- 1. Overview of Vacation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Beyond
- 2. Introducing the United Arab Emirates
- 3. What you need to know about the UAE
- 4. Unique Tips for a Vacation in Dubai
- 5. Highlights in Dubai - What You Must See
- 6. Dubai for Insiders - Know More
- 7. Events in Dubai - What You Should Not Miss
- 8. Inspiration for a Vacation in Abu Dhabi
- 9. Typical Abu Dhabi
- 10. The United Arab Emirates Differently - Real Insider Tips
- 11. Things to Know About the UAE
- 12. Insider Tip Ras al-Khaimah
- 13. Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah
- 14. Emirate of Sharjah
- 15. Emirate of Ajman
- 16. Emirate of Umm al-Quwain
- 17. The Emirate of Fujairah
- 18. Which Emirate is Your Favorite?
Overview of Vacation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Beyond
The United Arab Emirates promise relaxation, shopping, culture, as well as sightseeing and adventure. Does that sound like a perfect vacation to you? Today, we'll take you to the desert and give you a closer look at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah, and other destinations in the UAE.
Are you planning to spend your next vacation in the United Arab Emirates but are unsure which emirate suits you best? Should you head to the dazzling metropolis of Dubai, where you can stay in incredible luxury hotels and admire the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa? Or do you want to travel to Abu Dhabi, where you can experience an exciting blend of modern city life with numerous malls and attractions as well as the traditional lifestyle of the UAE around the Rub al-Khali desert? We will introduce you to the vacation destinations in the United Arab Emirates so you know what to expect here, including insider tips.
Introducing the United Arab Emirates
What you need to know about the UAE
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have become popular luxury vacation destinations, as many stars love to spend their holidays in the United Arab Emirates. However, it's not just the rich and famous who flock here: the UAE is known for allowing everyone to enjoy some luxury - the numerous hotels and restaurants for every budget make it possible. So, if you still think a trip to the UAE is unaffordable, let our offers show you otherwise! What else you should know about Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and more is revealed now.
- Best travel time: Since it can get very hot in the UAE during the summer months from May to October, the cooler months from November to April are considered the best travel time for the United Arab Emirates. You can expect temperatures of 73 to 90°F, around 8-10 hours of sunshine, and a wonderful water temperature of up to 81°F. You can find more details about the best time to visit Dubai in our travel calendar.
- Entry to the UAE: As a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. However, a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay is necessary, as entry will be denied with a (temporary) National ID. You can stay in the United Arab Emirates for a maximum of 90 days without a visa.
- Alcohol & Drugs: You must respect that drinking alcohol in public is prohibited in the United Arab Emirates. However, alcohol is served without issues in most hotels and some bars and restaurants. Exception: In the emirate of Sharjah, there is a total ban on alcohol everywhere. Possession of drugs is severely punished and could land you in jail.
- Clothing: As everywhere in the world, during your holiday in the UAE, you should adapt to the local customs. Short skirts or sleeveless tops may be eyed suspiciously by locals. If you wish to visit a mosque, suitable clothing is usually provided on site. Wearing swimwear, even for women, is completely acceptable at designated beaches.
- Ramadan: During the fasting month of Ramadan, tourists should expect few restrictions. Eating and drinking in public during the day is not allowed, but there are some restaurants where you can still eat and drink normally. Children are exempt from fasting. In hotels, you usually do not need to impose any restrictions. You can learn more about Ramadan in the UAE in the respective section.
- Which emirates belong to the UAE? The United Arab Emirates consist of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah. You will learn what distinguishes the individual emirates in the following sections.
Unique Tips for a Vacation in Dubai
Dubai is the most famous and currently the most popular emirate in the UAE. The city of superlatives has developed into a trendy metropolis in recent years and now offers everything that makes your vacation perfect. From the unique hotels and beaches to breathtaking attractions, malls, and markets, to excursions in the stunning desert - a vacation in Dubai is varied and offers something for everyone.
For newcomers and those interested, we recommend taking a look at our detailed Dubai tips. Here you will learn everything about the attractions and hidden highlights of the emirate, get an insight into Dubai's colorful markets, and discover what the nightlife has to offer. Are you just stopping by in Dubai? Then check out our tips for a stopover in Dubai, where you will learn why a quick stop is absolutely worth it.
If you want to explore not just Dubai but the entire region, you should consider taking an Orient Cruise. This will take you to modern cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar, as well as historically rich towns where you can experience authentic life.
Highlights in Dubai - What You Must See
Dubai is simply jaw-dropping! After taking a look at our Dubai tips, it should be clear - this city has extraordinary attractions waiting for you. Two of them, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Miracle Garden, we'd like to introduce to you now.
While the Dubai Miracle Garden awaits you with an incredibly colorful floral display in the midst of the desert from November to April, the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is open to visitors year-round. What else awaits you there, besides the spectacular fountain show and the view over the emirate, you will read in the article. You must not miss this!
Dubai for Insiders - Know More
While on vacation in Dubai, you only get a small glimpse of everyday life. If you want to know more about the land and its people and learn what it means to not just spend your vacation in the emirates, but to live there, we recommend the following articles.
