A union of small sultanates with more immigrant workers than native inhabitants, the United Arab Emirates offers an astounding variety of landscapes including mountains, beaches, deserts and oases.
What is it?: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, known for its luxury lifestyle, futuristic skyscrapers, shopping malls, and vibrant culture. It offers a blend of traditional Arabian culture with modern luxury, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both cultural experiences and high-end leisure.
Affordability: The UAE can be quite expensive, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where accommodation, dining, and entertainment tend to be costly. However, budget options are available, particularly for food, local transportation, and cheaper accommodations outside the luxury sectors.
Safety: The UAE is very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on law and order. It is a peaceful country with strict regulations, and travelers should respect local customs and laws, especially regarding dress code, public behavior, and alcohol consumption.
Popularity: The UAE is one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, known for their luxurious resorts, towering skyscrapers, shopping malls, and world-class attractions. It also draws visitors for cultural experiences, desert safaris, and the annual Dubai Shopping Festival.
Tourist Infrastructure: Excellent, with modern infrastructure, including efficient public transport systems (metro, taxis, buses), world-class accommodations, and a range of activities to suit all types of travelers. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well-equipped to cater to international visitors.
Weather: Desert climate, with extremely hot summers (June–August) and mild winters (December–February). The best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and beach visits.
Best Time to Go: November–March for the best weather, ideal for exploring Dubai, relaxing on the beaches, and experiencing outdoor events like the Dubai Shopping Festival. The summer months can be unbearably hot, particularly for outdoor exploration.
Known For: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, luxury shopping, skyscrapers (including the Burj Khalifa), Palm Jumeirah, desert safaris, the Dubai Mall, and its cultural diversity.
Top Destinations: Dubai • Abu Dhabi • Palm Jumeirah • Burj Khalifa • Dubai Mall • Al Ain • Jumeirah Beach
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Nature Buffs: The UAE offers a mix of desert landscapes, beaches, and parks, with desert safaris in the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), serene beaches along the Persian Gulf, and nature reserves like Al Ain and Jumeirah Beach for outdoor activities.
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History Buffs: While the UAE is more known for its modernity, there are cultural landmarks like the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood in Dubai, Al Ain‘s historical sites, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, offering insights into its past and heritage.
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Beach Bunnies: The UAE boasts beautiful beaches along the Persian Gulf, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with luxurious resorts, water sports, and clear blue waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
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Digital Nomads: Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer reliable internet, modern amenities, coworking spaces, and a high standard of living, making the UAE a prime destination for digital nomads, though the cost of living can be high.
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Families: The UAE is very family-friendly, with attractions like the Dubai Mall, theme parks, beaches, desert safaris, and cultural sites, making it an ideal destination for family vacations with a wide range of activities for all ages.
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of desert cities, futuristic skylines, and deep-rooted traditions. Dubai stuns with the Burj Khalifa, luxury malls, and artificial islands, while Abu Dhabi blends modern culture with landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre. Beyond the cities, the desert stretches wide, offering dune bashing, camel rides, and quiet oases. Sharjah emphasizes arts and heritage, and Ras Al Khaimah draws visitors with beaches and mountain hikes. Emirati culture values hospitality, coffee, and storytelling, even amid rapid development. The UAE is bold, ambitious, and always balancing old with new.
The capital Dubai immediately springs to mind when thinking about shopping and it also offers a surprisingly lively nightlife. With aspirations to be the Middle Easts most happening place, a finacial centre, twenty-first century skyscraper showcase and shopping mecca, the UAE is wisely looking beyond oil for its prosperity.
Most travelers start in Dubai, famous for the Burj Khalifa, man-made islands, luxury malls, and hyper-modern infrastructure. But alongside the gloss, you’ll find traditional souks, old creekside neighborhoods, and desert dunes just beyond the city limits. Abu Dhabi, the capital, blends cultural ambition and wealth with attractions like the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the futuristic Masdar City. The northern emirates, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, offer beaches, mountains, and a slower, more traditional pace. Whether you’re after sand, skyscrapers, or souks, the UAE is a place of high contrasts.
