The United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the Middle East, is a charming country comprising seven Emirates – Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Thanks to its magnificent architecture, dazzling cityscapes, dramatic dunes, state-of-the-art theme parks, world-class shopping spots, pristine beaches, delectable cuisine, and welcoming hospitality, the UAE has become a popular destination among world travelers.
Explore the country’s must-see sights and immerse yourself in unique experiences such as cruising along the canal waters in dhow cruise Dubai, skydiving over the Palm Island, enjoying the thrill of dune bashing in the desert safari, or marveling at the gorgeous views from the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa. Our complete travel guide will ensure that your holiday to this amazing region is seamless and unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Getting a UAE Visa and Unified Number
To travel to the UAE, visitors need to apply for a visa. The UAE visa includes a Unified Number UAE, a unique identifying number assigned to each individual or visa, whether a visitor, a resident, or an employee. Your UID contains vital information such as the reason for your visit, your immigration status, and the duration of your stay in the UAE.
Exploring the Unique Beauty of UAE
The UAE consists of seven emirates, each emirate offering its own unique appeal. Among the most popular are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. While Dubai is known for its skyscrapers and expensive shopping, Abu Dhabi is known for its rich cultural legacy, which includes mosques and famous buildings such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Emirates Palace. Admire the architecture of museums and mosques in Sharjah, kayak in the mangroves of Ajman, and hike up the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais – home to the world’s largest zipline in Ras Al Khaimah. Additionally, you also get to explore the ancient port of Fujairah and learn about its fascinating history.
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Checking Out its Unmissable Attractions
a) Burj Khalifa: Standing as the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa offers awe-inspiring views of the city from its observation decks located on the 124th and 148th
b) Dubai Mall: Located right next to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall provides an unrivalled shopping experience with its wide range of high-end goods and entertainment opportunities like Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania, DXB Dubai, etc.
c) Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A magnificent architectural marvel, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi pays tribute to the UAE’s Islamic history. Its exquisite design, adorned with dazzling chandeliers and fine calligraphy, never fails to astound visitors.
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d) Dhow Cruise in Dubai: Go on a dhow cruise ride down Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina for a unique and romantic experience. These historic wooden boats provide an unforgettable excursion, giving you the opportunity to admire the city’s skyline while enjoying traditional entertainment.
e) Deira Souks: The vibrant souks or traditional markets in Deira offer a wide range of exciting goods, right from spices and perfumes to garments and gold. The Gold Souq in the City of Gold is a must-visit for anyone looking for jewelry. The Deira souqs sell traditional fragrances, handmade textiles, and exotic spices.
f) The Palm Islands: One of the most iconic landmarks in the UAE is the Palm Island, the largest manmade island in the world. With a trunk and 16 fronds, this artificial island is home to residential villas, waterfront apartments, restaurants, luxury hotels, spas, marinas, shopping malls, cinemas, and sports facilities.
Cultural Delights
While the UAE has embraced modernity gracefully, it remains proud of its traditions and heritage. Visitors to Dubai must explore the Al Fahidi Historic District, popular for its wind towers, traditional courtyard residences, and museums. The Sharjah Heritage Area is home to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Sharjah Art Museum, which provide information on the region’s art and history.
Nature and Adventure
Beyond the hustle and bustle of the cities, the UAE boasts stunning natural landscapes and thrilling adventurous activities. Nature lovers would love exploring the golden dunes of the Arabian Desert with activities like dune bashing, quad biking, and camel riding. You can also visit the magnificent Hajar Mountains to indulge in activities like hiking and zip lining. The pink flamingoes in Ras Al Khaimah Bird Sanctuary are also a treat for the eyes.
Shopping Extravaganza
The UAE is well-known for its luxury shopping choices. Visitors to Dubai may shop for premium brands, discover unusual shops, and enjoy tax-free shopping at world-class malls such as Mall of the Emirates and The Dubai Mall. The annual Dubai Shopping Festival is a significant draw, with amazing deals and entertainment for every one.
