The UAE: Desert, Skylines, and Everything in Between
Gold-lit deserts, futuristic cities, and more culture than the headlines let on. Here’s how to do it right.
The UAE punches way above its weight for a country this small. Seven emirates squeezed onto a strip of Arabian coastline, and between them they’ve got futuristic skylines, ancient trading ports, mountain roads with zero traffic, and stretches of desert that haven’t changed in centuries. Dubai gets all the attention (it was designed to), but Abu Dhabi has the culture, Ras Al Khaimah has the mountains and quiet beaches, and Sharjah has the souks and art galleries that most visitors never bother finding. It’s not all glass towers and gold-plated everything. There’s real depth here if you look for it. And at 7 hours from the UK with no visa faff for most nationalities, it’s one of the easiest long-haul trips you can plan. This guide covers all of it.
7 hrs
From the UK
Nov – Mar
Best time
Arabic (English widely spoken)
Main language
AED (Dirham)
Currency
Best Time To Visit
The UAE has big weather, and timing your trip makes a real difference. Winter brings those perfect blue-sky days where you actually want to be outside. Summer, on the other hand, feels like someone left a giant hairdryer blowing across the desert. The country handles the heat well, but your comfort level changes a lot by season.
Winter (November to March) is the best time for most travellers. Days are warm, evenings are pleasant, and it’s great for beaches, desert safaris, city exploring, and outdoor dining. It’s also peak season, so prices climb around Christmas and New Year.
Shoulder months (April and October) are a nice middle ground. It’s still warm but more manageable than summer, with fewer crowds and slightly better prices.
Summer (May to September) is hot and humid, especially in Dubai and coastal cities. Trips tend to revolve around air-conditioned places like malls, museums, and restaurants, with early mornings and late evenings outside.
Ramadan and major holidays can change opening hours and the overall vibe. It’s still very visitor-friendly, just worth checking dates before you plan activities or nightlife.
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.
UAE Travel Guides
From Dubai’s skyline to desert dune camps and mountain drives. Everything you need to plan your trip.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps (coming soon)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do (coming soon)
Best Time to Visit (coming soon)
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does the UAE Cost?
The UAE can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to look. Here’s a realistic breakdown so you can plan without surprises.
🎒
Backpacker
~£55 / $70 / €65 / 260 AED per day
- Hostel dorm or budget hotel from £18 / $23 / €21 / 85 AED per night
- Street food, shawarma, and supermarkets
- Metro, public buses, and walking
- Free beaches, mosques, and souks
🍜
Mid-Range
~£120 / $150 / €140 / 560 AED per day
- 3-star hotel or apartment from £50 / $63 / €58 / 235 AED per night
- Restaurants, cafés, and Friday brunch deals
- Mix of taxis, metro, and the occasional Uber
- Desert safari, museum entry, boat tours
🏨
Upscale
~£300+ / $380+ / €350+ / 1,400+ AED per day
- 5-star hotel or resort from £150 / $190 / €175 / 700 AED per night
- Fine dining, rooftop bars, and high-end brunches
- Private desert experiences, yacht trips, helicopter tours
- Beach clubs, spa days, VIP everything
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Budget
- Hostel dorm: £18–30 / $23–38 / €21–35 / 85–140 AED per night
- Budget hotel: £30–50 / $38–63 / €35–58 / 140–235 AED per night
- Airbnb (shared): £22–40 / $28–50 / €25–46 / 100–185 AED per night
Mid–Luxury
- 3-star hotel: £50–90 / $63–115 / €58–105 / 235–420 AED per night
- 4-star hotel: £90–180 / $115–230 / €105–210 / 420–840 AED per night
