United Arab Emirates: where the future already landed
📖 12 min··ChooseMyRoute
Capital
Abu Dhabi
population 1.5M
Currency
AED
UAE Dirham
Plugs
G
220V / 50Hz
Language
Arabic
English very widely spoken
≡ Contents
The United Arab Emirates is a place where audacious ambition meets ancient desert soul — a country that built the world's tallest skyscraper on land where Bedouin traders once navigated by the stars. From the futuristic skyline of Dubai and the cultural renaissance of Abu Dhabi to the quieter charms of Sharjah's art districts and Ras Al Khaimah's rugged mountains, the UAE offers far more than its glossy reputation suggests. It's a destination that rewards luxury seekers and budget adventurers alike, serving up world-class dining, tax-free shopping, year-round sunshine, and a surprisingly rich tapestry of heritage — all packed into a nation roughly the size of South Carolina.
Abu Dhabi
Where desert ambition meets island elegance
Abu Dhabi's story begins with Bani Yas tribespeople who settled on this coastal island in the 1760s, drawn by fresh water and abundant pearl-diving grounds. For nearly two centuries it remained a modest fishing and pearling village, until the discovery of oil in 1958 transformed everything. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation's founding father, channeled petroleum wealth into building a modern capital from scratch — commissioning sweeping corniche roads, gleaming government buildings, and cultural institutions. Today Abu Dhabi is the political heart and largest emirate of the UAE, a city that has evolved from pearl-diving outpost to global power player in barely two generations.
18th
city founded
27 m
elevation
1500000
city population
Abu Dhabi radiates a quieter confidence than its flashier neighbour Dubai — think polished boulevards, waterfront promenades, and a cultural gravity anchored by the luminous Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. The Corniche stretches for eight pristine kilometres along turquoise waters, while the Al Maryah Island district pulses with upscale dining and contemporary art galleries. No visit is complete without standing barefoot on the cool marble of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world's most breathtaking religious structures, or venturing into the dunes of the Liwa desert for an unforgettable sunset. It's a city that rewards those who look beyond the gleaming surface — from the aromatic lanes of the Mina Fish Market to the mangrove kayaking trails just minutes from downtown.
Weather across the year
The UAE has a desert climate with scorching summers and pleasantly warm winters. Expect minimal rainfall year-round, with humidity spiking along the coast.
Jan
24°
Pleasant and mild
Feb
25°
Warm, comfortable days
Mar
29°
Warming up quickly
Apr
34°
Hot and dry
May
39°
Very hot, humid
Jun
41°
Extreme heat begins
Jul
43°
Peak scorching heat
Aug
43°
Hottest and humid
Sep
40°
Still extremely hot
Oct
36°
Heat slowly easing
Nov
31°
Warm and pleasant
Dec
26°
Cool, ideal weather
Average highs in Abu Dhabi
November through March offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. December to February is peak tourist season with ideal temperatures.
Summer temperatures can exceed 45°C — stay hydrated and limit outdoor exposure between 11am and 4pm. Malls and indoor attractions become essential refuges during the hot months.
Popular destinations
The UAE is a land where futuristic skylines rise from ancient deserts, where gold-plated luxury meets Bedouin heritage, and where you can ski indoors at breakfast and sandboard down dunes by sunset. Beyond the glitz of its megacities, you'll find dramatic wadis, pristine coastlines, and a surprisingly rich cultural scene that's evolving at warp speed. Whether you're chasing Michelin-starred meals, world-class architecture, or silence in the Empty Quarter, this federation of seven emirates delivers with trademark ambition.
City
Dubai
The poster child of modern excess — in the best possible way. Dubai stacks the world's tallest building, a ski slope inside a mall, and a man-made archipelago shaped like a palm tree onto a strip of coastline that was mostly sand fifty years ago. But dig past the superlatives and you'll find atmospheric old souks, excellent South Asian street food in Deira, cutting-edge art galleries in Alserkal Avenue, and a genuinely multicultural energy that makes every neighbourhood feel different. The Dubai Creek area offers a quieter, more historic counterpoint to the Marina's neon-lit swagger.
3–5 days
City & Culture
Abu Dhabi
The capital plays the long game compared to Dubai's flash, and it's paying off magnificently. The Louvre Abu Dhabi alone — a Jean Nouvel masterpiece floating on the waterfront — justifies the trip, but add the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the most photogenic buildings on Earth), the upcoming Guggenheim, Saadiyat Island's pristine beaches, and Yas Island's Formula 1 circuit and theme parks, and you have a destination with serious depth. The Corniche is perfect for an evening stroll, and the food scene is quietly becoming world-class.
