Western Asia
Western AsiaUnited Arab EmiratesTravel guide
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Umm al Quwain
- Ras al Khaimah
The United Arab Emirates is a country on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. It offers modern cities, historic districts, beaches, mountains and vast deserts. Its capital is Abu Dhabi.
Why go
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have tall buildings, large malls and major visitor attractions.
The Empty Quarter and Liwa Oasis offer huge sand dunes and desert scenery.
The northeastern mountains offer dramatic views and outdoor activities.
Old districts have forts, traditional buildings and windcatchers, which help cool buildings.
Beaches line both the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Best time to go: Late October to mid-March has pleasant weather, with temperatures around 15–27°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially in the desert.
Getting there
By air
- Dubai International Airport is served by Emirates and many other major airlines. It has direct flights from cities across several continents.
- Zayed International Airport near Abu Dhabi is served by Etihad Airways and other international airlines.
- Sharjah International Airport is home to Air Arabia, a low-cost airline with routes across the Middle East and Indian subcontinent.
By land
- Roads connect the country with Saudi Arabia and Oman. Highways have fuel stations, food stops and rest stops.
- Traffic between Sharjah and Dubai is heavy during rush hour.
- Mwasalat runs buses from Muscat and Sohar to Sharjah, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Kalba. The Abu Dhabi journey requires a change in Al Ain.
By sea
- Valfajre-8 operates an overnight ferry from Bandar Abbas in Iran to Sharjah. It leaves on Sundays and Thursdays, takes 10–12 hours and has economy fares starting at 160 dirhams.
- Passage may be available on traditional trading boats called dhows. Their routes can include coastal cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Customs
- Each non-Muslim adult may bring four items of alcohol, such as four bottles of wine, four bottles of spirits or four cases of beer.
- Some common medicines are banned without a doctor's prescription that has been notarized and authenticated. Examples include medicines containing codeine, diazepam or dextromethorphan.
- Poppy seeds and foods containing them are banned. Even traces can lead to jail.
Getting around
Train
As of November 2026, Etihad Rail connects Fujairah, Dhaid, Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estates and Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City. There are 10 daily trains, with five in each direction. The Abu Dhabi–Dubai journey takes about one hour, with one-way fares starting at 39 dirhams. The full Abu Dhabi–Fujairah trip takes about one hour and 45 minutes. Fares start at 55 dirhams, although the source says 109 dirhams is more common.
Car
Drive on the right. Road signs are in Arabic and English, and fuel stations are widely available. Visitors need an international driving licence to rent or drive a car. This is a translation of your usual licence, available from a local automobile association. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are about 140 kilometres apart, or roughly 90 minutes by road. Dubai's Salik toll costs 4 dirhams per crossing and requires a prepaid Salik tag. The source lists Abu Dhabi island tolls as 4 dirhams during rush hour and 2 dirhams outside rush hour. Take extra care when driving or crossing roads because traffic accidents are common. Rain can also make roads hazardous.
Taxi and ride-share
Taxis and ride-share services such as Uber are widely available. Use a taxi or ride-share after drinking alcohol. Never drink and drive.
What to see and do
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
The world's tallest building has a viewing area near the top with views across the city.
Liwa Oasis and the Empty Quarter
See vast desert scenery and some of the world's largest sand dunes.
Hajar Mountains
The northeastern mountains offer rugged scenery and archaeological sites.
Historic districts
The emirate capitals have old districts with forts and traditional buildings, including windcatchers.
Al Ain
This city grew from an oasis, showing another side of life in the desert.
Abu Dhabi's islands
Natural islands and green mangroves surround the capital.
Food and drink
Emirati and Eastern Arabian food
These are the country's traditional cuisines.
Lugaimat
A popular Emirati dessert.
Arabic mixed grill
A mixed grill may include lamb kofta, chicken shish tawuk, beef kebab, rice and vegetables.
International food
The country's diverse population supports food from around the world, including options that meet religious dietary needs.
Drinking water
The water is safe to drink, although many people prefer bottled water for its taste.
