UAE (Dubai)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country of seven emirates on the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula, on the Arabian Gulf. Dubai is the largest city in the UAE and sits on the coast. Abu Dhabi is the capital. Most of the land is desert, with sand dunes, salt flats and mountains in the east near Hatta and Khor Fakkan.

The area has a long history of trade, pearl diving and fishing. Oil was found in the 1960s and the country grew fast after the UAE was formed in 1971. Visitors come to Dubai for the beaches, shopping, desert trips, skyscrapers such as the Burj Khalifa, and museums in the old Al Fahidi district. Abu Dhabi offers large mosques, cultural centres and national parks. The Emirati culture is based on Islam and Arab traditions. Dress modestly in public places, especially outside the beach and hotel areas.

Many visitors can get a visa on arrival, or apply for an electronic visa before travel. The rules depend on your nationality and may change, so check the official site for your passport. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned exit date. Apply only on official government websites.

Entry permits, tourist fees and some hotel charges can change, so check the official site before you travel. Many private websites offer visa services at high prices; use only official government websites.

Dubai has a hot desert climate with sunshine most days. Summers from June to September are very hot and humid, with highs above 40 °C.

The cooler and most pleasant months are November to March, when days are warm and nights are mild.

• November – MarchThis is the best time to visit, with warm days, cooler nights and outdoor activities.
• April – MayIt is getting warmer. Early mornings and evenings are best for outdoor trips.
• June – SeptemberVery hot and humid. Plan indoor visits, and go out early or late in the day.

Emirati and Arab food is widely available, and Dubai has food from many countries. Vegetarian options are easy to find, including hummus, falafel, salads and rice dishes. Spice levels are usually mild to medium.

• ShawarmaGrilled meat or vegetables wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce.
• MachboosA traditional rice dish cooked with spices, usually with chicken, fish or lamb.
• Hummus and falafelChickpea dips and fried chickpea balls, good for vegetarians.
• LuqaimatSmall, crispy, sweet dumplings with date syrup, often served with coffee.
• Karak chaiStrong black tea boiled with milk, cardamom and saffron.
• Arabic coffeeLightly roasted coffee flavoured with cardamom, served in small cups.

Some festivals follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so their dates move earlier by about 11 days each year. Check the official tourism website for exact dates before you plan your trip.

• December – JanuaryDubai Shopping Festival — A long shopping event with sales, shows and fireworks across the city.
• February – MarchDubai Food Festival — Restaurants and events with food from around the world, often with special menus.
• March – April (varies)Ramadan — A month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Eating and drinking in public is restricted during daytime.
• March – April (varies)Eid al-Fitr — A major holiday at the end of Ramadan, with family meals and celebrations.
• June (varies)Eid al-Adha — A four-day holiday marking the Islamic festival of sacrifice.
• NovemberDubai Design Week — An event with design exhibitions, talks and displays across the city.
• December 2UAE National Day — A public holiday with parades, flags and fireworks.

• Passport & visaCheck your visa rules on the official ICP website before travel. Keep your passport valid for at least six months.
• MoneyThe currency is the UAE dirham. Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small shops and taxis.
• Phone & internetMobile networks are good. Buy a local SIM or use roaming. Some apps for calls and messages may be restricted.
• HealthDrink bottled water and use sun cream. Take care in the heat and drink plenty of fluids. Travel insurance is strongly advised.
• ClothesWear light, loose clothes in summer. Dress modestly in public, and cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques.
• Customs & etiquetteDo not take photos of people without permission. Public displays of affection are not accepted. Alcohol is only sold in licensed places.
• Getting aroundUse the Dubai Metro, taxis or ride services. Driving is possible but traffic can be heavy and rules are strict.
• Safety or permitsCrime levels are low, but follow local laws strictly. Check the rules on drugs, medicine and photography before you travel.

For the latest rules and fees, always check these official websites. They open in a new tab.