Hair Transplant in UAE (Dubai)

Visa on Arrival: US citizens do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to the UAE for tourism or short-term medical purposes. A free visa on arrival is issued at the port of entry.

Duration of Stay: The visa on arrival allows for a stay of up to 90 days.

Special Medical Visa: For short-term medical procedures like a hair transplant, a special medical visa is not required. The standard tourist visa on arrival is sufficient.

E-Visa: An e-visa is not necessary for US citizens for short stays.

Cost: The visa on arrival is free of charge.

The primary international airport serving Dubai is Dubai International Airport (DXB). It is a major international hub and one of the busiest airports in the world.

For travelers from the United States, Emirates is the flagship carrier of the UAE and offers the most direct flight options from major US cities, including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), and Miami (MIA). Other airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Qatar Airways also offer flights to Dubai, though these may involve layovers.

Approximate round-trip flight costs from major US cities to Dubai (DXB) can vary significantly based on the time of year, airline, and how far in advance you book. Here are some general ranges:

• New York (NYC):
  • Economy: $600 - $1,200
  • Business: $3,500 - $7,000
• Los Angeles (LAX):
  • Economy: $700 - $1,400
  • Business: $4,000 - $8,000
• Miami (MIA):
  • Economy: $700 - $1,500
  • Business: $4,500 - $9,000
• Chicago (ORD):
  • Economy: $650 - $1,300
  • Business: $4,000 - $8,000

The best neighborhoods to stay in for a hair transplant trip to Dubai are those that are close to the top clinics and offer a comfortable and convenient recovery experience. These include:

• Sheikh Zayed Road / Business Bay / Downtown Dubai: This is a central and modern area with a high concentration of top-rated clinics. It offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and amenities.
• Jumeirah: An upscale coastal neighborhood with a more relaxed, resort-like atmosphere. It's a good option if your clinic is located in the Jumeirah or Al Wasl areas.
• Deira: A more traditional and budget-friendly neighborhood with good metro connections to other parts of the city.

Here are some recommended hotels near the main hair transplant clinic areas:

• Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai:
  • Approximate Price: $100 - $200 per night
  • Distance: Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, close to many clinics in the Business Bay and Downtown areas.
• Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai:
  • Approximate Price: $500 - $1,000+ per night
  • Distance: Located in Jumeirah, offering a luxurious and relaxing recovery experience.
• Rove City Centre, Deira:
  • Approximate Price: $70 - $150 per night
  • Distance: Located in Deira, a more traditional and affordable neighborhood with good metro connections.

Ride-Hailing: Uber and the local ride-hailing app, Careem, are both widely available in Dubai.

Taxis: Official RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) taxis are readily available and are often a more affordable option than ride-hailing services. A taxi from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to the downtown area will cost approximately 60-100 AED.

Metro: The Dubai Metro is a modern, clean, and efficient way to get around the city. It has a station at the airport and connects to many key areas.

Clinic Transfers: Many hair transplant clinics offer airport transfers as part of their medical tourism packages. It is recommended to inquire with your chosen clinic about this service.

The local currency in Dubai is the UAE Dirham (AED).

The exchange rate is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of approximately 1 USD = 3.67 AED.

Exchanging Money: The best way to exchange money is at licensed money exchange centers, which can be found at the airport and throughout the city. Reputable exchange houses include Al Ansari Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, and Sharaf Exchange.

ATMs and Credit Cards: ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Tipping is not mandatory in Dubai, but it is appreciated for good service.

• Restaurants: A tip of 10-15% is customary, although some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill.
• Taxis: Rounding up the fare to the nearest note is a common practice.
• Hotel Staff: A small tip of 5-10 AED for porters and housekeeping is appreciated.

English: English is widely spoken in Dubai, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and medical facilities. You will have no problem communicating in English.

Clinic Staff: Hair transplant clinics in Dubai have English-speaking staff to assist international patients.

Translators: While not generally necessary, translator services are available if needed.

Useful Arabic Phrases:

• Marhaba: Hello
• Shukran: Thank you
• Min fadlak/fadlik: Please (to a man/woman)
• Na'am: Yes
• La: No

Foods to Eat During Recovery:

• Protein-rich foods: Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, lentils, and beans to aid in tissue repair and hair growth.
• Fruits and vegetables: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants to support healing.
• Whole grains: Provide sustained energy.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water.

