport employee will meet you upon arrival to walk you through the controls, take you to the baggage claim area and help you with ground control.
Customs Regulations
Expats and visitors to Dubai need to be aware of current customs regulations before they enter the country. Generally, gifts up to AED 3000 can be imported free of customs tax. The limit for tobacco products is 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco. 4 liters of alcoholic beverages or two cases of beer are the maximum amount of alcohol you may bring with you. Electronic devices such as mobile phones, cameras or notebooks are duty-free as long as they are for personal use only.
Certain items, such as all kinds of narcotic drugs, are prohibited. The same applies to certain kinds of medication. If you regularly need to take a certain type of prescription medicine, make sure to bring a prescription or a medical certificate from a UAE-licensed practitioner. You should not import more than a personal supply to see you through for a period of three months.
Other prohibited items are:
- Poppy seeds, qat leaf, betel leaf or nuts, niswar (a kind of chewing tobacco) and gutkha (an Indian preparation of chewing tobacco and betel nuts)
- Pornographic material
- Non-Islamic religious pamphlets
- Fireworks
- Ivory and rhinoceros horn
- Endangered animal species
- Weapons and ammunition
- Chemical and organic fertilizers
- Gambling tools
- Any objects that do not adhere to the religious and moral values of the UAE
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