- 5-star resort: £180–500+ / $230–640+ / €210–580+ / 840–2,340+ AED per night
City Travel
- Dubai Metro single trip: £1–2 / $1.30–2.50 / €1.15–2.30 / 4–9 AED
- Taxi (short trip): £3–7 / $4–9 / €3.50–8 / 14–33 AED
- Uber/Careem (per ride): £4–10 / $5–13 / €4.60–12 / 18–47 AED
Long Distance
- Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus: £4 / $5 / €4.60 / 25 AED
- Intercity taxi: £40–65 / $50–83 / €46–76 / 185–300 AED
- Car rental per day: £20–50 / $25–64 / €23–58 / 90–235 AED
Eat Cheap
- Shawarma or falafel wrap: £1.50–3 / $2–4 / €1.75–3.50 / 7–14 AED
- Food court meal: £4–7 / $5–9 / €4.60–8 / 18–33 AED
- Supermarket meal prep: £3–5 / $4–6 / €3.50–5.80 / 14–23 AED
Eating Out
- Mid-range restaurant: £12–25 / $15–32 / €14–29 / 55–115 AED
- Friday brunch (with drinks): £40–100 / $50–130 / €46–115 / 185–465 AED
- Coffee (flat white): £3–5 / $4–6 / €3.50–5.80 / 14–23 AED
Budget Fun
- Beach (public): Free
- Mosque visit: Free
- Souk wandering: Free
- Museum entry: £3–8 / $4–10 / €3.50–9 / 14–37 AED
Big Experiences
- Desert safari (half day): £30–65 / $38–83 / €35–76 / 140–300 AED
- Burj Khalifa observation deck: £30–80 / $38–100 / €35–93 / 140–370 AED
- Yacht tour / boat cruise: £50–150 / $64–190 / €58–175 / 235–700 AED
- Skydiving over The Palm: £200+ / $255+ / €233+ / 930+ AED
10 Ways to Save Money in the UAE
🕐 Visit in summer (May–Sep) for hotel prices that drop by 40–60%
🚇 Use the Dubai Metro instead of taxis for city trips
🥙 Eat where the workers eat: cafeterias in Deira and Bur Dubai do huge plates for under £3 / $4 / €3.50 / 14 AED
🏖️ Hit public beaches (JBR, Kite Beach, Corniche) instead of paying for beach clubs
🕌 Free cultural attractions add up: Grand Mosque, Heritage Village, most souks
🍳 Book hotels with breakfast included, or self-cater from supermarkets
🚌 Take the E100/E101 bus between Dubai and Abu Dhabi for £4 / $5 / €4.60 / 25 AED instead of a taxi
📱 Get a local SIM or eSIM at the airport rather than using roaming
🎟️ Buy combo attraction tickets (Dubai Pass, Go City) for bundled discounts
🌙 Do the free Dubai Fountain show every evening instead of paying for a cruise
Getting Around Japan
Japan’s transport system is absurdly good. Here’s how to use it without overcomplicating things.
Domestic Flights
Honestly? The UAE is small enough that you rarely need to fly between emirates. But if you’re heading to places like Ras Al Khaimah or Al Ain from a connecting flight, internal flights exist.
✅ Quick if connecting from international flights
✅ Budget airlines sometimes run cheap fares
❌ By the time you factor in airport time, driving is often faster
Car Rental
Best for exploring outside the cities. The UAE’s roads are excellent, fuel is cheap, and driving between emirates is genuinely enjoyable.
✅ Total flexibility for day trips
✅ Fuel is cheap (roughly £0.50 / $0.65 / €0.58 / 2.4 AED per litre)
❌ Parking in city centres can be a headache
Public Transport
Best for getting around Dubai. Clean, cheap, air-conditioned. Covers most tourist areas on two lines.
✅ Cheap (£1–2 / $1.30–2.50 / €1.15–2.30 per trip)
✅ Connects the airport to downtown and marina
❌ Doesn’t reach every neighbourhood
Taxis & Ride Apps
Best for convenience and door-to-door trips. Taxis are metered and regulated. Careem and Uber work well across the UAE.
✅ Available everywhere, 24/7
✅ Reasonable by Western standards
❌ Traffic in Dubai can double your fare at rush hour
Intercity Bus
Best for budget travel between emirates. The E100/E101 from Dubai to Abu Dhabi runs frequently and costs almost nothing.
✅ Dubai to Abu Dhabi from £4 / $5 / €4.60 / 25 AED
✅ Air-conditioned and comfortable
❌ Limited routes beyond the main cities
Water Taxis & Abras
Best for crossing Dubai Creek and short harbour hops. The traditional abra costs almost nothing and is one of the best experiences in Dubai.
