UAE
Who could have ever imagined a land like this, forty years ago? UAE grew into an enormous destination for travelers as well as investors and engulfed an entire generation with its ultimate arenas of development. You can call it a concrete jungle but you cannot overlook the fact that each building here is at its architectural best. You will find some of the world’s tallest and finest towers, making it as among the best tourist places in UAE, created with all heart and soul, reflecting the best of technology and grandeur. For most of us, UAE sums up to just one place which is Dubai, however this land is a unique amalgamation of seven filthy rich Emirates.
Dubai looks like a science- fiction film, with settlements around palm shaped islands, some of the tallest iconic skyscrapers, town-sized malls, opulent beach resorts and highly advanced hotels in terms of modern facilities and high end hospitality. But there is more to UAE than just one Dubai and the moment you step out of Dubai, you will find yourself traveling across a diverse medley of six more emirates, awaiting you with their unique characteristics and magnetism. The capital of UAE, ‘Abu Dhabi’, is an oil rich settlement and is just an hour or two away from Dubai. Abu Dhabi is pushing itself in every way to reform into a hub of tourism with much importance given to culture, sports and leisure.
One cannot overhear the silence of the Al Gharbia region where you can only be interjected by the whispering shifting dunes rolling towards Saudi Arabia. Sharjah and Saudi Arabia are once again different tales altogether and they are extremely renowned for the way they propagate art and heritage. You can spot life in its most retro form in the tinier settlements of Ajman & Umm Al Quwain. These places present glimpses of the past and effects of the post- oil days. Lastly, you will come across the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the newest addition to the UAE, cuddling against the colossal Hajar Mountains. You can make Dubai your base city and travel to other emirates around. Come close to some of the luxurious extravagance you can ever imagine. UAE truly is a manmade dream.
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UAE FAQ's
Travel advice
Get to know all the rules and laws of UAE before travelling as doing something against the law out of ignorance could lead to heavy penalties.
There are many tips that solo women travelers in Dubai can follow. You can always wear a ring even if you are not wedded, as it keeps stalkers at bay.
When travelling with a male company always introduces yourself as married.
Dress conservatively and do not wear reveling clothes when travelling anywhere except beaches.
When in queues women have a better advantage of being served first than men.
It is good to tip at the restaurants, though this is not a compulsion.
Women don’t have to be fully covered or wear burkha. You can wear casual, western clothes that are not tight or revealing.
Always travel with health and travel insurance in place.
Ask for permission before taking pictures.
Keep your passport and other important travel documents safe.
Use the right hand to greet someone, give or receive any item.
Do not take photographs of official buildings, as this is strictly prohibited.
You cannot indulge in PDA in the UAE. Even kissing your wife or girlfriend will be resented and dealt with seriously.
Never litter in any of the places, as it is strictly against the law.
When asking for directions, never ask directions to a lady who is with her husband.
Drinking law
The legal age for drinking in UAE is 21 years or above. You must not get drunk on the streets or in public places. Only ask for drinks in licensed pubs and restaurants that serve alcohol.
Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?
You can visit the Dibba and Khor Kalba and go kayaking amidst the mangroves. You can also take boat riding trips, and go crab hunting at the beaches at Umm-al Quwain. There are beaches at Dubai, and Abu Dhabi as well that provide clear waters, white sandy beaches, and luxury resorts and hotels to stay. You can visit the Jumeirah Beach Park and enjoy kite surfing at the kite beach. At these beaches you cannot go topless, but wear bikinis only on these beaches.
Souks are famous in Dubai. You can go souk shopping for buying gold jewelry, spices, clothes, and other items that are precious and semi precious at a bargained price at these markets. If you are not up for shopping, you can also take a stroll across the streets of the markets and take photographs for your travelogue. Dubai is also famous for its nightlife.
Dubai has one of the most iconic buildings like the Burj Khalifa. It is known to be one of the world’s tallest buildings. You can also enjoy horse racing at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club or the Dubai world club. You can either play golf at the golf courses or view the golf tournaments at these golf courses. The Bastakiya near the Dubai creek has the most wonderful cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. There are many forts and buildings that are spread across Dubai and nearby places for sightseeing.
You can take a camel safari, or drive in the deserts and get some sun. If you do not want to drive by yourself you can also view the dunes by hot air balloon and by air. You can take the dhow cruise and go deep sea fishing in the Dubai creek. You can also take yatch trips in this area. There are many places to see and things to do in Dubai.
