United Arab Emirates
A federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Gulf, home to Dubai's skyline and Abu Dhabi's cultural landmarks.
Quick Answer
The UAE is a Gulf federation of seven emirates, best known internationally for Dubai's skyscrapers, desert experiences, and shopping, and Abu Dhabi's museums, mosques, and government institutions. Most international visitors base themselves in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, both connected by a 90-minute drive.
Overview
About United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates sits on the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman on the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf. Of its seven emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi handle almost all international tourism — Dubai as a commercial, entertainment, and transit hub built around Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and the Palm Jumeirah, and Abu Dhabi, the capital, as the seat of government and home to landmark cultural institutions like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Beyond the cities, the UAE's desert interior supports safari tourism, dune driving, and traditional Bedouin-style camps within an hour of both centers.
- Visa
- Visa-on-arrival for most nationalities
- Currency
- UAE Dirham (AED)
- Language
- Arabic (English widely spoken)
- Time Zone
- GST (UTC+4)
- Flight Time from Dubai
- Hub city
Visual journey
See United Arab Emirates
Why Visit United Arab Emirates
- Two contrasting cities in one trip — Dubai's modern skyline and Abu Dhabi's cultural landmarks, 90 minutes apart
- World-record attractions: the tallest building (Burj Khalifa), one of the largest malls, and an indoor ski slope in the desert
- Desert safaris, dune bashing, and traditional Bedouin camps within an hour of the city
- A genuinely multicultural food and shopping scene shaped by over 200 nationalities
- Reliable year-round sunshine and a well-developed tourism infrastructure
Best Time to Visit
November to March, when daytime temperatures sit between 20-30°C and outdoor activities like desert safaris and beach days are comfortable. July and August exceed 40°C and are best avoided for outdoor plans.
Recommended Duration
5-7 days to cover both Dubai and Abu Dhabi comfortably
Explore further
Cities within United Arab Emirates
What to see
Top Experiences
Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
The world's tallest building, with views stretching to the Gulf on a clear day.
Desert Safari & Bedouin Camp
Dune bashing by 4x4, camel rides, and a traditional dinner under the stars.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques, open to visitors of all faiths.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
A museum spanning human history and art beneath Jean Nouvel's perforated dome.
Ready-made itineraries
Popular United Arab Emirates Packages
Around the destination
More to Explore
Dubai Marina Walk
A waterfront promenade lined with cafes, yachts, and skyscrapers.
Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis
The man-made island and its resort, water park, and aquarium.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
An 8km waterfront path with skyline and beach views.
Yas Island Theme Parks
Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Yas Marina Circuit on one island.
Before you go
Travel Tips
- Dress modestly in malls, mosques, and government buildings — shoulders and knees covered.
- Public transport (Dubai Metro) connects most tourist areas; taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the rest.
- Friday is the start of the weekend in some traditional contexts, but most attractions operate daily.
- Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and restaurants; public intoxication is an offense.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
5-7 days lets you spend 3-4 nights in Dubai and 2 nights in Abu Dhabi without rushing. A 3-day trip can cover Dubai's highlights alone.
Yes — they're a 90-minute drive apart, and most of our UAE packages include both, often as a day trip from a Dubai base or with a hotel change.
It can be, especially 5-star hotels and fine dining, but 3-4 star options, metro travel, and street-level Emirati and South Asian food keep costs moderate. We build packages across all budgets.
Most nationalities receive visa-on-arrival or a free 30-90 day visit visa; we confirm exact requirements for your passport when you enquire.
Read more
Related Travel Guides
Travel Planning
How Many Days Are Enough for Dubai?
4-5 days is enough to cover Dubai's essentials — Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, a desert safari, and one major attraction — without rushing. A 2-3 day trip can still hit the highlights if time is genuinely limited, and 7 days lets you add Abu Dhabi as an overnight extension.
January 20, 2026
Travel Planning
Best Time to Visit Dubai: A Month-by-Month Guide
The best time to visit Dubai is November through March, when daytime temperatures range from roughly 20-30°C — comfortable enough for desert safaris, beach days, and walking around Downtown Dubai. July and August exceed 40°C and are best reserved for indoor attractions only.
January 15, 2026
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