✅ Dubai Creek abra: £0.20 / $0.25 / €0.23 / 1 AED
✅ Scenic and genuinely fun
❌ Limited to specific waterway routes
Which Is Right For You?
Exploring Dubai only
Metro + walking covers 80% of it
Dubai and Abu Dhabi
E100 bus or rent a car for the day
Multiple emirates
Rent a car, roads are great
Budget conscious
Metro in cities, intercity buses between them
Quick Tips
☀️
Drive Early
Traffic in Dubai peaks 7–9am and 5–8pm. Plan road trips for off-peak or weekends.
💳
Get a Nol Card
Dubai’s transport card. Way cheaper than single tickets, and it works on metro, buses, and trams.
🚗
Fuel Is Cheap
Petrol costs a fraction of what you’d pay in Europe. Don’t factor UK fuel prices into your car rental budget.
📱
Use Careem
The regional ride-hailing app. Often cheaper than regular taxis, especially for longer trips.
Book Tours & Tickets
Related Resources
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here’s how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Theft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won’t see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. Especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain exactly what you actually need.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit the UAE?
Most nationalities get a visa on arrival or an automatic entry stamp for 30–90 days. UK, US, EU, Australian, and Canadian passport holders don’t need to apply in advance. You’ll get a 30-day stamp at the border or airport. Some nationalities do need a pre-arranged visa, so check the UAE government’s ICA portal before booking. It’s usually quick and straightforward either way.
Is the UAE safe for tourists?
Very. It consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world for visitors. Crime rates are low, public spaces are well-maintained, and you can walk around at night without worrying. The main risks are practical: heat exposure, sunburn, and dehydration. Respect local customs, dress modestly in traditional areas, and don’t photograph people without asking. Standard stuff. Solo female travellers generally report feeling very safe.
How many days do I need in the UAE?
For Dubai and Abu Dhabi together, 5–7 days is a good starting point. Three to four days gives you enough time to see Dubai’s highlights without rushing. Add two days for Abu Dhabi and you’ve covered the cultural side. If you want to explore Ras Al Khaimah, the desert properly, or Sharjah’s art scene, stretch it to 10 days. You could also do a solid long weekend in Dubai alone if that’s all you’ve got.
When is the best time to visit the UAE?
November to March. Full stop. The weather is warm but not punishing, outdoor activities are comfortable, and the UAE’s event calendar is packed (Formula 1, Dubai Shopping Festival, art exhibitions). Summer (May to September) is scorching and humid, but hotel prices drop dramatically and everything is air-conditioned. If you can handle the heat and want a deal, summer works.
Is the UAE expensive?
It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Dubai’s reputation for excess is real at the luxury end, but there’s a whole other side. Budget travellers can get by on around £55 / $70 / €65 / 260 AED per day using hostels, street food, the metro, and free attractions. Mid-range is closer to £120 / $150 / €140 / 560 AED per day. The trick is knowing where to eat and how to get around. See the full cost breakdown above.
Do I need travel insurance for the UAE?
Yes. Healthcare in the UAE is excellent but expensive if you’re paying out of pocket. A hospital visit without insurance can easily run into thousands. Good travel insurance is non-negotiable, especially for activities like desert safaris, water sports, or anything adventure-related. Compare policies in our Travel Insurance section.
Can I drink alcohol in the UAE?
Yes, but only in licensed venues (hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs with a licence). You can’t drink in public, on the street, or in non-licensed spaces. Dubai is the most relaxed about it. Abu Dhabi has loosened up a lot in recent years too. Don’t be visibly drunk in public though. That’s where tourists get into trouble.
What should I wear in the UAE?
In Dubai and tourist areas, casual Western clothing is absolutely fine. Shorts, t-shirts, dresses, swimwear at the pool or beach. In malls, restaurants, and public spaces, just avoid anything too revealing. When visiting mosques, women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees (most mosques provide abayas). Men should wear long trousers. Outside tourist zones, especially in Sharjah and more traditional areas, err on the side of modest. A light scarf in your bag solves most situations.
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