United Arab Emirates, the Jewel of the Arabian Peninsula – Complete Travel Guide  – 2024

UAE at a Glance

The United Arab Emirates is a union of seven emirates and each one of them has opened its doors to the world with its individually distinct flavor. As famous for its luxuries, modern architecture, and events, cultural identity, the UAE has quickly developed as the best option for tourism and business. The United Arab Emirates has an opportunity to impress every tourist starting from the magnificent view of the city of Dubai to the cultural experience unforgettable in Abu Dhabi.

Why Visit the UAE?

Captivating Cities and Historic Sites

The UAE’s cities are a fascinating mix of the old and the new, offering a wide range of attractions for visitors.

• Dubai: A city that portrays elegance and the newest trends in architecture, Dubai also has the most vibrant landmark nightlife. Key attractions include:
  
  • Burj Khalifa: This building is currently the tallest building to have been built in the world with a height of 828 meters. This is a guest or observation floor and anyone who is at Lion Kingpoint Trade Centre will never miss to visit this floor 148 to view the world.
    
  • Dubai Mall: Largest shopping mall in the world which also has shops, aquarium, skating rink and also a Dubai fountain show.
    
  • Old Dubai: Stroll through the streets of the Al Fahidi district with the opportunity to visit the souks, select museum, and even cross the Dubai Creek on an abra.
    
• Abu Dhabi: Lhasa is a more conventional city with much cultural and historical fascination. Must-visit sites include:
  
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: This is one among the world’s largest mosques having beautiful domes, carved work, and soothing environment.
    
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi: This museum is a cultural icon, as it provides an exhibit of world art and being located in an exceptional building by Jean Nouvel.
    
  • Qasr Al Watan: The Presidential Palace gives themed guided tours that aim at providing information about the UAE’s background, authorities, and traditions.
    
• Sharjah: Often referred to as cultural capital of the UAE, there are many museums and art galleries in Sharjah. Highlights include:
  
  • Sharjah Art Museum: While this museum presents a great selection of contemporary art that belongs to Arab countries and people, it holds many exhibitions yearly.
    
  • Al Noor Island: A relatively relaxed destination with gardens, art works, and a butterfly farm to keep you fully engaged.

Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures

The UAE’s diverse landscapes offer a wealth of outdoor activities, from desert adventures to coastal explorations.

• The Desert: You will also be able to take a tour around the famed Arabian Desert with adventures like dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. A desert safari usually comprises an evening meal of food cooked the Bedouin way and eaten outdoors.
• Hatta: Hatta is located in the Hajar Mountains and offers a great view and some adventure including hiking, cycle tours and even kayaking at the Hatta Dam.
• Fujairah: Particularly famous for wonderful beaches and Rock Formations like Hajar Mountains, Fujairah is perfect place for snorkeling and diving. One can also visit the Fujairah Fort, as well as the Al Badiyah Mosque.
• Jebel Jais: Standing at the height of 1,998 meters above sea level Jebel Jais is home to the longest zipline in the world and is suitable for hiking to.

UAE Cuisine

The culinary landscape of the UAE reflects its multicultural society, blending traditional Emirati dishes with flavors from around the world.

• Al-Harees: Meals prepared from wheat and meat, boiled and mashed usually eaten during the month of Ramadan, and other special occasions.
• Shawarma: Shawarma is a type of roasted marinated meat, sold sliced from a spit, then placed inside a pita bread and topped with vegetables and/or sauces.
• Hummus and Falafel: It is rather easy to find these Middle Eastern Pizzas in UAE and they are rather filling and tasty vegetarian food.
• Saffron Rice: It goes well with grilled and barbecued products of meat and is a staple in most Emirati cuisine, spiced rice garnished with nuts.

How to Visit the UAE (Flight Options and Airports)

• Dubai International Airport(DXB): DXB is one of the top 20 busiest airports in the world as it serves as the transit airport and provides connectivity to multiple international airlines and various parts of the world.
• Abu Dhabi International Airport(AUH): The biggest airport of the capital city, AUH provides connection to numerous world’s cities and is a home to Etihad Airways.
• Sharjah International Airport (SHJ): Located near Dubai, Sharjah Airport primarily serves low-cost airlines and offers connections to various destinations in the region.

Best Time to Travel to the UAE

• Winter(November to March): This is also the times of the year and are usually acknowledged to be the tourist high season due to good weather with reasonably warm temperatures frequently appropriate for touring.
• Spring(April to May): The climate remains mild but soon it starts getting warmer. Less people can be seen at key attractions which makes it easier to visit.
• Summer(June to September): The summer period may be especially hot and in some months maximum temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius. Staying indoors and socializing in the evening are advised throughout this period.
• Autumn(October): Good weather for tourists and locals since the heat of the summer is over but not yet winter also the start of the end of the dry season events such as Safaricom International Festival of Arts.

Visas and Entry Requirements for the UAE

• Visa on Arrival: Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days. Check the latest regulations based on your nationality.
• Tourist Visa: Visitors from countries not eligible for a visa on arrival can apply for a tourist visa through airlines or travel agencies.

Budgeting Your Trip to the UAE

• Accommodation: Simple and cheap hotels cost at least $ 30 for a night, moderately priced hotels are $ 70 to $ 150. It’s important to know that premium accommodations start at $200 per night, often more, in places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Dining: It is possible to dine for $10-$30 per person at an informal eating establishment and formal dining costs at least $50 pp.
• Transportation: There is public transport availability that cuts across the Dubai Metro and Buses. Car hire is also available but it could be a little costlier than the normal conveyance like taxis are. It is advised to hire some cars for more flexibility and convenience.

Practical Information for Your Trip to the UAE

• Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
• Language: Although Arabic remains the official language of the country however, English is spoken commonly throughout the region more especially in areas of tourism.
• Transportation: The UAE has really good transportation including the Metro in Dubai, the buses and the taxis. There are many taxi services such as Uber and Careem in Oman also, apart from Oman’s own rental car services & local car rental companies.
• Staying Connected: Internet is usually free in most areas and getting a SIM card to access the internet on the go is very simple.

Conclusion

The United Arab Emirates makes for a perfect holiday destination and here’s why; tradition and modernity complements each other perfectly hence making the United Arab Emirates home to a variety of attractions for anybody who is just passing by or anybody that wants to spend some time there. From shopping in the modern cities of Dubai to the historical and cultural arts of the country seen in Abu Dhabi, the UAE offers a lot more than you can imagine. Regardless of whether you are enjoying beautiful food, having an exciting desert experience, or visiting beautiful buildings, your trip to the UAE will never be boring.