BEST COUNTRIES TO VISIT — UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 🇦🇪
Country: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)
Capital City: Abu Dhabi
Continent / Region: Middle East, Arabian Peninsula
Official Language(s): Arabic; English widely used
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Time Zone: Gulf Standard Time (GST, UTC+4)
Population: ~10 million
From cutting-edge skylines and desert dunes to world-class museums and coastline resorts, the UAE delivers luxury, innovation, and cultural depth. Recognized by Travel World Global Awardsâ„¢ for global excellence in hospitality, innovation, and sustainability, the UAE defines modern travel with visionary architecture, curated experiences, and warm service.
- Dubai (Emirate of Dubai) — Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Creek, Old Souks.
- Abu Dhabi (Emirate of Abu Dhabi) — Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island (F1, Ferrari World), Saadiyat beaches.
- Sharjah — Cultural capital with museums, heritage areas, and arts festivals.
- Ras Al Khaimah — Jebel Jais zipline, hiking, historic forts, desert camps.
- Fujairah — East coast diving, Hajar Mountains, forts and wadis.
- Ajman — Relaxed beachfront resorts and coastal promenades.
- Umm Al Quwain — Mangroves, water activities, heritage sites.
Official resources: Visit Abu Dhabi | Visit Dubai | Visit Sharjah
Iconic city towers, beachfront resorts, desert retreats, and wellness/spa properties set global hospitality standards. Book ahead for peak periods (winter sun, major events, F1).
Michelin-starred dining, Emirati cuisine (machboos, luqaimat), Levantine grills, South Asian flavors, and global pop-ups. High-end restaurants, food halls, and traditional souk eateries offer range and quality.
Explore mosques, forts, pearling heritage, and museums. Cultural districts on Saadiyat and Alserkal Avenue showcase art, design, and performance. Respect etiquette in religious and heritage sites.
Key sites: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi), Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood & Creek (Dubai), Sharjah Heritage Area, Al Jahili Fort (Al Ain), and archaeological zones in the Northern Emirates.
Desert safaris, dune bashing, falconry, dhow cruises, diving on the east coast, sunrise hikes on Jebel Jais, and mangrove kayaking in Abu Dhabi.
Major international airports: Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Dubai World Central (DWC), Sharjah (SHJ), Ras Al Khaimah (RKT), Fujairah (FJR). International hubs connect worldwide.
Dubai Metro, tram, and water transport; comprehensive taxis and rideshare across emirates; intercity buses link Dubai–Abu Dhabi–Sharjah; modern highways support self-drive with Salik tolls/Nol cards where applicable.
Transport portals: RTA Dubai | ITC Abu Dhabi
Malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall) meet traditional gold, spice, and textile souks. Independent design districts and luxury boutiques define the retail scene.
Rooftop lounges, beach clubs, live shows, and mega-events (concerts, festivals, sports). Licensed venues serve alcohol; check age rules and dress codes.
Alcohol permitted for adults in licensed venues and hotels (varies by emirate). Drug laws are extremely strict—zero tolerance; even trace amounts can lead to severe penalties. Respect public decency, photography, and social conduct rules.
Many nationalities have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access; others require eVisa. Ensure passport validity (commonly 6 months), confirmed accommodation, and onward/return travel.
Official portal: UAE Government — Visa & Emirates ID
UAE Dirham (AED). Cards and contactless widely accepted; ATMs ubiquitous. Dynamic currency conversion may cost more—opt to pay in AED when possible.
Advanced healthcare across emirates; travel insurance recommended. Many hospitals and clinics offer international patient services.
- Emergency Numbers: Police 999, Ambulance 998, Fire 997 (Non-emergency lines vary by emirate)
One of the safest destinations globally. Observe local laws, follow event crowd guidance, and respect cultural customs, particularly during Ramadan and public holidays.
Fast 4G/5G: prepaid SIMs from Etisalat and du (and resellers) at airports and malls; passport required. Public WiFi in malls, hotels, and many public spaces.
Light, breathable fabrics for warm weather; modest attire in religious or government areas; layers for strong indoor A/C. Peak outdoor comfort is October–April.
War-free, stable, and highly secure. Heat advisories and occasional sandstorms may affect outdoor plans—check forecasts and heed official guidance.
Follow licensing rules for alcohol, photography restrictions in sensitive areas, and code-of-conduct standards in public places. Drone use and short-term rentals are regulated; verify emirate-specific permits.
Official portals: Visit Dubai | Visit Abu Dhabi | UAE Government
EXPERT REVIEW & PUBLICATION NOTE — TRAVEL WORLD GLOBAL AWARDS™
This article is curated and recommended by Travel World Global Awardsâ„¢ to educate travelers with high-quality guidance. Content reflects our expert assessment at the time of publication and selection.
Disclaimer: Information is provided for general guidance only. Rules, regulations, safety advisories, visa and health requirements can change without notice due to government policy or global conditions. Verify details with official tourism boards, immigration/e-visa portals, and health authorities before travel.
Liability: Travel World Global Awards™ and its partners do not assume responsibility for any loss, injury, delay, or inconvenience resulting from reliance on this content, emergencies, or third-party services. Travel decisions are the reader’s responsibility.
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