United Arab Emirates (UAE) Travel Guide
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the kind of place where the future and tradition sit side by side, and somehow it works. One minute you’re staring up at glass skyscrapers and insane city skylines, the next you’re sipping mint tea in a quiet courtyard, wandering spice-scented souks, or watching the sun drop behind golden desert dunes. It’s shiny, fast, and modern in parts, but it’s also got deep culture and a real sense of place once you step beyond the big headlines.
The UAE sits on the Arabian Peninsula and is made up of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi as the capital. Dubai is the famous show-off with big-name attractions, beach clubs, and shopping that could swallow your suitcase whole. Abu Dhabi feels a bit more laid-back and polished, with cultural heavy-hitters like grand mosques and world-class museums. Beyond the cities, you’ve got desert road trips, mangroves, mountain scenery up in Ras Al Khaimah, and coastal spots where life slows down a notch.
Whether you’re after luxury, adventure, culture, beaches, desert sunsets, epic food, or a winter-sun escape that feels genuinely easy, the UAE has got you covered. 🇦🇪✨
Best Time To Visit
The UAE is no stranger to big weather, and it really matters when you go. In winter you’ll get those perfect blue-sky days that make you want to live outdoors, but in summer the heat and humidity can feel like walking into a hairdryer set to “rude”. The good news is the UAE is built for it, but your comfort level will be very different depending on the season.
Winter (November to March) is generally the best time to visit for most travellers. Days are warm but not unbearable, nights are pleasant, and it’s ideal for beach time, desert safaris, city wandering, and outdoor dining without melting. It’s peak season though, so book hotels early if you’re visiting around Christmas and New Year.
Shoulder season (April and October) is a sweet spot if you want fewer crowds and slightly better prices. It’s still warm, but more manageable than full summer, and you can do outdoor activities earlier in the day and in the evenings without suffering.
Summer (May to September) is hot and humid, especially in Dubai and along the coast. It’s not impossible, but it becomes more of an indoor trip: malls, museums, fancy brunches, and anything with strong air con. If you’re visiting in summer, plan for early mornings, late nights, and lots of pool time.
Ramadan and major holidays can affect opening hours and the vibe (it’s still very visitor-friendly, just different), so it’s worth checking dates if you’re planning around restaurants, nightlife, or tours.
What To Expect
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is everywhere in the UAE. You’ll see it on road signs, menus, metro info (Dubai), and in hotels, tours, shops, and taxis. A couple of easy wins if you want to be polite: “Marhaba” (hello), “Shukran” (thank you), “Na’am” (yes), “La” (no), “Kam?” (how much?). You can travel comfortably with English, no stress.
Currency: The UAE Dirham (AED). Handy ballpark maths: 100 AED ≈ £22 / €25 / $27, and 1,000 AED ≈ £220 / €250 / $270(rates wobble, so a quick currency app check before you go saves guesswork).
Cash Machines & ATMs: ATMs are easy to find in cities, malls, and airports. Cards and contactless are widely accepted pretty much everywhere, including taxis, restaurants, and supermarkets. Cash is still handy for small tips, smaller shops, and the occasional market stall, but you won’t be constantly hunting for it.
Plugs: Type G (same as the UK). Standard voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz. If you’re coming from the UK, you’re laughing. If not, pack a UK-style adapter.
Safety: The UAE is generally very safe for travellers, including solo travellers. Standard city smarts still apply, but the bigger “gotchas” are usually practical: heat, dehydration, and sun exposure. Dress codes are relaxed in many places, especially Dubai, but it’s still respectful to cover up more in mosques and traditional areas. Keep a light layer handy for air conditioning too, because indoors can feel like a fridge.
Never ever: Don’t underestimate the heat, especially between May and September. Plan outdoor stuff for early mornings or evenings, drink water like it’s your job, and do not assume a short walk will feel short at 40°C 😅 Also, be mindful of local laws and etiquette, public drunkenness and rude behaviour can land you in trouble faster than it would back home.
