United Arab Emirates
The UAE turns superlatives into sightseeing: the world's tallest building in Dubai, the white marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Jean Nouvel's Louvre in Abu Dhabi, and desert dunes that rise hundreds of metres near Liwa. Winter brings warm beach weather and a packed events calendar; summer heat is brutal, though hotel prices fall sharply.
Overview
The federation of seven emirates is dominated by two very different cities: Dubai, built on trade, tourism and spectacle, and Abu Dhabi, the wealthier, calmer capital that has poured money into culture. Most visitors split a week between them, about 90 minutes apart by motorway, with a night in the desert. Sharjah, next door to Dubai, has the best museums of Islamic and Emirati heritage, while Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah and the Hajar Mountains around Hatta offer hiking and cooler air. Al Ain's oasis and the dunes of Liwa reward a longer trip.
Prices span every level: luxury hotels and Friday brunches can be eye-watering, but the metro, taxis and Indian and Pakistani canteens are cheap. Around nine in ten residents are expatriates, so English works everywhere and the food scene is excellent. Rules on alcohol, dress and public behaviour are more conservative than in Europe, so it pays to know them before you go. From November to March days are warm and dry; from June to September temperatures pass 40°C with high humidity, and life moves indoors. Many visitors are surprised by how much of the old trading city survives along Dubai Creek.
Map of United Arab Emirates
Top 5 highlights
- 1Sacred site
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Completed in 2007, this vast white marble mosque has 82 domes, one of the world's largest hand-knotted carpets and chandeliers glittering with Swarovski crystals. Entry is free with an online time slot; go late afternoon to see it glow at sunset and lit after dark.
- 2Architecture
Burj Khalifa
At 828 metres, the world's tallest building since 2010. Book a sunset slot on the observation decks at levels 124 and 125, then watch the Dubai Fountain show on the lake below.
- 3Culture
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Jean Nouvel's museum on Saadiyat Island sits beneath a vast latticed dome that scatters a 'rain of light' over galleries tracing human history through shared themes rather than by nation. Allow at least half a day.
- 4History
Al Fahidi and Dubai Creek
The restored wind-tower houses and lanes of Al Fahidi recall Dubai before oil. Cross the Creek by wooden abra for small change to the gold, spice and textile souks of Deira.
- 5Nature
Liwa Oasis and Moreeb Dune
On the edge of the Empty Quarter, about three hours' drive from Abu Dhabi, Liwa's date-palm oases give way to some of the world's highest dunes. Moreeb Dune, around 300 metres tall, hosts hill-climb and camel events in winter.
Biggest cities
Dubai
Ride the metro past the Burj Khalifa, take an abra across the Creek to the gold and spice souks, and spend an evening on the beach at Jumeirah or the Marina.
Abu Dhabi
The capital spreads across islands linked by bridges; Saadiyat Island's museums, the Grand Mosque and the Corniche beaches make it a calmer, more cultured counterpart to Dubai.
Sharjah
Dubai's conservative neighbour has an outstanding Museum of Islamic Civilization, a restored heritage area and lower hotel prices; alcohol is banned throughout the emirate.
Abu Dhabi's figure covers the capital region around the city; the built-up areas of Dubai and Sharjah run into each other.
When to go to United Arab Emirates
Best time: Nov–Mar.
Average climate in Dubai
Festivals & events
- Jan, DecDubai Shopping Festival
For about five weeks from early or mid-December into January, sales across the city's malls come with nightly fireworks, drone shows, concerts and raffles; hotel prices rise accordingly.
- Nov–DecAbu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Formula 1 season finale at Yas Marina Circuit in late November or early December, a twilight race followed by big-name concerts; book hotels months ahead.
- DecUAE National Day
On 2 December the country marks the founding of the federation in 1971 with fireworks, concerts, heritage events and buildings lit in the national colours.
