United Arab Emirates Travel Guide 2026
Explore Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and desert landscapes across the UAE's emirates.
The United Arab Emirates pairs futuristic skylines with desert dunes, pearl-diving heritage, and increasingly diverse dining. Each emirate sets its own pace — from Abu Dhabi's cultural museums to Dubai's global retail and entertainment scale.
Best places to visit in United Arab Emirates
Landmarks and regions many travellers build an itinerary around.
Burj Khalifa & Downtown Dubai
Dubai
Observation decks, fountain shows, and dense dining around a vertical city icon.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi
White marble courtyards and reflective pools — respectful dress codes are strictly enforced.
Desert dune safaris
Dubai / Sharjah outskirts
4x4 bashing, camel rides, and Bedouin-style camps under clear winter skies.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island
Rain of light dome and cross-cultural art collection bridging continents.
Palm Jumeirah & beach clubs
Dubai
Artificial archipelago with resorts, boardwalks, and sunset views over the Gulf.
Food & cuisine in United Arab Emirates
Flavours and dishes worth seeking out on the road.
Emirati cuisine blends Levantine, Iranian, Indian, and East African influences — alongside a global chef scene in luxury hotels.
Must-try dishes
- Machboos — spiced rice with meat or fish, often compared to biryani
- Luqaimat — sweet dumplings with date syrup
- Grilled hammour — local grouper-style fish on menus
- Karak chai — strong milk tea sold at cafeterias
- Levantine mezze — hummus, moutabal, and grills in casual restaurants
Featured Cities in United Arab Emirates
Start with popular city pages and explore curated categories.
Abu Dhabi
Capital emirate city of wide boulevards, waterfront corniche, cultural districts, and island developments.
Dubai
High-rise city of malls, marinas, and desert-edge neighborhoods built around global trade and tourism.
Sharjah
Culture-focused emirate city with museums, waterfront parks, and family neighborhoods adjoining Dubai.
Visa & entry — United Arab Emirates
General information only. Rules differ by nationality, purpose of visit, and change often.
- The UAE combines visa-on-arrival, visa-free, and pre-approved visa routes by nationality.
- Check ICP / official UAE portals for the rule that applies to your passport.
- Generally visa-free or exempt (short visits): Many nationalities receive a free visa on arrival or entry permit for short visits — verify list — typical stays are often capped (varies — often 30–90 days depending on nationality and entry type).
- Electronic travel authorization / e-Visa (where eligible): Pre-arranged eVisa for nationalities that require it
- Visa on arrival (where offered): Some nationalities (check current UAE policy)
- Other nationalities: Depends on nationality — some travelers must arrange a visa before travel
Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or government website before traveling. See official source: u.ae
Frequently asked questions
Common questions travellers ask about visiting United Arab Emirates.
When is the best time to visit the UAE?
November–March offers pleasant outdoor weather; summer is extremely hot for sightseeing—plan indoor activities.
What should I wear in public?
Modest clothing is appreciated outside beach resorts; mosques require covered arms and legs for all visitors.
Do I need a visa for the UAE?
Many nationalities receive visa-free entry or visas on arrival for short stays. Verify current rules with official UAE portals.
Can I drink alcohol?
Licensed venues serve alcohol; public intoxication is illegal. Rules differ in Sharjah—research emirate-specific laws.
Is the UAE expensive?
Hotels and dining range from moderate to ultra-luxury; taxis and metro in Dubai are relatively affordable compared with rooms.