Alcohol
The legal drinking age is 21. Alcohol is available in alcohol shops and five-star hotel restaurants and bars in all emirates except Sharjah.
Money
United Arab Emirates dirham, written as AED or dh. One dirham is divided into 100 fils.
- The dirham is fixed to the United States dollar at about 3.67 dirhams to one dollar.
- You can exchange cash and travellers' cheques at airports and major shopping malls.
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including Visa, MasterCard and Maestro.
- Cash machines are common, but withdrawal fees vary. The source lists some banks with free withdrawals and others charging about 20 dirhams.
Typical costs
- Muscat–Dubai bus with Al Alkhanjry: 90 dirhams, as listed for January 2026.
- Sharjah Al Jubail–Dubai Union bus: 12 dirhams.
- Bandar Abbas–Sharjah ferry: economy fares start at 160 dirhams.
- Abu Dhabi–Dubai train: one-way fares start at 39 dirhams.
- Abu Dhabi–Fujairah train: fares start at 55 dirhams, with 109 dirhams described as more common.
- Dubai Salik road toll: 4 dirhams per crossing.
Language
- Arabic is the official language. Emiratis speak Gulf Arabic.
- English is widely used, and road, shop and destination signs are in Arabic and English.
- Hindi and Urdu, Malayalam, Bengali and Tamil have many speakers.
- Farsi, also called Persian, and Tagalog, also called Filipino, are also widely spoken.
- as-salām `alaykum
- Peace be upon you; a common greeting.
- wa-`alaykumu s-salām
- Peace be upon you too; the reply to the greeting.
Staying safe
- Crime levels are low, but traffic accidents are common. Take extra care when driving and crossing roads.
- Drug laws are extremely strict, and even tiny traces can lead to jail. A positive blood test for an illegal substance can cause problems even if it was taken abroad.
- Some common medicines are controlled or banned. Check the government guidance and carry the required authenticated prescription.
- Public displays of affection can lead to fines or jail. Public nudity and sexual activity are illegal.
Local customs
Do
- Wear modest clothing, especially away from tourist areas. Revealing tops, short skirts and shorts can attract unwanted attention.
- Wear modest clothing at mosques and religious sites; women also need a head covering. Some mosques provide suitable clothing for visitors.
- Use your right hand to give and receive business cards.
- Respect local customs and family honour.
- Keep swimwear to suitable beach and resort settings, and be especially careful about clothing in conservative Sharjah.
Don't
- Do not speak badly about someone's family.
- Avoid public displays of affection, which can offend people and lead to legal penalties.
- Do not appear nude in public.
- Do not assume all beachwear accepted at a resort is acceptable in Sharjah.
Staying healthy
- Drink plenty of water, especially in summer. Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and watch for signs of heat stroke.
- Carry enough water when travelling off road in case your vehicle gets stuck.
- Tap water is safe to drink. Food hygiene can vary, especially at roadside stalls, and food poisoning does occur.
- Medical care is generally good, and hospitals in major centres can handle emergencies. Ambulance coverage can be limited in remote areas.
Where to stay
- Accommodation ranges from modest places to expensive luxury hotels.
- Well-known luxury hotels include Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
- Resorts include properties on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai and Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
- Beach hotels and resorts provide beach access and amenities.
Trips to United Arab Emirates
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Outdoor adventures in United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates offers desert safaris, mountain walks, mangrove kayaking and warm-water diving. Hatta and Ras al Khaimah are mountain adventure centres, while the eastern coast has coral reefs and marine life. Late October to mid-March brings more pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Desert safaris
SafariDubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras al Khaimah
Around five hours for Dubai tours; generally late afternoon to late evening Late October to mid-MarchBook a tour with specialist desert drivers. Hotel receptionists can arrange trips, often as late as the day before. Many tours collect you from your hotel in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Avoid dune driving if you get carsick easily.
- Carry plenty of water.
Hatta hiking
HikeDubainear Hatta
Late October to mid-MarchHead to Hatta, a mountain destination known for hiking. Specific trails and booking arrangements are not detailed.