2–4 days
Heritage & Nature
Al Ain
Known as the Garden City, Al Ain is the UAE's cultural heartland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled at the foot of Jebel Hafeet — whose winding summit road rivals any European mountain pass — this oasis city offers a refreshingly unhurried pace. Explore 4,000-year-old archaeological sites at Hili, wander through the beautifully restored Al Ain Oasis with its ancient falaj irrigation channels, and visit the excellent Al Ain National Museum. The hot springs at the base of Jebel Hafeet are a perfect evening wind-down, and the camel market remains one of the last authentic livestock souks in the region.
1–2 days
Coast & Diving
Fujairah & East Coast
Escape the Gulf coast's humidity for the Indian Ocean side, where the Hajar Mountains tumble dramatically into turquoise waters. Fujairah is the UAE's best-kept secret for snorkelling and diving — Snoopy Island (yes, it's shaped like the beagle) teems with blacktip reef sharks, turtles, and colourful coral. The emirate also hides the 500-year-old Al Bidyah Mosque, the country's oldest, and a string of wadis perfect for hiking and wild swimming. Friday afternoons at the Fujairah fish market are a sensory overload in the best way. It feels like a completely different country from Dubai, despite being barely ninety minutes away.
2–3 days
Culture & History
Sharjah
Crowned the UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World, Sharjah takes its arts seriously. The Heart of Sharjah restoration project has transformed the old city centre into a labyrinth of galleries, heritage houses, and artisan workshops. The Sharjah Art Foundation hosts one of the region's most important biennials, and the Museum of Islamic Civilization is a genuine treasure. Unlike its flashier neighbours, Sharjah is a dry emirate — no alcohol — which keeps the vibe family-friendly and culturally immersive. Don't miss the atmospheric Blue Souk for textiles and jewellery, or the mangrove kayaking at Al Qurm Nature Reserve.
1–2 days
Desert & Adventure
Liwa Oasis & the Empty Quarter
If Dubai is the UAE's future, the Rub' al Khali is its soul. The Liwa Oasis sits on the edge of the world's largest sand desert, where burnt-orange dunes tower over 300 metres — some of the tallest on the planet. This is the landscape that shaped Bedouin culture for millennia, and it still feels vast and humbling. Drive (or better yet, take a guided 4x4 safari) into the dunes for sunrise, try sandboarding down Moreeb Hill — nicknamed the 'Scary Mountain' — and spend a night at Qasr Al Sarab resort, which looks like a mirage made real. The silence out here is something city dwellers will never forget.
1–2 days (overnight recommended)
Must-see landmarks
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Standing at 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building on Earth and an audacious monument to human engineering ambition. Completed in 2010, it redefined Dubai's skyline and became the country's most iconic symbol practically overnight. The observation decks on floors 124-125 (At The Top) and floor 148 (At The Top SKY) offer jaw-dropping panoramic views across the desert, coastline, and glittering cityscape. Book tickets online in advance — walk-up prices are significantly higher, and sunset slots sell out fast.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
This breathtaking white marble mosque, completed in 2007, is one of the largest in the world and a tribute to the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Its 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet create an atmosphere of serene grandeur that transcends religious boundaries. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, making it a rare and welcoming cultural experience. Modest dress is required — free abayas and kanduras are available at the entrance, and visiting during golden hour rewards you with unforgettable photographs.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai
Before the skyscrapers, there was Al Fahidi — a beautifully preserved neighbourhood dating back to the 1890s that offers a rare glimpse into Dubai's pre-oil pearl-diving era. Winding alleyways, traditional wind-tower architecture, small museums, and art galleries make this area feel like a time capsule tucked between the modern towers. The Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort provides excellent context for understanding how dramatically the city has transformed in just a few decades. Entry is cheap, the area is walkable, and it pairs perfectly with a trip across Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat for just one dirham.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
Opened in 2017 under a spectacular dome designed by Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab world and a masterpiece of architecture in its own right. The dome's 7,850 perforated stars create a mesmerizing "rain of light" effect inspired by overlapping palm fronds — it's worth visiting for the building alone. Inside, the collection spans civilizations and millennia, with loans from major French institutions sitting alongside works from across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Allow at least three hours, visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds, and don't skip the kayaking experience around the museum's exterior at sunset.