Culinary Delights
Food lovers will enjoy the UAE’s diverse gastronomic scene. There is something for every appetite, from fine dining restaurants run by renowned chefs to small cafes providing traditional Emirati food. Try Arabic dishes such as Shawarma, Falafel, Harees (a porridge-like dish made from meat and wheat), and Machboos (a spicy rice dish with meat or seafood) on your trip to the UAE.
Cultural Festivals
The UAE hosts exciting cultural events all year to highlight its rich past. Visitors may enjoy entertainment, live performances, and fireworks during the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises. The Sharjah Light Festival and the Abu Dhabi Festival showcase regional talent via artistic installations, musical performances, and theatrical productions.
Thrilling Theme Parks
The UAE is home to some of the most exhilarating theme parks in the world. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a must-visit place for an adrenaline rush, featuring high-speed roller coasters like Formula Rossa and Flying Ace. Yas Waterworld, Aquaventure Water Park, and Wild Wadi Water Park provide refreshing aquatic adventures, whilst IMG Worlds of Adventure (the world’s biggest indoor amusement park) and Ski Dubai (the world’s largest indoor snow park) offer one-of-a-kind experiences.
Wildlife Encounters
Explore animal sanctuaries and conservation areas to learn about the UAE’s diverse biodiversity. Several species live in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, including Arabian oryx and gazelles. A wildlife sanctuary on Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island allows tourists to see giraffes, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Beach Paradises
The coastline of the UAE features beautiful beaches and expensive beach resorts. The Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, with white sand and crystal-clear oceans, is liked by locals and visitors for water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, speed boating, fly boarding, kite surfing, and more. The Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi is well-known for its breathtaking vistas and family-friendly ambience.
Luxury Desert Retreats
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by relaxing in a luxurious desert getaway. Stay at one of the UAE’s luxury desert resorts to experience the peacefulness of the desert. These resorts include various activities like dune bashing, desert safaris, falconry, and traditional Bedouin experiences, allowing guests to experience the nomadic way of life.
Safety and Hospitality
The UAE is known for its high degree of security and kind hospitality. The country has a low crime rate, allowing travelers to explore the country without worries. The residents are kind and accommodating, adopting a hospitality culture that enhances the holiday experience of travelers.
Customs and Traditions
As a religious nation with an Islamic heritage, the UAE values respect for customs and traditions. Visitors should show respect for this and conduct themselves in a way that is not offensive to the laws or customs of the Islamic religion. It is important to show respect for tradition and modesty when visiting religious places, observing prayer times, and refraining from eating in public during Ramadan. While certain Emirates, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have more relaxed dress standards, it is best to dress modestly in public places, especially while visiting religious places and old parts of the cities.
Accommodation Facilities
Thanks to the large number of expatriate communities in the UAE draws, you will find a wide variety of accommodation options here. There are hotels, resorts, villas, and apartments to suit every budget in this country. In comparison to other emirates, accommodation in Dubai is more expensive.
Getting Around the UAE
Getting around all major cities and tourist areas in the UAE is relatively easy. Bus networks are extensive, and Dubai and Abu Dhabi have metro rail systems that stop at all notable business and tourist destinations. The Dubai Metro is fully automated, and you can purchase a ticket or use an NOL card for a smooth travel experience.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory in the UAE. However, it is customary to express gratitude for good service. A service charge of around 10% to 15% is already applied to your bill at restaurants and cafes. Tipping taxi drivers, valets, and bell boys is also common and acceptable.
Best Time to Visit
Summers in the UAE are hot and humid, making it difficult to be outdoors. Hence, it is advisable to plan a trip to the UAE during winter, i.e., from November to May when humidity is low, temperatures are moderate, and the days are sunny. December and January are peak tourism months in the UAE, leading to higher hotel occupancy and pricing. Moreover, certain tourist attractions such as Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village are seasonal, i.e., they are only open from October to April.
A trip to the UAE offers an unusual combination of traditional history, dramatic skyscrapers, and natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply want to relax and unwind, you will find something to suit your taste in this vibrant and diverse country. Prepare to be fascinated by the magnificence of the UAE, where old traditions co-exist with modern marvels, providing you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
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