United Arab Emirates Travel Guide
Record-breaking skylines, desert safaris, luxury beaches and grand mosques.
Updated October 2026
Why visit United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is built for bold experiences. In Dubai you can ride to the top of the Burj Khalifa, shop in vast malls, explore the old souks along Dubai Creek and spend an evening dune-bashing in the desert. Abu Dhabi, just over an hour away, is home to the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Beaches, theme parks and year-round sunshine make the UAE an easy winter escape, and its airports are major hubs, so it also works well as a stopover between Europe and Asia. This guide covers when to go, local etiquette and how to stay online from the moment you land.
Internet & eSIM
Staying connected in the UAE
Dubai runs on apps: ride-hailing, metro routes, attraction tickets, restaurant bookings and maps to get between far-apart districts. Malls, hotels and the metro offer Wi-Fi, but you'll want your own data in taxis, at the beach and in the desert.
Roaming in the UAE is expensive for most foreign plans. A UAE eSIM gives you local data from the moment you land: install it at home with a QR code, switch it on at the airport and keep your own SIM for calls and texts. Note that some voice and video calling features of certain apps may be restricted in the UAE.
- Install before departure, turn on when you land
- Keep your own number active for SMS codes
- Book rides and tickets without hunting for Wi-Fi
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Flights to United Arab Emirates
Compare prices from hundreds of airlines and travel sites.
Tours & activities
Top things to do in United Arab Emirates
Global Village Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4 hours
4 hoursFree cancellation
from $15
ToursDubai Self-Drive Quad Bike, Camels, Stargazing & 5* BBQ Al Khayma
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
6 hours
6 hoursFree cancellation
from $65
ToursDubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour with Optional Breakfast or BBQ
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
1 hour
1 hourFree cancellation
from $24
ToursDubai Half Day City Tour with Burj Khalifa At The Top Tickets
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4 hours
4 hoursFree cancellation
from $98
ToursDubai: Half-Day Desert Safari, Camels, Quad Bike & Refreshments
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4 hours
4 hoursFree cancellation
from $30
ToursDubai Desert Safari Dune Bashing, 60min ATV Quad, Camel Ride, BBQ
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
7.5 hours
7.5 hoursFree cancellation
from $47
ToursDubai: Luxury Superyacht with Live DJ, Swimming & Open Bar
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3 hours
3 hoursFree cancellation
from $126
ToursDubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
7 hours
7 hoursFree cancellation
from $69
Bookings are made with our partner Viator. Viberest may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Where to go
Popular cities in United Arab Emirates
- DubaiThe Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, souks and desert safaris.Things to do in Dubai
- Abu DhabiSheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre and Yas Island parks.Things to do in Abu Dhabi
- SharjahThe cultural capital, with museums and a restored heritage area.Things to do in Sharjah
- Ras Al KhaimahMountains, a record-breaking zipline and quieter beaches.Things to do in Ras Al Khaimah
Seasons
Best time to visit United Arab Emirates
November to March is the best time to visit, with warm, sunny days ideal for beaches and the desert. Summer (June–September) is extremely hot, often above 40 °C.
- Jan — great
- Feb — great
- Mar — great
- Apr — good
- May — fair
- Jun — fair
- Jul — fair
- Aug — fair
- Sep — fair
- Oct — good
- Nov — great
- Dec — great
BestGoodLess ideal
Winter · Dec–Feb
Peak season with perfect beach weather and outdoor events. Expect higher hotel prices, especially around New Year.
Spring · Mar–May
Warm and still pleasant in March, getting hot by May. A good shoulder season for deals.
Summer · Jun–Sep
Very hot and humid — life moves indoors to malls, aquariums and indoor parks. Big hotel discounts.
Autumn · Oct–Nov
Temperatures drop to comfortable levels and the outdoor season begins again.
Before you go
United Arab Emirates travel tips
Dress respectfully
Beachwear is fine at beaches and pools; elsewhere, especially in malls and older districts, cover shoulders and knees. Mosques provide strict dress codes and sometimes robes.
Use the metro and Nol card
Dubai's driverless metro is clean and cheap. A rechargeable Nol card works on metro, trams and buses.
Respect local laws
Public displays of affection, drinking alcohol outside licensed venues and photographing people without permission can cause serious problems.
Ramadan changes things
During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight. Many restaurants operate differently, and evenings are especially lively.
Plugs and power
The UAE mostly uses type G sockets (three rectangular pins) at 230 V. Many visitors need an adapter.
Entry requirements
Many nationalities get a visa on arrival or enter visa-free; others must apply in advance. Check the official UAE government information for your passport.
UAE government: visasUnited Arab Emirates packing checklist
0/7FAQ
United Arab Emirates travel questions
Do I need an eSIM for Dubai and the UAE?
It's the easiest way to avoid high roaming fees and have data for ride-hailing, maps and bookings from the moment you land.
Will my phone work with a UAE eSIM?
Most recent iPhones, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIM, as long as they're carrier-unlocked. Check under Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Add eSIM.
Which mobile networks does the Viberest United Arab Emirates eSIM use?
Our United Arab Emirates plans connect through Du, with 5G where available — the same networks local residents use.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March, when days are warm and sunny rather than scorching. Summer is very hot but brings big hotel discounts.
What should I wear in Dubai?
Swimwear at beaches and pools is fine. In malls, souks and public places, choose clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Mosques require modest dress and women need a headscarf.
Can I use WhatsApp calls in the UAE?
Messaging generally works, but voice and video calls on some apps have historically been restricted. Check the current situation before you rely on them.
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- Maps, translation & messaging — no roaming fees
- Install by QR in minutes, keep your own number
- Delivered to your email right after checkout
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