Travel Guides
City Guides
Itineraries + Map
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit (City Specific)
UAE Travel Tips and Advice
Everything Else
Search for your Accommodation
Find the Cheapest Flights
Book tours and purchase tickets
Top 5 Things to See and Do in the UAE
1. Seeing Dubai’s Skyline from the Top (and pretending you’re not scared)
Dubai does “big” like it’s a competitive sport, and the skyline is the proof. Head up a viewing deck for that full, sparkly, futuristic panorama, the kind where you spot the desert in one direction and endless towers in the other. Go around sunset if you can, because you get golden light, then the city turns on its night-time glitter mode. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s also properly jaw-dropping 🏙️✨
2. Desert Safariing in the Dunes (the UAE’s original theme park)
The desert is where the UAE stops being shiny and starts being stunning. You can do dune bashing if you want adrenaline, or go for a calmer sunset drive if you’d rather keep your stomach in its assigned seat. Add sandboarding, a short camel ride, and a dinner under the stars and it’s one of those days that feels like a whole movie montage. Bring a light layer for the evening because desert nights can cool down fast 🌅🐪
3. Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
This place is genuinely breathtaking. The white marble, the huge prayer hall, the reflective pools, it’s calm, grand, and so detailed you’ll keep spotting something new every few minutes. Dress modestly and take your time, it’s not a “rush through” kind of sight. If you can go in the late afternoon, the light is gorgeous and it feels extra peaceful 🕌🤍
4. Beach Time and Laid-Back Vibes in Ras Al Khaimah
If Dubai feels a bit full-on and you want more “holiday” energy, Ras Al Khaimah is a great switch-up. Think calmer beaches, resorts, and a slower pace where you can actually hear yourself think. It’s also close to mountains and desert landscapes, so you can mix chill days with outdoor bits without a massive travel day. Basically, it’s the UAE’s “exhale” option 🌊🌴
5. Going Mountain Mode on Jebel Jais (hello, cooler air)
Up in Ras Al Khaimah, Jebel Jais is where you go when you want views, cooler temperatures, and a break from city heat. The roads up are scenic, the viewpoints are properly dramatic, and if you’re into adventure there are activities that will test how much you trust harnesses. Even if you just go for the drive and a sunset lookout, it’s 100% worth it 🏔️😅
UAE Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – AED 70–200 / £15–£45 / $19–$55 / €17–€50
- Hostel Private Rooms – AED 200–450 / £45–£100 / $55–$122 / €50–€110
- Budget Hotels – AED 220–550 / £50–£120 / $60–$150 / €55–€135
- Airbnb Private Rooms – AED 180–450 / £40–£100 / $49–$122 / €45–€110
- Airbnb Apartments – AED 350–900 / £75–£200 / $95–$245 / €85–€220
- Campsites – AED 30–120 / £7–£25 / $8–$33 / €7–€30
Transportation
- Metro/Bus/Tram (single ride) – AED 3–8 / £0.70–£1.80 / $0.80–$2.20 / €0.70–€2.00
- Intercity Bus (Dubai to Abu Dhabi etc.) – AED 25–45 / £6–£10 / $7–$12 / €6–€11
- Taxi (short ride) – AED 15–45 / £3–£10 / $4–$12 / €3.50–€11
- Taxi (per km, ballpark) – AED 2–4 / £0.45–£0.90 / $0.55–$1.10 / €0.50–€1.00
- Car Rental (per day) – AED 120–250 / £25–£55 / $33–$68 / €30–€61
Food
- Budget Meal – AED 15–35 / £3–£8 / $4–$10 / €3.50–€8.50
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – AED 50–150 / £11–£33 / $14–$41 / €12–€37
- Coffee – AED 12–25 / £2.50–£5.50 / $3–$7 / €3–€6
- Beer or Cocktail (licensed venues) – AED 35–70 / £8–£15 / $10–$19 / €9–€17
Activities
- Museum or Cultural Site Entry – AED 20–80 / £4–£18 / $5–$22 / €5–€20
- Desert Safari (group tour) – AED 150–350 / £33–£77 / $41–$95 / €37–€85
- Observation Deck Tickets – AED 150–250 / £33–£55 / $41–$68 / €37–€61
- Day Trips – AED 200–600 / £45–£130 / $55–$165 / €50–€145
UAE Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – €60–€110 per day (≈ £52–£95 / $66–$121 / AED 240–AED 440)
The UAE can be done on a budget, but you’ll be making smart choices. Think hostel dorms or simple budget hotels, loads of metro and bus rides (Dubai makes this easy), and eating at food courts, shawarma spots, and casual local cafés instead of fancy brunches. Your biggest cost swing is activities, so balance the big-ticket stuff (desert safari, observation decks) with free wins like beaches, waterfront walks, and wandering old souks. Basically: sun, skyscrapers, and snacks without blowing your rent money 😅🌴
Midrange – €120–€220 per day (≈ £103–£190 / $132–$242 / AED 480–AED 880)
This is the comfy sweet spot in the UAE. You can stay in good hotels, take taxis when it’s too hot to be heroic, and mix casual eats with a few proper restaurant meals. You’ll have room for a desert safari, a couple of paid attractions, and day trips like Abu Dhabi from Dubai without constantly doing mental maths. It’s also the budget where you can prioritise comfort in the heat, which honestly makes the whole trip feel easier.
Upscale – €300+ per day (≈ £260+ / $330+ / AED 1,200+)
Now you’re in luxury hotel territory, nicer beach clubs, private transfers, and the kind of trip where you say “let’s do the fancy thing” and nobody has to check their banking app first. Think premium desert experiences, high-end dining, spa days, and upgraded everything from views to service. The UAE at this level is smooth, glossy, and wildly convenient, with very few compromises and maximum comfort.
UAE Money-Saving Tips
Bring a reusable water bottle – Tap water isn’t generally recommended for drinking, so bring a bottle but refill with filtered water at hotels, refill stations, or buy a big bottle once and top up from that. In summer you’ll go through water fast 💧
Use public transport smartly – Dubai’s metro and trams are clean, cheap, and air-conditioned, which is basically a survival tool. Grab the right travel card/ticket option if you’re doing lots of rides, and save taxis for late nights or peak-heat moments.
