United Arab Emirates travel guide: when to go and how to plan it together

November 8, 2026 · 10 min read

The United Arab Emirates is seven emirates on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula, and most visitors see two of them. Dubai is the one with the skyline: towers, malls, artificial islands and a beach club for every mood. Abu Dhabi is the capital, calmer and more cultural, with one of the world's great mosques and a museum on the water. Between and beyond them are dunes, date-palm oases, mountains and quiet coastline.

It is a very easy country to travel. Everything is air-conditioned, English is spoken everywhere, and transport is modern. It is also a country with laws and customs that differ from many visitors' homes, which is worth knowing before you land. This guide covers when to go, where to go, a seven-day route and the points to settle with your group.

Capital: Abu Dhabi
Currency: UAE dirham (AED, د.إ)
Languages: Arabic; English is widely spoken
Plugs: Type G, 230 V
Driving: On the right
Time zone: UTC+4, no daylight saving
Best time to go: November to March
Daily budget: About US$180–320 a person a day, mid-range, 2026

When to go

Winter (November to March) is the season. Days are warm and dry, evenings are mild enough to eat outside, and the beaches, desert and parks are all comfortable. It is also the busiest and most expensive time, especially over the Christmas and New Year weeks, when hotels fill and prices are at their highest. Book early for these dates.

Spring and autumn (April, May, October) are hot but workable. Early morning and evening are good for outdoor plans, and prices begin to fall. October is a good compromise, warm, with the sea at its warmest.

Summer (June to September) is extremely hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often above 40 °C. Life moves indoors: malls, aquariums, indoor ski slopes, museums and hotel pools. Outdoor sightseeing is hard from mid-morning to late afternoon. In return, hotels cost far less, and the resorts are quiet. If you travel in summer, plan outdoor activities for early or late in the day.

Ramadan moves about eleven days earlier each year. During the day, many cafés close or screen off their tables, eating and drinking in public are discouraged out of respect, and hotels serve guests discreetly. After sunset the cities come alive, with iftar meals and late-night gatherings. Eid al-Fitr, at the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha bring public holidays and busy hotels. National Day on 2 December is a public holiday with events across the country.

Where to go

Dubai

Dubai is a city of contrasts, and the best way to see it is in layers. Start in the old city, on the creek: the Al Fahidi historic district, the wind-tower houses, and a boat ride across the water on an abra, the traditional small ferry, to the gold and spice souks. Then go to the modern city: the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountains, the beaches along Jumeirah, the Marina, and the Palm Jumeirah. Give it three or four days. Avoid midday heat outside in summer. For a day-by-day plan, see the 3-day Dubai itinerary.

Abu Dhabi

Larger and calmer than Dubai, with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a white marble landmark open to visitors who dress modestly. The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is a domed museum set in the water, and Qasr Al Watan is the presidential palace. The Corniche is a long waterfront promenade with a beach. Yas Island has theme parks and the Formula 1 circuit. Two or three days.

The desert

A night or an evening in the dunes is the part of the trip many people remember. Go with a licensed operator for dune driving, sandboarding, camel rides and a dinner in a camp under the stars. For a quieter experience, choose a desert resort or a smaller camp away from the crowds. Dubai and Abu Dhabi both offer day trips, and the Liwa Oasis in the south is the edge of the Empty Quarter.

Sharjah

Dubai's neighbour is the country's cultural centre, with museums of Islamic art and archaeology, a restored heritage area and a souk. Sharjah is a dry emirate, so there is no alcohol anywhere, and dress is more conservative. It is an easy half day or day from Dubai.

Al Ain

The "Garden City" is an inland oasis town near the Omani border, with UNESCO-listed oases and tombs, a fort and a camel market. Jebel Hafeet, the mountain beside the town, has a winding road to a viewpoint at the top. A day trip from Abu Dhabi or a night's stay.

Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais

At the northern end of the country, Ras Al Khaimah has long beaches, a quieter pace and the Hajar mountains. Jebel Jais, the country's highest peak, has viewpoints, hiking and a long zip line. It is cooler in the hills, so it is a pleasant escape in warm months.

Fujairah and the east coast

On the Gulf of Oman side, with rugged mountains behind the beaches. Snorkelling, a historic fort and a different, greener landscape from the west. It is about two hours from Dubai, and a good break from the cities.

Hatta

A mountain town inland from Dubai, near the border with Oman. A small area of hiking, kayaking on a dam lake and mountain-bike trails, with a heritage village. A day trip from Dubai, or a night.

A 7-day itinerary

Days 1–4: Dubai. Spend the first day gently, with the old creek area in the morning and the Marina or beach in the evening. On day two, see the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall at sunset. Keep one day for the beach or a pool and one for a half day in Sharjah or a desert afternoon.

