Explore United Arab Emirates: Ultimate Travel Guide
Since an increasing number of people ask me informations about this country, I decided to put together this guide for those starting from scratch, eager to explore the UAE.
Whether you're looking for your next destination for an unforgettable vacation or seriously considering the idea of starting a new life here, think of me as a trusted friend you can turn to for a sincere advice and honest opinions!
Don't forget to download Thatch app to access full features and to save this map for future use!
How Many States Are There in UAE?
The United Arab Emirates consists of seven independent city-states or Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Qwain, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Abu Dhabi is the capital state of the UAE.
More than just big cities!
From the flashy lights in Dubai to the sandy hills in Abu Dhabi, the UAE has lots of cool stuff you might not know about. Imagine seven awesome Emirates, each with mountains, deserts, cities, and fun things like tall buildings and big malls.
Dubai might seem really fancy, but it's not just about fancy places to eat and stay. There's a bunch of fun activities to find, like chilly nature spots, artsy things, and yummy food from all over the world. People from 200 different countries live here—it's like a big, global family!
And the UAE isn't just one city. In Abu Dhabi, which is the biggest and the capital, life is chill but nice. There are big deserts, quiet beaches, and stunning buildings like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace.
If you head up north, Sharjah boasts unique architecture and art. Ajman and Umm Al Quwain are quick drives, but they have surprises like kayaking and a mysterious plane.
Near Oman, Ras Al Khaimah has tall mountains, tough hikes, and the highest peak called Jebel Jais. You can ride the longest zipline in the world there! On the other side, Fujairah has old forts and warm waters with turtles, making it a super cool place to explore.
Why visit the United Arab Emirates?
Why not, right? The UAE has some unique places because of its unique geography. Six out of the seven Emirates have awesome beaches along the Persian Gulf. And guess what? Besides beaches, there are also super breathtaking landscapes. Imagine the world's biggest sand desert and huge Hajar Mountains. Your days here can go from wild desert adventures to lazy days on paradise beaches. Hang out in a modern city, then go explore the mountains. What's really attractive about the UAE is that it mixes the new with the old. You get the latest stuff and also the rich heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. Cool, huh?
Brief Overview Of Emirati Culture
Being mostly a Muslim country, the UAE's heritage and culture are strongly influenced by Islam. Nowhere shows this better than Abu Dhabi, with its awesome Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that attracts people from all over the world. But if you want the real deal, go to Sharjah – The Cultural Capital of the Arab World, named so by UNESCO. And for all you culture fans, the UAE is packed with forts and historical sites. Check out the National Museum in Umm Al Quwain, located in the old beautiful Al Ali Fort. This elegant citadel was the rulers' home way back in 1768!
Getting to the UAE
Fly to Dubai (DXB airport-most popular), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), Ras Al Khaimah (RKT). Drive from Muscat (Oman).
Currency
The currency is Dirham (AED), and the conversion to euros and dollars is quite simple! 1€ is approximately equivalent to 4 AED, so you just need to divide AED by 4 to convert them to Euros; 1$ is approximately equivalent to 3.6 AED, so pretty the same.
If you're wondering whether it is essential to always have cash on hand, just know that you can pay for anything using your credit card! From taxis to a single pack of chewing gum at the supermarket.
Tip! Cash can be easily exchanged at airports, banks, and exchange offices. Always choose the local currency and not others (you'll save on exchange rates).
Weather
If you are considering a beach vacation, or outdoor adventures, the optimal times to visit Dubai are during the cooler months, from November to May.
Summer is a different scenario, as it's not ideal for beach or outdoor activities with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees! If you love shopping or want to visit UAE for scuba diving, these are the best months to do so. Nevertheless, during this period (between June and October), you can find more attractive deals compared to the peak season. Just don’t plan on having a vacation full of outdoor adventures!
Hotel pools are cooled in summer and heated in winter, ensuring they are always usable! Once again, different story for the sea or the mountains... in August: not ideal at all.
Language
The official language is Arabic, specifically the Gulf Arabic dialect, however it is not absolutely necessary to understand it, due to the multicultural nature of the UAE, English is widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations.
If you're considering renting a car, you can easily follow the directions since all road signs are written in both English and Arabic.
Plug
In the UAE, the power plugs are types C, D, and G, the standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Safety
Dubai ranked fifth out of 431 cities in Numbeo’s 2023 safest-cities rankings and according to Global Peace Index Abu Dhabi and Dubai being among the top 10 safest cities in the World!
Transportation
If you are planning to travel around UAE independently, renting a car is a must! However there are other alternatives:
TAXI
Taxis offer not just comfort and air conditioning but also remarkable convenience. With plenty of taxis lining the streets, their highly affordable prices make them my top suggestion for city transportation.
APP for taxi
If you prefer to book a taxi in advance rather than flagging it down on the street, you can use several apps. You might already be familiar with Uber, but I recommend downloading the local app Careem, known for its user-friendly interface and unbeatable prices.
METRO (Dubai only)
Metro does exist only in Dubai. It is a fast, impeccably clean, and very cost-effective way to travel, but the network is not as extensive as in European capitals. Consider staying near a metro station for added convenience if you plan to use it. For all the other Emirates it is better to rent a car or use bus.
OTHERS (Dubai only)
Depending on the area you are in, there are also alternative ways of transportation available, including water taxis, rental bicycles/scooters, trams, monorails, and, of course, car rentals (you can do this through Careem) if you prefer more independence.
Do I Need Visa?
Visitors to the United Arab Emirates typically require a visa, and the specific requirements depend on nationality and the purpose and duration of the visit. It is advisable to check with the nearest UAE embassy or consulate for accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements.
What Should I Know Before I Go To the UAE?
The UAE is known for being one of the most open-minded countries in the Middle East, but it's essential to be mindful of local laws and show respect to your hosts. You can easily find alcohol at hotels, restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, but remember it's not allowed to drink in public areas, so leave the cooler of beer at home if you're heading to the public beach. In Dubai, wearing shorts and beachwear is normal, but in other places, it's a good idea to lean towards modest clothing.
Which Part Of The UAE Is Best?
Dubai's got you covered with its fantastic beaches, luxury hotels, and top-notch dining options. Abu Dhabi, equally blessed with beautiful beaches, also has vast tracts of desert and extraordinary architecture in the mix. If you're craving mountain hikes and a whole new landscape, make your way up north to Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. And if you're into culture, art, and heritage, the often overlooked emirate of Sharjah has delightful surprises at every corner.
Take Me Here!
Inspired to visit UAE? Check out my custom itinerary services below:
Are you an offbeat explorer who craves adventures beyond the usual tourist routes? Let me craft your customised outdoors UAE adventures itinerary!
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