UAE Travel Guide

This travel guide for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) features the top places to visit, how to get there, safety, scams, what you should definitely not do (with it’s very traditional laws), and more to help plan your visit.

The UAE consists of seven independent emirates, or city-states. Its 3 most visited include: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

This travel guide and posts on the UAE are updated as of January 2022.

UAE Travel Guide: Top Attractions

Dubai

Cosmopolitan and glamorous, Dubai is not only the most visited city in the UAE, it ranks as the 7th most visited in the world. It offers a lot as a destination, not only for its glittering skyline, and exotic appeal as a cosmopolitan Middle Eastern city, but also because it’s full of unique attractions boasting multiple world records like the tallest/biggest/longest/only.

From the largest man-made archipelago, Palm Jumeirah, to the tallest building, Burj Khalifa, the only 7-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, the tallest ferris wheel, Ain Dubai, the longest indoor ski slope, the biggest indoor gold souk, and many more, there’s a lot to explore and be entertained by. And if all the bigness and newness is too much, there’s also its historic core, Dubian Creek, the fishing village Dubai started as.

Palm Jumeirah Island

This man-made island, ingeniously shaped like a palm tree, is the world’s largest man-made archipelago.

Dubai Marina Walk and Dubai Marina Beach

Marina Walk is a little over 5 miles (8 km) of promenade following marina canal, lined with skyscrapers, restaurants, and shops. Just beyond Marina Walk is Marina Beach, with glistening white sand on the calm seas of the Persian Gulf. Both beautiful places to relax and soak in the atmosphere here.

Global Village

Global Village, the world’s largest tourism, leisure, shopping, and entertainment center, has 26 pavilions representing 80 cultures/countries. You can shop for gold jewelry in the Taj Mahal, learn about Persian heritage in Iran, bargain in bazaars in India, and eat Italian in Italy. It’s fun to create your own global itinerary.

Gold Souks

Dubai, one of the world’s biggest gold trading hubs, also has the world’s largest indoor gold souk with over 300 shops. The amount of gold here is staggering, so worth a visit even if you don’t buy.

Dubai Creek, or Khor Dubai

But not everything here has some type of world record. Dubai Creek, or Khor Dubai, is Dubai’s historic district. This old fishing village, where the first settlers arrived, is set on a seawater inlet. You can cruise the creek in a traditional wooden abra, visit an 18th century fortress ( now home to the Dubai Museum), explore its souks, and try local Emirati dishes in authentic hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

There’s a lot more to Dubai than just the few highlights noted here though. There’s more man-made islands, entertainment meccas, dazzling gardens, cavernous malls, art galleries, fine dining, and more. See my post on The Best Things To Do In Dubai to learn more.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE’s capital and second most visited city, sits on an archipelago composed of 200 islands off the mainland. Best known for its famous mosque, Sheikh Zayed, it’s a city of both grand luxury and conservative traditions.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The UAE’s largest and most ornate mosque, and most visited site, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is also the third largest in the world after the Mosques in Mecca and Medina (Saudi Arabia). Attracting millions a year, it can hold up to 41,000 worshipers at a time. This Mosque is the most popular day trip from Dubai.

There’s no entrance fee and tours are free. As it’s a Mosque, remember to dress conservatively, covering arms and legs. Robes (abayas) and headscarves (shaylas) are available for women to wear, however, if needed.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Its massive dome is an architectural focal point, creating a ’rain of light’ through its multiple layers of geometric patterns.

Abu Dhabi’s Corniche

This 3.73 mile (6 km) promenade starts near Marina Mall and goes almost all the way to Zayed Port. It’s a lovely place to stroll, particularly in evening, with Abu Dhabi’s highrise skyline as a backdrop.

Visit Mina Fish Market

The mina fish market, in Port Zayed, is one of the few remaining historic places in Abu Dhabi. This is a unique experience, as not many tourists venture here. If you want, have your seafood cleaned and grilled for a take-out picnic at the port.

Ferrari World Theme Park And Marina Circuit

Loacted on Yas island, there are 37 record-breaking rides and attractions for all ages, like the world’s fastest roller coaster. If you’re a motorsport junkie, make sure to check out the the driving options at the island’s world-class racetrack, Marina Circuit, which is used for for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Sharjah

Last, but not least is Sharjah, the UAE’s third most populated city. Known for its cultural experience, especially in Sharjah’s Heritage area, there are 16 museums.

Some of the top ones include: the Archeology museum, the Sharjah Heritage museum, Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), the museum of Islamic civilization, Sharjah Art Museum, and the Sharjah Science Museum.

There are also loads family entertainment options, like Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park, full of rides and luxurious amenities, the Eye of the Emirates Wheel, with its grand coastal views, as well as an aquarium and wildlife center.

There’s also a tropical biosphere know for its butterflies, Al Noor island.

Best Time To Visit The UAE

Weather-wise, the best time to visit is the winter months between November and March. High during this time range from the upper 70’s to low 80’s F. It’s hottest months, May through September, often tops 100 F. Shoulder season months are October and April.

UAE Languages

The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but most also speak English (about 75%). especially near tourist areas.

UAE Money Matters

Currency: The currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). The exchange rate is linked to the US dollar, so rarely changes. The conversion rate as of January 1, 2024 is noted below.

• USD (1) = 3.67 AED
• Euro (1) = 4.05 AED
• CNY (1) = .52 AED

Try to avoid converting money at airports and hotels, as they usually offer the worst rates. Compare to on-line rates and decide if the convenience is worth it. Or just excahnge a small amount until you can find better option.

