dubai event Travel 411

THE BASICS

AIRPORT: Dubai International Airport - DXB
(Try to avoid flying into another Emirate like: AUH/Abu Dhabi as they will have unique Covid-19 restrictions)
HOTEL ADDRESS: AVANI Ibn Battuta - Sheikh Zayed Road, lbn Battuta, Dubai.
HOW TO GET THERE: Recommend using Uber/Cab. [ Tell the driver: Avani Ibn Battuta on Sheikh Zayed Road]
TIME: Airport is approximately 30-40 minutes from the hotel pending traffic.
WHEN: Arrive: Monday, Jan 27th | Depart: Tuesday, December 21st
WHAT: Accommodations, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Excursions, Transportation to/from Excursions and Shoots are Included.

TRAVELING TO DUBAI

A valid Passport is required for International travel to Dubai. A valid Driver License or government issue ID is also recommended to complete proper model and photographer releases for Paradise Challenge so please bring both.

Your luggage and ALL personal belongings are subject to search during customs clearance. To reduce your chance of delays, PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Familiarize yourself with UAE laws and protocols before your trip and DO NOT OVER PACK.

Countries Given FREE 30 day Tourist VISA Upon Arrival

Countries Given FREE 90 day Tourist VISA Upon Arrival

Additional VISA Details

Indian citizens with a US Green Card can obtain a valid visa for 14 days.
VISAS that Require Pre-Approval: India, Pakistan, Philippines, Iran, Egypt, Nigeria and Jordan.

DUBAI BASICS

LOCATION: Eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf.
DUBAI: One of 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The other Emirates are called: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ajman and Ra's al-Khaimah. Abu Dhabi is the Capitol city of the United Arab Emirates.
LANGUAGE: The local language is Arabic. The common spoken language is English.
TEMPERATURE: 20° -31° c / 68° - 88° f during November
RELIGION: Muslim
DAYS: Work week is Sunday - Thursday. The weekend is Friday and Saturday.
POPULATION: 3,331,420 in Dubai. Approx 85% of the population is expatriate. Median age is about 27 years
SIZE; 1,287.5 square kilometres (497.1 sq mi)
POLITICS: Constitutional Monarchy ruled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates.
CRIME: Dubai has one of the world's lowest crime rates: [2019] 7th-safest city in the world. Street crime is rare, it’s safe to take taxis at night, and walking around on your own is fine in most areas.
ALCOHOL: Must be at least 21 years old to drink legally in the UAE. Public drunkenness as well as drinking and driving are prohibited.

Cultural Awareness

DRESS CODE

TRADITIONAL WARDROBE: WOMEN: usually wear the "abaya", a long black robe with a hijab (the head-scarf which covers the neck and part of the head-all of the hair and ears). Some women may add a niqab: covers the mouth, nose and only leaves the eyes exposed.
TRADITIONAL WARDROBE: MEN: Men wear the "kandurah" also referred to as "dishdasha" or even "thawb" (long white robe) and the headscarf (ghotrah).
The Dress Code is NOT compulsory. Women’s clothing is considered by local conservatives to be indecent if it’s too short, tight or transparent, while men should never walk around without a shirt (beach/pool excluded).
You can wear a bikini at the beach or the pool. You can dress to impress at brunch and out clubbing. In the malls, mosques and souqs, you should respect local Islamic culture by dressing modestly, which suggests shoulders and knees covered (though this is regulated more aggressively in local areas.

MONEY

TIPPING isn’t necessarily expected in Dubai. SOME restaurants will add a tip to your bill. Taxi drivers don’t expect to receive a tip, but luggage carriers and supermarket baggers CAN be given a SMALL tip for their services. Simply put: Tip is at your discretion.
There are money exchanges conveniently located throughout the Emirate. Rates vary slightly.
When using a debit card/ credit card, inform you bank(s) that you are traveling. It is recommended to use dirhams, not your local exchange rate, when using your debit card, as that rate tends to be higher than the one your card gives you.
Average EXCHANGE RATES:
- US Dollar: 1 to 3.6730 pinned
- Euro: 1 to 4.0880 average
- Canadian: 1 to 2.8113 average
- Australian: 1 to 2.5307 average

PDA

PUBLIC DISPLAYS of AFFECTION are considered offensive by some in the UAE. To be on the safe side, refrain from holding hands with someone of the opposing sex or kissing in public.

