OrionGroup
Relocation Guide: Dubai - Nexen Our guide to living and working overseas
Dubai Country Overview
Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is rather like an independent city-state and is the most modern and progressive emirate in the UAE, developing at an impressive pace in the tourist and trade sectors especially. Dubai is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies (by regional standards), that became popular for its excellent tourist amenities. It has one of the largest immigrant population in the world. The weekly day off is Friday. Note that since September 2006, a harmonised weekend of Friday and Saturday has been adopted for the public sector and schools. Government departments, multinational companies, and most schools and universities are now off on Friday and some local companies still work half a day on Thursday with a full day on Saturday, but larger companies tend to permit relaxation and time off work for their employees on Friday and Saturday. Today, Dubai has emerged as a global city and a business hub. Although Dubai’s economy was built on the oil industry, currently the Emirate’s model of business, similar to that of Western countries, drives its economy, with the effect that its main revenues are now from tourism, real estate, and financial services. Dubai has recently attracted world attention through many innovative large construction projects and sports events.
Climate
Dubai has a hot, arid climate. Summers in Dubai are extremely hot, windy and dry, with an average high around 40 °C (104 °F) and overnight lows around 30 °C (86 °F). Most days are sunny throughout the year. Winters are cool and short with an average high of 23 °C (73 °F) and overnight lows of 14 °C (57 °F). 1
Culture
The UAE culture mainly revolves around the religion of Islam and traditional Arab and Bedouin culture. In contrast, the city of Dubai is a highly cosmopolitan society with a diverse and vibrant culture. The influence of Islamic and Arab culture on its architecture, music, attire, cuisine and lifestyle are very prominent as well. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country. Since 2006, the weekend has been Friday-Saturday, as a compromise between Friday’s holiness to Muslims and the western weekend of Saturday-Sunday.
Public Holidays:
New Year’s Day Wednesday, 1 January 2014 Milad un Nabi The birthday of Prophet Muhammad Tuesday, 14 January 2014 Lailat al Miraj Ascension of the Prophet Tuesday, 27 May 2014 Start of Ramadan The 1st day of Ramadan according to Islamic lunar calendar Sunday, 29 June 2014 Eid-al-Fitr The end of Ramadan fasting month (3 days public holidays) Tuesday, 29 July 2014 Wednesday, 30 July 2014 Thursday, 31 July 2014 Arafat (Haj) Day Arafat Day or Day of Arafat is the second day of the Hajj or Pilgrimage for Muslims. Saturday, 4 October 2014
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Eid-al-Adha Feast of sacrifice in Islamic tradition (3 days public holidays) 5, 6, 7 October 2014 Islamic New Year Al Hirjra Tuesday, 4 November 2014 UAE National Day The UAE’s formal independence from the UK Tuesday, 2 December 2014
Arrival in Dubai and getting around
On arrival at Dubai International Airport Air Energi or Orion will arrange a Meet & Greet service through Marahaba, which will take you to one of the three approved Nexen accommodation locations. Contact details of your relevant Meet & Greet Representative will be provided prior to your mobilisation.
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport is the largest hub in the Middle East and the home base of Dubai’s flag carrier Emirates. Terminal 1 is the main terminal, used by most major airlines and long-haul flights. Terminal 2 serves regional and low-cost flights, including all FlyDubai flights. Terminal 3 is used exclusively by Emirates. Terminals 1 and 3 are directly connected to each other via the airside, while Terminal 2 is located at the other end of the airport. Shuttle buses between the three run every 20-30 minutes. Taxi: Most visitors will opt for public taxis from the airport, which are readily available just outside arrivals, which use the meter and start at AED 20.
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Flight information
By Car
Public transport
Some agencies will hire out cars complete with drivers.
For international travel, you can book a flight online on Emirates. Dubai International Airport’s website provides flight information, enabling you to track all flights from and to Dubai round the clock. The website also contains several subservices.
Terminals 1 and 3 are served by the Dubai Metro. There are also buses just steps from the baggage claim, the most useful for visitors being lines 401 and 402 (AED 3), which go to the Al Sabkha and Al Ghubaiba bus terminals respectively.