Foods to Avoid During Recovery:

• Spicy foods: Can cause inflammation and discomfort.
• Processed and sugary foods: Can hinder the healing process.
• Alcohol: Can thin the blood and should be avoided before and after the procedure.

Western Food and Dietary Accommodations: Western food options are widely available in Dubai, from fast-food chains to fine dining restaurants. Most restaurants can accommodate dietary restrictions, but it's always best to inform them in advance.

• Respect Local Laws and Customs: Dubai has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption, public displays of affection, and dress code. Be mindful of these to avoid any issues.
• Be Wary of Scams: Common scams include overcharging taxis and fake tour guides. Use licensed taxis and book tours through reputable companies.
• Stay Hydrated: The weather in Dubai can be very hot, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Emergency Numbers:
  • Police: 999
  • Ambulance: 998
  • Fire Department: 997

In case of a medical emergency, Dubai has several world-class hospitals with 24/7 emergency departments and English-speaking staff. Two highly-rated options near the main clinic areas are:

• American Hospital Dubai: Located on Oud Metha Road, near Dubai Healthcare City.
• Mediclinic City Hospital: Located in Dubai Healthcare City.

While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for any trip, especially for medical tourism.

What it should cover:

• Emergency medical expenses: This is the most important coverage, in case of any unforeseen complications.
• Trip cancellation or interruption: To protect your investment if you have to cancel or cut your trip short.
• Medical evacuation: To cover the cost of being transported to a suitable medical facility or back home if necessary.

Approximate Cost: The cost of travel insurance can vary widely depending on the provider, the level of coverage, and the duration of your trip. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a comprehensive policy.

Recommended Providers: Several companies specialize in travel insurance for medical tourism. It is advisable to compare quotes from providers like IMG, WorldTrips, and VisitorsCoverage.

Peak Season (November to March): This is the best time to visit Dubai, with pleasant weather ideal for exploring the city and recovering from a procedure. Temperatures are mild, ranging from the high 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 20-28°C).

Shoulder Season (April, May, September, and October): The weather is warmer during these months, but still manageable for most people. You may find better deals on flights and accommodation during this time.

Off-Peak Season (June to August): These are the hottest months in Dubai, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). While you can find the best deals during this time, the extreme heat can be uncomfortable, especially during recovery.

• Button-down or zip-up shirts: To avoid pulling anything over your head after the procedure.
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
• A travel neck pillow: To help you sleep in a more upright position.
• A wide-brimmed hat or scarf: To protect your scalp from the sun.
• Any prescribed medications.
• A gentle, fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner.
• Sunscreen.
• Your passport and any necessary visa documents.
• A credit card and some local currency (AED).

Day 1: Arrival and Consultation

• Arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
• Take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer to your hotel.
• Attend your pre-operative consultation with the hair transplant surgeon.

Day 2: Procedure Day

• Have a light breakfast.
• Arrive at the clinic for your hair transplant procedure.
• The procedure can take several hours, depending on the number of grafts.
• Return to your hotel to rest and recover.

Day 3: Recovery

• Follow the post-operative care instructions provided by the clinic.
• Rest and relax at your hotel.
• You may have a follow-up appointment for a hair wash.

Day 4: Light Activities

• You can start to engage in light activities, such as a gentle walk or visiting a mall.
• Avoid strenuous activities and direct sun exposure.

Day 5: Departure

• Have a final check-up with the clinic if required.
• Depart from Dubai International Airport (DXB).

SIM Cards: Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB), tourists can receive a complimentary tourist SIM card from telecom providers like du or Etisalat. These SIMs usually come with a small amount of free data and can be topped up with various data and calling packages.

WiFi: Free WiFi is widely available in Dubai, including at the airport, in malls, hotels, restaurants, and other public areas.

Recommended Apps:

• Careem: A popular ride-hailing app in the Middle East, similar to Uber.
• WhatsApp: Widely used for messaging and calling.
• The Entertainer: Offers two-for-one deals on dining, attractions, and more.
• Visit Dubai: The official tourism app with city guides and information.