The United Arab Emirates blends futuristic skylines with desert landscapes, waterfront promenades, and rich heritage districts. You can enjoy luxury hotels, world-class attractions, and warm Arabian hospitality in one compact destination.
Discover the United Arab Emirates
Discover the United Arab Emirates
Why visit the United Arab Emirates?
What to expect
Expect soaring towers in Dubai, family-friendly beach resorts, historic quarters, and large air-conditioned malls that provide a welcome escape from the desert heat. The UAE offers easy access to both modern city life and dramatic desert scenery.
Plan your trip
The United Arab Emirates is well connected, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider Gulf region. Plan around the cooler months for outdoor activities, and use the country as a hub for onwards travel across the Middle East.
Top experiences in the United Arab Emirates
See Dubai from the sky
Head to one of Dubai's observation decks in the heart of the city to take in sweeping views of the skyline, the desert, and the Arabian Gulf.
Explore historic creekside districts
Wander through traditional neighbourhoods along Dubai Creek, where restored wind-tower houses, museums, and narrow lanes reveal the country's trading past.
Desert safari adventure
Venture into the dunes just outside the city for an evening of desert driving, sunset viewpoints, and stargazing under wide open skies.
Relax on Arabian Gulf beaches
Spend time on sandy, well-maintained beaches with calm waters, where you can swim, try water sports, or simply unwind with a view of the city skyline.
Shop and play in mega malls
Discover vast shopping centres that combine international brands with indoor attractions such as ice rinks, aquariums, and family entertainment zones.
Stroll lively waterfront promenades
Walk along modern marinas and waterfront districts lined with cafés and public art, perfect for an evening breeze after the heat of the day.
Visit cultural districts and museums
Explore curated cultural quarters and museums that showcase the UAE's art, history, and links between the Arabian Peninsula and the wider world.
Experience the United Arab Emirates way of life
Getting around
Within the UAE, you can travel between major cities by modern highways, taxis, and app-based car services, with metro and tram networks in key urban areas. Intercity buses and private transfers also make it easy to reach beach resorts and desert activity hubs.
Local life & culture
Daily life combines a contemporary urban rhythm with long-standing Gulf traditions, seen in design, language, and social customs. You will notice a multicultural community, with influences from across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa shaping arts, festivals, and everyday interactions.
Where to unwind
Unwind at beach clubs along the coast, tranquil desert resorts set amid the dunes, or landscaped parks that dot the cities. Many hotels feature serene pools, spas, and wellness centres, offering calm spaces away from the busy streets and malls.
A taste of the United Arab Emirates
National dishes & specialties
You can try slow-cooked rice and meat dishes, grilled meats, and fragrant spiced rice that reflect the UAE's Gulf heritage, often enjoyed with Arabic coffee and dates. Coastal locations also highlight fresh seafood influenced by the country's seafaring past.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the UAE's cities you will find everything from simple cafés and street-side eateries to contemporary bistros serving flavours from around the world. Food courts and casual restaurants in the malls make it easy to sample Middle Eastern, South Asian, and international cuisines in one place.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, book a table at a rooftop restaurant with skyline views, a beachside venue overlooking the sea, or a desert resort offering dinner under the stars. Many fine-dining spots pair innovative menus with striking interiors or dramatic vistas.
Retail therapy in the United Arab Emirates
Malls & lifestyle hubs
The UAE is famous for expansive malls where you can browse international fashion houses, electronics, and homeware under one roof. Many complexes also include cinemas, indoor attractions, and dining zones, turning shopping into a full-day outing.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional souks and smaller markets are ideal for finding textiles, perfumes, gold jewellery, and handcrafted decorative items. Look out for shops offering regional designs, where you can pick up souvenirs that reflect the artistry of the Gulf.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and malls come alive with illuminated façades, extended opening hours, and a relaxed evening crowd. This is a comfortable time to browse, dine, and enjoy the cooler night air between stores.
Best time to visit the United Arab Emirates
From November to March (peak season), daytime temperatures are typically around 24–28°C (75–82°F), providing pleasant conditions for outdoor sightseeing, beach days, and desert trips. April to May and late October (shoulder season) are warmer, around 30–35°C (86–95°F), with rising heat but fewer crowds and slightly lower humidity than midsummer. June to September (low season) is very hot and humid, often 38–42°C (100–108°F) or higher in the daytime, so travellers tend to focus on indoor attractions and evening activities.