Dubai is one of the most exciting destinations you can visit from Panama and the rest of Latin America: modern architecture, desert adventures, beaches and some of the best hotels in the world, all in one city. The trip is long, so a little planning makes a big difference. Here are practical tips to help you arrive rested and make the most of your first days.
Before you book: documents and entry requirements
Entry rules for the United Arab Emirates depend on your passport and can change. Before you buy your ticket, check the current requirements with the official UAE channels and with your airline, and make sure your passport is valid for the whole trip with plenty of time to spare. If you have a connection in another country, check whether that country asks for a transit visa too. When you book with us, our team reminds you to confirm these points before you travel, but the final check is always with the official sources.
Flights: plan for a long journey
There are usually no direct flights between Panama and Dubai, so most trips connect through a hub in North America, Europe or the Middle East. Compare total travel time, not only the price, and choose a connection that gives you enough time to change planes. On the long flight, drink water, walk a little when you can and try to sleep according to Dubai time.
Time difference and jet lag
Dubai is 9 hours ahead of Panama, and neither country changes the clock during the year. When it is 9:00 a.m. in Panama City, it is 6:00 p.m. in Dubai. Plan an easy first day: a walk, a good dinner and an early night. Keep the big experiences, like the desert safari, for your second or third day, when your body has adjusted.
Money and payments
The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US dollar, so prices are easy to compare for travellers who use dollars in Panama. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for small shops and tips. Tell your bank you are travelling so your card is not blocked. Tours booked on our website are paid securely by card before you travel, so you do not need to carry cash for them. To compare budgets, see our Dubai tour prices in US dollars.
Weather: when to go
The most comfortable months are from about October to April, with warm days and pleasant evenings, the best season for outdoor tours. Summer (June to September) is very hot; if you travel then, plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening and enjoy indoor attractions during the day. Whatever the season, bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a light jacket for the strong air conditioning indoors.
What to wear and local customs
- Light, comfortable clothes for the day; in malls, souks and traditional areas, shoulders and knees covered is a good rule.
- For mosques, women usually need to cover their hair, arms and legs, and men should wear long trousers; some mosques lend suitable clothing.
- Swimwear is for the beach, the pool and water parks only.
- Public displays of affection, loud behaviour and taking photos of people without permission are not well seen. Alcohol is served only in licensed places such as hotels.
Language and getting around
Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken everywhere in Dubai, from hotels to taxis. The metro, taxis and ride-hailing apps make it easy to move around the city, and on most of our tours transport is arranged for you (we confirm the details for each tour before you pay).
How to plan your first days
If it is your first visit, follow our 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors. A good start is the Standard Dubai Tour to see the main sights, then the views from the Burj Khalifa (read level 124 vs level 148), an evening on a private yacht in Dubai Marina or a dhow dinner cruise and, if you have more time, a day trip to Abu Dhabi.
A tailor-made trip from Panama
If you prefer to have everything organised before you leave Panama, our team can prepare a tailor-made Dubai trip around your dates, budget and interests, combining hotel ideas with the tours on this website. Tell us your plans through the trip form on our home page or contact us; dates, prices and details are always confirmed with you before you pay.
How to book with CanalMarket Travel
CanalMarket Travel has offices in Panama City and Dubai, so we can help you before you leave home and while you are in the UAE. Browse all our tours in the UAE, choose your dates and pay securely by card, or contact us by email or WhatsApp and we will help you plan your trip.
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