Quick Answer: The UAE remains open to tourists year-round, including during Ramadan and summer. Entry visa rules do not change by season. During Ramadan, visitors must avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours (sunrise to sunset). In summer (June 15 – September 15), outdoor work is banned from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, and temperatures regularly exceed 45°C.
UAE Visa Requirements (2026)
The UAE visa system operates independently of religious or seasonal periods. Whether visiting during Ramadan, summer, or any other time, the same visa rules apply. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) administers all visa categories.
Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Countries
| Category | Duration | Applicable Nationalities |
| No visa required | N/A | GCC citizens (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman) |
| Visa on arrival (30 days) | 30 days | Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, UK, USA, Vatican + EU member states |
| Visa on arrival (90 days) | 90 days | Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Paraguay, Russia, Seychelles, Uruguay + others |
| Special visa on arrival | 14-60 days | Indian nationals holding a valid US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or Singapore visa/residence permit |
2025-2026 Visa Updates
The ICP introduced significant changes in late 2025:
- Four new visit visa categories: AI specialists, entertainment professionals, cruise/yacht workers, and tourism via cruise ships
- Extended stay options: 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day single-entry visas are now available
- Five-year multiple-entry visa: Allows stays up to 90 days per visit, maximum 180 days per year
- Grace period eliminated: The 10-day grace period for overstays no longer exists; fines begin immediately at AED 50/day
- In-country visa extension: Most 30-day and 60-day visas can be extended without leaving the UAE
- Sponsor salary requirements: Residents sponsoring visitors must earn AED 4,000 (first-degree relatives), AED 8,000 (second/third-degree), or AED 15,000 (friends) monthly
Ramadan Entry and Conduct Rules
Ramadan 2026 Dates
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin between February 17 and 19, 2026, with the first day most likely on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The month concludes around March 19-20, 2026, followed by Eid Al Fitr. Official dates are confirmed by moon sighting.
Public Conduct Laws During Ramadan
Legal Requirement: Under Article 313 of the UAE Penal Code, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours may result in a fine of up to AED 2,000 or imprisonment for up to 1 month. This applies to all individuals regardless of religion.
| Rule | Requirement |
| Eating/drinking in public | Prohibited from sunrise to sunset; use designated areas in malls, hotels, or restaurants |
| Smoking | Prohibited in public during fasting hours |
| Dress code | Modest clothing expected; cover shoulders and knees in public spaces |
| Music and entertainment | Keep volume low; no loud music in public; concerts suspended during the month |
| Alcohol | Available only after Iftar at licensed venues; some venues may not serve at all |
| Public displays of affection | Avoid; more strictly observed during Ramadan |
Working Hours During Ramadan
UAE labor law mandates a two-hour reduction in daily working hours for all employees (Muslim and non-Muslim) during Ramadan:
- Public sector: Typically 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM (Monday-Thursday); 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Friday)
- Private industry: Usually 6 hours daily; many offices operate 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Retail: Shorter daytime hours, extended evening hours (often until midnight or later)
Dining During Ramadan
Most restaurants remain open throughout Ramadan. Since 2024, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have relaxed rules allowing restaurants and food courts in malls to serve food openly during fasting hours without screens. Other emirates may require permits for daytime food service. Hotels operate normally with discreet indoor dining areas.
Summer Entry and Heat Regulations
Midday Work Ban (June 15 – September 15)
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) enforces an annual outdoor work ban during peak summer hours. This regulation, now in its 21st year, protects workers from extreme temperatures that regularly exceed 45°C (113°F).
| Regulation | Details |
| Dates | June 15 to September 15 annually |
| Prohibited hours | 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM daily |
| Applies to | All outdoor work is under direct sunlight |
| Penalty for violations | AED 5,000 per worker; maximum AED 50,000 |
| Compliance rate | Over 99% (99.9% in 2023) |
Exceptions to the Midday Ban
Certain activities are exempt due to technical or safety requirements: laying asphalt/concrete, emergency utility repairs, traffic management, and government-approved continuous operations. These remain subject to safety protocols.
Summer Travel Considerations
Tourists visiting during the summer should prepare for extreme heat. Indoor attractions, malls, and hotels operate normally with air conditioning. To stay comfortable, outdoor activities are recommended in the early morning or evening, with plans scheduled accordingly.
Visa Fees and Durations
| Visa Type | Duration | Approximate Fee |
| Tourist visa (single entry) | 30 days | AED 300-500 |
| Tourist visa (single entry) | 60 days | AED 500-700 |
| Tourist visa (single entry) | 90 days | AED 700-1,000 |
| 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa | Up to 90 days per visit | AED 650-1,000 |
| Visa extension | 30 days | AED 600 + AED 100 processing |
| Overstay fine | Per day | AED 50 |
Fees vary by application channel (airline, hotel, travel agency, government portal). Check current rates on official platforms.
Step-by-Step: Entering the UAE
Extend if needed: Apply via the ICP portal before visa expiry; no grace period exists
Check visa requirements: Verify your nationality’s visa category on the official UAE government portal or the ICP website.
Prepare documents: Passport valid for 6+ months, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, return ticket, proof of funds (AED 3,000-5,000 depending on stay length)
Apply if required: Submit via the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae), UAE embassy, airline, hotel, or travel agency.
Receive e-visa: Approved visas arrive via email; print or save digitally
Arrive and clear immigration: Present passport, visa (if applicable), and return ticket
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the UAE during Ramadan as a non-Muslim?
Yes. The UAE welcomes tourists year-round. Non-Muslims are not required to fast but must respect public conduct rules by avoiding eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours.
Are restaurants open during Ramadan?
Yes. Most restaurants, cafes, and food courts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi operate throughout the day. Hotels provide dining options without restrictions. Some restaurants in other emirates may require permits for daytime service.
What are the fines for eating in public during Ramadan?
Fines can reach AED 2,000 (approximately $545) or result in up to one month imprisonment under the UAE Penal Code. Enforcement is rare for tourists making unintentional mistakes, but intentional violations are taken seriously.
Does the midday work ban affect tourists?
No. The ban applies to outdoor workers, not tourists. However, visitors should avoid prolonged outdoor activity between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM during summer due to extreme heat exceeding 45°C.
Can I extend my UAE visa without leaving the country?
Yes. Since late 2025, most 30-day and 60-day tourist visas have been extendable online via the ICP portal without exiting. Extensions cost approximately AED 600-700.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstay fines are AED 50 per day from the first day after the expiry date. Prolonged overstays can result in deportation or re-entry bans. The previous 10-day grace period no longer exists.
Is there a dress code in the UAE?
Modest clothing is expected in public spaces (malls, markets, cultural sites). Cover shoulders and knees. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches and pools. Dress codes are more strictly observed during Ramadan.
Can Indian nationals obtain a visa on arrival in the UAE?
Indian nationals holding valid residence permits or visas from the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or Singapore can obtain a visa on arrival for 14-60 days. The permit or visa must be valid for at least 6 months.
Official Sources
Government Portals:
- UAE Government Official Portal – Visa Information
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
- UAE Official Portal – Ramadan Information
- UAE Official Portal – Midday Break Regulations
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA)
Disclaimer: Visa requirements and regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with official UAE government sources before travel. This guide reflects information available as of January 2026.
Last Updated: January, 2026