The UAE stretches well beyond Dubai's malls and Abu Dhabi's museums. Rent a car and explore the dramatic Hajar Mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, the tranquil mangroves of Umm Al Quwain, or the red dunes of the Empty Quarter for a completely different side of the country. Friday and Saturday are the weekend here — many government offices and some attractions have reduced hours. Carry a light scarf or cover-up even outside mosques, as some malls and cultural sites enforce modest dress codes.
Entry requirements
The UAE rolls out the red carpet for international visitors with a relatively straightforward entry process. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa before travel. The specifics depend on your passport, but the general framework is welcoming — Dubai and Abu Dhabi didn't become global travel hubs by making it difficult to get in.
🛂
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. This rule is strictly enforced — airlines will deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet the requirement. Make sure you also have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Children must carry their own passports.
🚪
Entry Points & Visa Policy
The UAE has multiple international airports (Dubai DXB/DWC, Abu Dhabi AUH, Sharjah SHJ) as well as land borders and seaports. Citizens of around 70 countries receive a free visa on arrival (30 or 90 days depending on nationality). Others need to apply for an e-visa or a pre-arranged visa through a sponsor, airline, or hotel before travel. Always check current visa requirements for your specific nationality before booking.
✈️
Return or Onward Ticket
Immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket, and airlines frequently check this at boarding. Having a confirmed booking out of the UAE within your visa validity period is strongly recommended. You may also be asked to show proof of accommodation (hotel reservation) and sufficient funds to cover your stay.
🔗
Official Information Source
Entry requirements can change without much notice. Always verify the latest rules on the official UAE government portal (u.ae) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (ICP) website before your trip. If applying for an e-visa, use only the official ICP Smart Services platform to avoid scams and fraudulent third-party sites.
Safety
Generally safe
The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists, with extremely low violent crime rates and heavily policed public spaces. Your main concerns here are cultural misunderstandings, aggressive salespeople, and the unforgiving desert climate rather than any serious criminal threat.
Common tourist scams
🥇
Gold Souk Bait-and-Switch
In Dubai's Gold Souk and Sharjah markets, some vendors show you high-quality gold jewelry, then swap it for a lower-karat piece during wrapping. Always watch the packaging process closely and insist on a hallmark certificate — legitimate shops are government-regulated and happy to provide one.
🚕
Unlicensed Taxi Overcharging
Outside malls and tourist areas, unlicensed drivers in unmarked cars offer rides at hugely inflated prices, sometimes 5-10x the metered fare. Always use official RTA taxis (cream-colored with colored roofs in Dubai) or ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber, which show the fare upfront.
🏖️
Desert Safari Bait Pricing
Street touts and online ads offer desert safaris for suspiciously low prices (under 50 AED), then pressure you into paying extra for every activity, meal, or even the return trip. Book only through licensed tour operators listed on the DTCM website, and confirm in writing what's included before paying.
💎
Fake Electronics in Smaller Shops
Small electronics shops in older souks sometimes sell counterfeit phones, headphones, and gadgets in convincing packaging at 'special discount' prices. If a deal looks too good to be true, it absolutely is — stick to authorized retailers and official brand stores in major malls.
🏠
Fake Rental Listings
Scammers post attractive short-term rental listings on social media at below-market rates, collect deposits via bank transfer, then vanish. Always book through established platforms with buyer protection, and never transfer money without verifying the property in person or through a licensed real estate agent.
Safety tips
🌡️
Extreme Heat is No Joke
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C (113°F) with brutal humidity. Heatstroke is a real risk for tourists — carry water constantly, limit outdoor time between 11am and 4pm, and don't underestimate how quickly the sun drains you, even on a short walk from your hotel.
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Photography Restrictions are Strict
Photographing government buildings, military installations, airports, and people (especially women) without permission can lead to fines or arrest. Always ask before photographing locals, and be especially cautious near palaces, ports, and any area with 'no photography' signs — enforcement is real and swift.
⚖️
Local Laws are Stricter Than You Think
Public intoxication, swearing, rude gestures, and even sharing a hotel room with someone you're not married to can technically be prosecuted. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is illegal. Respect the cultural context — the UAE's legal system reflects its values, and ignorance is not a defense.
🚗
Aggressive Driving Culture
UAE roads are modern and well-maintained, but driving culture is notoriously aggressive — tailgating at 140 km/h on Sheikh Zayed Road is common. If you rent a car, stay in the right lanes, never engage with aggressive drivers, and be especially alert for sudden lane changes. Pedestrian crossings outside city centers are rare, so cross roads with extreme caution.
