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Hello!
In September 2020, while the world was still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to embark on a journey to the United Arab Emirates. It was a time when traveling wasn’t easy, and most people were still avoiding long-distance trips. However, eager to explore new places, I chose to face the restrictions and challenges that this difficult period brought.
This was my second visit to the Emirates, back when I was still traveling solo, before I met Jadzia. Looking back, traveling alone had its charm but also came with extra challenges. I didn’t know what to expect – what procedures would be required or even if the trip would happen at all.
This article is a recount of that trip. I’ll share the “hurdles” I had to overcome just to board the plane and what it was like exploring the Emirates at a time when the world was still adjusting to a new reality. Join me as I reflect on this unique journey! 😊
Procedures and requirements
In September 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, traveling came with numerous restrictions and procedures. To enter the UAE, it was mandatory to present a negative PCR test result for COVID-19, taken no more than 96 hours before departure. The test had to be conducted in an accredited laboratory, with the results provided in English or Arabic.
In Poland at that time, COVID-19 tests were not widely accessible, and their cost was relatively high. For those planning to travel, taking a test was not only a necessity but also a logistical challenge.
To meet the UAE’s entry requirements, I used Warsaw Genomics’ services. I ordered a test that was conducted at home. A laboratory worker arrived by taxi, provided a self-swab kit, and then collected the sample for analysis. The process was convenient and efficient, with results delivered the very next day.
It’s worth noting that at the time, the UAE’s entry procedures were strictly enforced. Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB), travelers underwent additional screenings, including temperature checks. If any symptoms of illness were detected, there was a possibility of being directed for further testing or placed under quarantine.
Traveling during the pandemic required not only meeting formal requirements but also flexibility and readiness for unexpected changes. The epidemiological situation could shift rapidly, affecting flight availability or the restrictions in place. Therefore, before each trip, it was essential to thoroughly check the latest entry requirements and prepare for potential challenges.
How did I get to the Emirates?
In 2020, amid the pandemic, flights were more complicated than usual. A ticket to Dubai with KLM, with a layover in Amsterdam, cost 1500 PLN. This included carry-on luggage: a backpack and a small cabin suitcase. For those times, it was a really reasonable price.
At the airport, it was necessary to have all the required documents on hand. A staff member from the airline verified the COVID-19 test results. Honestly? Looking back, the process felt quite lenient. The staff didn’t have the tools or means to truly verify the authenticity of the test. I got the impression that even a doctored document might have slipped through – though, of course, I’m not encouraging such actions! Nevertheless, spending 400 PLN on a test wasn’t exactly pleasant.
Take off from Warsaw and fly to Amsterdam
There weren’t many passengers on board, which definitely worked in my favor. The flight was comfortable, with significantly more space around me than usual.
Unfortunately, face masks were mandatory from the moment I entered the airport until I left the plane in Dubai. They were required at all times, which occasionally became a challenge. For me, with a deviated septum, wearing a mask was particularly difficult. Breathing was tough when the mask covered my nose, but sliding it down briefly brought some relief. Thankfully, the flight attendants showed some understanding, even though masks were officially supposed to be worn correctly at all times.
Despite the discomfort, the trip went without major problems.
Transfer at Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport
During my layover in Amsterdam, I decided to take the opportunity for a quick stroll through the city center. With a few hours to spare, I grabbed breakfast and explored the area briefly. People on the streets were also wearing masks, but at least no additional documents were required for entry into Amsterdam at that time.
And Schiphol Airport? It was emptier than I had ever seen before. Accustomed to bustling crowds, I was surprised by how few passengers were there. There was a dedicated zone for flights outside the European Union, where additional document checks were conducted.
What awaited passengers on the flight?
The plane I flew on was almost empty, which was a huge plus – it allowed for a comfortable and spacious journey. However, the cabin crew looked like they had stepped straight out of a hospital ward – protective gowns, goggles, masks, gloves – the full setup! On top of that, the rules were much stricter than usual. Masks had to be worn properly at all times, with no lowering them below the nose allowed.
DXB and document control
I landed in Dubai, and the first thing that caught my eye was the abundance of stickers reminding everyone to maintain social distancing. Document checks were quick and straightforward, with no significant issues. As I mentioned earlier, there was no practical way for officials to verify whether the COVID-19 test results were authentic or not.
