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Destinations/Middle East/United Arab Emirates

Discover United Arab Emirates

The UAE is a skyline carved out of desert sand — pure ambition with five-star service.

Dubai skybars, Abu Dhabi mosques and luxury that genuinely lives up to the marketing.

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Currency

UAE Dirham (AED)

Best Time

October to April

Vibe

Glamorous, modern, polished

Budget

$$$

Why United Arab Emirates

The UAE sets the global standard for premium hospitality. Whether you're here for the architecture, the beaches, or the world-class bar scene, you'll see service done at its highest level.

Dubai is what happens when a city decides the sky is the floor.

Must Try

  • Camel-milk gelato in Dubai mall
  • Karak chai from a street kiosk
  • Luqaimat — fried dough balls in date syrup

Must Visit

  • Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
  • Old Dubai (Bastakiya) and the abra crossing

Before You Go

  • Dress modestly in malls and mosques
  • Friday and Saturday are the weekend
  • Alcohol is licensed — only in hotels and licensed venues

Local Legend

Sixty years ago the UAE was largely a string of fishing and pearling villages on the Gulf. The Burj Khalifa, completed in 2010, is 828 metres tall. The country built itself between two generations of one family.

Explore by Category

What to Visit in United Arab Emirates

Cities

  • Abu Dhabi

Landmarks

  • Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
  • Old Dubai (Bastakiya) and the abra crossing

Nature Spots

  • Liwa desert dunes

Stories from United Arab Emirates

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first-day

Local insight

A 130th-floor bar in Dubai poured a Negroni stirred for 30 seconds, served over a single hand-carved ice cube cut from a 25 kg block. The view of the desert meeting the sea made the drink almost unnecessary. Almost.

hidden

A local legend

Sixty years ago the UAE was largely a string of fishing and pearling villages on the Gulf. The Burj Khalifa, completed in 2010, is 828 metres tall. The country built itself between two generations of one family.

sunset

The one line that stays

Dubai is what happens when a city decides the sky is the floor.

4 Quizzes about United Arab Emirates

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Food Lover Quiz

Which United Arab Emirates flavour matches you?

Destination Quiz

Which United Arab Emirates corner should you visit first?

Culture Quiz

Test your United Arab Emirates custom know-how.

Adventure Quiz

What's your United Arab Emirates adventure style?

On the map

Where is United Arab Emirates?

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