United Arab Emirates Travel Guide
Expert Advice on Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE has become increasingly popular over the last few years. And why not? After all, the UAE is an exciting, unique country with something for everyone.
If you are planning to visit the UAE, it is important to be aware of some key details, customs, and social mores. Here is some useful information and important travel tips for Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to help ensure your trip is as seamless and comfortable as possible.
Despite the ultra-modernity of places like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the UAE is quite conservative, so when you’re out in public, it’s important to dress modestly to show respect for local customs. Read on for more information about traveling in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Currency and Tipping
The main currency of the UAE is the Dirham (often shortened to Dh or AED). In some places, you may find that US Dollars, Pounds, or Euros are accepted as well. At the moment one dollar equates to around 3.67 Dirhams approx. While Amex, VISA and Mastercard are accepted widely, smaller vendors in the markets and souks tend to accept cash only so it’s always a good idea to carry some with you.
Tipping in the UAE isn’t always expected, but it is extremely common and something you should plan for. Often restaurants and bars will include a tip in your bill, but if not (as you may find mentioned on the menu) a tip of 10-15% is customary.
Language
The official language of the UAE is Modern Standard Arabic, and some working knowledge of this language would go a long way. However, since countless people from around the world call UAE home, you’re likely to hear many different languages spoken everywhere. English is commonly spoken everywhere, especially in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Other languages that are frequently spoken in UAE are Hindi, Malayalam and Urdu.
Getting Around
With an excellent road network and public transportation system, traveling around the UAE is easy. The Emirates are each located only a couple of hours from each other by road. Dubai has the world’s longest automated metro service, and each of the 49 stations are connected through buses, taxi and electric bike stops.
Taxi services such as Uber are available in the UAE. Taxis in the UAE are notoriously cheap and, because of this, a tip tends to be expected. In these situations, Emirates and visitors tend to round the fare up to the nearest note, tipping between 5-10 Dirham.
Local Customs
Despite the ultra-modernity of places like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the UAE is quite conservative, so when you’re out in public, it’s important to dress modestly to show respect for local customs.
The UAE has stricter alcohol laws than you may be used to, and while drinking is perfectly acceptable within licensed bars or hotels, drinking alcohol or appearing drunk in public places is expressly forbidden. In more conservative cities such as Sharjah, drinking alcohol anywhere is illegal.
Popular Trips to the UAE
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the UAE is, quite expectedly, winter. Here is an overview on the climate and the best time to visit, from our destination experts.
Things To Do
As a major hub for leisure and business travelers from around the world, the UAE boasts a variety of events and attractions. Here are our favorite things to see and do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Best Places To Visit
Culture
As a true melting pot, the culture of the UAE is a blend of Bedouin, Arabian and Persian cultures. Learn more about what to expect while traveling.
Cuisine
Expect an exotic blend of rich and colorful flavors and, due to the many regional influences, dishes that are both new and comfortingly familiar.
History
Modern-day United Arab Emirates is a relatively young country. It was formed only in 1971 by the union of seven different Emirates. Learn more about the history of this enchanting nation
From the Blog
Nestled on the edge of the Middle East and bordering the Indian Ocean, Oman is a country famed for its incredible landscapes, fascinating history, and vibrant culture. Those exploring for the first time may be after some handy Oman travel tips to help make your vacation as memorable as possible. One thing you can definitely look forward to is…
Morocco is a fascinating fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, as evidenced in its architecture, food and landscapes. One of its most stunning jewels is the High Atlas Mountains – ancient, rustic and rich with folklore – unmissable your Morocco trip
Leave nothing but footprints in the sand at these incredible desert destinations.
Sorry, your search found no results.
The Enchanting Difference
What Our Guests Say
USA
UK