Is a return ticket required to enter Dubai / UAE?

A return or onward ticket is a mandatory entry requirement for the UAE. Travelers without one may be denied boarding at their departure airport or refused entry upon arrival in Dubai.

According to embassy websites and various travel resources, a return ticket is not always explicitly listed as mandatory for standard visa-on-arrival entry. However, for a pre-arranged tourist visa, it is required. Rules may differ for travelers transiting through third countries.

Independent travelers are fully responsible for meeting entry requirements. If a flight is cancelled or an emergency arises, you must handle accommodation, meals, and rebooking yourself — unlike package tour travelers, where the tour operator is legally obligated to assist.