When to go
November to March, when days are warm and dry rather than searingly hot
United Arab EmiratesThe United Arab Emirates is seven distinct places, not one. Most visitors see only Dubai and Abu Dhabi and fly home thinking they have seen the country — but the UAE also holds the cultural museums of Sharjah, the quiet beaches of Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, the east-coast reefs of Fujairah, and the mountains and desert of Ras Al Khaimah. Formed in 1971 from a union of emirates on the south-eastern Arabian Peninsula, it pairs record-breaking modern architecture with old souks, desert heritage and a coastline on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is one of the safest and most convenient countries in the region to travel, with excellent airports, easy transport and warm hospitality.
November to March, when days are warm and dry rather than searingly hot
Many nationalities receive visa-free entry or a visa on arrival for short stays; others must apply for a pre-approved e-visa before travelling. Allowances vary by passport and change often — confirm your nationality's current rule at u.ae before you book.
The UAE is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, with very low crime. The main things to respect are local laws and customs: dress modestly in public and at religious sites, avoid public displays of affection, and follow the rules on alcohol (served only in licensed venues; some emirates such as Sharjah are dry). During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have clean, modern metros, trams and buses; use the NOL card in Dubai and the Hafilat card in Abu Dhabi. Ride-hailing apps (Careem and Uber) work across the country and taxis are inexpensive and metered. The smaller northern and eastern emirates are best reached by car — rental or a booked driver — as public transport thins out beyond the two big cities.
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar (about AED 3.67 to USD 1). Cards are accepted almost everywhere in malls, hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for souks, small vendors and taxis in the smaller emirates. ATMs are plentiful.
