Why visit United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates blends futuristic skylines, sweeping deserts, and a long maritime heritage. You find modern cities rising from the sand, alongside traditional neighbourhoods and waterfronts that hint at an older trading past.
What to expect
Your journey often centres on Dubai, with its iconic towers, beaches, and family attractions, while other emirates offer quieter coastlines and desert escapes. Expect efficient infrastructure, air-conditioned comforts, and a welcoming, cosmopolitan atmosphere shaped by residents from around the world.
Plan your trip
The United Arab Emirates works well for a short city break, a beach and desert holiday, or a wider regional journey across the Middle East. With strong flight connections, you can use Dubai as a gateway to explore neighbouring countries or connect seamlessly onwards to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Discover United Arab Emirates
Discover United Arab Emirates
Top experiences in United Arab Emirates
See Dubai from the sky
Ride high-speed lifts to a record-breaking observation deck and take in panoramic views across the skyscrapers, beaches, and desert beyond.
Explore historic districts
Wander through restored neighbourhoods of wind-tower houses, museums, and galleries that reveal the trading roots of the United Arab Emirates.
Head into the desert
Join an afternoon desert excursion to cross rolling dunes, watch sunset over the sands, and relax at a traditional-style desert camp.
Unwind on city beaches
Spend a day on well-kept public and private beaches, with calm waters, waterfront promenades, and plenty of cafés close at hand.
Shop in souks and malls
Browse glittering gold and spice markets, then cool off in vast malls combining shopping, entertainment, and indoor attractions.
Visit world-class attractions
Discover theme parks, aquariums, and immersive cultural centres designed for families, with a mix of education, art, and fun.
Cruise the waterfront
Take an evening boat ride along creeks or marinas to see illuminated skylines and enjoy a different perspective on the city.
Experience United Arab Emirates's way of life
Getting around
Within Dubai, you can rely on the metro, taxis, and ride-hailing services to move quickly between districts and attractions. Intercity buses and well-maintained highways connect Dubai with other emirates, making day trips and multi-stop itineraries straightforward.
Local life & culture
Daily life in the United Arab Emirates follows an urban rhythm shaped by work, shopping, and evenings spent in cafés or along waterfront promenades. You notice a blend of traditional Gulf heritage with international influences, reflected in language, fashion, and cultural events throughout the year.
Where to unwind
Cool off at beachfront promenades, manicured city parks, and shaded walking paths that offer a slower pace away from busy roads. For deeper relaxation, escape to desert resorts, coastal retreats, or spa hotels that pair calm surroundings with wide open views.
A taste of United Arab Emirates
National dishes & specialties
You can try slow-cooked meat and rice dishes, grilled seafood, and fragrant rice meals that reflect the country’s coastal and desert roots. Traditional sweets, coffee, and dates often accompany gatherings, highlighting the importance of hospitality.
Casual & modern dining hubs
From simple cafés to modern dining districts, you find flavours from across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond. Food courts, beachside kiosks, and neighbourhood restaurants make it easy to eat well at almost any time of day.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose rooftop venues, marina-side terraces, or restaurants inside landmark towers with sweeping city views. Many hotels host refined dining rooms where tasting menus, careful presentation, and attentive service create memorable occasions.
Retail therapy in United Arab Emirates
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Vast air-conditioned malls anchor shopping life, bringing together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and indoor attractions. You can comfortably spend hours browsing, dining, and enjoying entertainment under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional souks highlight gold, textiles, perfumes, and spices, often concentrated along older waterfront districts. Smaller boutiques and design stores showcase contemporary takes on regional crafts, from homeware to fashion.
Evening retail scene
After dark, waterfront promenades and open-air mall extensions come alive with illuminated shopfronts and street-side cafés. Cooler evening temperatures make it a pleasant time to stroll, browse, and people-watch.
Best time to visit United Arab Emirates
November to March (peak season)
During the cooler months, daytime temperatures usually range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). This is peak season, with comfortable conditions for city sightseeing, outdoor dining, and desert excursions.
April to May, October (shoulder season)
In these transitional months, daytime temperatures generally sit between 28°C and 36°C (82°F to 97°F). This shoulder season brings hotter afternoons, but mornings and evenings can still feel pleasant, especially near the coast.
June to September (low season)
Summer is very hot, with daytime temperatures often between 38°C and 45°C (100°F to 113°F). This low season is dominated by strong sunshine and high humidity, so most activities shift indoors to air-conditioned spaces.