Visiting the UAE: The Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Trip

You’ll often hear stories about people visiting Dubai. In recent years, it has become a true hot spot welcoming most visitors to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With attractions like the world’s tallest building and iconic palm tree shaped man made island, it’s no wonder tourist are flocking to Dubai. While a visit to Dubai will put you in the center of the glitz and glamour of the UAE, the other 6 emirates in the UAE are definitely worthy destinations as well.

The UAE holds claim to the world’s tallest building, the largest choreographed fountain show and the world’s largest picture frame. Pair these accolades with the centuries-old Bedouin traditions and you’ll quickly understand why the UAE is a unique travel destination. 

The UAE is made up of seven (7) emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. By far, the most popular emirate is Dubai followed closely by Abu Dhabi which is the largest of the UAE. Abu Dhabi is also considered the wealthiest but we will circle back to that point later in this post.

If you are on the fence about a visit to this part of the world, take my advice and go now! I’ll share with you which destinations are top spots to see if you are planning a visit and why the UAE continues to attract luxury travelers again and again.

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Top Destinations to Visit in the UAE

Before visiting the UAE, I had a stereotypical view of this country. Mostly a dirty haze covered fake city with lots of oil rich leaders that drive around in Bugatti’s. I didn’t expect to see many people of color and in my misunderstood perspective, all the women were fully covered. While some of what I imagined was accurate, I found a thriving metropolis that was both welcoming and safe for all.

Let’s start with the most recognized of the Emirates.

The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, took 6 years to complete and welcomed its first visitors in January 2010. This mixed use building has something for everyone. You can live here in one of the state of the art apartments, or simply spend the night for around $600 per night in one of the opulent hotel suites. Visit the observation deck 124 stories up for a 360-degree view of the city and the surrounding desert. You should book your tickets in advance to skip the lines. Visiting at sunrise or sunset will ensure you get the best photos for your social media feed.

Once you’ve had your fill of the sophisticated new city, hop on an abra (water taxi) to Dubai’s Historic Al Fahidi District to learn more about the history of this emirate. It feels as if you have stepped back in time as you stroll through the colorful souks. From buying gold to textiles, you can test your negotiating skills as shops compete for your money with dazzling displays of their artistry.

A visit to Dubai would not be complete without a trip over to the man made Palm Island. This island is home to some of the most exciting hotels/resorts in the city. It also has a reputation that is all luxury. Here you’ll find some of the best restaurants in the city and some of the best beaches.

Since you are in the desert, treat yourself to a desert safari. Here you can learn more about the native species to Dubai and even take a ride on a camel if you desire. And while most desert safari’s offer heart racing adventures like dune bashing or sand boarding, conservationist would advise against these nature destroying outings.

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Prepare to dress modestly with women required to wear an abaya (available on-site) which includes a full head covering. The visit is free of charge but you will need to register in advance or within the mall before you make your way to the entrance. Try visiting during the early morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos.

Next, make your way to the Presidential Palace Qasr Al Watan. This place has quite the impressive footprint covering the area of more than 82 football fields. Spend time wandering the decadent halls of the this working state building. You’ll get the opportunity to view official gifts from visiting statesman and see where the president and vice president host government meetings.

If you are an adrenaline junkie make your way over to Yas Island home to several theme parks including Sea World and Ferrari World. True to its name, Ferrari World gets you up close to the famed race car and gives you the opportunity to take a ride on the fastest roller coaster in the UAE.

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This emirate is a bit off the beaten path so will take a bit more effort to get there. That said, there is a high speed railway that is nearing completion in 2025. It has been designed to link all of the emirates making it easier to move between them.

Day Trips and Excursions from Major Cities

If you are up for off the beaten path excursions, there are few places that you will want to explore during your visit to the UAE.

Nature Lovers: Take a ride over to Hatta nestled in the Hajar Mountains for a peaceful retreat from the city bustle. Here you can kayaking at the Hatta Dam or try hiking on scenic trails in the Hatta Mountain Conservation Area. It’s about 90 minutes by car from Dubai or 3 hours from Abu Dhabi.

You could also visit Al Ain, which is known as the “Garden City,” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can climb Jebel Hafeet, the UAE’s second-highest peak. Or visit the world’s largest sand desert in Liwa Oasis for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Water Lovers: Head down to Fujairah which sits along the Gulf of Oman. Here you’ll find serene beaches and excellent diving spots. The clear waters here hosts abundant marine life and is said to rival the Maldives. Go snorkeling at Snoopy Island and when you need a break explore the Al-Bidyah Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE. It’s about a 2 hour drive from Dubai so plan well.

Best Times to Visit

So we all know that the UAE is in the desert and the conditions here can be extreme. Traveling here during the summer months can make for a very uncomfortable stay. While there are plenty of places to experience air conditioning, even driving around in 120 degree weather can be tough. If you want to spend more time outside, plan your visit during the winter months. Dec – March offer a more pleasant experience.

Nevertheless, if you find yourself here during the hotter months, just know there are plenty of malls where you can spend your money and even take advantage of indoor diving or skiing.

If festivals and events are your thing, plan your visit during the Dubai Shopping Festival or the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Just steer clear of Ramadan as things become a bit more restrictive during this religious holiday.

What you Need to Know

The UAE is still a conservative country and in many places, you are still advised to dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection. You will still see locals in traditional dress and the call to prayer still rings loudly across every city. But the rules in major cities like Dubai are a bit more relaxed. You can even find alcohol being served at popular hotels and restaurants.

The UAE has specific cultural norms and laws that visitors must be mindful of if you don’t want to get locked up abroad. You’ll still find separate women’s and men’s facilities like hair salons. Additionally, there are still plenty of laws prohibiting public displays of affection and restricting alcohol consumption to only designated areas. You should check in with a local or your hotel concierge to better understand what to expect. Specifically, if you will be visiting any landmarks or religious sites.

There are several major airports including Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH). These days you can find direct flights from a few US airports that will bring you there in under 15 hours. Some travelers also use Dubai or Abu Dhabi as a stop over destination on their way to the Maldives. In fact, some airlines offer special rates for doing so.

My Perspective

I was throughly impressed with the country. The UAE offers a unique blend of modern luxury and ancient culture, making it a one-of-a-kind travel destination. Visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a must, but smaller emirates like Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah also offer incredible experiences. The UAE is safe and welcoming to tourists, with some of the best hospitality in the world. With the right planning, you can enjoy world-class attractions and breathtaking landscapes throughout the country.

The UAE will certainly amaze you with its blend of modern wonders and ancient traditions! Visit now before the rest of the tourist start crowding the streets for an unforgettable stay. And don’t forget to FOLLOW for more travel tips to make your international travel dreams a reality. 🌍✈️

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FAQs About Visiting the UAE

What is the best time of year to visit the UAE?
The best time to visit the UAE is between November and March when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor activities.

Are there specific cultural norms tourists should follow in the UAE?
Yes, the UAE has conservative laws and cultural norms. Dress modestly, avoid public displays of affection, and respect local traditions, especially during Ramadan.

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