🐾 Traveling to United Arab Emirates with Pets
Pet-Friendly United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is increasingly pet-friendly, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where luxury resorts and parks welcome well-behaved animals. However, strict regulations apply, and pets are not allowed in many public spaces like malls or mosques. Tourist areas offer dedicated pet zones, making it suitable for families traveling with pets.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Import Permit
All pets require an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) applied for at least 2 weeks before travel.
Permit costs AED 500-1000; includes health checks and compliance verification.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination within the last year, administered at least 30 days before entry.
Vaccination certificate must be endorsed by official authorities in the country of origin.
Microchip Requirements
Pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before vaccination.
Chip must be readable; bring scanner if non-standard. Non-compliance leads to quarantine.
Health Certificate
Veterinary health certificate issued within 5 days of travel, confirming no infectious diseases.
Certificate must be in English/Arabic and authenticated by UAE embassy in home country.
Restricted Breeds
Certain breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Tosa Inus are banned or require special approval.
Restricted dogs may need muzzles and leashes at all times; check MOCCAE for full list.
Other Pets
Birds and exotic animals require additional CITES permits and quarantine; cats/dogs only for most travelers.
Rabbits and rodents need specific health checks; consult MOCCAE for non-traditional pets.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across United Arab Emirates on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Dubai & Abu Dhabi): Luxury chains like Jumeirah and Hilton welcome pets for AED 200-500/night fee, with pet menus and walking services. Many offer beach access for dogs.
- Resorts & Villas (Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah): Beachfront resorts often allow pets at no extra charge, with private gardens and nearby pet parks. Ideal for relaxed coastal stays.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings in Dubai Marina frequently permit pets, providing space for animals to play indoors.
- Desert Lodges (Liwa & Al Ain): Eco-lodges in desert areas welcome pets and offer camel interactions. Suitable for adventurous families with animals.
- Campsites & Glamping: Desert camps in Dubai and Sharjah are pet-friendly with shaded areas for dogs; book sites with pet facilities.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: Atlantis The Palm in Dubai provides premium pet services including spas and dedicated beaches for AED 1000+ per stay.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Beaches & Parks
Dubai's Jumeirah Beach and Abu Dhabi's Corniche have designated dog areas for swimming and play.
Always leash pets; check for seasonal restrictions during high tourist periods.
Desert Safaris
Many desert tour operators in Dubai allow leashed dogs on private safaris with dune bashing and BBQs.
Opt for air-conditioned vehicles; fees AED 200-400 including pet transport.
Cities & Outdoor Areas
Pet parks like Dubai's Al Warqa and Abu Dhabi's Mushrif Park offer off-leash zones and agility courses.
Outdoor cafés in Dubai Marina welcome pets; avoid indoor malls and religious sites.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Dog cafés like The Pet Shop in Dubai serve pet treats alongside human menus.
Many beach clubs provide water stations; always ask before seating with pets.
Walking Tours
Outdoor heritage walks in Al Ain and Sharjah gardens allow leashed pets.
Focus on nature trails; indoor attractions like museums prohibit animals.
Helicopter & Boat Tours
Some operators in Dubai allow small pets in carriers for aerial tours; AED 50-100 extra fee.
Book pet-specific slots; dhow cruises on Dubai Creek may permit leashed dogs.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Public Transport: Pets not allowed on Dubai Metro or buses; use taxis or private transfers instead.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Careem and Uber allow pets with driver approval; add AED 20-50 surcharge. Book pet-friendly options in advance.
- Rental Cars: Hertz and Avis permit pets with cleaning deposit (AED 200-500). Rent SUVs for desert trips with larger animals.
- Flights to UAE: Emirates and Etihad allow cabin pets under 8kg for AED 200-400. Larger pets in cargo with health docs. Compare on Aviasales.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Flydubai, Qatar Airways accept in-cabin pets (under 8kg) for AED 300-500. Cargo for larger with temperature-controlled holds.
- Inter-Emirate Travel: Drive between emirates; pets must be secured in vehicles. No pet trains or buses available.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24/7 clinics like Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Veterinary Clinic offer round-the-clock care.
Consultations AED 150-300; travel insurance recommended for pet emergencies.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Petzone and Pets Plus chains stock food, meds, and accessories across emirates.
Pharmacies carry basic pet items; import prescriptions for chronic conditions.
Grooming & Day Care
Pet grooming salons in Dubai for AED 100-200 per session; daycare AED 150/day.
Book via apps like Petzone; hotels often partner with local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
PetBacker and local sitters in Dubai/Abu Dhabi for AED 100-200/day.
Resort concierges arrange trusted sitters for excursions.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in public; off-leash only in designated parks. Fines AED 500+ for violations.
- Muzzle Requirements: Large or restricted breeds need muzzles in public; carry for transport.
- Waste Disposal: Clean up immediately; bins provided in pet areas. Fines AED 200-1000 for littering.
- Beach & Water Rules: Pets allowed on select beaches outside peak hours; no swimming near people.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Outdoor seating ok if quiet; no pets in food courts or indoor dining.
- Religious Sites: No pets in mosques or cultural sites; respect local customs and keep distance.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates for Families
The UAE is a family dream with world-class theme parks, interactive museums, and luxury amenities. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer safe, clean environments with kid-focused attractions, stroller access, and family dining. Cultural experiences blend with modern fun for all ages.
Top Family Attractions
Burj Khalifa (Dubai)
World's tallest building with observation decks and light shows thrilling for kids.
Tickets AED 150-300; family packages include aquarium access below.
