Flights from London (LON) to United Arab Emirates

Discover United Arab Emirates

Discover United Arab Emirates

Why visit United Arab Emirates?

From soaring skylines and desert dunes to pristine beaches and modern cultural districts, the United Arab Emirates blends innovation with deep-rooted heritage for a memorable holiday or stopover.

What to expect

You can explore Dubai's futuristic architecture and waterfronts, discover Abu Dhabi's museums and coastal islands, and venture inland to traditional souks, rugged mountains, and vast sands.

Plan your trip

The United Arab Emirates is a year-round destination with excellent infrastructure, making it an ideal base for exploring the wider Gulf region or combining an urban escape with time by the sea.

Top experiences in United Arab Emirates

Take in the views from Dubai's iconic skyline

Head to towering observation decks and rooftop terraces in Dubai to admire sweeping views over the city, the desert, and the Arabian Gulf.

Explore historic districts and traditional souks

Wander through restored neighbourhoods and bustling souks to discover wind-tower architecture, textiles, perfumes, and glittering gold shops.

Join a desert safari

Venture into the dunes for dune drives, camel rides, and sunset viewpoints, followed by an evening under the stars in a desert camp.

Relax on Arabian Gulf beaches

Spend time on soft-sand city beaches and resort shorelines, where calm waters and waterfront promenades invite slow, sunny days.

Visit world-class museums and cultural districts

Discover striking museums and arts venues along the coast, where bold architecture houses galleries, exhibitions, and performance spaces.

Shop in vast malls and modern lifestyle districts

Browse designer boutiques, entertainment complexes, and indoor attractions in expansive malls and open-air retail quarters.

Enjoy evening city lights and waterfront walks

As temperatures soften after sunset, stroll along illuminated marinas and creeks framed by shimmering towers and traditional boats.

Experience United Arab Emirates' way of life

Getting around

Well-maintained highways, plentiful taxis, and app-based ride services make travelling between districts and emirates straightforward, while modern metro and tram lines in major cities help you move efficiently along key routes.

Local life & culture

Daily life blends long-standing Gulf traditions with a cosmopolitan outlook, where you will encounter a mix of languages, contemporary arts, and strong family-focused values in both waterfront promenades and older neighbourhoods.

Where to unwind

You can slow down in beachfront resorts, landscaped city parks, and tranquil desert retreats, or escape to nearby mountains and coastal mangroves for quieter hiking trails and nature walks.

A taste of United Arab Emirates

National dishes & specialties

Across the emirates you can sample fragrant rice dishes, grilled meats, spiced seafood, and sweet pastries, often enjoyed with aromatic coffee and dates that highlight regional hospitality.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Dubai and other major cities offer everything from relaxed cafés and family restaurants to creative bistros, serving Middle Eastern flavours alongside South Asian, European, and East Asian cuisines.

Signature & scenic dining

Consider dining in venues overlooking marinas, desert horizons, or skyline panoramas, where refined menus are paired with memorable views and carefully designed interiors.

Retail therapy in United Arab Emirates

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Spacious malls in Dubai and other emirates bring together international fashion houses, homegrown designers, cinemas, and indoor attractions under one roof, ideal for both browsing and family outings.

Markets & local crafts

Traditional souks and smaller boutiques are the places to look for textiles, spices, perfumes, and handicrafts, giving you a feel for regional design and craftsmanship.

Evening retail scene

After dark, shopping streets, waterfront promenades, and some markets come alive with lights, creating a relaxed setting to explore boutiques and stalls in cooler evening temperatures.

Best time to visit United Arab Emirates

November to March is peak season, with warm, pleasant days around 24–28°C (75–82°F), cooler evenings, and many outdoor events. April to May and October are shoulder season, with hotter afternoons around 30–35°C (86–95°F) but still manageable conditions for sightseeing at quieter times. June to September is low season, when daytime temperatures often exceed 38–42°C (100–108°F) with high humidity, so most activities take place indoors in air-conditioned spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions