UAE: Travel Guide

UAE is best for...

Families: Dubai keeps both the little tikes and every adult entertained from water parks, theme parks, playgrounds and aquariums to stunning beaches, an indoor skiing area and an indoor SEGA theme park. Dubai caters for just about everyone.

Getting around UAE

Taxi: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are taxi-centric cities and is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel around. Taxis can be hailed in the street or picked up at designated taxi ranks.

Metro: The metro in Dubai is often the cheapest way to travel around Dubai. The metro has two lines, linking all neighbourhoods, particularly Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai and Deira, however, there is no metro network in Abu Dhabi.

By bus: The RTA operates more than 120 routes and is a cheaper option of transport. Buses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are generally clean, comfortable, air-conditioned and cheap, however, they can be extremely slow.

By boat: Abra's, motorized traditional wooden boats, connect the two sides of Dubai Creek and makes one of the most fascinating ways to travel around Dubai. A ride on an abra can also link to Bur Dubai and Deira and rides tend to be quick, usually less than ten minutes.

Tram: In total, the Dubai tram makes approximately 11 stops in and around the Dubai Marina area. It also connects with the Dubai metro stations and the Palm Jumeirah Monorail.

Monorail: The Palm Jumeirah Monorail is elevated and driverless and connects the Palm Jumeirah with Dubai Marina, with four stations in total. The duration usually lasts around 12 miles, travelling approximately 3.5 miles.

travel advice

Get advice about traveling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings on

FCDO website.

Fast facts for UAE

Language: The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic; however, English is also widely spoken, particularly in the main tourist areas and hotspots. If you are considering heading off the usual visitor trails, make sure you pack a phrasebook or download a translation app.

Currency: Dirham (AED)

Local time: The UAE is +4 hours ahead of UK time

Fly to:

  • Dubai International Airport
  • Abu Dhabi International Airport
  • Transfer times vary from 15-100 minutes

Flight time from the UK: The flight time from the UK to the United Arab Emirates is around 8 hours.

Tourist information: Find further information on various United Arab Emirates destinations at the official United Arab Emirates tourism website.

Visa/health: Holders of full British passports will be granted a few of charge visitor/tourist visa upon arrival into the United Arab Emirates. You also need a valid passport to travel. Visit the UK government's United Arab Emirates travel advice for up-to-date visa and health recommendations. 

More travel guides: We also have other travel guides available for destinations including  Egypt | Greece | Portugal | Spain | Balearic Island | Canary Islands | Turkey

Your Guide to UAE holidays

  • Food & Drinks
  • Beaches
  • We Love
  • At a Glance

Food & Drinks

From traditional restaurants serving local Emirati dishes to culinary dining, foodies will be sure not to be left hungry when dining out in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Middle Eastern, Indian and Chinese cuisine are a big hit in Abu Dhabi, although there are plenty of Asian and Western options too. Be sure to indulge in local Emirati and Gulf dishes; rich, full of flavour and aromatic.

  • Sample the UAE's national dish, Khuzi, roasted lamb on a bed of spicy rice and topped with raisins, nuts and vegetables. Although this dish is typically reserved for special occasions, you will often find it on the menu at a majority of restaurants.

  • For those craving something a bit more sweet, indulge in luqaimat, delicious fried dough balls, infused with cardamom and saffron and then covered in date syrup. Luqaimat is also a popular treat during Ramadan.

  • Sit back and relax whilst enjoying Gahwa, Arabic coffee, the UAE's welcome drink. Brewed in a beautiful coffee pot and served with dates, Gahwa is a favourite amongst coffee lovers of Abu Dhabi and served in every Emirati household.

Beaches

The Emirates are truly blessed with long stretches of glistening white sands with the clear waters of the Persian Gulf. Emirate beaches are one of their main attractions, although many are unspoken when it comes to defining their unique beauty. The lively atmosphere and the buzzing hubs of these captivating beaches are the perfect place to play, relax and really discover the United Arab Emirates.

  • For a taste of glamour, music and gourmet food, take a trip to Cove Beach in Abu Dhabi. Filled with Mediterranean décor and three magnificent pools, Cove Beach is a renowned beach club, particularly with jetsetters and celebrities. Why not finish the day by dining at the Rose Lounge, providing sensational views of the Arabian Sea.

  • Barasti Beach Bar, Dubai's oldest and most iconic beach club, is located on a large private beach. Chilled out vibe by day and transforming into a nightlife hotspot when the sun goes down, is certainly worth a visit when holidaying in Dubai.

We Love

What is not to love about the United Arab Emirates. From pristine beaches, buzzing nightlife, some of the world's most luxurious resorts and spas, the world's first seven star hotel to indoor skiing, the world's largest indoor theme park and one of the largest shopping malls in the world.

  • Burj Khalifa in Dubai - the world's tallest building stands at over 160 stories high and provides astounding views across the desert to the Persian Gulf, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

  • Dubai Mall - the second largest shopping mall in the world. Housing a staggering 1,200 stores, the Dubai Mall is a true shopping haven, filled with a mixture of independent designers and international brands.

  • Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi - the world's first ever Ferrari theme park and the largest indoor amusement park in the world.

  • The Rub' al Khali Desert in Abu Dhabi - the world's second largest desert after the Sahara. With endless sand dunes stretching for over 255,000 sq miles, there are many ways to visit the spectacular desert from relaxing sunset tours and camel rides to adrenalin filled 4x4 rides or sandboarding.

At a Glance

  • The average flying time from the UK to the United Arab Emirates is approximately 7 hours on a direct flight.
  • The main airline to serve the UAE is Emirates offering direct flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow.
  • Time Zone GMT +6
  • The UAE offers all year round climate with scorching summers and toasty warm winters.

Frequently Asked Questions