How much does United Arab Emirates cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Machboos
The Emirati national dish: rice cooked with meat or fish, dried lime, onions and baharat spices until fragrant; look for it in Emirati restaurants and heritage cafés.
Luqaimat
Crisp, golden dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sesame, sold at festivals, markets and cafés and especially popular during Ramadan.
Harees
Wheat and meat slow-cooked and beaten into a smooth, savoury porridge, traditionally served at weddings, Eid and Ramadan iftars.
Getting around
Dubai's driverless metro, tram and buses run on a Nol card and are cheap, clean and air-conditioned. Taxis are metered and plentiful across the country, and Careem and Uber both operate. Intercity buses link Dubai with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain. Car hire is straightforward and roads are excellent, but driving is fast and speed cameras are everywhere. In Dubai, abras and water buses cross the Creek.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CDG230V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +971
- Time zone
- UTC+4 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Service charges are often included; otherwise leave 10–15% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares and tip hotel porters and desert-safari drivers a few dirhams.
- Etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees in malls and souks, avoid public displays of affection and drink alcohol only in licensed venues. During Ramadan, be discreet about eating or drinking in public in daylight.
- Main airports
- Dubai International Airport (DXB), Dubai; Zayed International Airport (AUH), Abu Dhabi; Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), Sharjah
Visas & entry for United Arab Emirates
Shown for a British passport.
Check the entry requirements
You can get a visitor or tourist visa issued free of charge when you arrive in the UAE. You do not need to apply in advance of travel. Your passport will be stamped with the visa as you go through immigration. It will be valid for up to 90 days over a 180-day period, which will begin from the date of first entry into the UAE. The stay can either be continuous or divided across multiple visits, provided the total duration does not exceed 90 days within the 180-day timeframe.
You could face fines for exceeding your authorised stay which may accumulate for each day of overstay. If you want to extend your stay, contact:
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Hepatitis BMeaslesRabiesTyphoid
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in United Arab Emirates
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Wed 2 Dec 2026 | National Day |
| Thu 3 Dec 2026 | National Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Tue 9 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (date may shift) |
| Thu 11 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (date may shift) |
| Sat 15 May 2027 | Day of Arafah (date may shift) |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha Holiday (date may shift) |
| Tue 18 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha Holiday (date may shift) |
| Sun 6 Jun 2027 | Islamic New Year (date may shift) |
| Sat 14 Aug 2027 | Prophet's Birthday (date may shift) |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Arabic
| English | Arabic | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | مرحبا | MAR-ha-ba |
| Thank you | شكراً | SHOOK-ran |
| Please | من فضلك | min FAD-lak |
| Excuse me | لو سمحت | law SAM-aht |
| How much is this? | بكم هذا؟ | bi-KAM HAA-tha? |
Know before you go
- Check the rules before packing prescription medicines: some common UK medicines, including codeine-based painkillers, are controlled in the UAE and may need prior approval.
- The working week runs Monday to Friday, with Friday afternoons shortened for prayers; Saturday and Sunday are the weekend, though Sharjah also takes Friday off.
- In summer, plan desert trips and outdoor walks for early morning or evening, and use malls, museums and the metro to escape the midday heat.
United Arab Emirates travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit United Arab Emirates?
The best time to visit United Arab Emirates is generally Nov–Mar. Peak months are January, February, March, November and December. Average highs in Dubai range from 24°C to 41°C across the year.
How much does a trip to United Arab Emirates cost per day?
Roughly £75 a day on a tight budget, £170 mid-range and £400+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in United Arab Emirates?
UAE dirham (AED).
What plug type does United Arab Emirates use?
Type C, D and G sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in United Arab Emirates?
Traffic drives on the right in United Arab Emirates, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in United Arab Emirates?
Generally safe to drink.
Do I need a visa for United Arab Emirates?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can get a visitor or tourist visa issued free of charge when you arrive in the UAE. You do not need to apply in advance of travel. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for United Arab Emirates before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for United Arab Emirates?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies and Typhoid sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
