Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to United Arab Emirates

Discover the United Arab Emirates

Discover the United Arab Emirates

Why visit the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates offers modern skylines, desert landscapes, and warm Arabian hospitality. You can experience dynamic cities, waterfront promenades, and cultural districts in a compact, easy-to-explore country.

What to expect
Dubai is known for its iconic towers, beach resorts, and vast malls, while Abu Dhabi pairs cultural institutions with a relaxed coastal feel. In the northern emirates, you will find rugged mountains, historic towns, and quieter seaside escapes.

Plan your trip
You can combine city breaks, desert adventures, and beach time in a single itinerary. The UAE also works well as a gateway to the wider Middle East, with excellent connections onwards from major hubs.

Top experiences in the United Arab Emirates

Take in Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah

Stroll the waterfront, join a boat cruise, or admire the skyline from beach clubs and promenades.

Explore historic Dubai Creek

Wander restored neighbourhoods, sail across the creek in a wooden boat, and browse traditional souks.

Visit Louvre Abu Dhabi

Discover global art under an impressive domed roof on Saadiyat Island, framed by sea views.

Head into the desert

Join a guided desert experience for dune drives, sunset viewpoints, and peaceful night skies.

Relax on the UAE's beaches

Unwind on city beaches or resort shorelines, with calm Gulf waters and family-friendly facilities.

Drive the mountain roads of Ras Al Khaimah

Escape the city heat for cooler air, viewpoints, and hiking trails in the rocky highlands.

Soak up the views from a Dubai observation deck

Ride high-speed lifts for panoramic views across the city, desert, and coastline.

Discover Sharjah's museums and arts area

Explore galleries, heritage houses, and public art in the UAE's cultural heart.

Experience the United Arab Emirates's way of life

Getting around
Modern highways connect Dubai with other emirates, making road travel straightforward and quick. Within cities, you can rely on taxis, ride-hailing, and in Dubai, a driverless metro and tram network for key districts.

Local life & culture
Daily life in the UAE blends international influences with local traditions, from coastal trading heritage to desert roots. You will notice a relaxed but polished atmosphere in cafes, waterfront promenades, and cultural quarters across the emirates.

Where to unwind
You can unwind on long sandy beaches, landscaped waterfront parks, and hotel pool terraces overlooking the Gulf. For a change of scene, retreat to mountain resorts or desert escapes that offer quieter surroundings and starry night skies.

A taste of the United Arab Emirates

National dishes & specialties
The UAE highlights slow-cooked rice dishes, grilled meats, and fragrant stews that reflect Arabian and Gulf traditions. Coastal areas are also known for fresh fish and rice plates that draw on long-standing seafaring heritage.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In Dubai and other major cities, you will find relaxed cafes, food halls, and neighbourhood restaurants serving cuisines from across the world. Residential districts and waterfront areas gather family-friendly spots where you can eat at almost any time of day.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you can dine in sky-high restaurants, beachfront venues, or desert settings under the open sky. Many hotels offer refined dining rooms with skyline, sea, or marina views that frame the experience.

Retail therapy in the United Arab Emirates

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dubai and Abu Dhabi feature expansive malls that combine fashion, technology, entertainment, and dining under one roof. These lifestyle centres often include indoor attractions, cinemas, and family spaces alongside international and regional brands.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional souks and heritage districts showcase textiles, perfumes, metalwork, and souvenirs in Dubai, Sharjah, and other northern emirates. You can browse for locally inspired pieces that reflect both Bedouin and coastal trading histories.

Evening retail scene
As the temperature drops, shopping streets, waterfront promenades, and mall promenades come to life. Illuminated facades, outdoor cafes, and extended opening hours make browsing and strolling a pleasant evening activity.

Best time to visit the United Arab Emirates

Peak season: November to March brings warm, pleasant days around 24–28°C (75–82°F) and cooler evenings, ideal for outdoor sightseeing and desert trips.

Shoulder season: April to May and October see hotter days of about 30–35°C (86–95°F), with manageable heat for beach time and indoor activities.

Low season: June to September is very hot, often 38–42°C (100–108°F) or higher, with most activities focused indoors in air-conditioned spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions