Eat Drink Stay Dubai Newsletter 80/w17

Hi Dubai friends,

Welcome to Week 17, Edition 80

Here’s your latest edition of Dubai news, deals & tips, every Thursday, in 10 mins or less.

💊 What Tourists need to know about UAE medication rules

💸 Entertainer - the miracle of reusable vouchers

🕺Gent’s Nights

🎫 My Emirates Pass: the merits of shopping around

🏨 Luxury Escapes x American Express £150 discount

👨‍✈️ Double Tier Miles on Emirates/Fly Dubai

🇬🇧 Manchester to get 4 class A380s

Thanks for reading 👏 

Shaun

PS. You can always email me here also.

Please note: some links in this newsletter may be affiliate links, and will be denoted with an asterisk (*). This is a link to a partner site that may pay me a commission - at no further cost to you - and if so, helps to support me & this newsletter. For more info, please see Disclosure and Policies

KNOW MORE ABOUT DUBAI

This Is How Important the Internet Is for Dining Out in Dubai

According to a recent report from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), 70% of Dubai diners consult social media to make decisions on dining out.

Their Gastronomy Always On (GAON) Wave 6 report states Dubai residents eat out on average 2.5 times per week, with a 23.5% year-on-year increase in food-related searches via Google.

Read the full report below 👇

Gastronomy Industry Report 2024 (DET)

Was Dubai Airport the Busiest Airport In the World in 2024?

If we’re counting passengers, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) actually was busier than Dubai International Airport (DXB). ATL boarded and deplaned 108,067,766 passengers to reach top spot in the latest counts for 2024 released this month, whereas DXB did 92,331,506 to come in second.

Where Dubai comes to fore is when the passengers are counted as ‘international’, and this is where Dubai was number one in 2024, with 92,331,506, closely followed by London Heathrow (LHR) with 79,194,330.

It’s Not Just Ladies Nights. There Are Gents Nights Too!

As I often post about drinks deals such as Ladies Nights, in the interests of editorial balance here are some ‘Gents Nights’.

It’s a little tougher to keep track of Gents Nights, as there aren’t as many, and some don’t last the course, but here’s another 23 that may still be around.

For the unaware, on the quieter nights of the weeks such as Tuesday or Monday, outlets may offer promotions for ladies, gents, hospitality staff, air crew etc. with special offers. These may include a ‘free’ set number of drinks or food courses, and as always, it’s well worth shopping around.

Do compare with things like Happy Hours or Entertainer Cheers (two for one deals) or even My Emirates Pass/More Cravings to see which deals work out the best. Sometimes a straight % discount on non-specific nights may work out better than a few cheeky libations on a school night for instance.

ONE BIG DUBAI TIP

UAE's Medication Rules: A Tourist’s Guide to Hassle-Free Entry

There is often confusion about tourists declaring medications, mainly because the UAE has changed its approach over the years, intending to be less restrictive.

In addition to this, people sometimes tend to read less from objective, trusted sources and rely on social media or one-liners.

Rather than discussing what you can and can’t do, it’s better to explain the process to follow and why things are as they are.

What the UAE (MOHAP) and FCDO can’t have is ‘information gaps’, so unfortunately, this often means the advice given has to cater to the lowest common denominator. IF they said, for instance, ‘some’ medications can be brought in, there’s a chance people may not check the process or assume they’re alright.

FCDO for UK travellers should be the first stop for any foreign travel advice, though the advice there is what’s briefed to them from UAE and sometimes is slow to catch up (such as the recent update on VOA that’s been the case ‘on the ground’ for months).

Reading FCDO Health page, it currently says:

“In the UAE, some UK prescribed and over-the-counter medicines are considered controlled substances. You must get approval in advance from the UAE Ministry of Health to bring medication. Apply online to bring medication to the UAE. The UAE authorities advise that applications are processed within 5 working days.”

