Best Destinations to Travel to in United Arab Emirates
Best Destinations to Travel to in United Arab Emirates
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About United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates at the crossroads of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, where futuristic skylines rise beside ancient desert traditions. From the record-breaking towers and man-made islands of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the rugged Hajar Mountains and the vast dunes of the Empty Quarter, the country packs an extraordinary variety of landscapes into a compact area.
Once a collection of quiet fishing villages and oasis communities, the Emirates transformed rapidly after unification in 1971. Today it delivers polished infrastructure, world-class museums and shopping, and a global dining scene shaped by more than 160 nationalities. Beyond the cities, you can kayak through mangrove swamps, hike wadis in Ras Al Khaimah, or camp under desert stars.
Visitors will find a deeply multicultural society where English is widely spoken alongside Arabic, and where Islamic heritage coexists with ambitious modernity. While the country's prosperity and safety are immediately apparent, travellers should also be mindful of conservative customs, strict laws on behaviour and substances, and the intense summer heat.
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Location
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Destination Profile
Hot/tropical climate
Yes
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Weather Climate Summary
- The UAE has an extraordinarily dry desert climate with very little rainfall, most of which falls between November and February. Sunshine is plentiful year-round, but conditions shift dramatically with the seasons. The most pleasant period runs from late October through mid-March. Daytime highs hover in a comfortable range, while nights can turn cool enough for a jacket or sweater — and the open desert can feel genuinely cold after dark. This is the prime window for outdoor activities. Summer, by contrast, is fiercely hot and humid. July average highs reach the low- to mid-40s Celsius, and temperatures may climb above 48°C. Combined with coastal humidity, the heat can feel oppressive, making midday sightseeing impractical. Travellers should schedule outdoor excursions for early morning or evening and stay well hydrated.
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Things to Do
- Ride the world's fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, or catch a Formula One race at the adjacent Yas Marina Circuit.
- Hit the slopes at Ski Dubai inside Mall of the Emirates — a real-snow indoor ski resort complete with penguin encounters.
- Book a desert safari for dune bashing in a 4x4, sandboarding, a short camel ride, and an evening of Arabic buffet and entertainment under the stars.
- Cool off at Wild Wadi or Aquaventure, two world-class water parks in Dubai that cater to families and thrill-seekers alike.
- Join a local 4x4 club for off-road desert drives; several groups welcome newcomers and schedule weekly trips for all skill levels.
- Snorkel or dive along the eastern (Gulf of Oman) coast, where marine life thrives in clearer, less developed waters.
- Experience the world's longest zipline at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, launching from mountain tops over dramatic wadi scenery.
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Things to See
- Ascend the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building, for sweeping views across desert, sea, and city from the observation deck.
- Admire the breathtaking white marble domes, reflective pools, and intricate floral inlay of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
- Walk through the palm-shaped artificial island Palm Jumeirah, home to luxury resorts, private beaches, and fine-dining restaurants.
- Explore the Hajar Mountains — hike Jebel Hafeet near Al Ain or the higher trails of Jebel Jais, where rugged peaks hide freshwater pools and fossil-lined cliffs.
- Visit the Al Bidyah Mosque in Fujairah, the oldest mosque in the UAE, set in an archaeologically rich area with excavated pottery and metalwork.
- Browse the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Arts Museum, and Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation for art, archaeology, and regional history.
- Wander traditional souks in the old districts of Dubai and Sharjah, then contrast them with the vast Dubai Mall, which houses an aquarium, ice rink, and dancing fountain.
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Best Time to Visit
- Late October through mid-March offers the most comfortable temperatures for beaches, desert safaris, and city sightseeing.
- November to February brings cooler weather and occasional rain, with crisp evenings that are perfect for outdoor dining and camping.
- Ramadan shifts daily rhythms: restaurants close during daylight hours but come alive after sunset with elaborate iftar buffets — a unique cultural window for visitors who plan around the fast.
- Summer (June to September) is best avoided for outdoor plans due to extreme heat and humidity, though indoor attractions and hotel pools remain viable.
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Planning Tips
- Check visa requirements well ahead — many nationalities receive a free visa on arrival, but others must be sponsored by an airline, hotel, or tour operator.
- Respect local customs: dress modestly in public, avoid public displays of affection, and use only your right hand when eating in traditional settings.
- Verify your medications against the UAE's controlled-substance list; common painkillers containing codeine, diazepam, or dextromethorphan require a notarized prescription.
- Book iftar dinners (Ramadan) and popular restaurants in advance, as tables fill up quickly after sunset.
- If driving, carry an international driving permit and expect electronic toll gates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi — prepaid tags are needed.
- Avoid using the far-left lane on highways unless overtaking; slow driving there can provoke road rage and fines are issued for insulting gestures.
- Stay hydrated and limit outdoor exertion from mid-morning to late afternoon in summer, when heat illness is a real risk — always carry extra water on desert drives.
Content from Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0