Overview
The United Arab Emirates is seven emirates, but for most visitors it means Dubai and Abu Dhabi, 90 minutes apart by road. Dubai does spectacle (the world's tallest building, beach clubs, desert safaris), while Abu Dhabi is calmer, with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Four to five days covers both; add the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah or the east coast for a week. It is also one of the world's great stopover hubs, and a two- or three-night break between flights is easy to arrange.
Main regions
Dubai. Start with our Dubai destination page and the 3-day Dubai itinerary. Downtown has the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and the fountain shows; Old Dubai has the Al Fahidi historic district, the souks and one-dirham abra boat rides across the Creek; the Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah are for beaches and resorts.
Abu Dhabi. The capital is home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most beautiful modern mosques in the world; the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the cultural district of Saadiyat Island; and Yas Island's theme parks and Formula 1 circuit.
Sharjah. A short drive from Dubai, with the country's best museums of Islamic art and heritage. It's also the most conservative emirate: no alcohol is served anywhere.
Ras Al Khaimah and the east coast. Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest mountain, with the world's longest zipline; the Hajar Mountains; and Fujairah's quieter beaches and coral reefs on the Gulf of Oman.
The desert. Dune bashing and camp dinners on Dubai's edge, or the vast dunes of the Liwa Oasis near the Empty Quarter, a three-hour drive from Abu Dhabi.
Best time to visit
- November to March: the best time, with sunny days of 22–30°C and pleasant evenings. It is peak season, with the highest hotel prices, especially over Christmas, New Year and the Dubai Shopping Festival (December to January).
- April, May and October: hot (often 35–40°C) but manageable if you stay near a pool or indoors in the afternoons.
- June to September: extreme heat and humidity, regularly above 42°C. Outdoor sightseeing is hard, but hotel prices drop by half or more, and the malls, museums and indoor attractions are all air-conditioned.
During Ramadan (roughly February to March in 2027), eating and drinking in public during daylight is disrespectful, some restaurants close during the day, and entertainment is toned down, but the evening iftar meals are a highlight.
Getting around
- Dubai Metro: clean, cheap and air-conditioned, with the Red Line running along Sheikh Zayed Road from the airport to the Marina. Fares are AED 3–7.50 per ride on a Silver Nol card; the Gold Class carriage costs double, and one carriage is reserved for women and children.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: metered taxis are plentiful and inexpensive; Careem and Uber work in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Between emirates: intercity buses connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi in about two hours, but a taxi or rental car is much faster and more flexible.
- Driving: roads are excellent but fast, with many speed cameras. Traffic fines are high, and zero tolerance applies to drinking and driving.
Visa basics
US citizens get a free visa on arrival, valid for up to 90 days within 180 days. Citizens of EU countries can also stay visa-free for up to 90 days. UK citizens receive a free visa on arrival as well; check your permitted stay on the official UAE government portal (u.ae) before a long trip, as durations have been revised. Your passport needs at least six months' validity. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines are controlled in the UAE, including some containing codeine and some ADHD medications, so carry the prescription and check the rules before you fly.
Typical daily costs
Prices as of September 2026. The dirham is pegged at AED 3.67 to the US dollar:
- Budget (AED 250–400, about $68–110): a budget hotel in Deira or Bur Dubai, shawarma and Indian or Pakistani cafés, the Metro.
- Mid-range (AED 700–1,200, about $190–325): a 4-star hotel, restaurant meals, taxis, one big attraction a day.
- Comfort (AED 2,000+, about $545+): beach resorts, brunches, private desert safaris.
Big-ticket prices: Burj Khalifa's At the Top observation deck costs AED 173 outside prime time, or AED 250 during the sunset hours of 4 to 7pm. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free, though visits must be booked online. Dubai hotels add a Tourism Dirham fee of AED 7–20 per room per night, depending on the hotel's rating, plus service charges and VAT. Alcohol is only sold in licensed venues and is expensive. Tip about 10% in restaurants if service isn't included.
Top destinations
- Dubai: start with the Dubai destination guide and the full Dubai travel guide for neighborhoods, beaches and where to eat.
- Abu Dhabi: the Grand Mosque at sunset and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Old Dubai: the Al Fahidi district, the spice and gold souks, and the abras.
- Ras Al Khaimah: mountain drives and the Jebel Jais zipline.
- The desert: an overnight camp in the dunes.
The UAE is an ideal stopover: Cairo is about three and a half hours from Dubai, and Istanbul about four and a half. Or let our trip planner build a day-by-day UAE route around your dates.