The UAE is remarkably safe from crime, but its strict laws catch more tourists off guard than any scammer ever will — read up on local regulations before you go, especially around alcohol, dress codes, and public behavior.
The UAE uses Type G plugs — the three rectangular prongs you'll recognise from the UK. The standard voltage is 220V at 50Hz.
If you're travelling from the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, or other countries that use Type G, you're in luck — no adaptor needed. Travellers from mainland Europe (Type C/E/F), North America (Type A/B), Australia (Type I), or most of Asia will need a Type G adaptor. Many hotels provide adaptors at reception, but don't bank on it — pick one up at the airport or pack a universal travel adaptor to be safe.
North American visitors should also note the voltage difference: the UAE runs at 220V, while the US and Canada use 110V. Most modern phone chargers, laptops, and camera chargers are dual-voltage (check the fine print on the charger — it should say 100–240V). Hair dryers, straighteners, and other heat appliances usually are not, and plugging a 110V device into a 220V outlet without a voltage converter is a quick way to destroy it — and possibly trigger some dramatic sparks.
The food — what's actually on the plate
The UAE's food scene is a dazzling crossroads where ancient Bedouin traditions meet the flavours of South Asia, Persia, and the Levant — all served alongside some of the world's most ambitious fine dining. Street-side shawarma joints sit around the corner from Michelin-starred restaurants, and the local Emirati cuisine, though sometimes overshadowed by the cosmopolitan buzz, is absolutely worth seeking out. Expect generous hospitality, aromatic spice blends, and meals that are meant to be shared.
🍚
Al Machboos
al mach-BOOS
The undisputed national dish of the UAE — spiced rice slow-cooked with meat (usually lamb or chicken), dried limes (loomi), and a fragrant baharat spice blend. Think of it as the Emirati cousin of biryani, but with its own tangy, earthy personality. Every family has their own recipe, and the best versions come with a crackling crispy rice layer at the bottom called 'haris.' Found everywhere from home kitchens to heritage restaurants in Al Fahidi.
🫓
Luqaimat
loo-KAY-mat
These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, cloud-soft-on-the-inside fried dough balls are the UAE's most beloved sweet snack. Drizzled generously with date syrup (dibs) and sprinkled with sesame seeds, they're dangerously addictive — especially when served warm at Ramadan iftar tables or from street vendors in old souks. Simple, ancient, and impossibly satisfying. You'll find modern twists with Nutella or saffron cream, but purists stick with date syrup.
🐐
Al Harees
al ha-REES
A dish of beautiful simplicity that dates back centuries: wheat and meat (lamb or chicken) are slow-cooked for hours — sometimes overnight — until they meld into a silky, porridge-like consistency, then finished with a crown of ghee. It looks unassuming, but the depth of flavour is extraordinary. Traditionally prepared during Ramadan and celebrations, harees is Emirati comfort food at its most elemental. Best enjoyed at local Emirati restaurants where they still cook it the old way.
More worth trying
Beyond Emirati classics, the UAE is a paradise for global food lovers. Don't miss: **manousheh** (Lebanese flatbread with za'atar or cheese) for breakfast, **karak chai** — the hyper-sweet, cardamom-laced tea that fuels the entire country — from any roadside cafeteria, and the jaw-dropping Friday brunches that hotels across Dubai and Abu Dhabi are famous for. For budget eats, head to Deira or Satwa in Dubai for incredible Pakistani, Indian, and Filipino food at pocket-friendly prices. The fish markets in Ajman and Sharjah are fantastic for ultra-fresh seafood that nearby restaurants will cook to order. And whatever you do, try fresh camel milk — it's lighter and slightly saltier than cow's milk, and it's uniquely Emirati.
Culture: music, film, literature
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Music & Performance
Traditional Emirati music revolves around the sea — listen for the hypnotic rhythms of liwa and fijiri, pearl-diving chants that still echo through heritage festivals. The Dubai Opera, a stunning dhow-shaped venue in Downtown Dubai, hosts everything from Plácido Domingo concerts to contemporary Arabic artists like Hussain Al Jassmi, the UAE's beloved vocal powerhouse. For something edgier, Abu Dhabi's Warehouse421 and Alserkal Avenue in Dubai regularly stage experimental sound performances that blend Gulf traditions with electronic beats.
