‘UAE’ IN A NUTSHELL: A Quick (and Useful) Guide to the United Arab Emirates

Heading to the UAE? Here’s a detailed guide packed with essential travel tips, cultural etiquette, must-visit attractions, and everything you need to prepare for your trip!

GEOGRAPHY: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah and Umm Al-Quwain. The country spans 83,600 SQ KM and boasts a diverse landscape of rocky deserts, coastal plains, wetlands, and mountains.

AREA CODE: The country code for the UAE is +971.

CURRENCY & MONEY TIPS: While credit cards are widely accepted, some local markets and small vendors only accept cash, so carrying some dirhams is advisable. 1 USD equals 3.673 Emirati dirham.

CAPITAL CITY: Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE.

AIRPORT: The UAE has 22 operational airports, with the two busiest international airports being:

• Dubai International Airport (DXB)

• Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Both serve as major global transit hubs.

LANGUAGE: Arabic is the official language of the UAE but English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

WATER: The desalinated water in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is indeed safe to drink but you’ll rarely find yourself drinking it as a lot of hotels provide bottled water free of charge in your hotel room.

Just remember to stay hydrated because it can get extremely hot!

ELECTRICITY: The power sockets are of type C, D and G with a standard voltage of 220 and the standard frequency of 50 Hz. If you’re not sure what power sockets your accommodation carries, it is always wise to bring an adapter with different settings. Better safe than sorry!

BUSINESS HOURS: The working week is generally Sunday to Thursday but this can differ from business to business.

WEATHER: The climate in the UAE is generally hot and humid as it is a desert, but it is hotter in the interior that it is along the coast. On average the nation can experience about 13 days of rain annually which falls between the “cooler months” of November and April with a temperature of 18°C to 33°C and can reach up to 50°C between May and September.

Best time to visit? November to March when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

VISA REQUIREMENTS: Many nationalities, including travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, and EU countries, can get a free visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 or 90 days. Always check visa policies based on your nationality before traveling.

CULTURAL ETIQUETTE & LOCAL CUSTOMS: While the UAE is modern and diverse, it is an Islamic country with cultural norms visitors should respect. Women and men should wear modest clothing in public places, covering shoulders and knees. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches and hotel pools. Avoid public displays of affection (PDA).

While alcohol is available in hotels and licensed venues, public intoxication is illegal. If visiting during Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during fasting hours.

GETTING AROUND THE UAE:

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

• Taxis are metered and affordable.

• Uber & Careem (local ride-hailing app) operate in most cities.

Metro & Public Transport

• Dubai Metro & Tram: Efficient and cost-effective. Dubai Metro has separate VIP and women-only cabins.

• Abu Dhabi & Dubai Buses: Reliable and inexpensive.

• Water Taxis & Ferries: Affordable ways to explore Dubai Creek & Marina.

Final Tips for First-Time Visitors

✔️ Book attractions in advance (especially for Burj Khalifa & desert safaris).

✔️ Stay hydrated – UAE heat can be extreme!

✔️ Respect local customs to enjoy a smooth experience.

✔️ Use public transport in Dubai – it’s efficient & affordable.

✔️ Plan your itinerary based on what interests you most!

Now that you’re fully prepared for your trip, get ready to explore the UAE’s breathtaking skyline, cultural heritage, and thrilling attractions!