What you will like there?
UAE has been a global hub for shopping, having a good time, spending time in the nightclubs and bars, and getting the most of architecture and swish buildings. There are many places that are iconic for sightseeing. You can take a taxi to book private tours with family to visit historical forts, monuments, and take a cruise on the clear waters of Dubai.
Outdoor activitiesYou can also visit Dubai for skiing, spending real time with penguins in the snow by visiting the ski Dubai resort. It offers a variety of outdoor activities under trained experts. You can also eat and shop at the restaurant available in the resort. You can play ice hockey at the Dubai’s ice rink. If you love bird watching, you can visit the Ras Al Khor wild life sanctuary. Enjoy the lush green scenery at the Safa park, landscape gardens and sandy beaches at the Al Mamzar Park, and other water fun at the theme park, Atlantic Palm Jumeirah. You have options for water sports like kayaking, sailing, and boating at a few places in Dubai.
You can attend the music festivals that happen frequently in Dubai, and also go on long shopping sprees. Dubai is a place where shopping, recreation, and historic tours take a front seat.
When is the best time to visit UAE?
Be prepared for the right season in UAE. The temperature varies across different months.
- November to March: These are the busiest months of UAE with considerably moderate climate, major festivals and events, great time to get engulfed by the vast desert and get drenched under adventure. Hotel rooms can get a bit pricey.
- March end to May and October: These months arrive with hot sunny days and pleasant balmy nights. Beaches are usually great to holiday at, during this period of time.
- June to September: Humidity is at its peak during these months. This is officially the low season in UAE and you will get hotels at extremely reasonable rates. However, these are great months for divers.
How to reach UAE?
Best way to reach UAE is through Dubai, Take a flight to Dubai International Airport, almost all the major international airlines cater to this destination. Abu Dhabi Airport is the second best option, with direct flights for various international locations. You can travel throughout UAE via some well- built network of highways.
Do I need a visa for UAE? How does one get a UAE visa?
Types of visa to enter Dubai or other emirates within UAE, highly depend on several factors such as your nationality, your purpose of visit and the time you are going to spend in this confederation of six emirates. You must essentially check with the UAE embassy in your homeland for updates on Visa rules and regulations. Citizens of 45 nations like the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and other European countries, need no tourist visa to enter the UAE.
Others must have a visitor visa organized by your hotel or the tour operator in UAE before your arrival at UAE. The visas cannot be renewed and are valid for 30 days. However, you can extend your visa at an immigration office for 30 more days for an additional cost. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) only require an updated passport to enter the UAE and stay for an indefinite time.
The following are the types of visa available as per requirement:
- Tourist: 30/60 days visa can be obtained from the local embassy which needs an essential support from the hotel you are going to stay in or the tour agent.
- Visit visa: 90/30 day visa with a prerequisite sponsorship from a UAE resident, company or hotel, available at local embassy.
What is the currency of UAE and where can I get my money exchanged?
Local UAE currency is Emarati Dhiram (AED)” which equals to 0.27 USD.
The local currency, AED, is secured to the Dollar, so you’ll always receive roughly the same rates (taking into account fees and charges) when exchanging Dollars to Dirhams. When exchanging any other currency to Dirhams, the value rises and falls in line with USD.
It is very convenient to find money exchange vendors and companies in Dubai and other commercial places of UAE. Just ensure you check the conversion rate online.
Which are the major tourist attractions in UAE?
UAE is the land that promises limitless possibilities but has stringent laws one needs to adhere to. The land is hospitable and greets its vacationers with several iconic attractions like:
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai- The tallest building in the world. It is drop dead gorgeous.
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi.
- Hajar Mountains located in the heart of UAE.
- Sharjah Arts Museum- This museum houses some of the most diverse art collection in the United Arab Emirates
- Jebel Hafeet: A must-do for anyone who wants to capture a great landscape. The summit of Jebel Hafeet is a day trip from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
- Bastakia: The Bastakia quarter of Dubai is the last remaining fragment of Old Dubai and shouldn't be missed.
- Dhow Wharfage
- Dubai Creek
- Desert Safari: Desert trips from Dubai are certainly awe- inspiring, but Abu Dhabi and Fujairah are also flawless bases for desert safaris.
- Palm Jumeriah
- Dubai Miracle Garden
- Hatta Heritage Village
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.
What are the things to do in UAE?
