Middle East

United Arab Emirates

No WHV. The UAE is mostly relevant to Aussies as an Emirates / Etihad stopover, or for Dubai-based hospitality / cabin-crew careers. 30-day visa-on-arrival makes a short stop trivial.

Currency

AED

1 AUD = 2.42 AED (mid-market, 2026-05-21)

Cost of living

95% of Sydney

Working Holiday Visa for Australians

No WHV with Australia

Smartraveller

Check live advisory

Emergency: 999

Tourist or short-stay entry

Visa-on-arrival

Up to 1 months. Work rights: none.

Australians get a free 30-day visa stamp on arrival (extendable for 30 days in-country).

Source: u.ae

Highlights

Major airline hub; most flights to Europe pass through Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Cabin crew recruiting (Emirates, Etihad) actively hires Australians.
Modern transport, taxis are cheap, English universal.
Easy onward flights to Africa, India and Europe.

Watch outs

Conservative dress and behaviour expected in public; rules are enforced.
Alcohol is sold only in licensed venues; public intoxication is illegal.
LGBTQI+ relationships are criminalised; relevant Smartraveller advice applies.
Summer heat (June-September) reaches mid-40sC; outdoor activity is impractical.

Money tips

Emirates NBD and Mashreq Neo accept foreign workers; tourists cannot open accounts.
Cash and card both work everywhere; ATMs are fee-free at most malls.
Tipping 10-15% is expected in restaurants, AED 5-10 for taxis.
Souks expect bargaining; chain stores and supermarkets do not.

Typical costs (AUD)

Hostel bed per night: $60
Budget meal: $18
Mid-range meal: $38
Beer (bar): $18
Public transport day pass: $8

Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.

Practical basics

Power plug: Type G
Drives on: Right
Emergency number: 999

Sources

Last updated 2026-05-21.