UAE 2024 Holidays: how to get a Schengen Visa in time and travel around European cities?

Dubai is an astonishing city where unshakable Eastern traditions intertwine harmoniously with ultra-modern architecture and infrastructure. This futuristic metropolis on the shores of the Persian Gulf attracts people from all over the world.

It’s genuinely comfortable to live and work here. But even in this incredible place may arise a desire to break away from the daily routine and embark on a journey. So why not plan a trip for one of the upcoming public holidays?

The UAE is a religious country where the majority of holidays fall on Muslim celebrations. The Islamic calendar is based on the movement of the moon, so every year all the festive days according to the Hijra are shifted by 11 days.

Anyway it’s time to take a look at the official list of upcoming holidays and choose suitable dates for your future trip (while keeping in mind that the exact dates of days off will be confirmed later):

• Eid al-Fitr. The long-awaited festive day when Muslims around the world congratulate each other on the end of the fasting month – the blessed Ramadan. In all Islamic countries Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday so that Muslims can meet with each other and visit their relatives. In 2024, the holiday will take place from Tuesday, April 9 to Friday, April 12.
• Arafah Day and Eid al-Adha. The holiday occurs 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, which means that according to the calendar its first day in 2024 will be on June 15. The days off this year will last until June 18.
• Hijri New Year. This year the holiday will occur on July 7, Sunday. But if you have the opportunity to take a couple of days off, you can still go on a small trip.
• Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) Birthday. The holiday will take place on September 15, Sunday. It’s a great reason to plan a few extra days off and spend them with loved ones.
• UAE National Day. This holiday will complete the series of major Muslim celebrations and will take place on December 2-3 (Monday-Tuesday). Taking into account the two preceding weekends, you will have a whole 4-day rest.

It is better to plan a trip for the holidays, even if their dates seem distant and not yet precise to you, already now. Tourism services in the UAE report an increase in demand for tickets and visas, and queues for submitting applications form several months before the planned dates and grow rapidly every day.

Undoubtedly, the most popular destinations for short but eventful vacations are offered by European countries. Here you can find everything for a comfortable stay and aesthetic pleasure. The Schengen Area includes 27 countries and allows free movement between them without need to obtain additional documents.

Where to go from the UAE to Europe for a short vacation?

Switzerland

Switzerland is a small mountainous country in the heart of Europe. Here you can find the famous ski resort of Zermatt, the charming old town of Bern, the banking hub of Zurich with its luxurious art galleries and the incredible city of Geneva. People come here for the unique spirit that is characteristic of old towns: in Switzerland the Middle Ages coexist with modernity at every turn. The flight will take about six hours, so confidently pack your bags and plan your trip.

Cyprus

Ancient monasteries, the birthplace of Aphrodite and beautiful resorts make Cyprus a desirable destination. Considering its close proximity to Dubai (the flight takes just over four hours), it is an excellent idea for a short vacation with family or friends. Cyprus attracts visitors with its beautiful villages, mountain trails, churches that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and magnificent vineyards. It is definitely worth seeing the Ancient Kourion, the castle of St. Hilarion, the Karpas Peninsula and the Kolossi Castle.

Austria

Austria is one of the best European destinations from Dubai. It is a charming fairytale-like place with enchanting alpine landscapes, green meadows and blue lakes. This is a country where restful tourists can choose to attend the Vienna Opera House or take a stroll along the Ringstrasse boulevard, while adrenaline junkies can go bungee jumping from the Europabrücke bridge. Spending a few days admiring the incredible nature is a great way to “reset” after the noisy metropolis, especially since the flight time will not exceed six hours.

Germany

Visiting Germany is worth it at least to spend time in Munich – the city that is a must-see in Europe. It is famous for its incredible museums, excellent cuisine and culture. Munich has many attractions: the English Garden, Marienplatz, the Munich Residenz, the German Museum, Nymphenburg Palace and Asamkirche. Flight from Dubai will take about six hours, but Munich is worth it!

Croatia

Another fairly close destination from the UAE to Europe is Croatia. Six hours and you will find yourself in a country that can boast impeccable ecology, clean beaches surrounded by pine trees and cliffs, as well as healing mineral springs. Here you will find a generous national cuisine and friendly locals. A trip to this country is definitely worth adding to your list of upcoming travels!

Recommendations for applying for a Schengen visa

To apply for a Schengen visa, residents of the UAE must provide the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Current residence visa
• Copy of previous Schengen visa
• Photograph on a white background, sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm (not older than 6 months)
• Travel insurance
• Employer’s certificate indicating position, salary, and contract duration. For business owners – a copy of the company’s trade license
• Original bank statements for the last 3-6 months.

In addition, be ready to provide confirmation of the flight and accommodation at the selected destination. The Visa Services provides assistance in real-time booking of necessary tickets and hotels.

Already now the visa application process takes more time than usual, so it is recommended to submit an application for a Schengen visa as soon as possible. Entry requirements may vary in different Schengen countries, so it is also advisable to familiarize yourself with them in advance.

If you are not willing to take risks and submit the application yourself, be sure to seek assistance from The Visa Services specialists. Our company provides qualified services for submitting applications and guarantees the timely provision of all documents. Moreover, The Visa Services specialists will provide full support throughout the visa acquisition process and help navigate even the most complex and confusing situations.
Thanks to our priority appointment service it is possible to obtain a Schengen visa in just two weeks. And if you still decide to wait for the clarification of holiday dates in 2024 and leave trip planning until the last moment, you can confidently rely on our assistance in obtaining an urgent Schengen visa.

FAQ