Some of the best things to do in UAE are:
- Desert & Camel Safari: A camel safari, or a drive in the deserts, soaking some of that sun, is a great way to end your day. If you wish, not to drive, you can also view the dunes on a hot air balloon or a tiny aircraft.
- Go cruising and deep sea fishing in the Dubai creek.
- Take a simple boat ride, and go crab hunting at the beaches of Umm-al Quwain. You can visit the Jumeirah Beach Park and enjoy kite surfing at the kite beach.
- Bungee Jumping
- Dune Bashing
- Para Sailing
- Wildlife safari
- Go kayaking
- Souks are famous in Dubai. You can go souk shopping. You will find yourself amidst a lot of gold jewelry, spices, clothes, and other items, precious and semi- precious, at a bargained price in these regional markets.
What is the local food of UAE? Which are the best places to taste this food?
You can find various joints and places where you can find mouth- watering local food. Alcohol is generally served in hotel restaurants and bars except in Sharjah. All nightclubs and golf clubs are allowed to sell alcohol. Popular Emirati Cuisine includes:
- Al Jabab Bread
- Camel Meat
- Dates
- Fish
- Kabsa
- Maqluba
- Shuwaa
- Khabees & Harees
- Assida
- Khamir Bread
You will find some of the world’s finest restaurants and cafeterias in any of the six emirates of the UAE. Below are the names of few of the prestigious eating joints for you to check out:
- Ahlan First Class Lounge, Dubai
- Angar, Abu Dhabi
- Mezzaluna, Abu Dhabi
- Armani, Dubai
- Sky View Bar, Dubai
- Al Mahara Restaurant, Sharjah
- Marasea, Sharjah
- Bukhara, Ajman
- Bombay Brasserie, Dubai
What is the best public transport to commute around UAE?
During the rush hours, roads and metros are very crowded. Rush hours are majorly from 7-10 am & 5-8 pm. Taxis are the best modes of travel in the nights. Also metro is the most convenient source of commuting. Tram is the best option in areas covering Dubai Marina. The best walking strips are Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, historic Bur Dubai and Deira. Without a second thought, taxis and metros are the most convenient modes of transport to move around UAE. You can also hire a car but the roads here are too rash and crowded at times to understand by outsiders or else a chauffeur driven car can be the best way to put you into a comforting situation.
What is the local language in UAE and which are the most commonly used greetings?
Various greeting phrases are as follows:
Hello= Ahlan wa sahlan
Welcome= Merhaban
Most common greeting is “salam aleykum” and its reply is “wa aleykum as salam”.
How are you doing? = Kaifa Haaluk.
Which are the best shopping places in UAE and what are they famous for?
- Wafi Mall, Dubai: The mall has almost 350 stores of apparels, crafts, décor and accessories. The major attraction is few eminent rejuvenation centers, the famous one being Cleopatra’s Spa.
- Dubai Mall, Dubai: Near Bhurj Khalifa, is termed as the world’s biggest mall.
- Ibn Batuta Mall, Dubai: The largest themed mall of the world is located on Sheikh Zayed Road and has been designed in honor of the Arabian explorer Ibn Battuta. It has a total of 275 shops covering all major brands.
- Deira City Center: is one of the oldest shopping malls in Dubai, It comprises all major brands of dresses, electronics, ornaments as well as local outlets of silk, cashmere and rugs.
- Gold Souk: Gold Souk is the most popular souk of Dubai and worth a visit even if you have no plans to buy. Located in Deira, adjacent to Dubai creek, it comprises covered walkways dotted with numerous jewelry shops.
- Spice Souk: Very close to Gold Souk and is another area lined with plenty of small shops selling wide range of spices and herbs like saffron, turmeric, cloves, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, coriander and sumac.
- Meena bazaar: The market area is famous for jewelry and wedding jewelry, watches, textiles, furniture and accessories and spices from India.
- Al-Fahidi Street: Al-Fahidi Street is occupied by electronic shops that offer cheaper electronic products. If you are seeking to buy laptops, computers, cameras, washing machines, refrigerators, ovens, kitchen appliances or general electronic gadgets for personal use; then Al-Fahidi Street is the ideal place to go to.
- E-City, Dubai: This is one of the most successful electronics store chain spread over premium shopping places across Dubai. E- City offers you multi-product, multi-brand and multi-service retail options. It represents a wide range of over 100 electronic brands under one roof.
Which are the famous islands to visit in UAE?
