Visa-free and visa-on-arrival
Many passport holders, including most EU, UK, US and several other nationalities, receive either visa-free entry or a visa stamped on arrival for a set number of days. Others need to apply for an e-visa in advance through an airline, hotel or an authorized UAE agent.
Passport validity
The UAE generally expects at least six months of passport validity from your date of entry — check this well before travel, since it is a common reason for being denied boarding.
What to actually verify before booking
Because rules change and vary by nationality, check the requirement for your specific passport on an official UAE government or embassy source close to your travel date, not from a general guide like this one.
If your nationality qualifies for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, Dubai is one of the easier Gulf destinations to plan a trip to on short notice — just don't assume, confirm.