United Arab Emirates Travel Information

The United Arab Emirates is a land of contrasts, where modern metropolises stand alongside endless deserts and ancient culture. Whether you're looking for luxury shopping and high-end dining, or want to experience traditional Bedouin culture, the UAE has something for everyone. From the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the grand Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this fascinating country. Here are just a few of the top things to do in the UAE that you won't want to miss.

1. Explore the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and offers visitors an incredible view of Dubai from the observation deck on the 124th floor.

2. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

3. Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first branch of the famous Louvre Museum outside of France, and features a collection of artwork from around the world.

4. Shop at the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the world and offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

5. Visit the Palm Jumeirah

The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree and offers a wide variety of luxury resorts, restaurants, and attractions.

6. Take a Desert Safari

A desert safari is a great way to experience the beauty of the UAE's deserts and see traditional Bedouin life.

7. Take a Dhow Cruise

A dhow cruise is a traditional boat ride along Dubai Creek or Abu Dhabi's Corniche, and offers a unique view of the city skyline.

8. Visit the Ferrari World

Ferrari World is an indoor theme park featuring roller coasters and other attractions based on the famous Ferrari brand.

9. Visit the Yas Island

Yas Island is a man-made island with a variety of attractions, including Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina, Yas Links and Yas Mall.

10. Visit the Emirates Palace

The Emirates Palace is a 7-star luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi, known for its opulence and grandeur. Visitors can take a tour of the palace or dine at one of its high-end restaurants.

Climate

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a desert climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer months, with high humidity, and the winter months are more pleasant with an average temperature around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). The coastal areas tend to be cooler and more humid than the inland areas.

Best time to visit

Winter (November-March)

Winter is the best time to visit the UAE, with pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and clear skies. The weather is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities, making it the peak tourist season. This is also the time when many festivals and events take place, such as the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Spring (April-May)

Spring is also a good time to visit the UAE, as the weather is still mild and comfortable, but the crowds are not as heavy as during the winter months. This is a good time to visit the desert, as the temperatures are not as extreme as during the summer months.

Summer (June-October)

The summer months can be extremely hot and uncomfortable, making it less ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, it is also the time when prices tend to be lower, and it's a good time for beach activities and water sports. If you're planning to visit during the summer, it's best to focus on coastal activities or head to the highlands of Oman or the Hajar Mountains, where the temperatures are more bearable.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a wide range of hotels to choose from, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. There are many large hotels located in tourist hotspots such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, but there are also smaller, more intimate hotels located in more remote areas of the country.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as apartments and villas, are becoming increasingly popular in the UAE. They offer more privacy and space than a hotel and can be a more cost-effective option for families or groups traveling together. Vacation rentals can be found in most towns and cities across the UAE.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular accommodation option for budget-conscious travelers in the UAE. These small, family-run establishments offer basic amenities and a homely atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of a hotel. Guesthouses can be found in most towns and cities across the UAE, as well as in rural areas.

Hostels

Hostels are a popular accommodation option for budget-conscious travelers in the UAE. They offer dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens. Many hostels also offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Hostels can be found in most towns and cities across the UAE, and are a great option for solo travelers and backpackers.

Bed and Breakfast

Bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodations are a popular option for travelers looking for a more personal experience. They offer a homey atmosphere, comfortable rooms, and a delicious breakfast. B&Bs can be found in most towns and cities across the UAE, and are a great option for travelers looking for a more authentic experience.

Luxury Resorts

The UAE is known for its luxury resorts, which offer a wide range of facilities such as private beaches, spas, golf courses, and fine dining restaurants. These resorts are located in popular tourist destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah and offer a high level of luxury, comfort, and service to their guests.

Air Travel

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has several international airports, including Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, which serve as hubs for major airlines such as Emirates and Etihad Airways. Direct flights to the UAE are available from major cities around the world.

Ground Transportation

Once you arrive in the UAE, there are several options for ground transportation, including:

Taxis

Taxis are widely available and can be easily hailed on the street or booked in advance. They are a convenient way to get around the cities.

Buses

Buses operated by the government and private companies provide regular service between the major cities and towns in the UAE.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are widely available at the airports and in major cities. However, it is important to note that driving in the UAE can be challenging for visitors, as the roads are often busy and the driving culture is different from that of many other countries.

Trains

The UAE has a metro system in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The metro provides an affordable and efficient way to get around these cities.

Other Options

In addition to traditional forms of transportation, visitors to the UAE can also take advantage of options such as water taxis, water buses, and even seaplanes to get around.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.