The link that directs to is MOHAP, the Ministry of Health.

https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/issue-of-permit-to-import-medicines-for-personal-use

So, the upshot of this is the onus is on the traveller to check if their medications are considered controlled, and if so, what to do about it. All the necessary information is available from that MOHAP web page.

Perhaps the two most common points of confusion are what needs to be declared and how to declare.

What to Declare

The most important thing to bear in mind with this is it’s not ALL medicine, and you need to click on the links under “Resources” to see what the “controlled and semi-controlled list” says.

Top tip - if reading on desktop, do a keyword search (eg Cmd + F on a Mac) for the name you’re looking for, eg “Codeine” and it will show you all instances of the word on the page, which saves scrolling through line by line.

This list has three columns, and all the information you need is right there.

1. GENERIC NAME - (Alphabetical Order)

2. CATEGORY (Control Level)

3. Allowed Quantity & Documents to be kept with the traveller

Example - Codeine is on Line 64, Category 63 - Narcotic Schedule II, and “allowed quantity/documents” says “Quantity for the period of stay or a maximum three months use whichever is less. Medical prescription or attested medical report by health provider is required”.

Note - be sure to check ALL instances of the keyword, as it could be a different dose size may have different allowed quantity/documents required.

Essentially, there are only two options in column 3, and that is an item is Prohibited, or if it is allowed, in what quantity and what documentation is needed.

How to Declare

The electronic approval process through the UAE Pass system is only required for residents, not tourists. As a visitor, you can simply follow the other declaration procedures outlined on the MOHAP website.

“This service allows travelers coming to the country (optional service) to obtain prior approval to bring in Narcotics & Controlled Medicines.”

It is possible for visitors to try to register for the UAE Pass. However, given some of the IT challenges these things sometimes bring, I’d suggest there’s no need to even try as it’s not necessary and there are simpler options.

MOHAP says, under “Conditions and Requirements,” line 2:-

“For travelers: This service is optional for travelers visiting the country who wish to obtain electronic approvals, as it is allowed for those coming to the country to take narcotic medicine and psychotropics (controlled medications) with them within the limits of a quantity that does not exceed the patient’s need for a maximum period of three months.”

The main takeaway about declaration: there is no need to seek prior approval anymore if your medication is not prohibited. All you need to ensure is you comply with the maximum allowed and have the supporting documentation to hand on arrival.

Top Tips

I would definitely recommend reading EVERYTHING on the MOHAP page, especially the links under Resources. Some items may need careful reading, or even repeat readings, and may even slightly contradict others.

DO NOT just have a ‘man look’ at these things, because it’s very easy for things to be taken out of context if one only looks at the odd line or two.

Not just for Dubai and the UAE, but if you do travel with medication:-

• Keep all medication together, ideally in your carry-on (in case checked cases don’t arrive).

• Always have paper and electronic documentation to support reasons for carrying medication.

• Sometimes overkill is better than expediency. It’s better to have things and not be needed, or to make life easier, so carrying original medication packaging (as that has labels on it, including your name, date etc.) but also, a doctor’s letter listing all your medications and ailments can also help.

• If you’re from the UK, it’s worth registering for the NHS app to access your GP records, as this offers another layer of support for your conditions and why you need medications.

EMIRATES

Manchester to Get Retrofitted Four-Class A380s

From 6 June*, Emirates will fly the Manchester (MAN) to Dubai (DXB) route with retrofitted four-class A380s on flights EK017 and EK018. This will bring 56 Premium Economy seats and refurbished seating in the other cabins.

*Date may change according to the delivery schedules

Earn Double Skywards Tier Miles

If you’re chasing status with Emirates, there’s a new Double Tier Miles promotion that could help you earn elite miles faster on Emirates and Fly Dubai flights.

Promotion is only valid for new bookings made by 21 May, for flights 1 May to 20 June.