- The surrounding mountains have steep, rocky terrain.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
Hatta kayaking
KayakingDubainear Hatta
Late October to mid-MarchVisit Hatta for kayaking. Rental companies and launch points are not specified.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
- Drink plenty of water.
Jebel Jais zipline
More to doRas al Khaimahnear Ras al Khaimah
Visit Jebel Jais for its mountain zipline. Booking and transport details are not specified.
Ski Dubai
SkiingDubainear Dubai
Visit Ski Dubai inside Mall of the Emirates.
Fujairah and Khor Fakkan coral-reef diving
Scuba divingFujairah and Sharjah's eastern coastnear Fujairah or Khor Fakkan
Travel by road from Dubai to Fujairah or Khor Fakkan, a journey described as taking about 90 minutes. Diving arrangements are not specified.
Eastern coast snorkelling
SnorkellingEastern coast
Head to the UAE's eastern coast for snorkelling. Specific sites, operators and access points are not detailed.
Eastern Mangroves kayaking
KayakingAbu Dhabinear Abu Dhabi
Late October to mid-MarchHead to Anantara Eastern Mangroves. Walk past the hotel and along the promenade to find kayak rental companies.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
- Drink plenty of water.
Jubail Mangrove Park kayaking
KayakingAbu Dhabinear Abu Dhabi
Late October to mid-MarchVisit Jubail Mangrove Park. Rental companies are available nearby for kayaking or eco-boating.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
- Drink plenty of water.
Al Zorah mangrove kayaking
KayakingAjmannear Ajman
Late October to mid-MarchHead to the mangroves of Al Zorah in Ajman. Rental and tour arrangements are not specified.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
- Drink plenty of water.
Liwa Oasis dune adventures
More to doAbu Dhabi
Late October to mid-MarchUse Liwa Oasis as an access point to the Empty Quarter for off-road dune adventures. Specific operators are not listed.
- Carry enough water in case your vehicle gets stuck.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
Stairway to Heaven track
HikeRas al Khaimah
Late October to mid-MarchThe track is an attraction of Ghalilah Village and Wadi. Trail access and guiding arrangements are not specified.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
- Medical transport coverage can be limited in remote areas.
Ras al Khaimah mountain climbing
ClimbingRas al Khaimahnear Ras al Khaimah
Late October to mid-MarchRas al Khaimah offers mountain climbing. Specific climbing routes, operators and access arrangements are not listed.
- The mountains have steep, rocky terrain.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
Khatt thermal waters
Hot springRas al Khaimah
Visit the oasis of Khatt for its thermal waters. Bathing facilities and entry arrangements are not specified.
Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve diving
Scuba divingAbu Dhabi
Diving is possible in the reserve's waters. Operators, departure points and access arrangements are not specified.
Umm al Quwain lagoon sailing
SailingUmm al Quwainnear Umm al Quwain
Head to the lagoon for sailing. Umm Al Quwain Marine Club is near the fish market, on a shaded beach overlooking the lagoon.
Umm al Quwain lagoon and islands paddling
KayakingUmm al Quwainnear Umm al Quwain
Explore the lagoon, islands and mangroves by kayak or canoe. Barracuda Beach Resort can arrange group visits to the islands; paddling rental arrangements are not specified.
Corniche Beach
BeacheAbu Dhabinear Abu Dhabi
Late October to mid-MarchVisit the public Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi for swimming.
- Women wearing bathing suits may receive unwanted attention at public beaches.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
Abu Dhabi Beach
BeacheAbu Dhabinear Abu Dhabi
Late October to mid-MarchVisit Abu Dhabi Beach, one of the city's public swimming beaches.
- Women wearing bathing suits may receive unwanted attention at public beaches.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
Ajman Beach
BeacheAjmannear Ajman
Late October to mid-MarchHead to Ajman Beach for a day by the sea.