The famous islands to visit in UAE are:
- Palm Jumeirah: The tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah Island is known for dazzling hotels, posh apartment towers and upmarket modern restaurants. Don’t miss the food trucks with snacks like Shawarma, khabees & habees.
- Sadiyat Island: This tourism-cultural project for nature is under progress, entails a large, lowland island, 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi island, UAE.
- Sir Abu Nu’ayr, Sharjah: It is an island in the Persian Gulf. Spread over 65 kilometers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, at a distance of merely 80 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city, and 103 kilometers west of Dubai.
- Deira Island, Dubai: A cluster of artificial islands in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Al Lulu Island, Dubai: Al Lulu Island is a 1,050-acre man-made island off the Coast of Abu Dhabi Island, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Which are the best desert safari options in UAE?
Desert safaris are based out of Dubai & Abu Dhabi. They have been categorized into various forms and names as follows:
- Morning Safaris: Ideal for early risers.
- Dune Desert Safari.
- Hummer Desert Safari: for the love of Hummer.
- Dune Bashing Safari.
There are various popular companies who organize some awesome desert safari tour experiences. Few of the top rated ones are:
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari,
- Platinum Heritage,
- Desert Safari Tours
- Dubai Evening Safari,
- Desert Safari Dubai,
Which are some famous beaches in the UAE?
There are various famous beaches in different parts of UAE mostly in Dubai. Here is a list below:
- Dubai: Jumeriah Bach Residence, Burj Beach, Kite Beach, Jebel Ali Beach, Marina Beach & Dubai Palm Jumeriah.
- Fujairah: Famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque and beaches around Dibba city.
- Saadiyat Island: Famous for its silent clear water beaches.
- Khor Fakkan beach.
- Ajman: Located on the coast of Persian Gulf outskirts of Sharjah.
What kind of water sports can be done in UAE?
- Parasailing
- Rafting
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
- Boating Safari
- Luxury Cruises.
Which are some romantic things to do in UAE for your honeymoon?
- Horse Riding at Al Dhabi Stables,
- Hot air Balloon ride and desert view at Rashidiya, Dubai.
- Rejuvenating Spa Date At Talise Ottoman Spa in Palm Jumeirah
- Relive the initial moments of your affair at the Miracle Garden, Dubai.
- Enjoy day picnic at the Hatta Mountains.
- Enjoy water time together at the Kite Beach.
- Desert safari for couples.
- Explore the underwater world together.
How is the nightlife in UAE? Which are the best places to enjoy nightlife in UAE?
Dubai especially is famous for its nightlife, and has got very popular pubs and discotheques which serve liquor. Few popular ones which you should not skip are:
- White Dubai, Reach before 12am to reserve your table. Located on the rooftop of the Meydan Racecourse Grandstand.
- Cirque Le Soir: Famous for its hip-hop scene. Also, performers are there to make the best out of every night. Located on Dubai’s well-known Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Armani Prive: Located in the noted Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa, Armani Prive takes your usual nightclub scene to the next level. You will find Dubai’s best-dressed crowd here.
- The Act: Enjoy your dinner with a show of some acrobatic performances & themed music nights.
How far is Dubai from Abu Dhabi? And what are the things to do in Dubai?
Various ways to commute between the two most popular cities of the Emirates. Around 90 minutes by taxi, 2-3 hours by bus. It’s around 150 km away from Dubai.
Things to do in Dubai:
- Visit Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
- Visit Palm Jumeirah, one of the largest manmade island in the world, a true human marvel.
- Dubai Mall, Famous for shopping venues and underwater zoo.
- The Dubai fountain, experience the best ever fountain experience.
- Dubai Creek, called the ancient traders route.
- Desert safari.
- Water sports and activities.
- Hot Balloon rides and tours.
- Dubai Marina, this awesome skyline awaits to enchant you.
- Etihad Museum, tells you everything about this land’s history.
Here are the best tips Thrillophilia has to offer for your trip to UAE
- Plan your trip with Dubai as its nodal point.
- Don’t drink alcohol publically or be drunken publically.
- No nudity on beaches.
- Traffic gets too busy during office hours in Dubai.
- Men must wear tops until on the beach.
- Women should dress appropriately and conservatively, skimpy dressing is considered unlawful.
- PDA (public display of affection) can cause you trouble.
- During Ramadan month, don’t eat, drink, and smoke out in public.
- Don’t get into unnecessary brawl or an argument with the locals.
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