Why visit United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates is where futuristic skylines rise from desert landscapes and the Gulf coast glitters with modern waterfronts. You find a mix of ambitious architecture, curated luxury, and easy access to cultural heritage.
What to expect
Dubai and neighbouring emirates offer soaring towers, man-made islands, sweeping desert dunes, and long stretches of beach. You can spend one day in sleek malls and marinas, and the next wandering old quarters, desert forts, or quiet mangroves.
Plan your trip
Many travellers base themselves in Dubai as a gateway for exploring other emirates by road. With excellent air links across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia, the United Arab Emirates also works well as a stopover or a starting point for a wider regional journey.
Discover United Arab Emirates
Discover United Arab Emirates
Top experiences in United Arab Emirates
Take in the Dubai skyline
Head to an observation deck in downtown Dubai and watch the cityscape stretch from the desert to the Gulf coastline.
Explore historic neighbourhoods
Wander restored heritage districts with wind towers, narrow lanes, and waterfront promenades that recall the region's trading past.
Join a desert safari
Venture into the dunes for dune driving, sunset viewpoints, and quiet desert camps beneath wide night skies.
Relax on city beaches
Spend time on public or resort beaches where you can swim, stroll, or simply watch the changing colours over the Gulf.
Cruise along the waterfront
Take an evening boat trip along a creek, marina, or canal to see the skyline and landmarks lit up from the water.
Enjoy theme parks and attractions
Visit indoor theme parks, waterparks, and family attractions that offer air-conditioned fun throughout the year.
Discover art and design districts
Browse contemporary galleries, design studios, and creative hubs that showcase regional and international talent.
Stroll through lush city parks
Find shade in landscaped parks and waterfront promenades designed for evening walks and relaxed picnics.
Experience United Arab Emirates's way of life
Getting around
You can move easily between major areas by modern highways, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Within Dubai, the metro, trams, and air-conditioned buses link key districts and attractions, while intercity coaches connect to neighbouring emirates.
Local life & culture
Daily life blends contemporary city living with Gulf traditions, from souk bargaining to a strong café culture. Waterfront promenades, shopping districts, and community parks fill up in the cooler hours, when residents and visitors linger outdoors.
Where to unwind
You can slow down on sandy beaches, in tranquil desert resorts, or among landscaped city parks and marinas. Many hotels feature generous pools, spas, and shaded terraces that provide a calm base between your urban explorations.
A taste of United Arab Emirates
National dishes & specialties
You can try regional Gulf dishes such as spiced rice with grilled meats, slow-cooked stews, and fragrant rice dishes with nuts and dried fruits. Traditional bakeries, cafés, and local eateries add fresh breads, dates, and sweet pastries to the mix.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the emirates, you find food courts, casual cafés, and relaxed restaurants serving flavours from the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and beyond. Dubai's neighbourhoods, from coastal districts to business hubs, offer dining at almost any time of day.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose rooftop terraces, beachfront venues, or restaurants with sweeping city views. Many fine-dining spots highlight creative menus and dramatic interiors, turning dinner into part of your sightseeing.
Retail therapy in United Arab Emirates
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls bring together international fashion, electronics, homeware, and entertainment under one roof. In Dubai, many shopping centres also feature indoor attractions, from aquariums to ice rinks, alongside dining zones.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional souks and smaller markets showcase textiles, perfumes, spices, and decorative items. In older quarters and selected design districts, you can find regional crafts, jewellery, and contemporary pieces inspired by local motifs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, malls and shopping streets stay lively and well lit, often open late into the night. Waterfront promenades and open-air retail areas combine boutiques and cafés, creating a relaxed evening atmosphere for browsing.
Best time to visit United Arab Emirates
November to March (peak season): These months bring milder daytime temperatures around 20–28°C (68–82°F), comfortable evenings, and lower humidity, ideal for outdoor sightseeing and desert excursions.
April to May, October (shoulder season): Temperatures rise to around 28–35°C (82–95°F) with increasing warmth and sunshine. You can still enjoy city exploring and beach time with midday breaks in air-conditioned spaces.
June to September (low season): This is the hottest period, with daytime highs often 35–42°C (95–108°F) and high humidity along the coast. Most activities shift indoors to malls, attractions, and hotel facilities.