- Women wearing bathing suits may receive unwanted attention at public beaches.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
Yas Marina Circuit cycling
CyclingAbu Dhabinear Abu Dhabi
When there are no events at the circuitVisit the Formula One circuit on Yas Island when it is used for cycling and exercise. Bikes can be hired on site.
Al Wathba cycle tracks
CyclingAbu Dhabinear Abu Dhabi
Late October to mid-MarchHead to Al Wathba to exercise on desert running or cycling tracks. Bike rental and transport details are not specified.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
- Drink plenty of water.
Awafi desert quad biking
More to doRas al Khaimahnear Ras al Khaimah
Late October to mid-MarchRent a quad bike in the Awafi desert area.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of summer days.
- Carry plenty of water.
Al Labsa dunes camping and off-road driving
More to doUmm al Quwainnear Umm al Quwain
Overnight for camping Late October to mid-MarchHead inland towards the Al Labsa camel race track, on the road leading to Falaj Al Moalla. Group camping trips can be arranged.
- The dunes provide challenging terrain for off-road drivers.
- Carry enough water in case your vehicle gets stuck.
Jebel Jais camping
More to doRas al Khaimahnear Ras al Khaimah
Overnight Late October to mid-MarchHead to Jebel Jais for mountain camping. Specific campsites and booking arrangements are not detailed.
- Bring a warm jacket or sweater for chilly winter weather.
- Medical transport coverage can be limited in remote areas.
Airports, metros and trains in United Arab Emirates
Airports with scheduled flights
- AANAl Ain International AirportAl AinMain international airport
- DWCAl Maktoum International AirportDubai(Jebel Ali)Main international airport
- DXBDubai International AirportDubaiMain international airport
- FJRFujairah International AirportFujairahMain international airport
- RKTRas Al Khaimah International AirportRas Al KhaimahMain international airport
- SHJSharjah International AirportSharjahMain international airport
Metro and subway
- DubaiDubai Metro53 stations89.3 kmsince 2009
Trains
- Rail network
- 900 km
People and safety in United Arab Emirates
Religion
Most people are Muslim. Mixed.
- Muslim70%
- Christian14%
- Hindu10%
- Buddhist2%
- No religion1%
- Other<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Illegal, with the death penalty in law
- The law allows death penalty.
- Legal gender change is not recognised.
Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.
Women travellers
Ranked #20 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
91% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 93 of 198 countries can visit United Arab Emirates easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required91
- Freedom of movement2
- eVisa67
- Visa required37
- Admission refused1
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe46 of 46 countries
- Americas18 of 35 countries
- Asia21 of 49 countries
- Oceania6 of 14 countries
- Africa2 of 54 countries
Questions
When is the best time to visit?
Late October to mid-March is pleasant, with temperatures around 15–27°C. Summer can exceed 45°C and feel very humid.
Can I get by with English?
Yes. English is widely spoken, and road, shop and destination signs are in both Arabic and English.
Can I pay by card?
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. You can exchange cash at airports and major malls, and cash machines are common.
How can I travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
They are about 90 minutes apart by road. As of November 2026, Etihad Rail also connects their stations in about one hour, with fares starting at 39 dirhams.
Can my hotel arrange a desert trip?
Most hotel receptionists can arrange a desert safari, often as late as the day before. Packages normally include hotel pickup and an afternoon-to-evening trip.
What should I wear?
Choose modest clothing in public, especially in Sharjah. Mosques require modest clothing and a head covering for women.
Can I drink alcohol?
The legal drinking age is 21, and public drinking outside licensed venues is illegal. Sharjah does not sell alcohol, although non-Muslims may bring it from elsewhere for private use.
Is tap water safe?
Yes. Many people choose bottled water because they prefer its taste.
Can I bring my usual medicine?
Some common medicines are banned or controlled, including products containing codeine, diazepam or dextromethorphan. Check government guidance and carry the required notarized and authenticated doctor's prescription.
Is the country easy to explore in a wheelchair?
It can be difficult. High curbs, few ramps and limited accessible toilets create barriers.
Reviewed by @snuck