We talked to Chantal, an expatriate who has been living and working in Dubai for several years. She shares her life in the United Arab Emirates, the prejudices, and customs. You have certainly never seen Dubai like this! Speaking of prejudices: If you think a trip to Dubai is only worthwhile outside the fasting month of Ramadan, you are mistaken! We were there during the fasting period and will clarify the biggest myths surrounding the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Events in Dubai - What You Should Not Miss
In a city of superlatives, there's no shortage of superlative events. Throughout the year, concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and other events for young and old await you, but two events in Dubai are especially popular: the New Year's celebration, which features the most extravagant fireworks in the world, and the Dubai Shopping Festival, which attracts shopping enthusiasts to the city's massive malls with great discounts at the beginning of each year.
Inspiration for a Vacation in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is not only the largest and wealthiest of the United Arab Emirates, but it is also the capital of the desert states. Much like in Dubai, you can expect an exciting mix of tradition and modernity. Symbols of wealth such as the splendid Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the imposing Etihad Towers, and the mysterious Presidential Palace are just as popular as the Corniche beach promenade, a trip to the oasis city of Al Ain, or into the Rub al-Khali desert. In our detailed Abu Dhabi tips, you can learn more about this diverse emirate and its islands.
Typical Abu Dhabi
When we think of Abu Dhabi, we immediately picture the tales from 1001 Nights. Magnificent buildings adorned with marble and gold, colorful souks, and streets filled with the scent of various spices, along with a desert landscape where Bedouins roam with their camels - all of this and much more defines Abu Dhabi. You can read in the following articles what else makes the culture of the desert state unique and how Abu Dhabi is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination.
The United Arab Emirates Differently - Real Insider Tips
The UAE consists only of desert and opulent buildings? Not at all! In our Dubai and Abu Dhabi tips, we've already shown you how diverse a vacation in the United Arab Emirates can be, and the following insider tips will reveal a completely different side of Abu Dhabi that you surely would not expect. Or do you know the blooming oasis of Al Ain, which is considered the cornerstone of today's UAE? Or the Wadi Adventure Park, where you can practice various water sports right in the desert? Get ready to be surprised!
Things to Know About the UAE
Can I travel alone as a woman in the United Arab Emirates? Are there restrictions during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi? Two questions that tourists often ask when planning their trip. But we can reassure you: it's not as bad as you think! In the following articles, you will learn what to truly expect here and what to consider when planning your trip. This way, you will be well prepared for all adventures and can fully enjoy your vacation.
Insider Tip Ras al-Khaimah
In addition to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah is another interesting emirate that is increasingly attracting tourists. Fine sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, a traditional old town, and wild desert landscapes await you in this northeastern emirate of Dubai.
Ras al-Khaimah is still considered a real insider tip, as Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been popular vacation destinations for years, while the northernmost emirate is just starting to gain popularity. Attractions like the old fort or the surreal Hajar Mountains are only surpassed by the beauty of Ras al-Khaimah's beaches. It's a fantastic destination for those who love to see and experience something new.
Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras al-Khaimah are the best-known of the United Arab Emirates, but the other four emirates Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah should not be overlooked in our guide. We have briefly summarized the characteristics of each destination for you below.
Emirate of Sharjah
Sharjah's main area lies between the emirates of Dubai and Ajman. Although Sharjah is regarded as the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates, the region is currently not very developed for tourism. This may be due to Sharjah being more conservative than Dubai. For instance, the drinking of alcohol is completely prohibited in this emirate. If you wish to visit Sharjah, you can check out places like the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Sharjah Art Museum, or the Sharjah Theater for the Performing Arts, or visit one of the colorful souks in the old town.
Emirate of Ajman
Ajman, located just 12 miles northeast of Dubai, is the smallest of the United Arab Emirates. It has about 10 miles of coastline, which is expected to attract tourists in the future. Already, there are numerous luxurious hotels in Ajman, which are usually much cheaper than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The emirate is particularly interesting for families and golfers who can pursue their passions here.
Emirate of Umm al-Quwain
Umm al-Quwain, which borders Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah, is excellent for all active vacationers thanks to its good water sports opportunities. Excursions to the oasis of Falaj al-Mualla and the mangrove forests of the emirate perfectly round out the relaxation and activity vacation.
The Emirate of Fujairah
Fujairah borders the Gulf of Oman as well as the Hajar Mountains and the emirate of Sharjah. Various attractions such as mosques, forts, and castles, as well as beautiful beaches and diving spots, await you during a vacation in Fujairah, which can be enjoyed to the fullest in the many spacious hotel facilities.
The emirate is among the emerging vacation destinations in the United Arab Emirates. You may have already found one or the other offer that brings you to Fujairah. So, we can look forward to what awaits us there in the coming years.
Which Emirate is Your Favorite?
Have you already decided in which emirate you would like to spend your next vacation? We hope that with our detailed tips and recommendations, we've helped you choose the right vacation destination. Are you already feeling the wanderlust? In our current Dubai and Abu Dhabi offers, you'll surely find the right option for your vacation in the United Arab Emirates.