Aquaventure Waterpark (Dubai)
Middle East's largest waterpark with slides, lazy rivers, and dolphin encounters.
Day passes AED 300 adults, AED 250 kids; all-day fun with shaded areas.
Ferrari World (Abu Dhabi)
Indoor theme park with fastest roller coaster and car simulators for families.
Tickets AED 300-350; combine with Yas Waterworld for full island adventure.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Stunning art museum with interactive kids' zones and outdoor sculptures.
Entry AED 60 adults, free for kids under 13; educational family tours available.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Tunnel through shark-filled ocean with touch pools and penguin encounters.
Tickets AED 100-150; located in Dubai Mall for easy shopping integration.
IMG Worlds of Adventure (Dubai)
World's largest indoor theme park with Marvel and cartoon zones for kids.
Full-day tickets AED 300; air-conditioned perfect for hot days.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across United Arab Emirates on Viator. From desert safaris to theme park tickets, find skip-the-line options and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Dubai & Abu Dhabi): Resorts like Atlantis and Jumeirah offer interconnecting rooms for AED 800-1500/night with kids' clubs and pools.
- Theme Park Resorts (Yas Island): Warner Bros and Ferrari World hotels with direct park access and family suites for AED 1000+.
- Beach Villas (Ras Al Khaimah): Private villas with pools and kitchens for AED 600-1200/night, ideal for self-catering families.
- Vacation Apartments: Dubai Marina apartments with family layouts and views for AED 500-900/night.
- Budget Family Stays (Sharjah): Hotels like Radisson for AED 300-500/night with family rooms and breakfast included.
- Luxury Family Options: Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi for opulent stays with kids' activities and cultural programs.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Dubai with Kids
Burj Khalifa views, Dubai Mall ice rink, Wild Wadi waterpark, and Global Village cultural fair.
Desert dune bashing and abra boat rides on the creek delight young adventurers.
Abu Dhabi with Kids
Yas Island theme parks, Sheikh Zayed Mosque tours, Qasr Al Watan presidential palace, and Emirates Palace chocolate factory.
Beach days at Saadiyat Island with turtle watching and eco-adventures.
Sharjah with Kids
Al Qasba family entertainment, Sharjah Aquarium, and Blue Souk shopping adventures.
Heritage museums with hands-on exhibits and nearby beaches for play.
Al Ain with Kids
Al Ain Zoo, Hili Fun City amusement park, and Jebel Hafeet mountain cable car.
Oasis gardens and archaeological sites for educational family exploration.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Metro & Trams: Dubai Metro free for kids under 3, AED 7.50 day pass for others; stroller spaces available.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Family discounts on Careem; child seats AED 20 extra, book in advance.
- Car Rentals: Child seats mandatory (AED 30-50/day); Hertz provides boosters for ages 4-10.
- Stroller-Friendly: Malls and attractions have ramps/elevators; Dubai's infrastructure is highly accessible.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: International chains offer meals AED 30-60 with high chairs and play areas.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Mall food courts and beach clubs with diverse options and kids' zones.
- Self-Catering: Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarkets stock baby food and diapers; fresh markets for local flavors.
- Snacks & Treats: Ice cream at malls and dates as healthy treats; kid-sized portions everywhere.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls, hotels, and airports with nursing areas and supplies.
- Pharmacies: Boots and Life Pharmacy carry formula, diapers, and meds; English-speaking staff.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange certified sitters AED 100-150/hour via Kangaroo Kids.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in Dubai/Abu Dhabi; emergencies dial 999, insurance advised.
♿ Accessibility in United Arab Emirates
Accessible Travel
The UAE excels in accessibility with modern facilities, wheelchair-friendly transport, and inclusive attractions. Dubai and Abu Dhabi invest heavily in universal design, providing ramps, audio guides, and assistance services for barrier-free experiences.
Transportation Accessibility
- Metro: Dubai Metro fully accessible with elevators, tactile paths, and priority seating for wheelchairs.
- City Transport: Buses and trams low-floor with ramps; apps like RTA for real-time assistance.
- Taxis: Wheelchair-adapted taxis via Dubai Taxi Corp; book ahead for ramps and space.
- Airports: Dubai and Abu Dhabi International offer full support, priority lanes, and accessible lounges.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Malls: Dubai Mall and Louvre Abu Dhabi with elevators, wide aisles, and braille signage.
- Theme Parks: Aquaventure and Ferrari World provide wheelchair access to rides and transfer chairs.
- Beaches & Parks: Adapted beaches at Jumeirah with mats and chairs; parks with smooth paths.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers and adapted bathrooms.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Winter (October-April) for mild weather (20-30°C) and outdoor activities; avoid summer heat (40°C+).
Festivals like Dubai Shopping Festival in January add family fun with cooler temps.
Budget Tips
Combo tickets for attractions save 20-30%; use Etihad Guest for family rewards.
Free mall entry and public beaches keep costs down; self-catering for meals.
Language
Arabic official; English widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and with staff.
Basic Arabic phrases appreciated; apps like Google Translate help with kids.
Packing Essentials
Light clothing, sunscreen, hats for sun; modest attire for cultural sites.
Pet owners: vaccination docs, leash, waste bags, cooling mats for hot weather.
Useful Apps
RTA Dubai for transport, Visit Dubai for attractions, Petzone for pet services.
Careem for rides, Google Maps for navigation in sprawling cities.
Health & Safety
UAE is extremely safe; tap water safe in hotels. Pharmacies everywhere for needs.
Emergency: 999 for ambulance/police; comprehensive travel insurance essential.