The UAE is expensive by regional standards, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where high-end hotels, imported cuisine, and luxury experiences dominate. But it’s possible to visit on a budget if you use public transport, eat at cafeterias or local restaurants, and stay in budget hotels or hostels. Food is diverse, Indian, Lebanese, Iranian, Filipino, and Western dishes are all easy to find. Traditional Emirati dishes like machboos, harees, and grilled meats are worth trying. Alcohol is legal in licensed venues but is pricey and not widely available outside hotels and bars.
Getting around is easy. Dubai has a clean, fast metro, and ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber are ubiquitous. In Abu Dhabi, taxis and buses are the norm. Roads are excellent, and renting a car is common, especially for visiting less-developed emirates or the desert. English is widely spoken, especially in cities, where expats make up the majority. Arabic is the official language. The UAE is very safe, with strict laws and low crime, though you should still be mindful of local customs, modest dress, no public drunkenness, and respectful behavior in public.
- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Population: ~9.5 million (Density: ~111 people per km², ~288 per mi²)
- Area: 83,600 km² (32,278 mi²)
- Official Language: Arabic
- Common Languages: English (widely spoken), Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Bengali
- Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
- Time Zone: UTC+4
- Electricity: Plug Type G (230V, 50Hz)
- Emergency Contacts: Police 999, Ambulance 998, Fire 997
- Drives On: Right
- Religions: Islam ~76% (mostly Sunni), Christianity ~9%, Hinduism ~7%, Other beliefs ~8%
- Government: Federal Absolute Monarchy (with presidential council)
- Map Links: Google Maps | Apple Maps
- Coordinates (for GPS): 23.4241, 53.8478
Why Go to the United Arab Emirates?
- Dubai’s Skyline & Attractions: Climb the Burj Khalifa, shop in Dubai Mall, see the Palm Jumeirah, or zipline across Dubai Marina.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Visit Abu Dhabi’s architectural marvel, open to non-Muslims and one of the most breathtaking mosques in the world.
- Desert Adventures: Go dune bashing, sandboarding, or camel trekking in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or Liwa Oasis.
- Old Meets New: Explore Dubai Creek, the Al Fahidi Historical District, and traditional souks for a glimpse of the pre-oil era.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi & Cultural Sites: See world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or catch performances at the Dubai Opera and Qasr Al Hosn.
- Beaches & Diving in Fujairah: Head to the eastern coast for snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach breaks in Fujairah or Khor Fakkan.
- Sharjah’s Museums & Heritage: Visit Sharjah, the cultural capital, for its Art Museum, Calligraphy Museum, and restored heritage areas.
Who Might Not Enjoy the United Arab Emirates?
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Budget Travelers and Backpackers: While budget travel is possible, the UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, caters more to luxury and mid-range tourism. Affordable accommodations, local eateries, and budget transport are limited outside a few urban pockets.
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Travelers Seeking Traditional or Authentic Arab Culture: The UAE is highly modernized and international. In cities like Dubai, traditional Emirati culture can be overshadowed by malls, skyscrapers, and expat-focused entertainment.
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Those Looking for Nature-Focused Travel: Apart from deserts and some coastal areas, the UAE lacks diverse natural landscapes. There are no forests, rivers, or major mountains, and outdoor activities are often commercialized.
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Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: While options exist in major cities, traditional local cuisine is meat-heavy, and cross-contamination is common. Outside urban centers, plant-based diets can be harder to maintain.
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Travelers Sensitive to Heat: The climate is extremely hot for much of the year, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 45°C (113°F). Outdoor sightseeing becomes impractical or dangerous during these months.
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Those Uncomfortable with Conservative Social Norms: Although the UAE is relatively liberal by regional standards, public displays of affection, dress codes, and behaviors are still regulated, especially outside of tourist zones.
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LGBTQ+ Travelers Seeking Open Expression: While enforcement varies, same-sex relationships are illegal under UAE law. Public LGBTQ+ expression is not tolerated and can lead to legal consequences.
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Party-First Travelers Expecting Western Norms: Alcohol is legal but heavily regulated and mostly limited to licensed venues. Public drunkenness is a criminal offense, and party culture is largely confined to expat or tourist zones.