HOTEL OFFERS

‘Double Dip’ With Luxury Escapes and American Express

Luxury Escapes* continue to have some great deals for Dubai, such as:-

• Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk - 3 nights from £329 total with LuxPLus+

• W Dubai Mina Seyahi 3 nights from £559 total with LuxPlus+

• Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel - 3 nights from £229 total

Note that some of these deals are far from just room only, especially the LuxPlus+ ones, and often will include added benefits. For example, the Sofitel Obelisk one is Club Access, breakfast and cocktails, whereas W Mina Seyahi is breakfast and lunch or dinner with AI upgrades available.

Where the offers get even better is the option to ‘double dip’ or ‘stack’ another offer on top, such as the current American Express UK offer available until 20 May of £150 back when spending £1,200 or more.

Luxury Escapes: Dubai Hotel Offers*

DUBAI DEALS

Two Tips for Entertainer and My Emirates Pass

ALWAYS Compare the Deals

Yes, I know I say this so much I sound like an ‘Internet Mum’ but don’t always take the first deal offer that you see. Rather, ‘dig into the deal’ to see if it really is all that, and do compare to other options.

Aquaventure is a good example of this, as this debate on Trip Advisor forum shows. Aquaventure often has different deals across different platforms, and in this case they are offering 20% discount on gate price via My Emirates Pass. However, as that thread shows, there appears to be some uncertainty over what prices and packages Aquaventure customer services say it’s valid on.

Alternatively, Aquaventure are on Entertainer for two for one, but on the more expensive dolphin packages. They often will have their own Special Offers, credit card promos, flash sales or the most obvious of all - advance booking prices via Internet, which may work out the cheapest.

The bottom line is - as is often the case with Dubai and deals - do take time to see what’s available, and then compare across every option to see where the value lies.

And of course, DO ensure you’re au fait with the terms and conditions of any offer, just in case you face issues with staff. Sometimes staff may not always be 100% on what the offer entails, or they may be ‘trying it on’. Just stay firm firm, polite and positive. If necessary, ask for an escalation or a manager, as sometimes the front-line staff don’t have the authority or discretion to make decisions. Just don’t go full-on ‘Karen’, as that may lead to one issue quickly becoming two.

Don’t Overlook Reusable Offers/Vouchers on Entertainer

One of the lesser known angles on Entertainer is ‘Reusable’ offers, because they will often allow more uses (up to 4 times a day) than the normal vouchers.

If you’re lucky, an outlet or merchant you fancy may have more than one voucher/offer for a deal eg One Free Main Course. Three is often the maximum, and what this means is up to six people can use three vouchers at once to get 3 x freebies. Or one couple can return three times to the same venue for a freebie each time.

But when those three are used, they’re gone - forever. Even if there are multiple outlets of the same merchant (e.g. The Butcher Shop and Grill), if it seems there may be 3 for each venue there isn’t - it’s per merchant, not outlet.

However, and I’ve confirmed this directly with Entertainer staff (see quote below) that there are instances where a Reusable voucher can be used up to four times at once. As many of the reusable vouchers are for brunch offers, this could could save quite a lot of money.

For instance, let’s take Le Jardin Saturday brunch at Raffles Palm Jumeirah, which is currently on Dubai Monthly Offers 2025. Looking at the screenshot, it says ‘2 people’, but - as the quote confirms - that if say, 6 people attended, they could reuse the same voucher at the same sitting to get 3 x free Saturday brunches. Or even better, because that offer is reusable 4 times, it could even work for eight people to get 4 x ‘free’ Saturday brunches.

DUBAI NEWS

Is This the Ultimate Dubai ‘Collab’?

In what is believed to be the first of its kind worldwide, Visit Dubai are teaming up with Beautiful Destinations to offer a three month long course in Dubai to learn how to become a Travel Influencer.

Emaar have announced they will be placing special audio-visual display screens around the renovations works at Dubai Fountain, which will hopefully serve as an “attraction”.

In other fountain-related news that shows how much footfall the fountains bring, Emaar is offering up to four months of rent relief to some lake-facing food outlets affected by the closure.