Electricity/ Power

If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V and 127 V as is in the United States, Canada and most South American countries, you will need a voltage converter in Dubai. You can also consider a combined power plug voltage converter.

Dubai wall Outlet Voltage : 220V
Dubai The standard frequency : 50 HZ
Dubai Power Plug Types : G : This plug type is a British origin

DrugS and Prescriptions

Please be aware that the country has extreme drug offense penalties. Individuals may bring prescribed medicine into the country for their personal use. Up to three months' supply of a prescription item can be brought into the country by a visitor, depending on your visa/length of stay. Drugs that may be legal in your home country/state/province may not be legal in the UAE. DO NOT bring anything with CBD into the United Arab Emirates as it is considered illegal in the UAE (for now).

Joel Alvarez
+1 786 287-5437
joel@theparadisechallenge.com

Connect to Our WhatsApp Group Chat Here
Be mindful of your luggage and belongings at all times.
Once you have arrived at the destination, you will be assigned to your room.

MODEL INFORMATION

BE PREPARED! Make sure to pack the following items and make the proper preparations before your trip.

PLEASE BRING:

2 Forms of ID! Passport is required for International travel to Dubai.
Wardrobe: Swimsuits, Cover Ups, Resort Wear / Yacht, Safari, Night-Out looks and Trendy. Include accessories: jewelry, sunglasses, hats, etc.
Footwear: Safari boots/casual rugged, heels (Black, Nude, etc... NO clear heels.)
Nails: For Hands and Toes: NO loud color polishes. Neutrals, nudes and blush ONLY. No extreme nail lengths.
Body: All personal hygiene items (toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant, lotion/moisturizer, etc.) Body oil for swimwear shoots. Sunblock is a MUST. Avoid spray tan and unnatural tanning skin colors.
Beauty: Bring any needed makeup, foundation, lashes, etc. for all of your shoots.
Makeup and Hair Team available on site at affordable prices: $100/look. Make sure to schedule your appointments prior. USD payment.
Packing: Bring enough for One Large Suit Case and a carry-on. Do Not Overpack! Airline fees / coronavirus restrictions may occur.

LODGING. Be respectful of your roommate. You may be in a room with one other person. Respect their personal items, hygiene, and personal space.

Desert Wardrobe Inspo

Safari Wardrobe Inspo

Nail Shade and Cut Inspo

WARDROBE Rental

If you are interested in renting a dress in Dubai for a photoshoot, the following looks are available for 1 day rental.

SIZES XS to XXL

$55 USD / 200AED SILK DRESS

$82 USD / 300AED TULLE DRESS

PHOTOGRAPHER INFORMATION

Bring everything you need to capture you best images but only bring the necessary items. Do Not Overpack. Doing so will make it difficult to clear customs. Be as portable as possible.

Please Bring:

2 Forms of ID! Passport is required for International travel to Dubai.
Equipment:
Extension Cords, adapters and battery packs [ remember the outlets are 220V ]
Camera, Lenses, ND filters, basic Flashes, Camera Batteries, Chargers, etc... Please make sure to Label ALL of your equipment! Paradise Challenge is not responsible for lost, misplaced or damaged equipment.
Make sure to provide documentation for all your equipment. It may be subject for review by customs.
Packing: Clothing for flights + days in Dubai, Hat, Sunglasses, Sunblock (MUST!) , bathing suit, etc.

What NOT to bring: Drones (it will be taken at customs as you need permission and permit to fly them in Dubai).
The following ARE NOT permitted in public places: large Reflectors , large Strobes, Light Modifiers, Triggers, and tripods.

IF you have any additional questions about Traveling and what to pack, please contact us directly at joel@theparadisechallenge.com or get a quick response by asking in the group Whatsapp below.

Dubai WhatsApp Group Chat

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Dubai 411