Day 5: The desert. Take an afternoon and evening tour with dune driving and a camp dinner, or stay overnight in a desert camp or resort. Return to Dubai or continue the next morning.

Days 6–7: Abu Dhabi. About an hour and a half by road from Dubai. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the morning, the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the afternoon, and walk the Corniche at the end of the day. Fly home from Abu Dhabi or return to Dubai, which has the more frequent international flights.

With more time, add a night on the east coast at Fujairah, a day at Jebel Jais, or a night in Al Ain.

Getting around

The Dubai Metro is fast, clean and automatic, and links the airport, the old city, Downtown, the Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. A rechargeable transit card works on the metro, trams, buses and water buses. The tram runs along the Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. Women and children have a reserved carriage on the metro.

Taxis are plentiful, metered and not expensive by European standards. Ride-hailing apps work well too. For airports, malls and hotels, a taxi is the simplest choice. For a group of four or five, a larger taxi or a minivan is the best value.

Between emirates, intercity buses run between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other cities. A taxi or a car is easier for a group. Dubai to Abu Dhabi is about an hour and a half by road, longer in rush hour.

Driving is straightforward: roads are wide and well signed, and fuel is cheap. Speed cameras are everywhere, and traffic rules are strictly enforced. Drivers can be fast, and interchanges can be complex. Our guides to renting a car abroad and driving abroad cover the paperwork. For the desert, mountains and east coast, a car is useful. Within Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you can manage without.

From the airport, the metro, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer all work. Our guide to getting from the airport to the city can help you choose.

Money and costs

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and small shops, and contactless payments are common. Carry a little cash for tips, small souvenirs in the souks and some local transport. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar, which makes budgeting simple if you think in dollars.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Many restaurants add a service charge to the bill; if they don't, 10% is normal for good service. Round up for taxis and tip porters and housekeeping staff a little.

The UAE is not a cheap destination. Hotels, especially on the beach and in the winter high season, are the biggest cost, followed by drinks, which carry high prices in licensed venues, and attractions. Food ranges widely: shawarma, Indian and Pakistani food and the food courts are inexpensive, while fine dining and brunches are not. Public transport and fuel are cheap. Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants, but not in public places.

Rough daily costs a person, in 2026:

Budget: about US$90–150, with hostels or simple hotels, local food and the metro.
Mid-range: about US$180–320, with a good hotel, restaurant meals, taxis and a few attractions.
Comfortable: US$450 and up, with luxury hotels, fine dining and private tours.

Planning the UAE as a group

The UAE suits groups well, since it is compact and everything is arranged for visitors.

Where to stay. Hotels and serviced apartments here often sleep four or six, and apartments with a kitchen and two or more bedrooms are common in Dubai Marina and Downtown. For a larger group, a villa with a pool on the Palm or in the resort areas is another option. Choose an area first, then the property: being close to a metro station matters more than the view.

Weekends. Brunches, beach clubs and popular attractions fill up at weekends, so book ahead for tables and tickets, and plan the quieter sights for weekdays.

Tours and the desert. Book desert safaris and boat trips in advance for a group, and ask about private vehicles. A tour with a set pick-up time means the whole group needs to be ready at the same moment.

Dress and rules. Agree as a group before you go. The rules on dress in malls and mosques, on public behaviour and on alcohol matter for everyone, and one person's mistake can affect the whole group.

Counting down. The UAE is a trip many people save for, and a countdown helps a group stay excited and organised.

Before you go

Entry rules: check the official government site of the United Arab Emirates and your own government's travel advice before you book, as requirements depend on your passport.
Travel insurance that covers medical costs, which can be high for visitors. See our overview of travel insurance.
Connectivity: an eSIM or a local tourist SIM works well. Some internet calling apps are restricted in the UAE, so check how you will make calls.
A plug adapter for Type G if you are coming from outside the UK or Ireland. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230 V.
Health: no special vaccines are usually needed; ask a travel clinic. Some medicines that are common elsewhere, including some painkillers and sleep aids, are controlled in the UAE, so check the rules and carry a prescription for any you need.
Customs: dress modestly in public places such as malls and old districts, with shoulders and knees covered, and cover more in mosques. Keep public affection discreet, and ask before photographing people. Drink only where it is licensed, and never drive after drinking.

What to pack

Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees is the base of the wardrobe, since you will go from fierce sun outside to strong air conditioning inside. Bring a layer for cold malls, restaurants and the metro, and a scarf or shawl that works for mosques.

In summer bring a hat, sunglasses, strong sunscreen and a refillable bottle. In winter, evenings in the desert and on the mountains can be cool, so add a light jacket. Pack swimwear for the hotel pool and the beach, comfortable shoes for long indoor walking and sandals for the sand. If you plan the desert, bring a scarf to keep dust out of your face.