United Arab Emirates

Good to know

1. 1The country was formed in 1971 when six emirates joined together, and Ras Al Khaimah became the seventh in 1972. Abu Dhabi is the capital, while Dubai is the largest city and best known abroad.
2. 2Arabic is the official language, but English is used everywhere in daily life, in shops, hotels and restaurants. Many residents come from South Asia, the Philippines and elsewhere, so you will hear dozens of languages.
3. 3The currency is the dirham, which is tied to the US dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere in cities.
4. 4Before oil, the coast lived from fishing, pearl diving and trade by sea. You can still see this past in Dubai's Al Fahidi district, in the old creek with its wooden dhows, and in the forts of Al Ain and Sharjah.
5. 5Traditional Emirati food includes machboos, a spiced rice dish with meat or fish, and luqaimat, small sweet fried dumplings. Dates and Arabic coffee, often flavoured with cardamom, are served to guests as a sign of welcome.
6. 6Beyond the big cities there are mountains and oases. Fujairah and the east coast face the Gulf of Oman, and the Hajar Mountains are a very different landscape from the flat desert around Abu Dhabi.

Tips for a first visit

• Dress for the heat but also for the setting. Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees are expected in malls, mosques and older neighbourhoods, while beach and pool clothing is fine at beaches and hotels.
• Rules are stricter than in many countries, so check local laws on alcohol, medication and public behaviour before you go. Public displays of affection are best kept modest.
• Taxis are plentiful and ride-hailing apps work well in the main cities. Dubai also has a metro, which is handy for the main districts.
• If you visit a mosque, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, dress modestly and follow the guidance of the staff there.
• Try a traditional Emirati meal at least once, and a shawarma or fresh juice from a small local café. Food from India, Pakistan, Lebanon and Iran is also very good here.
• Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening, and carry water. Indoor spaces are strongly air-conditioned, so a light layer is useful.

When to go

The best time to visit is roughly November to March, when days are warm and sunny and evenings can be pleasantly cool, good for beaches, deserts and walking around. From about May to September it is extremely hot and humid, and most people stay indoors in the middle of the day. April and October are in between, warm but often manageable.

Getting around

Most visitors fly into Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and the two cities are linked by long-distance buses, taxis and hire cars along a wide motorway, a drive of roughly an hour and a half. Within each emirate taxis and ride-hailing are the easiest option, and the other emirates, such as Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, can be reached by bus, taxi or car. A hire car gives the most freedom for the mountains, the east coast and the desert.