Getting Around
Dubai has an advanced public transport system featuring buses, taxis, abras (which are traditional wooden boats used to transport people across Dubai Creek), water buses and the recent Dubai Metro. Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority is responsible for developing solutions for road, land and marine networks to keep pace with Dubai’s emirate’s economic development. Since the launch of the metro, Dubai’s public transport system is probably the best in the Middle East, The Wojhati journey planner can suggest the best way to travel. (The Wojhati is an electronic system that enables public transport passengers to access accurate real-time information to determine the most accessible transport mode according to the passenger’s location, destination and journey time.)
There are a countless number of Rent-A-Cars that will provide a mode of transportation for very cheap rates and very little paperwork. An International Driving Permit is not necessarily required, but hire companies may not rent a car without one.
Driving during morning and afternoon peak hours is not recommended, as traffic slows to a standstill and even a simple trip across a bridge can take up to 45 minutes. If you rent a car, usually a Salik Tag (www. salik.ae) will be provided by the car hire company and you will be charged separately when returning the car.
Car Rental/Buying
We will assist you with car rental when you arrive until the residency visa is obtained. Once that is complete you may buy a car if you prefer. We can also advise on car registration and insurance matters. There is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy to Drink Driving in Dubai.
By Boat
The Waterbus is part of Dubai’s public transport system. A Red ticket, or a Nol card is required for the journey which can be purchased at the waterbus station.
Water Taxi
The Water Taxi service, the first of its kind in the region, covers public marine transport stations and berths of some hotels, tourist resorts and marine clubs in Dubai including the Dubai Creek area, Al Mamzar Corniche, Jumeirah Open Beach and Dubai Marina through to Jebel Ali, linking coastal hotels with historical areas like Al Fahidi, Al Shindagha and the Old Souk. The service has 19 stations in the first stage which are served by 5 water-taxis. Each water-taxi can accommodate 11 passengers with seats designed for those with special needs. The taxi is also provided with the best navigational systems and security and safety requirements as recognized by the International Maritime Organization. This includes a wireless phone system, AC, global positioning system (GPS) and automatic identification system. In addition, the taxi features luxurious means of entertainment that passengers can use during their voyage including LCD monitors fitted behind comfortable seats that provide maximum relief and relaxation. The new service is extremely flexible as it is not tied to a specific voyage timetable. Those requiring the service can call Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) free 800 9090 to request for a watertaxi between 10am and 10pm. Tariffs start from AED 50.
By Metro
Dubai’s 52-km long Red Line, opened in September 2009, is the second metro in the Arab world after Cairo. The Green Line has been open as of September 2011. There are also Blue and Purple lines under construction with opening dates in the next few years. Trains run every 3-5 minutes from 6 am to 11 pm every day except Friday, when services are limited from 2 pm-midnight. All stations are air-conditioned and there’s a large network of feeder buses.
By Bus
The main bus stations are Gold Souq Market (in Deira) and Al Ghubaiba bus station (in Bur Dubai). Clear route maps and time-tables are placed inside a few bus stands. Ramadan timings differ. The front seats are reserved for women.
By Taxi
The easiest place to find a taxi is at the taxi queue at one of the malls or outside a hotel. Waving down a taxi on the road is possible, but can be difficult during rush hours. At peak times (7-9am & 4-7pm workdays, and Friday evenings), demand far exceeds supply. Taxis are metered so no haggling should be necessary. The rates of all taxi companies — Dubai Transport, National, Cars, Metro, and Arabian — are identical.
© Air Energi 2013
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Salik toll
Salik Tolls are Dubai’s electronic toll system. They are tolls with no booths or collectors that allow vehicles to move freely through the tolling point at highway speeds. Each time you pass through a point, the toll fee will be deducted from your pre paid toll account. See details of the Salik toll gates and fill in an application to get a Salik Tag or top it up online. The website provides complete information to subscribers and allows them to benefit from many electronic services. (www.salik.ae)
Air Energi Contacts
Please see below the contact information of the individuals within Air Energi that will look after you during your assignment: Account Management Louisa Batten is the Air Energi Account Manager for the project and will contact you for your initial discussion regarding your assignment. Louisa Batten Account Manager M: +44 (0)7710 982539 T: +44 (0)870 112 9444 lbatten@airenergi.com Once you have discussed your assignment with Louisa, you will be contacted by Laura Elnadi who will liaise with you in regards to your assignment going forward and is available for any queries you may have. Laura Elnadi Global Mobility Dubai M: +971(0)50 662 7172 lelnadi@airenergi.com In Laura’s absence please contact: Danny Kirkham Country Manager M: +974 666 90204 dkirkham@airenergi.com
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Belle Intalan Global Mobility Qatar M: +974 446 26732 mintalan@airenergi.com
Emirates ID card
Residence Visa / Work Permit Process
Documents required when filling in the e-form at the Typing Centers: • Original valid passport. • Valid UAE residency permit.
