United Arab Emirates travel guide

Burj Khalifa

Dubai

World’s tallest building — book observation deck slots in advance

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Abu Dhabi

Free entry with pre-registration; strict modest dress code

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Dubai

Wind-tower houses, museums and abra rides across Dubai Creek

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island

Art museum under a vast latticed dome

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Dubai

Dune drives, camel rides and desert camps with licensed operators

Palm Jumeirah

Dubai

Man-made island of resorts and beach clubs

Jebel Jais

Ras Al Khaimah

UAE’s highest peak — cooler air and mountain roads

Qasr Al Watan

Abu Dhabi

Presidential palace open to visitors

Dubai

Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, old Deira souks and desert safaris

Guides in Dubai →

Abu Dhabi

The capital: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island

Guides in Abu →

Sharjah

Cultural capital with museums and heritage areas — alcohol is banned in the emirate

Guides in Sharjah →

Al Ain

Garden city of oases, forts and UNESCO-listed sites

Guides in Al →

Ras Al Khaimah

Mountains, Jebel Jais zipline and quieter beaches

Guides in Ras →

Fujairah

East-coast beaches, diving and the Hajar Mountains

Guides in Fujairah →

✈️ Dubai — Dubai International (DXB)

• Dubai Metro Red Line from Terminals 1 and 3
• RTA taxis from official ranks
• Careem and Uber ride-hailing

✈️ Abu Dhabi — Zayed International (AUH)

• Official taxis to the city (about 30 minutes)
• Public buses and hotel shuttles
• Inter-city buses and taxis to Dubai

✈️ Dubai — Al Maktoum International (DWC)

• Taxis and ride-hailing
• Buses to Dubai Metro stations

🚆 Getting around

• Dubai Metro (Red and Green lines) plus the tram along Dubai Marina — get a Nol card
• Taxis are metered and reliable; Careem and Uber work in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Intercity buses link Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
• Abras (wooden water taxis) cross Dubai Creek for a tiny fare

🙏 Culture & etiquette

• Dress modestly in malls, souks and public places — cover shoulders and knees; swimwear only at beaches and pools
• Avoid public displays of affection beyond holding hands
• During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight in deference to those fasting; keep music and behaviour respectful
• Don’t photograph people, especially women, without permission
• Use your right hand to eat and greet; wait for women to offer a handshake first

📍 Places, scams & seasons

• Summer heat (June–September) is extreme — limit midday activity and drink plenty of water
• Desert safaris and dune driving only with licensed operators
• Strong currents on some beaches — swim at lifeguarded beaches
• Check the UK Foreign Office or your government’s advisory for current warnings

⚖️ Laws & restrictions

• Drinking alcohol is legal only in licensed venues and private homes; public drunkenness is an offence, and alcohol is banned entirely in Sharjah
• Some prescription medicines (e.g. strong painkillers, some ADHD and sleeping drugs) are controlled — carry the prescription and check UAE Ministry of Health rules before travel
• Zero tolerance for drugs, including trace amounts in your blood or residues on belongings
• Swearing, rude gestures and insulting people — including online — are criminal offences
• Photographing government buildings, military sites or people without consent, and posting others’ images online, can lead to prosecution

💬 Words & topics to avoid

• Never insult Islam, the rulers or the UAE — including on social media
• Avoid swearing in public or in messages
• Don’t criticise local customs in front of Emiratis

Dubai

Downtown (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall), Dubai Marina & JBR (beach, dining), Deira & Bur Dubai (souks, budget), Jumeirah (beach resorts)

Stay near a Metro station to save on taxis

Abu Dhabi

Corniche (city beach), Saadiyat Island (museums, beaches), Yas Island (theme parks)

Taxis are the easiest way around

Ras Al Khaimah

Al Marjan Island and coastal resorts

Quieter and good for mountains and beaches

Budget idea

Hostels and budget hotels in Deira and Bur Dubai

Near the Metro and the old souks

Al Dhiyafah Road

Dubai (Satwa)

Late-night shawarma and Middle Eastern grills

Al Seef

Dubai Creek

Waterfront heritage-style dining

Al Mina Fish Market

Abu Dhabi

Pick fresh fish and have it cooked nearby

Deira souks

Dubai

Spice and gold souks with Emirati, Persian and Indian eateries

Shawarma

Spit-roasted meat wraps, the classic street snack

Al machboos

Spiced rice with meat or fish — Emirati comfort food

Luqaimat

Sweet fried dumplings with date syrup

Harees

Wheat and meat porridge, popular in Ramadan

Dates & Arabic coffee

The traditional welcome — gahwa flavoured with cardamom

Camel milk

Try it fresh or as chocolate

Ramadan

Islamic calendar (dates vary)

Nationwide — reduced hours, iftar tents

Eid al-Fitr

End of Ramadan

Nationwide

Eid al-Adha

Islamic calendar (dates vary)

Nationwide

Dubai Shopping Festival

December–January

Dubai

UAE National Day

2 December

Nationwide

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Late November/December

Yas Island

Al Dhafra Festival

December

Al Dhafra region

📱 SIM & eSIM

• Main networks: e& (Etisalat) and du
• Free or paid tourist SIMs at the airport with your passport; eSIMs widely available

📶 Coverage & Wi-Fi

• Excellent 4G/5G coverage
• Many VoIP calling features (e.g. WhatsApp/FaceTime calls) are restricted — check before relying on them

🔌 Power plugs

230V, 50Hz — plug type G (UK-style)