Things To Do
in United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, known for its rapid economic development, particularly in trade, tourism, and infrastructure. It is situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman, with coastlines along the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The country balances modernity with traditional Islamic culture, offering towering skyscrapers, vast desert landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage.
- "Marhaban" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Afwan" - You're welcome
- "Inshallah" - God willing
- "Ahlan wa sahlan" - Welcome
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $60
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa for stunning panoramic views of the city. Enjoy breakfast at a nearby café in Dubai Mall.
Head to the Dubai Marina and take a relaxing cruise to soak in the waterfront views. Afterward, shop at the various retail outlets in the Marina Mall.
Dine at a restaurant with views of the Dubai Fountain show. Explore the vibrant nightlife with a visit to a rooftop bar.
Visit the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a stunning architectural masterpiece. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.
Explore the Heritage Village to get a taste of traditional Emirati culture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic cuisine.
Stop by the Emirates Palace for a luxurious evening tea experience. Stroll along the Corniche and enjoy the sunset by the beach.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong economy with a high GDP per capita.
- Safe and secure environment with low crime rates.
- High standard of living and modern infrastructure.
- Diverse expatriate community and multicultural society.
- Tax-free income and business-friendly policies.
- High cost of living, especially in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Limited political freedoms and restrictions on free speech.
- Cultural differences can be challenging for expatriates.
- Dependence on oil revenues, which can lead to economic vulnerability.
- Extreme summer temperatures can be uncomfortable.
Best Activities in United Arab Emirates
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a thrilling ride over the sand dunes, explore the desert landscape, and experience traditional Bedouin culture.
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping off-road adventure in a 4x4 vehicle, navigating the challenging sand dunes.
Take a leisurely ride on a camel, a timeless mode of transport in the desert, and absorb the scenic surroundings.
Discover picturesque wadis (valleys) and enjoy hiking trails amidst stunning landscapes and natural pools.
Tours
Uncover the best of United Arab Emirates with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in United Arab Emirates
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Dubai from the tallest building in the world.
Features beautiful architecture and stunning views in Abu Dhabi.
Offers a picturesque skyline and waterfront views for photography.
Provides breathtaking views of the desert landscape and the city of Al Ain.
Food in United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant rice dish with spiced meat, often chicken or lamb, garnished with fried onions and nuts. It is a staple in Emirati cuisine and can be found in local restaurants and homes across the UAE.
Must-Try!
A traditional dish made from wheat and meat, slowly cooked to a porridge-like consistency. It is often enjoyed during Ramadan and special occasions, and can be found at local restaurants serving traditional Emirati cuisine.
Popular Emirati dessert made of crispy fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey, offering a delightful sweet treat. It can be found at local dessert shops and food festivals throughout the UAE.
Unique Experiences
Get to know United Arab Emirates better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Abu Dhabi, Mina Market is a vibrant local market offering a wide array of fresh seafood, spices, and produce. Visitors can also savor a variety of street food stalls serving traditional Emirati snacks and delicacies like samosas and kebabs.
In Dubai, the Ras Al Khor industrial area transforms into a bustling street food haven at night, featuring a diverse range of food trucks and stalls offering Emirati specialties, as well as international flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In the United Arab Emirates, it is important to show respect for elders by using courteous language and gestures, and by deferring to their opinions and decisions.
The UAE has a modest dress code, particularly in public places. It is important to dress modestly and avoid clothing that is too revealing or offensive to local cultural norms.
In the UAE, it is polite to greet others with a handshake and maintain eye contact. It is also important to address people with their titles and avoid public displays of affection.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of United Arab Emirates with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in United Arab Emirates
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in the United Arab Emirates, but it is appreciated for good service. In many establishments, a service charge may be included in the bill, so it is advisable to check before tipping.
In the United Arab Emirates, payments are commonly made using cash, credit cards, or mobile payment apps. It is also common for businesses to accept major international credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into United Arab Emirates.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit the United Arab Emirates with comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. Expect bustling tourist attractions and outdoor activities.
Expect extremely hot temperatures, high humidity, and occasional sandstorms. Many indoor attractions and malls provide air-conditioned relief.
United Arab Emirates at Night
Hiking in United Arab Emirates
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking area known for its rugged terrain and beautiful mountain views, located in the Hatta region.
The highest peak in the UAE, offering various trails with stunning views and opportunities for adventure activities.
A national park featuring diverse wildlife and incredible hiking trails amidst beautiful landscapes and waterfalls.
A popular hiking spot in Sharjah, featuring unique rock formations and evidence of marine fossils.
A lush and historical area in Al Ain featuring shaded paths amidst date palm groves and cultural heritage sites.
A family-friendly urban hike along the waterfront, offering great city views and access to shops and restaurants.
While part of Oman, this stunning area is a popular destination for UAE residents, featuring dramatic cliffs and stunning hikes along the coastline.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into United Arab Emirates through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach United Arab Emirates by plane.
The main international airport serving Dubai, it is one of the busiest airports in the world in terms of international passenger traffic.
The second-largest airport in the UAE, serving the capital city, Abu Dhabi, and is a significant hub for international travel.
Located in Sharjah, this airport serves as a base for several low-cost carriers and is a key gateway for travel to the region.
Located in Dubai, this airport is designed to be a major global hub, capable of handling the increasing air traffic demands of the region.
Located in Bahrain, it serves as the main airport for the country and facilitates flights to various international destinations.
Located in Oman, this airport serves the capital city, Muscat, and acts as a significant hub for international travel in and out of the country.
Located in Qatar, this airport serves as a major international hub and connects travelers to various destinations around the globe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indians are the largest demographic group in the UAE, comprising a significant portion of the overall population. They are primarily workers and expatriates across various sectors.
The Pakistani community is another large demographic group, contributing significantly to the workforce, particularly in construction and service industries.
Bangladeshis form a substantial part of the labor force in the UAE, especially in low-skilled jobs and construction.
The Filipino community in the UAE is prominent, particularly in service sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and domestic work.
Egyptians represent a notable demographic group, often engaged in various professional sectors including education and engineering.
This includes individuals from various Arab countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, who work in diverse fields.
Western expatriates come from various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, and are typically engaged in professional and managerial roles.
The African community in the UAE is smaller but includes individuals from several sub-Saharan African countries, often working in various sectors.
The Soul of United Arab Emirates
Discover the essence of United Arab Emirates through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in the United Arab Emirates, with a robust league system and significant participation at both professional and amateur levels.
Cricket has a strong following, especially among expatriate communities, and the UAE has hosted various international tournaments.
Basketball is widely played in schools and recreational centers, and the UAE has its own professional league.
A unique traditional sport in the UAE, camel racing is a famous cultural event, featuring high-tech robotic jockeys.
The global appeal of horse racing is prominent in the UAE, with world-renowned events like the Dubai World Cup.
Tennis enjoys popularity with various tournaments attracting international players and fans.
The UAE is known for hosting major motorsport events, including Formula 1 races in Abu Dhabi and various off-road competitions.
Rugby has gained popularity, especially with events like the Dubai Sevens, attracting international teams and fans.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Emirati cuisine traditionally features meat and seafood, many restaurants and cafés in the UAE offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. Look for establishments that highlight Middle Eastern and international cuisines for a wider variety of plant-based options.
As the UAE has a diverse dining scene, it's relatively easy to find gluten-free options at restaurants and eateries that cater to international and health-conscious diners. Many upscale and health-focused establishments offer gluten-free menus and adapt dishes to accommodate dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of United Arab Emirates with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting United Arab Emirates.