I'm a Jewish-American and I often travel to Bangalore and Mumbai on business. I have coworkers who fly up to JFK to use Emirates through Dubai to India, while I usually fly on Air France through CDG. We have an upcoming meeting in Mumbai in February of 2006, and my non-Jewish boss and coworkers are flying together on Emirates through Dubai. There is also an opportunity for us to spend a weekend in Dubai on the way back to the US. I need to find out 1) if I can fly Emirates through Dubai on our way to Mumbai and 2) can I spend a weekend in Dubai on our way back?

I think it's important to add that I have visited Israel, but the Israeli stamps were on an old passport I had as a child. My current passport has no Israeli stamps on it. Additionally, my last name is not a common Jewish last name, but it is not an uncommon German-Jewish lastname.

Any info on the above two questions would be greatly appreciated!!

You shouldn't have a problem as long as you don't have Israeli stamps. I'm not even sure if they would refuse you entry if you did have an Israeli stamp. They used to, but I've been told that they're a bit more relaxed about it these days.

Cheers,
Rick

Chachi - you might get some more attention for your post if you put it in the "Other Middle East" forum. There are a number of Israelis and Jewish-Americans over there who travel all over the world and will almost certainly be able to answer this.

As long as you have no Israeli stamps, you'll be fine

I found Emirates pretty cosmopolitan, I'd be very surprised if you had a problem.

By the way, by all means see Dubai. It's hardly representative of the middle east, but still a lot of fun. My wife and I stayed at a resort out in the desert called the Bab Al Shams and had a great time.

Remember, if your in business on Emirates they's send a car anywhere in the UAE (!) to pick you up for free. Very nice.

The "chauffer driver lounge" in DXB is very nice too. You don't even need to prebook the limo anymore

Cheers

Thanks for all the info guys!

I am Jewish, and live in Israel. I have travelled on Emirates and visited both Dubai and Bahrain (on a UK passport) without any problem at all. If you're orthodox, expect a few customs questions about your phylacteries (tefillin) but nothing untoward. I experience only friendship and iterest there. I felt much more unsafe in Lyon and Cairo.

Regards

PS - If you keep kosher, don't expect a KSML on Emirates - take some sandwiches!

I noticed that in passing on arrival, on my way to my crappy hotel shuttle taxi that the consulate had booked. Too bad.

Wow 2035. I commend you on your worldly demeanor. I'm not orthodox, but I think I would be really, really anxious about traveling to an Arab country with tefillin, much less the kipah I assume you've got on your head. Kol ha'kavod! *

(* loosely: more power to you)

A friend of mine with Israeli stamps in his passport actually called the consulate and was informed that the stamps would not be a problem when going to Dubai, in particular. The other Emirates sometime take offense to the stamps, but normally don't.

In all honesty in Dubai they don't rummage through my passport like some other countries. They just simply look for a free page and stamp.

That was quite lucky. 2 of the 3 times I went there with a Canadian passport they carefully assessed each page

What are phylacteries (tefillin)?

This is not an endorsement or comment on the Chabad movement, but this article with some photos should help explain it to some degree.

I'm Jewish and live in the USA and travel regularly to the Gulf area. I agree with this assessment. The Gulf countries (I think except Saudia Arabia) generally protect the private right to religious worship (to various degrees). They generally prohibit attempts to convert Muslims to other faiths, but I see no issue with bringing even tefillin or other Jewish items that are intended for your personal use. The customs searches are done by X-raying your bags and are primarily concerned with preventing you from bringing liquor into the countries. I've never seen them even look for anything else.

And I agree that these are safe places by the standards of world cities.

Charles