United Arab Emirates tours

“UAE” stands for United Arab Emirates, and it’s a federation of seven states, or emirates, located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Abu Dhabi is its capital city.

The UAE uses the United Arab Emirates dirham, abbreviated as AED or Dhs. You can withdraw Dhs from ATMs in the country with a debit or credit card. However, be mindful of any withdrawal and foreign transaction fees your bank may charge.

The official language of the UAE is Arabic. Due to the country’s status as a global trade and tourism hub, English is also widely spoken and understood, particularly in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The weather in the UAE varies depending on the season and region—but generally, it’s hot and arid. Here’s a general overview:

• Spring (March-May). Spring in the UAE brings rising temperatures, especially as the season transitions to summer. Daytime temperatures typically range from 77-95 F, with increasing humidity levels as summer approaches.
• Summer (June-August). The UAE experiences extremely hot weather during the summer, with temperatures often exceeding 104 F—and sometimes even reaching 122 F in the interior regions. Humidity levels can be high, too, particularly along the coast, making the heat feel more intense.
• Autumn (September-November). This season marks a transitional period where temperatures gradually decrease from the summer’s peaks. The weather becomes more pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 77-95 F.
• Winter (December-February). With mild weather, winter is the most comfortable time to visit the UAE. Daytime temperatures range from around 68-77 F, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, nights can be cooler, especially in the desert areas.

We’d say October-February: The temperature occasionally gets cool enough to require a light jacket or sweater. But if you want to visit beaches, plan your visit in either October, March, or April, when the weather’s hot but pleasant.

• High Season (November-March). This is when Dubai sees the highest number of visitors. Moderate temperatures enable major festivals and events, and al fresco dining lasts late into the night. However, accommodation rates are high during this time.
• Shoulder Season (April-May and September-October). This can be an ideal time to book one of our UAE tours—especially if you want to experience the best the country has to offer without peak-season crowds or scorching summer heat.

The UAE is known for its hot days, cool nights, and luxurious lifestyle. Here’s what we’d suggest packing for one of our UAE tours:

• Modest clothing. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are considered to be more liberal than some neighboring cities, the UAE is a Muslim country. Local customs concerning dress are strict and should be respected. Bare shoulders and knees are considered inappropriate in public places, though swimwear is acceptable at beaches and pools.
• Lightweight clothing. The UAE can get very hot—especially in the summer—so lightweight, breathable fabrics are a good choice. Cotton, linen, or quick-dry materials are best for days outside, though a light scarf or extra layer may be needed for chillier evenings and early mornings.
• Footwear. You may want supportive walking sandals to keep cool during city sightseeing. Comfortable closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or lightweight hiking boots, are best for activities in the desert.
• Sun protection. Bring sunscreen, glasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the desert sun.
• Clothing for special occasions. You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• Clothing for religious sites. It’s preferable not to visit mosques or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders; you may be denied entrance on this basis. In addition, we recommend female-identifying travelers bring a light scarf, as they may have to cover their heads and hair to enter these sites.
• Swimwear. If you plan to visit the beach or a hotel pool, don’t forget to pack swimwear.

Once you’ve reserved one of our UAE tours, we’ll send you detailed information about what to bring. Download the free Go Ahead Tours app before you take off, so you’ll have all the info you need about your trip right in your pocket.

The United Arab Emirates is known for its high-end shopping, futuristic skylines, and vast deserts—but there’s more to this nation than meets the eye. Here are some of the best places to visit in the UAE:

• Dubai. The most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a business hub in the Middle East. It’s famous for its towering skyscrapers—including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. You can also visit the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers, and explore the city’s traditional souks (markets).
• Abu Dhabi. The capital of the UAE is a city of contrasts. Here, you’ll find the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque—one of the world’s largest mosques—and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art museum that houses a collection of priceless artifacts. For excitement, you can head to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, a theme park dedicated to the famous auto manufacturer.
• Sharjah. Sharjah is the third-most populous city in the UAE and the cultural capital of the country. It’s home to numerous museums, including the Sharjah Art Museum and the Sharjah Islamic Civilization Museum. The Heart of Sharjah, a traditional Emirati neighborhood with narrow streets and wind towers (structures used to create natural ventilation), is well worth exploring.
• Al Ain. The “Garden City” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its aflaj irrigation systems, which have been used for centuries. Visitors can explore the Al Ain Oasis, another UNESCO-recognized landmark, or visit the Al Ain National Museum, which tells the story of the region’s history and culture.

