Country travel guide
Discover United Arab Emirates
Photo: Norlando Pobre / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
United Arab Emirates in brief
The United Arab Emirates is worth visiting for its mix of modern infrastructure and deep-rooted traditions. It is known for its ambitious architecture, expansive deserts, and historic trading ports along the Gulf.
Why visit United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates spans seven emirates, ranging from the mountain roads of the Hajar range to the oases in the desert. You can spend your time exploring the historic trading neighborhoods and museums in the cities or head to the eastern coast for views of the Gulf of Oman. The landscape changes quickly between the modern skylines and the inland archaeological sites.
Because the distances between landmarks are significant, it helps to focus your trip on specific interests like Islamic architecture or contemporary design. Each emirate has its own access requirements and travel times. Planning your route based on what you want to see rather than just visiting famous buildings will help you manage your time across the different landscapes.
History, tips, best time to go and what to see.
Read the full United Arab Emirates guideWhat to see
Top Places to Visit in United Arab Emirates
Burj Khalifa
How to visit Burj Khalifa: booking observation decks, choosing a level and time, views from the ground, and combining it with Downtown Dubai.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with confidence: how booking works, what to wear, the best time to go, a route through the complex and what to combine it with.
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Museum of the Future
What to expect at Dubai's Museum of the Future: the torus-shaped building, the immersive floors, timed tickets, how long to stay and what to pair it with.
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Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame shows old Dubai on one side and the modern skyline on the other. Here is how the visit runs, the glass floor, timing, tickets and smart pairings.
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Louvre Abu Dhabi
How to plan a visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island: time to allow, a route through the galleries, the famous dome, and nearby sights to pair.
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Qasr Al Watan
A practical guide to Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi: how a visit works, what to see inside, the evening show, timing, and nearby pairings.
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Dubai Creek
Walk the Bur Dubai waterfront and Al Fahidi, cross to Deira by abra and explore the spice and gold souks, with a practical route, timing and tips.
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Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
A walking guide to Al Fahidi in Old Dubai: the wind-tower lanes, cultural venues and cafés, what to look for, and the classic abra route to the souqs.
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Jumeirah Mosque
How to visit Dubai's Jumeirah Mosque: the guided cultural tours, what you see inside, what to wear, etiquette, and how to pair it with old Dubai.
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Qasr Al Hosn
How to visit Qasr Al Hosn, the fort where Abu Dhabi began: a short history, what to see, a route through the site, timing and how to pair it with…
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Useful travel information for United Arab Emirates
Best time to visit
The most comfortable time to visit is from November through March. These months offer comfortable conditions for walking through historic districts and spending time outdoors.
How many days?
Plan for 7 to 10 days if you want to see both the major cities and the mountain or desert regions. A shorter five-day trip works well if you stay focused on either Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Getting around
Taxis and ride-sharing apps are the primary ways to move between sites in the cities. For travel between different emirates, hiring a private driver or renting a car is a practical choice.
FAQs
United Arab Emirates FAQs
Do I need to dress conservatively in the UAE?
Modest dress is expected in public areas like malls and government buildings, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered. More traditional attire is required when visiting mosques, while swimwear is standard at hotel pools and beaches.
Is it safe for tourists to visit?
The UAE is generally considered safe for international travelers. Standard travel precautions apply, but walking around major city centers at night is generally safe.
Can you drink alcohol in the UAE?
Alcohol is served in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, and restaurants in most emirates. However, Sharjah is a "dry" emirate where alcohol is not sold or permitted.
What is the official language?
Arabic is the official language of the country. English is widely used in business, tourism, and transit, so you should have little trouble communicating in shops or hotels.
Do I need a visa to visit?
Entry rules depend on your passport and can change, so please check the official source before you travel.
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Places to visit in United Arab Emirates
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