Employment visa timings may require more or less days than expected depending on UAE Immigration and other government offices involved during the process. Visa & Work Permits will be arranged through the Contractor in-country. The process includes the following steps:-
Entry Permit
Prior to mobilisation Contractor will be asked to provide; valid passport copy, passport size photographs, relevant qualification certificates, address and contact details, mother’s first and maiden names and copies of marriage certificates (where applicable) to allow the Visa application to commence.
Medicals
Once the Contractor has arrived in Dubai Air Energi will arrange to take the Contractor for their residency permit medical. The medical includes a blood test for HIV and hepatitis and a chest X-ray for tuberculosis. This is a separate process to the pre-mobilisation medical.
Residence Visa
Upon completion of the medical the residence visa will be stamped in the passport. Air Energi will assist with the completion of the residency permit on behalf of the Contractor. The residency permit takes 1-2 weeks to complete.
Work Permit
Once the residence visa is stamped, application will be submitted for the work permit and Ministry Of Labour (MOL) will issue the labour card.
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Once your UAE Residency Visa is approved please fill in an e-form which can be obtained from any Typing Centre.
Registration fees: AED 100 per year. Service fees: AED 70. Then you wait for a SMS to confirm the date and place of registration. After receiving the SMS, you will visit the service point stated in the SMS with your original supporting passport on the determined date and time to complete photographing and fingerprinting process. A receipt will be issued as the card will be sent to you after 3 months (approx. timing).
Accommodation
An allocation of £3000 has been included in the monthly allowance for accommodation. Per diem will be paid monthly in advance.
Hotels for Initial Accommodation
Media Rotana Barsha (One bed serviced apartments) Al Barsha South PO Box 503030 Dubai UAE T: +971 (0) 4 4350000 F: +971 (0) 4 4350011 E: Media.dubai@rotana.com W: www.rotana.com Nuran Marina (One bed serviced apartments) W: www.nuran.com E: reservations@nuran.com
© Air Energi 2013
Nuran Marina Serviced Residences The Greens, Street no. 5 PO Box 121600 Dubai, U.A.E. T: +971 4 422 3444 F: +971 4 422 3445 Gloria Hotel and Apartments Dubai P.O.Box 502222 Dubai, U.A.E T: +971 4 399 666 F: +971 4 381 8067 E: sales@agh-hotels.com
Permanent Accommodation
Air Energi will help in looking for permanent accommodation for the duration of your project. A large selection of serviced apartments are available in the Marina area which offers an excellent location for work and social requirements. Below are contact details of real estate agents that can help with villas and apartments to cater for all needs. Assistance with contacts for: DEWA
(water and electricity), internet, telephone, satellite, TV and home accessories can also be provided once you have selected your accommodation:•
Dubai Property Search Engine: W: http://uae.dubizzle.com
• Palma Real Estate: T:+97143990595 W: www.palma-re.com •
Arenco Real Estate: T: +971 4 4401144, E: arencoproperty@arencore.ae
•
Exclusive Links: T: +971 4 4225750 E: info@exclusive-links.com
•
Cayman Estates: T: +971 4 3418384 F: +971 4 341 8685 W: info@800cayman.com
•
Power House Properties: T:+971 4 3476853 E: info@powerhousedubai.com
•
Halcon Real Estate: T: +971 4 3607422 E: info@halconrealestate.com
•
Cluttons: T: +971 4 3348585 F: +971 4 3348362 E: dubai@ae.cluttons.com
Applying for a Driving Licence, Liquor Licence UAE Driving License
Air Energi will assist you in the process details of acquiring a local driving license, If you have a driving license from one of the 36 approved list of countries (see the list below) your license is then exchanged into a UAE license. If not you must undergo training, signal and road test before you can obtain a license. The documents you will be required to take with you when transferring foreign license to UAE license are as follows: • • • • • •
Letter from sponsor Original valid license & colour copy of original valid license (paper and card) Original passport & colour copy of original passport 2 passport sized photographs Translation into Arabic of driver’s license Eye test results (You can take an eye test at any optical stores but you are required to take the results with you.)
