Welcome to the United Arab Emirates — a place where a Bedouin camel camp and a 7-star hotel can exist in the same day. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to sandboard down a dune in the morning, brunch under a chandelier made of Swarovski crystals by noon, and shop in a mall with an actual indoor ski slope before dinner — congratulations. You’ve found your dream destination.
Let’s unpack the essentials for exploring this glamorous desert oasis (but keep the Louis Vuitton bag zipped for now, we’re just getting started).
Unless you’re arriving by camel caravan from the Silk Road, the UAE is best reached by air.
Main international gateways:
Dubai International Airport (DXB) – One of the busiest and flashiest airports in the world.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) – A sleek, growing hub with Etihad Airways as its main carrier.
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) – Budget-friendly with access to the northern emirates.
Direct flights from just about everywhere on the planet make getting to the UAE easier than choosing a brunch spot in Dubai (and that’s saying something).
Pro Tip: Many long-haul flights offer free UAE stopovers — especially via Emirates or Etihad — giving you a taste of the glitz before heading to your final destination. Fancy a desert detour?
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED), often written as Dhs or DH.
Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED (rock-solid and pegged).
Cards: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash handy for smaller shops, markets, or tips.
Fun Fact: Yes, you can use an ATM at the mall. No, it probably won’t dispense gold bars (unless you’re in the right mall in Dubai — and yes, that is a real thing).
If Dubai had a motto, it would be: “Why not make it bigger, taller, and covered in gold?”
Burj Khalifa – Tallest building in the world. Your Instagram will thank you.
Dubai Mall – Shopping + aquarium + ice rink + dinosaur skeleton = one casual day out.
Palm Jumeirah – Man-made island shaped like a palm tree. Because… why not?
Old Dubai – Ride an abra across Dubai Creek, wander souks filled with spices and gold, and remind yourself that the city actually has history beneath the glass towers.
Abu Dhabi is Dubai’s more cultured, slightly more dressed-up sibling.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Pure white marble, 82 domes, and enough chandeliers to make your jaw drop.
Louvre Abu Dhabi – Art, architecture, and air conditioning. What more could you want?
Ferrari World – Home to the world’s fastest roller coaster. Yes, you’ll scream. No, you won’t regret it.
Less glitz, more galleries.
Known as the UAE’s cultural capital, with beautiful Islamic architecture and museums galore.
Perfect for art lovers and budget travelers alike.
Visit the Al Ain Oasis, camel market, and Jebel Hafeet mountain.
It’s like a chill desert retreat with UNESCO credentials.
Hike the Hajar Mountains or ride the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais.
Great for nature lovers and thrill seekers.
Less glitz, more galleries.
Known as the UAE’s cultural capital, with beautiful Islamic architecture and museums galore.
Perfect for art lovers and budget travelers alike.
Spoiler alert: Deserts are hot.
Best time: November to March – sunny, pleasant, and perfect for sightseeing (and not melting).
Summer (June–September): Temperatures can hit 50°C (122°F). Air conditioning becomes your BFF.
Ramadan: A unique cultural experience, but public eating/drinking is restricted during the day. Plan accordingly.
The UAE’s food scene is like its population — wonderfully diverse. While traditional Emirati cuisine is flavorful and hearty, you’ll also find food from every corner of the globe.
Machboos: Spiced rice with lamb or chicken. Comfort food, UAE-style.
Luqaimat: Sweet dough balls drizzled in date syrup. Your diet starts next week.
Shawarma & Falafel: Ubiquitous, delicious, and found on every corner.
Sushi? Yes.
Michelin-starred French cuisine? Absolutely.
2 a.m. butter chicken in a glowing food truck? Of course.
And don’t forget Friday brunch — the UAE version of Sunday lunch, except it’s extra. Think 5-star buffets, flowing drinks, and the occasional chocolate fountain.
Despite its futuristic exterior, the UAE has deep roots in Bedouin hospitality, Islamic tradition, and a melting pot of cultures.
Religion: Islam is the official religion. Respect customs — especially during Ramadan.
Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Dress Code: Modest dress is appreciated in public. Save the bikinis for the beach and the crop tops for brunch.
Social Scene: The UAE is cosmopolitan — people from over 200 nationalities live here. That’s a lot of new friends (and food recs).
Taxis: Reliable, affordable, and often cleaner than your living room.
Metro (Dubai): Air-conditioned and super-efficient.
Car Rentals: Available, but driving can be… spirited. Let’s just say lane markings are more like suggestions.
Hop-on-Hop-off buses: Great for tourists. Also a good excuse to wear a sunhat.
Stay hydrated. Especially if you’re visiting during warmer months.
No PDA. Hand-holding? Okay. Making out in public? Big no-no.
Alcohol is regulated. You can drink in hotels and licensed venues, but don’t wander the streets with a margarita.
Weekends are Friday and Saturday. Adjust your brunch plans accordingly.
The UAE is where old-world hospitality meets ultramodern wonder.
Whether you’re gliding up the Burj Khalifa, sipping karak chai in a quiet souk, or dune-bashing under the desert stars, the United Arab Emirates delivers sensory overload — in the best possible way.
It’s rich in culture, heavy on the sparkle, and endlessly surprising. So pack your sunnies, charge your phone (for the ‘Gram), and prepare for a trip that’s equal parts wow and where-am-I-again?!
Wiser Trips, Better Memories
