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United Arab Emirates
Getting Started & Practical Information
When to Visit
Peak season in the U.A.E. is December to January and hotel
rates reflect this, although two-three months before or after that time doesn't
seem to differ much, weather-wise. It's these months (September-November &
February-March) that are the best time to visit since hotel prices are lower than
during the peak season, the country isn't overwhelmed with tourists, and the
weather isn't too hot. Summers offer great hotel discounts (particularly in
Abu Dhabi and Dubai), but it can be excruciatingly
hot, reaching highs of 105˚ F (40˚ C).
Travel plans can be disrupted if you haven't booked ahead during local holidays,
especially during Ramadan (ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which rotates every
year compared to the Gregorian calendar). This month also tends to close shops,
restaurants, and coffee shops.
Weather
Although weather can be generalized based upon years past, for more up to date weather
patterns and predicted future weather patterns, visit weather websites like weather.com; many local news sources also have information
for international weather forecasts.
Tours & Cruises
If you're looking for a pre-arranged trip, that involves little effort on your
part, then you should consider going on an organized tour or cruise. Organized tours
and cruises vary from all expenses included to only daily tours and perhaps hotels
included in the price, but all the options below will help you arrange all the details
so you don't have to worry about finding the best deal or right hotel.
Kensington Tours: Only offers personal tours for you and your family/friends,
which allows greater flexibility, but also means slightly higher prices.
Royal Caribbean: Cruises for all ages and families.
Guidebooks
If you are just traveling on business and have little free time or are already familiar
with the United Arab Emirates, you may not need anything
more than SafariTheGlobe.com's
Free Mini Guide to the U.A.E.! However, if you need more detailed and up
to date information, there are a number of great country-wide, region-wide, and
city-wide guidebooks available for travel in the U.A.E.
Eyewitness Guides: Incredible pictures and detailed maps
of popular tourist sites including museums. Those living abroad can't put these
books down (Dubai Only).
Fodor's:
Good maps and information for the major tourist locations, but has little information
for anyone heading off the beaten track. Great for those on organized tours (Dubai
Only).
Frommer's:
Incredible number of lists, which divide travel into various categories based upon
your interests. Travelers looking to spend most of their time in a single location
or on organized tours enjoy these books (Dubai & Abu Dhabi Only).
Lonely Planet: Great maps and updated often with comprehensive housing information,
restaurants, & transportation options. Backpackers and adventurers love these
guidebooks.
Visas
Many foreign nationals need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates,
however the requirements for citizens of different nationalities varies. To learn
more about who need visas, what type of visa is needed, what requirements are needed
to obtain a visa, and visa costs, please visit the U.A.E.'s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Official Website.
Health & Insurance
Every part of the world has different health concerns and diseases, including the
United Arab Emirates. Before traveling, consult with a physician
to learn more about your destination and what steps you can take to prevent illness.
At the time of writing, the U.A.E. required proof of having received a Yellow Fever
vaccination if you are arriving from any Yellow Fever country and this law is strictly
enforced due to their large migrant workforce. They require that you show proof
of having been vaccinated upon arrive at the airport. Additionally, a number of
other immunizations are strongly recommended for travel to the U.A.E.
Many health insurance providers don't cover health care that is provided outside
your home country. Before going abroad check with your health insurance to see if
they cover international care. If not, consider purchasing an international medical
insurance option, preferably from a company that specializes in international medical
insurance.
Transportation
Unless you're on an organized tour or working with a travel agent, you will
have to arrange some transportation. The below links can greatly help you start
your planning, first by finding a flight to the U.A.E., then
with domestic airlines and car rental agencies. If you don't know where to begin,
try the "Flight & Rental Car Search Sites" to learn competitor's
prices during your trip.
Largest International Airlines: Air France, American
Airlines; British Airways;
Cathay Pacific; China Southern Airlines;
Delta; Emirates;
KLM; LAN; Lufthansa;
Qantas; Singapore Airlines;
United Airlines.
Largest Emirati Airline: Emirates
Largest Rental Car Agencies in the U.A.E.: Avis; Budget;
Dollar; Europcar; Hertz;
& Thrifty
Flight & Rental Car Search Sites: Expedia.com;
Farecast.com; Kayak.com;
Orbitz.com; & Travelocity.com.
Housing
Housing options are numerous in most tourist destinations, but every individual
seeks out something different when it comes to housing. The below links should help
you get started, with low- to high-end hotels, hostels, and camping options.
Popular International Hotel Conglomerates: Accor Group (various price ranges); Choice Hotels (low- to mid-price range); Hilton (various price ranges); Hyatt (high-end to resorts); InterContinental Group (mid- to high-price
range); Marriott Family (various
price ranges); Starwood Hotels
(high-end); Wyndham Hotels
(low- to mid-price range).
Hotel Search Sites:
Expedia.com; Kayak.com;
Orbitz.com; & Travelocity.com.
Hostels: Although there are many hostel websites, some of the most
popular and reputable include hostels.com,
hostelworld.com, &
hostelbookers.com.
Camping: Camping is not recommended in the U.A.E., which is primarily
either desert or city unless you're on an organized desert trek, where the local
guides know which locations are safe to camp at.
Opening Hours, Expenses, & Tipping
The U.A.E. is used to tourists and ex-patriots so its open
hours are from about 8:00-9:00 am to about 6:00 pm or later, depending on the service.
Internet cafes, for example tend to be open until midnight or 24 hours so workers
in the country can check it after work. As a Muslim country, the U.A.E.'s weekend
falls on Friday and Saturday, but due to the foreign influence this only means hours
are shortened on these days (some places will close on Fridays) and most business
takes place Sunday-Thursday.
The one time of the year that shops and restaurants are closed more often than not
is during Ramadan (ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which rotates every year
compared to the Gregorian calendar), when fasting is required from sunrise to sunset.
Due to this Islamic requirement, most shops close down and it can be difficult to
find an open restaurant anywhere outside major hotels catering to tourists.
The U.A.E., especially Dubai
and Abu Dhabi is expensive and there is no way around this. Unlike many other countries,
the U.A.E.'s tourist sites might be the cheapest part of your trip and places
like the Dubai Museum, Dubai's most popular tourist attraction, only costs 3
dirhams ($1). Transportation costs are also fairly reasonable. Getting to Dubai
tends to get cheaper each year as the city has become an international transportation
hub, but other destinations are more expensive. Taxis are also at western prices,
although negotiating hourly rates can save some money and the public transportation
networks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are very efficient and affordable (average about
5 dirhams ($1.50) for a one way ticket). However hostels begin at about 150 dirhams
($45) and most low end hotels are 375 dirhams ($107). For anything mid-range or
higher, prices begin at 500 dirhams ($150). During the months of December and January
this prices jump even further in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but in the middle of the summer
you'll be able to find deals. Unless you plan on eating from the grocery store,
even quick eat restaurants begin at about 30 dirhams ($12), but again, most restaurants
are twice that.
Tipping in the U.A.E. is common and expected, especially
in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Rates are roughly equivalent
to Europe: 10% for food service, 3-5 Dh ($1.00-1.50) per
bag for a bell hop, and for taxi drivers, round up. Since exchange booths are common
in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, tipping in US dollars or Euros
is accepted without any fuss, although tipping in the local currency remains the
best option.
Crime & Safety
The U.A.E. is arguably the safest Middle Eastern destination
and crime in the country is extraordinarily low. The two greatest threats come from
traffic (both driving and crossing the roads on foot) and swimming. The currents
in the Persian Gulf can be unpredictable and there is rarely a life guard on duty.
This page was last updated: August, 2011