Image: Downtown Dubai. (photo via nicky39/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (nicky39 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Downtown Dubai. (photo via nicky39/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (nicky39 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
United Arab Emirates Today: December 17, 11:35 AM 65°F Clear Sky

United Arab Emirates Travel Guide 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to the famous Dubai city, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and the Palm Islands (artificial islands). These attractions and many others make the UAE one of the prime tourist locations in the Middle East. 

We found the UAE has an impressive road network making traveling by car in and out of the major cities quite convenient. And within the cities, there are plenty of car travel options. You can rent a car (if you’ve got a valid license to drive in the UAE), call Uber or Careem, or ride a bus.

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we found the metro to be a cheaper, faster, and more convenient way to travel. 

While traveling between cities, car driving allows you to visit unexplored desert areas.   

     

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Important Things To Know

Currency

The currency of the UAE is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).

National Language

Arabic is the national language of the United Arab Emirates. 

English is used as a second language, making communication convenient for you if you can’t speak Arabic.  

Climate And Weather

The UAE enjoys an arid desert climate with two seasons.

Temperatures in summer (June to Sept) are usually high  90°F - 99°F (32°C - 37.2°C). But in winter (Dec to Mar) the UAE enjoys pleasantly warm temperatures between 62°F - 75°F (16.4°C - 24°C). 

Rainfall is inconsistent. However, there are frequent, violent dust storms locally called the ‘shamal winds.’

Dress Code

As a Muslim nation, the United Arab Emirates expects tourists to dress modestly, especially in public places like hospitals, government buildings, parks, shopping malls, and religious buildings.

Below are the dress code rules we recommend you follow

  • Your clothing shouldn’t indecently expose your body or display offensive messages/images.\
  • Any form of public nudity isn’t allowed.
  • Wearing your swimwear in public is only in pools, beaches, and water packs.
  • Female tourists aren’t expected to cover their hair or wear traditional abayas in public areas. However, you’ll be asked to wear a traditional abaya and cover your hair when visiting mosques out of respect for the Islam religion.
  • Women and men are encouraged to wear clothes covering their legs, arms, and shoulders.

We found that these rules are only applied in public areas and not in private settings like your hotel room.

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When To Visit The United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (photo via EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/E+)

In our opinion, the best time to visit is during winter, from December to March, when the desert temperatures are relatively cool. 

During this season, you’ll have plenty of outdoor activities and things to do in the United Arab Emirates.

 

     

Best Places To Stay In The United Arab Emirates

Desert safari in Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDesert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (photo via anderm / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Desert safari in Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDesert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (photo via anderm / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

  • Dubai City: Known for its incredible architecture and skylines, Dubai is a top tourist city. There are multiple popular tourist attraction sites like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Islands, shopping malls, and parks and resorts that make it a perfect spot for vacationers.
  • Abu Dhabi: The largest of the seven Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a mixture of ancient and modern architecture. We recommend opting for their cultural tours that provide an in-depth look into the traditional lifestyles of the Emiratis.
  • Ras Al Khaimah: We’ve recommended this city because it’s one of the most picturesque UAE cities. Located along the Persian Gulf Coast, it’s the best place to relax as you enjoy the calm and serene environment on the long sandy beaches.

 

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Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

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Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me