United Arab Emirates travel guide
Winter sun, skyscrapers, desert and mountains. This is our guide to the United Arab Emirates: which emirates to see, where to stay and the best time to visit.
The desert outside Dubai
Dunes and silence are only a short drive from the city.
UAE holidays: seven emirates, many kinds of trip
The United Arab Emirates, often just called the Emirates or the UAE, is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Abu Dhabi is the capital, while Dubai is where most visitors head first.
What makes UAE holidays so popular in winter is the mix. You get sun and beaches when it is dark and cold at home, a big city with a skyline and shopping, and the desert just a short drive away. Distances are short, so it is easy to combine several emirates on one trip.
Where is the United Arab Emirates?
The Emirates sit on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, with Saudi Arabia to the south and west and Oman to the east. Most of the coast faces the Gulf, while Fujairah lies on the east coast facing the Gulf of Oman. The interior is mostly desert, with the Hajar Mountains in the north-east.
Dubai
The Burj Al Arab is one of the best known landmarks in Dubai.
Dubai: skyline, beaches and luxury hotels
Dubai is the most visited city in the Emirates, with the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountains in Downtown, the man-made Palm Jumeirah and long beaches along Jumeirah. You will find everything from beach resorts to hotels with rooftop pools in the heart of the city.
Going for a long weekend? We have picked 8 of the best luxury hotels in Dubai, from a private island and Palm Jumeirah to tented suites in the desert.
Abu Dhabi: a capital of culture and beaches
Abu Dhabi is around an hour and a half by car from Dubai and has a calmer pace. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the best known buildings in the country, and Saadiyat Island is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and long beaches. Yas Island is known for its theme parks and Formula 1 circuit.
Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Sharjah
Further north, Ras Al Khaimah has beaches, mountains and Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the Emirates, which is why Ras Al Khaimah holidays are growing in popularity. Fujairah on the east coast is popular for snorkelling and diving in the Gulf of Oman, and Sharjah is known for its museums and culture. All three are easy to combine with a stay in Dubai.
Things to do in the UAE
See Dubai from the top of the Burj Khalifa, and the fountains in the evening.
Go on a desert safari, or spend a night at a desert resort.
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Take an abra, the small wooden boats, across Dubai Creek to the spice and gold souks.
Drive up Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah.
Go snorkelling on the east coast in Fujairah.
Palace Downtown
Stay in Downtown Dubai and you can walk to the fountains and Dubai Mall.
Where to stay in the UAE
For a first trip, Dubai is the easiest choice: the most hotels, short distances and plenty to do. Choose Downtown if you want to walk to the sights, and Palm Jumeirah or Jumeirah if you want the beach. Hotels such as Jumeirah Al Qasr by the Burj Al Arab and Palace Downtown by the fountains show you two very different sides of the city.
If you want more peace, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah or a desert resort are good alternatives. Many travellers combine a few nights in Dubai with a couple of nights on the beach further north or out in the desert.
Good to know: The hotel links are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best time to visit the UAE
November to March is the most comfortable time to visit the Emirates. It is warm and sunny, but not too hot to be outside during the day. Summer is very hot, and life then moves mostly indoors.
Travelling during Ramadan is fine, but be respectful and check restaurant opening hours. Dress modestly in mosques and in public areas away from the beach and hotel. Check the latest entry requirements before you travel.
Frequently asked questions about the United Arab Emirates
What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?
The capital of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. Dubai is the best known city, but Abu Dhabi is the seat of the federal government and the largest emirate by area. The two cities are around an hour and a half apart by car, so it is easy to visit both on one trip.
How many emirates are there?
There are seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Most visitors stay in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, while Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah suit those who want beaches, mountains and a slower pace.
Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Choose Dubai if you want the most to do, with the skyline, shopping, beaches and a huge choice of hotels. Abu Dhabi is calmer and suits travellers interested in culture, museums and quieter beaches. With a week, you can easily combine both.
When is the best time to visit the UAE?
The best time to visit the United Arab Emirates is from November to March. It is warm and sunny, but comfortable to be outdoors. Summer is very hot, so it is best suited to the pool, the beach early in the day and indoor activities.