The process will take approximately 1 hour. Fees are AED 150 – AED 200 however subject to change without notice. The countries from which citizens can transfer their driving licenses are given below: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, © Air Energi 2013
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Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.
Liquor License
Air Energi can assist you in obtaining your liquor license. Processing your new license is quick and simple; all you need to do is complete the application form from any Maritime Mecantile International or African & Eastern branch (these are the two companies in Dubai with Bottle shops). Return your fully completed application form which should include company stamp and signature (this will have to be the Sponsor) photocopy of your passport with valid residence visa, photocopy of your labour contract as issued by the Ministry of Labour, photocopy of your tenancy contract, one passport photograph, application fee of AED 160. This is handed into either MMI or A&E to be processed. You will be called you when it’s ready for collection.
Medical & Emergency Travel Insurance
Air Energi are committed to the welfare of all overseas personnel and have partnered with trusted and proven Insurers and medical Assistance specialists to provide a thorough, safe and effective Emergency Response Procedure. Full details of your medical insurance benefits and emergency contact details can be found in your starter packs.
Setting up a Local Bank Account/Time Sheets, Payments, Expenses & Travel Booking Banking
Air Energi can assist you with setting up a bank account in Dubai. A number of foreign banks such as HSBC and Lloyds TSB are available. Local banks such as Emirates and RAK banks are also widely used by expats. We can arrange for a meeting at your hotel to discuss opening an account.
Timesheets
Each contractor should submit monthly time sheets to their manager and receive an authorized copy back. This timesheet, approved by the authorized supervisor of the client will be sent to either Air Energi by the end of each month.
Payment
Payment will be processed against these timesheets on a monthly basis in line with the payroll schedule provided by your Agency.
Expense Reimbursement
All expense claims must be signed by an authorized Supervisor and submitted with a signed expense claim form and supported
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by clearly legible receipts. Timesheets and Expense forms will be enclosed in your starter pack.
Travel Tips
Be prepared - generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order.
Copy your documents
In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or photocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.
Vaccinations
Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking www.airenergi.com
contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tickborne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.
Taking medicines with you
Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, before you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Please also be aware that certain medicines are forbidden in Dubai, such as Codeine. Please check that any medication you are taking is legal and if you are unsure please contact us and we will check for you. Prepare a simple medical kit of over-the counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), band aids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.
© Air Energi 2013
Your health on long-haul flights
Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.
Scuba Divers
If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.
Coping with Jetlag
Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up!
Lost Luggage
If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.
Unsafe Water - What to do
You can drink the tap water in Dubai, but it is recommended that you opt for boiled or bottled water. If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than © Air Energi 2013
to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.