🎬
Film & Cinema
The UAE has emerged as a serious player in Middle Eastern cinema, anchored by the Abu Dhabi Film Festival's legacy and the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), which championed Arab storytelling for over a decade. Look out for works by Emirati directors like Nawaf Al-Janahi, whose film 'Sea Shadow' was the country's first feature to screen at major international festivals. Abu Dhabi's twofour54 media hub has attracted Hollywood blockbusters — parts of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' and 'Mission: Impossible' were filmed in the emirate's dramatic desert landscapes. VOX Cinemas across the country offer luxury screenings that make movie-going feel almost absurdly lavish.
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Literature & Poetry
Poetry is the soul of Emirati culture — the Nabati tradition of vernacular verse remains deeply revered, and the Million's Poet TV competition draws millions of viewers across the Arab world. Contemporary Emirati literature is gaining global attention through writers like Maha Gargash, whose novel 'The Sand Fish' offers a vivid window into 1950s Gulf life. The Sharjah International Book Fair is one of the world's largest, and in 2019 Sharjah was named UNESCO World Book Capital — a well-earned title for an emirate that takes the written word seriously.
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Visual Arts & Architecture
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel with its breathtaking 'rain of light' dome, is reason alone to visit the UAE — its collection spans civilizations from ancient Mesopotamia to contemporary works by Ai Weiwei. Dubai's Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz is the beating heart of the Gulf art scene, housing over 60 galleries and creative spaces including the influential Third Line gallery. Emirati artists like Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim, known for his land-art installations in the Hatta mountains, and the calligraphy-inspired works of Mohammed Mandi are reshaping perceptions of Gulf contemporary art. Don't miss the Sharjah Art Foundation's biennial — it's one of the most thought-provoking art events in the region.
A few words in the local language
Arabic is the official language of the UAE, though you'll hear it spoken with a distinctive Gulf dialect. English is widely understood in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but dropping a few Arabic phrases will earn you genuine smiles and warmer interactions — especially in souks, local restaurants, and smaller emirates like Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah.
السلام عليكم
As-salaam alaykum
Hello / Peace be upon you
The universal Arabic greeting. The reply is "Wa alaykum as-salaam." For a more casual hello, use "Marhaba."
شكراً
Shukran
Thank you
Add "jazeelan" (جزيلاً) after it for "thank you very much." Works everywhere from taxis to five-star hotels.
عفواً
Afwan
Sorry / Excuse me
Use it to get someone's attention, apologize for bumping into people, or as a polite "you're welcome" in response to "shukran."
مع السلامة
Ma'a as-salama
Goodbye
Literally "go with peace." A shorter casual option is "Yalla bye" — a beloved Arabic-English hybrid you'll hear constantly.
نعم / لا
Na'am / La
Yes / No
In casual Gulf Arabic, you'll also hear "ee" (إي) for yes. A subtle head tilt upward with a click of the tongue means "no."
في صحتكم
Fi sahhetkum
Cheers / To your health
Used when toasting drinks (yes, the UAE has licensed venues). "Sahhten" is a shorter, more casual alternative often heard at meals.
وين ...؟
Wayn ...?
Where is ...?
Gulf dialect for "where." Just add the place name: "Wayn al-hammam?" (Where is the bathroom?) or "Wayn al-souq?" (Where is the market?)
بكم هذا؟
Bi-kam hadha?
How much is this?
Essential for souk shopping. Pair it with a friendly smile and you're ready to haggle — expected and enjoyed in traditional markets.
لذيذ
Ladheedh
Delicious
Say it to your waiter or street food vendor and watch their face light up. For extra enthusiasm, try "Wallah ladheedh!" (Truly delicious!)
ما أدري
Ma adri
I don't know
Gulf dialect version — you'll sound like a local. The formal Arabic equivalent is "La a'rif" (لا أعرف), but "ma adri" is what you'll actually hear on the street.
"Inshallah" (God willing) is used constantly and can mean anything from "definitely" to "probably never" — context is everything.
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The UAE rolls out the red carpet for travellers, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to passport holders from over 100 countries. The best season to visit stretches from October to April, when temperatures drop to a blissful 25°C and outdoor adventures actually feel enjoyable. Beyond the glittering towers of Dubai, surprisingly affordable destinations like Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah serve up authentic culture, stunning coastline, and desert thrills without the premium price tag. From souks to skyscrapers, the Emirates deliver far more than most expect.
Choose My Route
Not Sure If the UAE Is Your Perfect Match?
From Dubai's jaw-dropping skyline to Abu Dhabi's cultural gems and the serene deserts of Al Ain, the UAE packs a dazzling punch — but it's not for every traveller or every budget. Use choosemyroute.com to compare destinations side by side and find the trip that truly fits your style, timeline, and wallet.