What’s Cool
Shopping, no tipping, non-Muslims can drink alcohol, souqs, lots of air-conditioning, fine beaches, world-class diving, desert safaris, glitzy record-breaking hotels, all kinds of food, male friends holding hands and everything’s clean.
What’s Not
The heat, expensive hotels, aggressive drivers, intolerance to same sex couples, expensive restaurants, flash floods, getting stuck in a desert sand storm, men staring at Western women, draconian drug laws and unannounced speed bumps.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and west, Oman to the east, and the Persian Gulf to the north. The country sits directly across the Gulf from Iran, with a small coastline on the Gulf of Oman through the exclave of Fujairah. The capital is Abu Dhabi, but Dubai is the most internationally recognized city. The UAE is a federation of seven emirates, each with its own ruler, forming one of the richest and most globalized nations in the Arab world.
The UAE’s landscape is primarily desert and sand dunes, but it also includes mountain ranges, mangroves, rocky coastlines, and artificial islands. The Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) spreads into the south, while the Hajar Mountains rise in the east. Along the Gulf, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi feature vast urban development, while inland oases and heritage towns preserve traditional ways of life. The climate is hyper-arid, with intensely hot summers, mild winters, and high humidity on the coast.
Tourism in the UAE ranges from ultramodern city experiences to desert safaris, heritage villages, and beach resorts.
The main entry points are Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), both major global hubs. Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah also have international airports with regional flights. The UAE has a modern road network, with taxis, rental cars, and buses widely available. Intercity travel is fast and straightforward. Etihad Rail, a national railway, is under phased development.
Abu Dhabi
The largest and wealthiest emirate, known for oil wealth, national institutions, and cultural mega-projects.
- Abu Dhabi: The capital, featuring the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and expansive corniche parks.
- Al Ain: A desert oasis city with historic forts, the Al Ain Zoo, and UNESCO-listed archaeological parks.
- Liwa Oasis: Located on the edge of the Rub’ al Khali, famous for date farms and desert driving.
- Sir Bani Yas Island: A nature reserve and eco-resort island with safari-style wildlife tours.
- Madinat Zayed: A smaller town in the western region, used as a base for desert tourism and falconry festivals.
Dubai
The most globally recognized emirate, blending skyline glamour with old trading roots.
- Dubai: Home to Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Al Fahidi Historical District, and a thriving nightlife scene.
- Hatta: A mountain exclave near the Oman border, popular for kayaking, hiking, and heritage village visits.
- Deira: A historic trading district known for its gold, spice, and textile souqs.
- Jumeirah: A beachfront neighborhood lined with resorts, cafes, and mosques by the sea.
- Dubai Marina: A high-rise waterfront community with skyscrapers, yachts, and casual dining.
Sharjah
The UAE’s cultural capital, with a strong focus on Islamic art, heritage, and museum culture.
- Sharjah City: Offers the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Al Noor Mosque, and heritage areas like the Heart of Sharjah.
- Khor Fakkan: A Sharjah exclave on the east coast, with a public beach, hiking trails, and a deep-sea port.
- Kalba: Known for its mangroves and birdwatching, as well as heritage houses and forts.
- Dibba Al-Hisn: Another Sharjah exclave, historically a port settlement near the Musandam Peninsula.
- Mleiha: A growing archaeological tourism site with prehistoric tombs and desert adventure centers.
Ajman
The smallest emirate, known for beaches, traditional dhow building, and a laid-back pace.
- Ajman City: A coastal city with Ajman Fort, fish markets, and public beaches.
- Al Manama: An inland exclave with farmlands and mountain foothills, quiet and remote.
- Masfout: A mountain village offering hiking and cooler weather, near the Oman border.
- Ajman Corniche: A beachside strip with family parks and budget-friendly dining.
- Al Jurf: A growing suburb with universities and shopping centers.
Umm Al Quwain
The least developed emirate, offering nature reserves, mangroves, and coastal quiet.
- Umm Al Quwain City: A small, sleepy town with beach access, an old fort, and traditional fishing culture.
- Dreamland Aqua Park: A family water park and major attraction in this otherwise quiet emirate.
