United Arab Emirates travel guide

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), centered on Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is the Middle East's signature luxury destination. Dubai has the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, desert safaris and the world's largest mall, while Abu Dhabi has major attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World.

This page is useful both for first-timers working out how to combine Dubai, Abu Dhabi and a desert tour, and for travelers weighing luxury stays such as the Burj Al Arab and Michelin dining. It is based on information from the UAE tourism authorities and Dubai's DTCM.

The best season is November to March (a pleasant 22–28°C). From June to September, daytime heat of 40–48°C makes desert tours difficult.

Visa and entry requirements for the United Arab Emirates

Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.

A passport valid for at least six months on arrival is recommended, and proof of a return ticket and accommodation may be requested. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during the day is restricted, and covering shoulders and knees is good etiquette.

• Visa and Emirates ID (UAE government portal) (The UAE Government)
• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) (ICP, UAE)

• Currency: Dirham (AED)
• Time zone: GST (UTC+4)
• Best season: November to March (22–28°C), peaking December to February, when flight and hotel prices also peak
• Electricity: 220–240 V, 50 Hz, Type G (British three-pin) plugs
• Internet: eSIM (du, etisalat), airport SIMs and hotel Wi-Fi are all reliable
• Safety: Cities are generally safe; book desert tours only with licensed operators

Dubai is the quickest answer for Middle Eastern luxury. The Burj Khalifa observation deck (828 m, the world's tallest building), the "seven-star" Burj Al Arab, Dubai Mall (the world's largest), the artificial Palm Jumeirah, desert safaris (4WD dune bashing, camels and traditional camps) and an ice rink: city, nature, technology and culture are packed into one place.

Abu Dhabi, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Dubai by car, is the hub for culture and theme parks, with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the world's three great mosques), Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World (the world's fastest roller coaster) and Yas Waterworld. Three nights in Dubai plus one night or a day trip in Abu Dhabi is the recommended plan.

Dubai

A global megacity of about 3.5 million people. Four areas are key: Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain show), Dubai Marina (yachts, beach promenade, JBR), Palm Jumeirah (Atlantis, water park, view hotels) and the old town of Deira and Bastakiya (traditional souks, the gold and spice souks, abra boats). Three nights and four days is the recommended length; for a first visit, a downtown hotel plus one day of desert safari and one day trip is efficient.

Abu Dhabi

The capital of the UAE. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (82 domes, 1,000 columns and the world's largest Persian carpet) is free to enter (dress code required). Louvre Abu Dhabi (famous for the light through its dome), Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and the Corniche beach are the highlights. It is 1 hour 30 minutes from Dubai by car or bus; a day trip works, but stay a night if you want to see the mosque at sunset and after dark.

Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah

Thirty minutes from Dubai by car. Sharjah is the UAE's capital of culture and art (Museum of Islamic Civilization and other museums), with a conservative atmosphere and no alcohol sales. Ras Al Khaimah is the base for nature and activities: Jebel Jais (the UAE's highest peak, with the world's longest zipline), Hajar Mountains treks and mangrove kayaking. If you want desert, mountains and beach, add a night in Ras Al Khaimah.

Dubai has a deep luxury lineup: the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (all duplex suites, KRW 2.5–6 million per night), Atlantis The Palm, Atlantis The Royal, Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis. Good-value five-star hotels cost around KRW 250,000–500,000 per night. Dubai Marina and JBR are popular for beach promenade access, and Downtown and DIFC offer Burj Khalifa views. In Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, St. Regis Saadiyat and Park Hyatt Saadiyat are the signature luxury hotels.

Dubai Metro: two lines and 47 stations; airport to city 30–50 minutes, AED 3–8 per ride, with the rechargeable Nol card.
Taxis: AED 2–3 per km on the meter, AED 12 minimum fare. Careem and Uber are widely used, safe and accurate.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi: metro plus bus, 2–2.5 hours, AED 35; taxi AED 250–350; car hire 1 hour 30 minutes (Salik road tolls charged automatically).
Car hire: the metro and taxis are easiest within Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but a car is essential for the desert, Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais.

• Friday brunch: the UAE weekend brunch, 12:30–16:00, unlimited buffet and alcohol, AED 300–700 per person. Burj Al Arab, Atlantis and Madinat Jumeirah are popular.
• Arabian dining: hummus, falafel, shawarma, kofta and mandi, AED 60–150 per person. Traditional restaurants such as Al Fanar and Arabian Tea House are recommended.
• Michelin dining: Dubai has a Michelin Guide (as of 2025, 11 restaurants hold stars), including STAY by Yannick Alléno, Trèsind Studio, Tasca by José Avillez and Hakkasan.
• Night markets and local food: Al Seef, La Mer, and the stalls around the gold and spice souks in Deira.
• Cafés: ARABICA, % Arabica, EL&N and Arabian Tea House are Instagram favorites.

November to March (best, 22–28°C): everything outdoors is possible. Flight and hotel prices peak in December and January.
April to May (32–38°C): the heat begins; do desert tours only at sunrise or sunset.
June to September (40–48°C, not recommended): desert tours are almost impossible. If you focus on hotels and indoor malls, off-season prices are 50–70% of normal.
October (30–35°C): shoulder season with reasonable prices.
Ramadan (expected around 17 February to 19 March 2026): eating, drinking and smoking in public are restricted during the day, and some restaurants close in the daytime. Recheck the exact dates before you go.

We estimate, per person and excluding international flights, a five-star hotel at KRW 250,000–500,000 per night, and food, transport and tickets at KRW 500,000–800,000 for a four-day Dubai trip with one desert safari and an Abu Dhabi day trip. Peak season (December to February and the year-end holidays) costs 1.5–2 times more than the regular season, and booking luxury hotels six months ahead is safest.

• Dress: generally relaxed in the city, but shoulders and knees must be covered to enter a mosque, and women are advised to wear a headscarf. Avoid revealing clothes in public places other than beaches and pools.
• Alcohol: sold only in hotels and licensed restaurants. Drinking or drunken behavior in public can be punished.
• Public displays of affection: kissing and excessive physical contact can be penalized. Unmarried cohabitation may be a legal issue (partly relaxed in 2020).
• Photography: do not photograph military, government or airport sites, or women, without permission. Photography inside mosques is generally allowed.
• Ramadan: no eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day. It is fine in your hotel room and after sunset.
• Friday and Saturday: the weekend. The working week starts on Sunday.