Dubai Incentive Travel Tips

Anne Thornley-Brown is the President of Executive Oasis International, a Toronto based firm that regularly organizes incentive travel and executive retreats in  the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi). When Dubai Tourism did the Toronto leg of its North America roadshow, Anne was selected as 1 of 3 industry experts to serve on a panel to familiarize Toronto travel professionals with the destination.

They provide  one stop shopping service with  a  personalized approach to incentive travel for corporate groups of 10 to 40.  Customized itineraries include travel, transfers, hotel, tours, team activities, and special events.

 

For more information and photos, also see Incentive Travel in Dubai.

1.  The best time to travel is between mid October and the end of April. At that time the temperatures are more comfortable and you can spend more time outdoors.
2. Be flexible with your dates and don’t lock them in until you have given your incentive travel planner an opportunity to confirm availability of hotels and attractions. It would be a shame to lose out on an incredible location that could be available if your dates were more flexible.
3. Plan your familiarization trip and incentive travel well in advance. I have said it before and it bears repeating. Hotels and attractions get sold out well in advance. If you delay, you will have less choice and pay top dollar. We’ll show you how to get your Dubai familiarization trip for free. Check out: Dubai Incentive Travel Guide and contact us for information.
4. Add an extra day to your group’s itinerary so that you can have a chance to explore the heritage section and get a sense of Dubai’s rich history and culture. Why travel to another country and learn nothing about the people and their culture.



5. Definitely do not bring banned substances. Remember that some drugs that are over the counter in other countries are controlled substances in UAE. It is always best to check ahead of time and to carry your prescription and the original container.

List of Banned Substances
(Check with your nearest United Arab Emirates consulate for updates before departure)

6. When you go to the desert, be sure to carry a pair of jeans with you and a sweater or jacket. It can become surprisingly cool as soon the sun goes down from November to April.

Weather Averages in Dubai

7. Even though Dubai is ultra modern,  remember that you are in what was up until recently a desert:
   • Wear a scarf or hat to protect your head from the sun and avoid sunstroke.
   • To avoid dehydration, ALWAYS carry water with you and drink plenty of it.
   • Apply sunscreen liberally and often.
   • Be sure to pack cotton shirts, dresses, and blouses to ensure comfort.

 

8. Until the LRT is ready in September 2009, traffic congestion will continue to be a problem. Plan your itinerary and then book your accommodation so that you are close to the attractions you want to see on any given day.
9. Don’t book every moment of the trip. Be sure to build in half a day of down time so that people can play golf, go horse riding, go shopping, or just relax on the beach.
10. Build one  luxury experience such as a helicopter tour, Dinner in the Sky or afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab into your budget.
11. Remember that you are travelling to a Muslim country and that it is important to respect the values of the society. So, dress modestly, avoid public displays of affection and don’t abuse alcohol.

 

You can read more about Dubai and see more photos in our blog entitled “Incentive Travel in Dubai”. Scroll up and click on the link under “Incentive Travel Articles” in the right column.

Links to Help you Plan Your Trip:

Dubai Incentive Travel Guide

Executive Retreats and Team Building in Dubai

For more information visit the:

Official Dubai Tourism Portal