Travel off-peak – Midweek is often cheaper and calmer. Winter is peak season, so prices jump around Christmas and New Year. If you want value, aim for early December, January (after New Year), or shoulder months.
Stay in budget digs – Hostels and mid-range hotels can be great value if you book early. Staying a few metro stops out of the centre can save a chunk without making life harder.
Eat local, not “tourist-menu” – Food courts, shawarma spots, and casual Lebanese, Indian, and Pakistani cafés can be delicious and much cheaper than beachfront restaurants. If it’s packed at lunchtime, that’s your green flag.
Shop supermarkets for snacks and breakfast – Supermarkets are brilliant for water, fruit, yoghurt, and easy breakfast bits so you’re not paying café prices every morning. This is one of the easiest UAE budget wins.
Do self-guided exploring – Areas like old Dubai, the souks, waterfront promenades, and public beaches are perfect for wandering without paying for a tour. Build your own “wander and snack” day and you’ll spend way less.
Hunt combo tickets and deals – Big attractions often have bundles, online discounts, or off-peak ticket slots. A quick check before you book can save you a surprising amount, especially for observation decks and theme-park-style spots.
Prioritise free beaches and waterfront walks – Beach days, marina strolls, and sunset viewpoints cost nothing and still feel like a proper holiday. Not every great UAE moment needs a ticket.
Skip overpriced “experiences” when DIY works – You don’t always need the pricey package. You can do desert sunsets, souk wandering, and beach time independently and still get the wow without the wallet pain 😅
Book popular hotels and tours early – Desert safaris, top observation decks, and good-value hotels get snapped up in peak season. Early booking usually means better prices and better time slots.
Use cards almost everywhere, but keep a little cash – Cards and contactless are widely accepted, but small cash is handy for tips, small market buys, and the occasional old-school spot.
Aim for shoulder season – April and October are often the sweet spot for fewer crowds and better deals, with weather that’s still very doable if you plan outdoor stuff for mornings and evenings.
How to Get Around in the UAE
Getting Around the UAE: The Basics
The UAE is easy to travel, especially if you base yourself in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and do day trips from there. Distances between emirates are manageable, roads are excellent, and everything is built for convenience. The main wildcard is heat, in warmer months you’ll plan around the sun and lean heavily on air-conditioned transport.
Walking
You can walk loads in the UAE, but it depends where you are. Old Dubai, the souks, and waterfront areas are great for wandering, while some newer districts are more “drive between places” than stroll-friendly. In summer, walking in the middle of the day can feel like a personal attack, so aim for early mornings and evenings.
Public Transportation
Dubai has the strongest public transport network, with a modern metro, trams, and buses. Abu Dhabi relies more on buses and taxis, but it’s still straightforward.
Tickets: Dubai uses a travel card system for metro, tram, and buses. You can top up and tap in and out.
Metro: Fast, clean, air-conditioned, and great for major areas in Dubai.
Buses: Useful for filling gaps and for Abu Dhabi city travel, just a bit slower.
Airport Transfers
Major gateways include Dubai (DXB), Dubai Al Maktoum (DWC), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Sharjah (SHJ).
City connections: DXB has direct metro access, which is a rare travel win.
Taxis and ride-hailing: Easy and reliable from all airports, with official pickup points.
Private transfers: Handy for late arrivals, families, groups, or lots of luggage.
Intercity Travel
Getting between emirates is simple, mainly by road.
Buses: There are regular intercity buses between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other areas.
Taxis or private car: Convenient but pricier, great if you want door-to-door.
Day trips: Abu Dhabi from Dubai is an easy one, and Ras Al Khaimah is a solid option for beaches and mountains.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are everywhere and generally reliable. Ride-hailing apps are also widely used.
Use official taxi ranks at malls, hotels, and airports.
In busy areas, booking via an app can be easier than hunting for a taxi yourself.
Keep a note of your destination name and area, many places have similar-sounding names.
Car Rental
Car hire is popular in the UAE because roads are excellent and parking is usually straightforward outside the busiest areas.
Drive on the right.
Speed limits are enforced, so do not freestyle it.
In Dubai, parking and traffic can be a pain in peak hours, but for exploring multiple emirates it’s very handy.
Cycling
Cycling exists, but it’s more niche due to heat and road layouts. There are dedicated cycling tracks and some scenic routes, especially in cooler months.
Best in winter or early mornings.
Stick to dedicated paths where possible, the UAE is not a “cycle anywhere casually” kind of place.
Apps to Use
Google Maps works well. Public transport apps are useful in Dubai for route planning, and ride-hailing apps make getting around easy. Keep your hotel pinned on your map because after a long day everything starts looking like “another shiny tower”.
Money & Tickets
Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Cash is mostly useful for small tips and tiny purchases, but you won’t need it constantly. Keep a physical card as backup in case your phone decides to die at the worst moment.
Tips for Smooth Travel
Plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings, especially from May to September.
Use the Dubai metro to dodge traffic where you can.
For intercity trips, factor in peak-hour traffic around Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Pack a light layer, indoor air con is aggressive in malls and restaurants.
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