United Arab Emirates travel guide

Getting there

Dubai International and Abu Dhabi's Zayed International are major global hubs, with Sharjah and Dubai World Central also busy; a land border connects the UAE with Oman.

Best time to visit: Nov–Mar – sunny, warm and comfortable.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly to Abu Dhabi, with live one-way and return fares from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: June-September – extreme heat and humidity make daytime sightseeing uncomfortable, though indoor attractions stay open.

Weather by month in Dubai

• 24°J●
• 25°F●
• 28°M●
• 33°A
• 38°M
• 40°J
• 41°J
• 41°A
• 39°S
• 35°O
• 30°N
• 26°D

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Dubai. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 93 of 198 other passports can enter United Arab Emirates without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 105 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 0 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of the United Arab Emirates (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 3: Reconsider Travel (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-10-23). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to United Arab Emirates are based around Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$60–100 for a backpacker and US$180–320 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: G. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +971.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• Dubai (Dubai · city & beaches): A dazzling mix of skyscrapers, beaches, malls and old creekside souqs.
• Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi · capital & culture): The capital's Grand Mosque, Louvre and Saadiyat Island beaches make it the country's cultural powerhouse.
• Sharjah (Sharjah · museums & heritage): A UNESCO-recognised cultural capital with excellent museums and a restored heritage area.
• Al Ain (Abu Dhabi · oasis city): A green garden city of date-palm oases, forts and the peak of Jebel Hafeet.
• Liwa Oasis (Empty Quarter · desert): Gateway to some of the highest sand dunes in the world on the edge of the Rub' al Khali.
• Ras Al Khaimah (North · mountains & beaches): Home to Jebel Jais, archaeological sites and quieter beach resorts.
• Fujairah (East coast · diving): The Gulf of Oman coast offers rugged mountains, the old Al Bidya mosque and good snorkelling.
• Hatta (Dubai · Hajar Mountains): A mountain enclave with a heritage village, dam lake and outdoor adventure trails.

Things to do

• Top of Burj Khalifa. Ride the elevators to an observation deck of the world's tallest building and watch the city sprawl into the desert.
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Walk barefoot across marble courtyards inlaid with flowers beneath dozens of white domes in Abu Dhabi.
• Desert safari. Ride over red dunes, then watch the sunset from a desert camp before a dinner under the stars.
• Abra across Dubai Creek. Cross the creek on a wooden water taxi to the spice and gold souqs of Deira.
• Al Fahidi Historical District. Wander lanes of coral-stone houses topped with wind towers, now home to galleries and cafés.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi. See art from across civilisations beneath a vast latticed dome that scatters a 'rain of light'.
• Jebel Jais. Drive the switchback road to the UAE's highest mountain area in Ras Al Khaimah for cool air and big views.
• Hatta. Kayak a turquoise dam lake and hike or mountain-bike in the Hajar Mountains.

Eat and drink

• Machboos – spiced rice with meat or fish
• Luqaimat – sweet fried dough balls with date syrup
• Harees – slow-cooked wheat and meat
• Shawarma – grilled chicken wrap, a favourite street snack

Talk

Twenty basic Arabic phrases with a simple sound guide. Say them slowly; a smile does the rest.

Basic phrases: pronunciation is approximate and the list has not yet been reviewed by a native speaker. Capital letters mark the stressed syllable where that applies. Spot a mistake? Tell us.

Money and safety

Currency: UAE dirham (AED). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants if no service charge; small tips for drivers and porters..

Emergency numbers: 999 police · 998 ambulance · 997 fire.

• The currency is the UAE dirham (AED); cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere.
• ATMs are plentiful in malls and stations; keep some cash for souqs, abras and small cafés.
• The UAE has very low crime rates, but laws are strict – respect rules on alcohol, drugs, public behaviour and photography.
• Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines are controlled, so check the rules before you travel.