- Khor Al Beidah: A large coastal lagoon with birdwatching and kayaking opportunities.
- Sinayah Island: A protected island with mangroves and wildlife, accessible by boat.
- Falaj Al Mualla: An inland oasis town with mudbrick forts and palm farms.
Ras Al Khaimah
A mountainous and adventure-driven emirate, with beaches, forts, and hiking trails.
- Ras Al Khaimah City: The capital, with beach resorts, national museums, and historic souqs.
- Jebel Jais: The UAE’s highest peak, offering ziplining, mountain roads, and hiking opportunities.
- Dhayah Fort: A hilltop 19th-century fort with panoramic views over date groves and coastline.
- Al Jazirah Al Hamra: A preserved ghost town with abandoned coral-stone houses.
- Wadi Shawka: A mountain valley with popular trekking routes and seasonal water pools.
Fujairah
The only emirate entirely on the Gulf of Oman, known for mountains, wadis, and scuba diving.
- Fujairah City: A quieter emirate capital with the UAE’s oldest mosque, historic forts, and access to snorkeling sites.
- Al Aqah: A beach resort area popular for diving, snorkeling, and mountain views.
- Dibba Al-Fujairah: A northern port town with coastal rock formations and boat trips.
- Masafi: Known for its natural spring water and Friday market, sitting at a mountain crossroads.
- Wadi Wurayah: A national park and UNESCO biosphere reserve, with waterfalls and endangered species.
Highlights
Dubai: is the ‘Pearl of the Arabian Gulf’ with shopping and a natural harbor for dhow traders, pearl divers and fishermen.
Abu Dhabi: old building yards exhibit craftsmen’s skills that have remained unchanged for centuries, while modern malls are there for those who need to cool off.
Al Ain: is built on a huge fertile plain and offers spectacular scenery on the journey from Abu Dhabi.
Hili: offers ancient archaeological treasures and stone tombs.
Hafit Mountain: south of Al Ain, it has ancient tombs, pottery and swords.
Palm Islands: off Dubai are the world’s largest manmade islands, said to be visible from the moon.
Hot, steaming, boiling, scorching, sweltering, blazing and baking…
The best time to visit is between October and May when humidity and temperatures are at their lowest.
The period from June to September is the hottest with little rainfall.
December to March is much more bearable with lower midday temperatures, chilly nights and the most rainfall.
Festivals & Events
Dubai is famous for shopping and it hosts some major international sporting events. Some of the best events and festivals include:
December to February: Dubai Shopping Festival is the leading shopping event in the world.
February: Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament is held at what was the first grass golf course in the Middle East.
March: Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival features international acts performing a variety of genres including funk and bluegrass.
April: Abu Dhabi Latino Fiesta and Abu Dhabi International Jazz Festival boast Latin dancers and leading jazz performers.
June to September: Dubai Summer Surprises Festival eases the summer heat with fun, games, music, art, food and prizes.
Shopping: is a must, with electronics, carpets and gold artifacts firm favorites.
Golf: Dubai has been declared the world’s leading golf destination.
Diving: in the waters off Dubai, known as one of the best diving spots in the world.
Deep-sea fishing: for the Gulf’s abundance of game fish.
Skiing and snowboarding: can be enjoyed at the new Ski Dubai indoor snow sports facility.
The glitzy Dubai Airport is a shopper’s paradise and a major regional hub. Daily flights link Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while hair-raising experiences can be had on the excellent road network.
Taxis are available in all towns and are the most convenient mode of transport. Generally, city fares are metered, while fares for longer journeys should be negotiated in advance. Limited bus services run to major towns and passenger ferries serve all coastal ports.
Walking can be extremely dangerous as few drivers stop at red lights and even fewer stop for pedestrians, particularly during Ramadan when getting home to eat takes priority over any safety concerns.
The UAE has twice won the accolade of the world’s safest holiday destination. However, penalties for drug offences are severe. Make sure you have no traces of drugs in you blood, including codeine! The UAE is a clean and shiny destination and hygiene is high on the agenda. Sunburn and dehydration are the most common health problems. Medical care here will burn a hole in your wallet like the sun will in your head.