La Tomatina 2025: How Dubai and Abu Dhabi Residents Can Attend Spain’s Most Colorful Festival
La Tomatina is the legendary Spanish festival where, for one exhilarating hour, participants engage in a massive “battle” using ripe tomatoes. It takes place every year in the town of Buñol, about 40 km from Valencia.
The origins go back to 1945, when during the “Gigantes y Cabezudos” parade, a fight broke out and young people began throwing tomatoes from a nearby market stall. The following year, they returned with their own tomatoes, and the tradition stuck. Although local authorities initially tried to ban it, in 1959 the festival was officially recognized with set rules and a fixed time frame.
In 2002, La Tomatina was awarded the status of Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, and in 2013, a participant limit of 22,000 and a ticket system were introduced. In 2025, the festival will take place on Wednesday, August 27.
How to Get from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to La Tomatina
- Option 1: One-Stop Flight to Valencia
Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, Qatar Airways, Air France, KLM.
Route: Depart from Dubai DXB or Abu Dhabi AUH, connect in a European hub, Valencia VLC.
Total travel time: around 10-12 hours. - Option 2: Direct Emirates Flight + High-Speed Train
Emirates Dubai. Madrid (7h 50m) or Dubai, Barcelona (7h 10m).
From Madrid – AVE high-speed train to Valencia (1h 50m).
From Barcelona – Euromed high-speed train to Valencia (2h 35m).
Advantage: Emirates’ premium onboard service and the option to book the train together with the flight thanks to Emirates’ partnership with Renfe.
Where to Stay
- In Valencia:
Hospes Palau de la Mar 5★ spa, elegant design.
Palacio Vallier 5★ – boutique hotel in a historic mansion.
Las Arenas Balneario Resort 5★ – beachfront luxury resort with sea views.
Caro Hotel 5★ – boutique property with Roman architectural elements. - In Buñol and Surroundings:
Hotel Condes de Buñol – comfort close to the main event.
La Traviata – Buñol centrally located apartments.
Finca Malata – private villa with a pool and serene gardens.
Spain Visa for UAE Residents
You’ll need Spain visa if your passport is from a country outside the Schengen visa-free list.
Among expats in the UAE, visas are most commonly required for citizens of:
India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Iran, Lebanon, Jordan, and others.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport + copies.
- UAE Residence Visa (valid at least 3 months after your trip).
- Two photos (35×45 mm).
- Bank statements for the last 3-6 months.
- Employment letter / trade license copy.
- Hotel and flight bookings.
- Travel medical insurance with €30,000 coverage.
Why Get Your Visa with Us
- Ultra-fast appointment booking – sometimes we secure an appointment in just 3-4 days, meaning you can still make it to La Tomatina even with last-minute plans.
- Complex cases are our specialty – including reapplications after refusals, mixed-nationality families, and unique travel histories. We increase approval chances by 45% compared to applying on your own.
- Visas for staff – if you want to take a nanny, driver, or chef with you.
- Visa expert + our own AI system – predicts approval likelihood, provides recommendations to strengthen your case, and performs a final check to eliminate any human error.
- Time savings – we save our clients up to 30 hours, nearly a full workweek.
Don’t wait – apply today and get a flawless Spanish visa without the stress!
FAQ – Everything About La Tomatina 2025 for UAE Residents
When should I book my La Tomatina 2025 trip?
Ideally 1-3 months in advance, but with our express visa service you can still make it even if you apply later
Can I bring a camera or phone to La Tomatina?
Yes, but use waterproof covers or a GoPro.
What should I wear to La Tomatina?
- Lightweight clothes you don’t mind getting ruined.
- Protective goggles.
- Secure footwear (sneakers, not flip-flops).
Which luxury hotels in Valencia are recommended for La Tomatina?
- Hospes Palau de la Mar – 5★, spa, elegant architecture.
- Palacio Vallier boutique in a historic building.
- Las Arenas Balneario Resort – beachfront luxury resort.
- Caro Hotel boutique with Roman elements.
How does your AI work in visa applications?
- Analyzes passport, visa history, forms, and bank documents.
- Predicts approval probability.
- Suggests ways to strengthen your application.
- Performs a final check to eliminate human error.
Why is it better to apply through your agency?
- Fast slot booking (3-4 days in some cases).
- Expertise with complex cases and large families.
- Staff visas arranged smoothly.
- Visa expert + AI-powered checks and predictions.
- Save up to 30 hours of your time.
Can I get a visa if I was refused before?
Yes. We handle complex reapplications and improve your chances by 45% compared to applying independently
Can you arrange visas for a nanny, driver, or chef?
Yes, we prepare visas for accompanying staff, including full document preparation and appointment booking
How long does it take to process a Spain visa in the UAE?
- Standard: 10-15 working days.
- Urgent: from 5 working days (depending on slot availability).
We sometimes secure an appointment within 3-4 days of your inquiry.
What documents are needed for a tourist visa to Spain?
- Completed Schengen visa application form.
- Passport + copies.
- UAE Residence Visa valid for at least 3 months after travel.
- Two passport-size photos.
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months).
- Employer letter / trade license.
- Hotel or rental booking confirmation.
- Return flight tickets.
- Travel medical insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage).
Do I need a visa for Spain if I live in the UAE?
If your passport is from a country not on the Schengen visa-free list, you’ll need a Schengen visa. Among expats in the UAE, this usually applies to citizens of India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Iran, Lebanon, Jordan, and others.
Which airlines fly from the UAE to Spain?
- Emirates – direct to Madrid and Barcelona.
- Etihad Airways (with connection).
- Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Swiss, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM – with one stop.
How long is the flight from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Valencia?
- Via Madrid or Barcelona: ~7-8 hours direct flight + 2-3 hours by train and transfers.
- With a European connection: ~10-12 hours total travel time.
How do I get from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to La Tomatina?
- One-stop flight: Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, Air France, Qatar Airways, and others with a European or Asian connection.
- Direct Emirates flight to Madrid or Barcelona + AVE or Euromed high-speed train to Valencia (≈ 1h 50m or ≈ 2h 35m).
- Transfer from Valencia Airport to Buñol takes about 40-60 minutes.
When is La Tomatina 2025 and where is it held?
La Tomatina will take place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 in Buñol, Valencia province, Spain – around 40 km from Valencia city.