Credit Cards & ATMs: Credit cards are widely accepted and ATM’s are widely available. Smaller shops may only accept cash, so carry some. It’s usually more economical to get cash from ATM’s than exchanging currency, but opt for the charges in local currency, rather than your home currency, to get the best rate (this holds true for credit card purchases too). Most ATM’s only accept 4-digit pins, so change yours before traveling if longer.

Tipping: Tipping of 10-15% is common in restaurants, depending on service quality. For tour guides, 10-15% is reasonable. For bellhops, give 5-10 AED. In taxis, just round to the nearest dollar.

UAE Travel Guide: Safety

The UAE is generally very safe, but as always, there can be pickpockets and scammers trying to get the best of tourists. See examples of scams below. Also, customs and laws are conservative here, so make sure to also read what not to do in the UAE (below).

Take normal precautions and always be aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts. If things don’t feel right, look for alternatives. Although, honestly, I felt extremely safe in this family friendly country.

Always check the latest situation on your government website. Sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), or similar in your country, to be alerted in case of emergency.

UAE Travel Guide: Scams

Some known scams to watch out for in the UAE include:

• Make sure your taxi is official, both marked as a taxi and with a working meter. Uber is operation here, as well as Careem, a similar opiton.
• Always watch your drink to make sure it’s not spiked. Believe it or not, if a woman is raped in Dubai, she can actually be accused of having illicit sex or an extramarital affair, resulting in imprisonment, or even being stoned to death. Yikes! This is very unlikely, but good to know.
• When buying gold, verify that the store is officially registered. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Also, if you’re from a western country, know that they will start negotiating with you at a higher price.
• Only buy cell phones and data from reputable stores, never from people on the street.

UAE Travel Guide: What Not To Do

With all the glitz and glamour of the UAE, it still has very conservative traditions that you need to be aware of and respect.

• Don’t swear. Profanity can result in fines or jail time.
• No PDA. Kissing or hugging in public, and other public displays of affection, is strictly prohibited and can result in imprisonment or deportation.
• Two people of the opposite sex cannot live together or share a hotel room if not married to or closely related.
• Drugs are strictly illegal.
• Some medications may be considered illegal. Make sure to research before you travel and bring a copy of your doctor’s prescription.
• It’s illegal to eat or drink in public during Ramadan fasting hours (daylight), even for tourists. Consequences include prison time and a hefty fine. The exact dates change annually, but it’s generally a month long event in April to early May.
• Not paying a bill or bouncing a check can result in imprisonment.
• Dancing is only allowed at licensed clubs or in your own home.
• Homosexuality is illegal here and can result in serious consequences.
• Only drink alcohol at licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars. Never drink and drive. Even a small amount of alcohol in your system while driving can result in jail time.
• Taking photos of women without consent is strictly frowned upon. Always ask first.

UAE Travel Guide: Getting Around

Traveling Between Cities

Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Although taxi is the fastest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, taking a little over an hour, it’s the most expensive, about $75-100 each way.

The bus is much more cost effective, but a little more complicated. There is a bus from Ibn Battuta bus station, west of Dubai Marina, a 1-minute walk from Ibn Battuta metro station, and a bus from Al Ghubaiba station in Bur Dubai, about a 10-minute walk from the Al Ghubaiba metro Station. They both go to the main station in Abu Dhabi, taking about 2 hours. To get to Sheikh Zayed Mosuqe or Louvre Abu Dhabi from the main station, it’s best to take a taxi.

Between Dubai and Sharjah

The bus from Dubai to Sharjah takes about an hour and costs just a few US dollars. Buses leave from several stations in Dubai, most going to the main bus station in Sharjah, Al Jubail, which is a 9-minute walk from the Sharjah Archeology museum. A common one runs from Al Ghubaiba station, in Bur Dubai, about a 10-minute walk from the Al Ghubaiba metro station, to Al Jubail.

Many people commute to Dubai from Sharjah, meaning traffic can be heavy during rush hour, so try to avoid those times. Of course it’s likely going the opposite way you are, but good to know.

Traveling Within Cities

Although roads and infrastructure are very good in the UAE, accidents are common, so if you rent a car, be very careful. For other options, see below.

Dubai

A NOL card is required for the metro and buses in Dubai. The Dubai Metro Red Card is the best NOL card for tourists. It costs a few Dirham, can be topped up, and is valid for 90 days.

Metro: The Dubai Metro is the easiest way to get around Dubai, and very inexpensive.

Bus: Bus is another easy way to get around. The main stations in Dubai are Al Ghubaiba and the Gold Souk. Click here for all stations.

Ferry: The Dubai ferry operates on the Dubai Canal and Dubai Marina. It’s really more for tourists, but another travel option. The main stations are Dubai Marina, Ghubaiba, and Dubai Canal.

Taxi: It’s easy to hail a taxi at major sites. Uber and Careem ride hailing services (with apps) are available.

Abu Dhabi

Bus and taxi are the best way to get around Abu Dhabi. For buses, buy a Hafilat card, as they do not accept cash. You can get a temporary card at the bus station.

Sharjah

Bus and taxi are the best way to get around Sharjah. You can pay in cash or via Sayer card, but the cash price is higher. The Sayer card can be purchased on the bus and at Mowasalat bus terminals.

Visa Information For The UAE

Citizens of the USA and China can stay up to 30 days with no advance visa required. European citizens are eligible for a multiple entry 90 day visa that is valid for 6 months. See more details on the UAE Visa Policy here.

UAE Travel Guide: Dubai Details

Click below for more detailed information on Dubai.

Note: All efforts have been made to ensure the information in this travel guide for the UAE are accurate, but from time to time, things change. If you see something Incorrect, please add a comment.