UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TRAVEL GUIDE
Most people think of Dubai when one mentions the UAE - the city with iconic skyscrapers, palm-shaped islands, city-sized malls, indoor ski slopes and fancy beach resorts. There are, however, six more emirates to explore - each with its own culture and allure. Our last visit was more than the usual stop-over and we took some time to absorb more of what of this interesting area has to offer.
UAE is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms that were formed in 1971 when the British withdrew from the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a unique blend of traditional Islamic culture and values alongside a modern cosmopolitan living environment.
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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES QUICK FACTS
- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Government: Elective Monarchy
- Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED)
- Area: 83,600 km2
- Population: 9,631 million (2018)
- Language: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu Somali
- Religion:Muslim 94% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 6%
- Electricity: 220/50Hz (UK plug)
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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 6 August, Accession of Sheik Zayid ibn Sultan Al Nuhayyan
- 2 December, National Day
Business openings and work schedules may be significantly affected by Islamic holidays.
FESTIVALS IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
BEST TIME TO VISIT UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Desert; Cooler In Eastern Mountains
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TOURIST SEASONS
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
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COLD
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FEBRUARY
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COLD
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MARCH
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APRIL
HOT
COLD
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MAY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
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WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
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WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
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WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
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WET
NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
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DECEMBER
HOT
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SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
If you're desperate for some snow sports while in The United Arab Emirates, you can visit the indoor ski area of Ski Dubai in The Mall of the Emirates!
HIKING & CYCLING IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
You should be able to find a hiking route somewhere in The United Arab Emirates throughout the year. Just note that it is always hot and dry, so make sure you are correctly prepared. Most hiking is done through organised tour groups for your safety.
BEACH OPTIONS IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The best time to visit beaches in The United Arab Emirates are the months of March, April and October, when the weather is pleasantly hot. Generally from October to April, the weather is pleasant with sunny and clear skies. From June to September it is extremely hot and humid and you will most likely prefer to be inside an air-conditioned shopping mall!
SURFING IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
While surfing in The United Arab Emirates is still only gaining popularity, there is no shortage of waves and swells. The beaches in Fujairah and Kalba and Al Khan Beach in Sharjah are some of the top surf spots from November to March. Of course, there is also Kite Beach, Sunset Beach and North Beach, all in Dubai,
KITESURF IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
You can find suitable conditions for kitesurfing around the UAE from December to April and the best spots for kitesurfing in Dubai are Kite Beach and Nessnass Beach.
For more details on kite surfing in United Arab Emirates expand this section!
HEALTH RISKS IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Be aware of possible health risks in
United Arab Emirates
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
For the latest travel health notices and recommended precautions click
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TRAVEL TIPS
SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
WHAT TO PACK FOR UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
WHAT TO EAT IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
LGBTQ IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
WHERE TO STAY IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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VISA
Let iVisa take the pain out of travel planning and assist you with Electronic visas, Travel Authorizations, Visas on Arrival, and even Paper Visas. They can also help with Health Declarations, Embassy Registrations and even photos. If you're from the US, they provide a One-Stop Shop to renew your Passport securely and error-free.
FLIGHTS
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. These are our favorite flight search engines search they index other travel websites and airlines across the globe to easily find you the best deal.
ACCOMMODATION
Hostelworld is the number one resource for researching and booking hostels. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as in our experience they consistently return the cheapest rates.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance will protect you against unexoected illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. We never travel without travel insurance and we have using World Nomads for a number of years. Our favorite companies that offer the best options and value are:
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SafetyWing Nomad Insurance (Global Travel Medical)
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