Of course, if the document had raised any suspicions, there could have been consequences, as using false documentation is a criminal offense. However, in practice, the checks were quite superficial. The officials merely glanced at the test to confirm it said “negative”, and that was it. Every time I had to undergo a COVID-19 test later on, the scenario was always the same – as long as “negative” was on the result, they didn’t seem to care about anything else.
What was tourism like during the pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global tourism, including the United Arab Emirates. In 2020, the UAE implemented various restrictions to control the spread of the virus. In March 2020, the borders were closed to foreigners, and international flights were suspended. However, by July 2020, Dubai reopened to tourists, allowing entry only with a negative PCR test for COVID-19. Strict rules were in place, including mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and limitations on the operation of tourist attractions.
For travelers who prefer less crowded destinations, the pandemic period offered a rare opportunity for quieter exploration. Fewer tourists meant no crowds at popular attractions, allowing for more comfortable experiences. However, traveling during this time required adapting to local regulations and restrictions, which often differed from those in other countries.
During my visit in September 2020, I noticed that the residents of the UAE were striving to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the ongoing restrictions. It’s important to remember that, as guests in a foreign country, we should always respect and adapt to local regulations and customs, even if some of them might seem unusual or inconvenient to us.
Traveling beyond Dubai, I observed a striking contrast between the modern city and smaller towns. While Dubai dazzles with its cutting-edge architecture and infrastructure, the smaller Arab villages exude a more traditional atmosphere, offering a deeper insight into the culture and lifestyle of the UAE’s residents.
Moving between Emirates
The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Each emirate has a degree of autonomy and can implement its own regulations, particularly evident during the pandemic.
During my visit in September 2020, I planned to visit Abu Dhabi. However, the regulations at the time required a negative PCR test for entry into the emirate, conducted within a specific timeframe before arrival. The test I had upon entering the UAE was no longer valid. Checkpoints at the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi verified the validity of these tests. Due to these restrictions, I decided to skip Abu Dhabi and focused on exploring the other emirates instead.
Accommodation
Dubai
During my stay in Dubai, I chose the Elite Byblos Hotel. Overall, the room was quite decent—clean and tidied daily, with a bathroom that included a bidet and bathtub. The air conditioning worked perfectly, and the bed was comfortable. On top of that, I received an upgraded room, which was a pleasant surprise.
However, that’s where the list of advantages ended. The hotel clearly fell short of five-star standards. Many amenities were unavailable, including the pool, gym, and three out of four elevators. Breakfast was served to the room, but the wait time could stretch to an hour, and orders were frequently mixed up. To make matters worse, the menu was the same every day, which quickly became monotonous.
The bathroom, despite being equipped with a bidet, had a crookedly installed sink and silicone applied so poorly that it looked terrible. The exterior windows were extremely dirty – a common issue in Dubai, but here it seemed particularly bad. The reception staff were not very helpful, and their attempt to charge me for breakfasts that were already included in the price was, to say the least, frustrating.
Fujarjah
In Fujairah, I stayed at the Royal M Hotel. Overall, the stay was quite decent, although some amenities were unavailable due to pandemic restrictions. Despite this, the comfort of the room met my expectations, and the bed was exceptionally comfortable.
I did not order breakfast this time, so I had no reason to complain in this regard.
Car rental
During this trip, I rented a car from Budget. The entire process was seamless – both pickup and return were quick and efficient. The rental price was reasonable for the time, which further enhanced my overall impression of the service.
If you’re planning to rent a car abroad, be sure to check out our article 🚗 How to Rent a Car and What to look out for – packed with practical tips and information to help you avoid any surprises.
Don’t forget that renting a car in the Emirates requires an 🪪 International Driving Permit – learn more about how to obtain it in our dedicated article.
Is every car off-road?
And that’s where my adventure really began. I decided to veer off the main road and drive down a gravel side route alongside the highway. It seemed like a great idea at the time… until the gravel road ended, and I got the car stuck in the hot sand. The outside temperature? Around 38 degrees – a real scorcher. Well done, me.
The situation forced me to act quickly, before anyone from the rental company found out about my “off-roading” adventure. After sitting in the scorching heat like an idiot for two hours, I managed to find a local guy who came with a big Nissan to tow me out. The whole thing was a comedy – while pulling my car out, he scraped the underside of my car on the only bush around. I was praying nothing got damaged.
The cost of this little adventure? 450 PLN. Initially, he asked for 600, but I managed to haggle it down. I paid in cash at a nearby gas station (the currency card came in handy here), settled the bill, and got back on the road. The moral of the story? A lack of experience and not using your brain in that situation can lead to these kinds of issues 😊 Never go alone into the desert by car, always travel with someone. That way, if one car gets stuck, you’ve got a backup vehicle. And most importantly, don’t take a car that isn’t suited for the terrain.