General Safety/Advice whilst in Dubai
Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! Women should dress sensibly and avoid wearing revealing outfits when in busy areas. This is especially true when traveling to districts like Karama, Deira and Bur-Dubai, where the streets are packed with men, especially on evenings and weekends. To reduce the potential for verbal or sexual harassment, women are advised to avoid sitting in the front seat of taxis and engaging in overly personal small talk. They should exercise caution when travelling alone, especially in places where other people are not present, such as taxis and underground pedestrian walkways. Travellers are recommended to hire private drivers unless they have considerable experience of the country and its road system. However, if public transportation is required, travellers are advised to call for a taxi from a reputable dispatch service of from a hotel. Report any suspicious activity, individuals, vehicles or objects to the local police and appropriate embassy or consulate. When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live and try to minimise the number of people aware of the purpose/itinerary of your visit. Ensure that hotels and residences are securely locked to deter burglary. Travellers are advised to ensure that an updated version of their itinerary is maintained with appropriate contact numbers to ensure that they may be contacted in the event of an incident. This should be held by the traveller’s office or close family member. Should an incident occur travellers should “check in” both with work and with www.airenergi.com
the appropriate government representatives. (This service should be available online.) Dubai strictly follows Islamic laws which should be respected by all travellers. Islam is the official religion, therefore do not publicly criticise or distribute material against it. Eating in public during the holy month of Ramadan is prohibited from sunrise until sunset and visitors should consume meals in the confines of their hotel or residence. In conversations regarding politics and world affairs, avoid criticizing the ruling family of any of the seven Emirates or prominent business families. The United Arab Emirates does not have any formal relations with Israel, and the government publicly supports any cause that involves the Palestinian people or Palestinian statehood. Recreational drug use and distribution is a serious criminal offence. Passenger baggage is screened quite thoroughly when entering Dubai. Even prescription drugs (without original prescription note) or ones that you bought over the counter in your country can lead to a prison sentence. Driving and pedestrian safety has also been an issue given the different nationalities that share the road. Do not jaywalk or cross where there are no clear pedestrian markings. Avoid driving on the extreme left lane of highways to avoid being “flashed” and being forced to move a lane over. Travellers choosing to venture off-road in the desert areas should only do so with an experienced guide in a convoy of four wheel drive vehicles.
Leisure & Entertainment Shopping
The main retail development in Dubai is The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence. The Ibn Battuta Mall is just a couple of miles away. The Mall of the Emirates has wide selection of shops and restaurants along with an indoor ski slope.
Restaurants
There are a number of fine hotel restaurants in Dubai. Grosvenor House has a couple run under the guidance of internationally renowned chefs. Mezzanine, a spacious restaurant offers a modern British menu created by celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, while Indego boasts Vineet Bhatia, the first Indian chef to win a Michelin star, as its consultant. Over at the beachfront the Habtoor Grand Resort offers Maya, a steakhouse with a pleasant outdoor terrace, while Maya at Le Royal Meridien offers modern Mexican cuisine. Families with children are not forgotten here. Johnny Rockets at the Marina Walk is a 50’s style burger joint with a lively atmosphere.
Attractions & Entertainment
The Grand Megaplex at the Ibn Battuta Mall is a 21-screen cinema with an IMAX screen (the first in Dubai). There are also two golf courses, the Montgomerie and Emirates Golf Club, both on the Emirates Hills development. 6
General Useful Numbers & Websites Fire (Emergency) - 997
Ambulance & Police (Emergency) - 999 Electricity & Water (Emergency) - 991 Water Taxi - RTA’s free 800 9090
Websites
Dubai Government Information Service www.dubai.ae Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing www.dubaitourism.ae Dubai Electricity & Water Authority www.dewa.ae Dubai Roads & Transport Authority www.rta.ae Dubai Metro www.rta.ae/dubai_metro/english Salik Toll www.salik.ae Dubai Airport www.dubaiairport.com Dubai Property Search Engine http://uae.dubizzle.com/
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www.airenergi.com
© Air Energi 2013
Travel Tips Be prepared
Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order.
Copy your documents
In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.
Vaccinations
Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.
Taking medicines with you Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, before you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Please also be aware that certain medicines are forbidden in Dubai, such as Codeine. Please check that any medication you are taking is legal and if you are unsure please contact us and we will check for you. Prepare a simple medical kit of over-the-
counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.
Your health on long-haul flights
Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.
Scuba Divers
If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.
Coping with Jetlag
Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up!
Lost Luggage
If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.
Personal Safety
Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.
Unsafe Water - What to do
If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.
Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter Dubai? You may be required to enter on a visitors visa whilst your working visa is being processed. Rules for this vary, depending on nationally. Can I take my family with me? We advise you not to bring your family before we have secured a residency visa for you. Do I need a local bank account? Yes. We will provide you with the necessary documentation to open an account. This needs to be set up immediately to allow you to secure property and long term transportation. Will I need a medical? In order to finalise your residence visa you will be required to undergo a medical. This will be to check if you have any serious medical conditions, particularly TB or HIV. If you have either of these diseases you will not be eligible to work in Dubai
Contacts Air Resources (Dubai branch)
Oasis Shopping Mall Office Number 21 Sheik Zayed Road Dubai United Arab Emirates Phone: +971 4 379 1886 Email: UAE@airenergi.com
OrionGroup www.airenergi.com