The UAE serves up a delicious blend of Emirati cuisine and international influences. Here are some recommendations to tantalize your taste buds:

• Machboos (majboos/kabsa). This flavorful, hearty dish is a national staple. It’s typically prepared with fluffy rice, aromatic spices, meat (chicken, lamb, even camel), and sometimes nuts.
• Shawarma. This ubiquitous street food features marinated meat (chicken, beef, or lamb) shaved off a vertical rotisserie and served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces. It’s a delicious and convenient option.
• Falafel. These deep-fried chickpea fritters are a vegetarian delight and popular throughout the Middle East. Enjoy them in pita bread with hummus, tahini, and vegetables.
• Harees. A comforting porridge-like dish, enjoyed throughout the Arabian Gulf region. It’s traditionally made with meat, most commonly lamb or chicken, and coarse cracked wheat.

We recommend spending at least 10 days on a United Arab Emirates tour. That should give you ample time to explore the country’s biggest cities—Dubai and Abu Dhabi—as well as lesser-known spots like Sharjah and Al Ain.

With its diverse landscapes, modern marvels, and rich cultural heritage, the UAE offers unique and unforgettable experiences to visitors from all around the globe. Here are some of the best things you can do:

• Explore the Burj Khalifa. Ascend to the top of the world’s tallest building—163 floors of hotel rooms, private residences, and corporate suites—for a breathtaking panorama of Dubai.
• Experience the desert. Take a thrilling safari across the country’s golden sands, experience the adrenaline rush of dune riding, and enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner under the starlit sky.
• Shop at the souks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of these traditional markets and discover a treasure trove of spices, gold jewelry, textiles, and crafts.
• Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Explore a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world at this stunning museum, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel.

Looking for more than glitzy skyscrapers and luxurious shopping? Here are some recommendations for a truly unforgettable visit:

• Explore the deserts around Dubai. Travel over the dunes in a Land Rover 4x4 and spot wildlife like oryxes and red foxes. Or, experience traditional desert transportation on a camel trek. End your day with a group of Bedouins, learning about their customs and, if you’d like, trying henna painting and hookah.

• Experience a falconry show. Learn about the importance of falcons, the UAE’s national bird, to Emirati culture at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. While there, you’ll also hear about their rehabilitation efforts and watch a falconry demonstration.

• Visit a camel market. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a camel market. Witness the traditional practice of camel trading and learn about the significance of the animals to the country’s heritage.

The United Arab Emirates presents a fascinating blend of modern metropolis and traditional Emirati culture. Here are some key cultural customs and etiquette to be aware of:

• Dress code. While attitudes toward dress are slowly relaxing, modesty is still appreciated, especially outside major tourist areas. Both male- and female-identifying travelers should opt for loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees and avoid overly revealing clothing like shorts or tank tops. Dress modestly when visiting mosques; please note that female-identifying travelers might be required to cover their heads with a scarf.

• Public displays of affection (PDA). PDA is generally frowned upon. Holding hands might be acceptable, but avoid anything more passionate in public.

• Ramadan. If visiting during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, be mindful of fasting practices. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Restaurants will have separate areas for those not fasting.

• Photography. It’s courteous to ask permission before photographing people, especially Emirati women. Photography of government buildings and military installations is often restricted.

• Bargaining. Bargaining is expected in traditional souks, but be polite and respectful during negotiations.

• Alcohol. Alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed venues in hotels and some restaurants. Public intoxication is a serious offense.