What was I able to see?
During my trip to the United Arab Emirates in September 2020, I had the opportunity to visit several interesting places.
In Dubai, I visited the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, as well as the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. It was there that I saw penguins for the first time in my life – a sight that really made me laugh! 😊 I also took walks around the area near my hotel, close to the Dubai Mall, and along Dubai Marina. However, it’s important to note that walking in Dubai is a completely different experience compared to European cities. The distances are much greater, and the pedestrian infrastructure doesn’t always make for a comfortable stroll – pedestrian crossings, bridges, or underground paths are rare, as the city is mainly designed with drivers in mind.
One of the most interesting places I visited was the abandoned Soviet Il-76 aircraft in Umm al-Quwain. The plane stood on the outskirts near the road and was easily recognizable by the inscription “Palm Beach Hotel” painted on its side. It looked like a relic of the past, attracting the attention of anyone passing by. Unfortunately, as of the time of writing this article, the plane has been scrapped, marking the end of its story as a local curiosity.
Further exploration
During this trip, I decided not to limit myself to just Dubai. I wanted to see how other emirates looked, so I hopped in the car and set off on an exploration. My route took me through Ras al-Khaimah, where I had the opportunity to admire the landscapes and observe how the emirates differed from one another. It was more of a driver’s perspective of sightseeing than walking, but this approach allowed me to better understand the layout of the cities and the unique characteristics of the region.
After spending the night in Fujairah, I decided to head to Hatta to see the famous Hatta Dam. Although the two locations are over an hour apart, the drive was very enjoyable. The Hatta Dam, located in the Hajar Mountains, is an impressive structure surrounded by stunning landscapes.
This popular recreational spot offers opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and enjoying nature. Climbing to the higher parts of the dam was a real fitness challenge for me – heavy breathing all the way up, but the views from the top made every effort worthwhile. Hatta is definitely a place worth visiting, especially if you’re looking to experience something beyond the typical urban attractions of the Emirates.
Return to Poland
This is where the next issues began. It turned out that in order to enter Poland, a negative COVID-19 test result was required. With only 30 hours left before the flight, I had no idea where to get the test done. There was an option in Fujairah to get tested at a nearby hospital, but no one was answering the phone there. Not wanting to take any chances, I decided to return to Dubai, to the Dubai Healthcare City area, where I found a facility that could do the test in time.
COVID-19 test
The whole process looked like a temporary festival – set-up seating, parking, makeshift tents. The nurse took the swab, and for a moment, I felt like I had just pressed the reset button – that’s the effect this procedure had on me. Theoretically, the result was supposed to be ready within 24 hours, and I picked it up just an hour before my flight. I quickly headed to the airport, ready for the check.
And what, absolutely no one asked me to show the test. All this fuss turned out to be completely unnecessary.
Airport
At Amsterdam airport, this time I didn’t go out anywhere. What amused me was the plastic sheets instead of plexiglass at some service points. It looked a bit like a scene from a futuristic pandemic movie – absolute craziness.
The return flight to Poland was similar to the one to the Emirates – few passengers, flight attendants in gowns, masks, and gloves, and many shopping areas at the airport were closed. The atmosphere of silence and emptiness was almost surreal.
It was a unique time that we are unlikely to experience again. If you had the chance to travel back then, congratulations – you have memories to cherish and stories to share with future generations. 😊
The adventure that continues…
Traveling to the Emirates during the pandemic was a unique experience, but it’s just one part of our adventure with this country. If you’d like to learn more about our other journeys and discoveries, check out these posts:
- 🇦🇪 First Impressions of the United Arab Emirates – The story of my first trip in 2019. What was my first encounter with the Middle East like, and what did I learn from it?
- 👫 A Guide to the United Arab Emirates – A comprehensive article on everything you need to know about the UAE. Pros, cons, our joint trip in January 2023, and our impressions.
- 🏙️ What to see in and around Dubai? – A Guide to Dubai’s Top Attractions and Surroundings. Tips on what to focus on during your trip.
- 🌇 Abu Dhabi and nearby areas – what do we recommend seeing? – A Guide to the UAE’s Capital and Its most fascinating spots. Plus, our experience riding in a self-driving taxi!
Enjoy reading and discovering the Emirates together! 😊
