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Explore United Arab Emirates: Ultimate UAE Travel Guide

Unseen UAE: where the desert meets mountains.

Famous for the never-ending sunshine, lux and glam of Dubai, United Arab Emirates has a pleasant surprise for adventurous travelers as well. Here I show how to visit UAE off-the-beaten path.

Dubai day trips, hikes and road trips, my UAE travel guide covers not only must-see destinations but also less explored natural and cultural places of the 7 Emirates. UAE and Dubai travel essentials such as visa, accommodation, transportation, and more tips, are also provided below on this page.

The headline-grabbing Dubai city is arguably the most well-known place in the Middle East. In fact, it is often confused to be a country itself, or the UAE capital at best (fyi, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates). Indeed Dubai attracts millions of visitors to the UAE, who are here for the glitz and shine.

However, many curious travelers, are soon awed by the contrast between the seven Emirates in terms of culture, landscapes, size, and even wealth. As a resident of the UAE, I am lucky to be able to explore it beyond the tourist hotspots. Therefore, I regularly update this UAE travel blog with awesome places to see outside Dubai.

Whether you are looking for a day road trip from Dubai, the best hiking trails in UAE, weekend getaways for beautiful desert landscapes, cultural experiences, or in general, less conventional places to visit in and outside of Dubai, I have you covered.

explore united arab emirates: UAE TRAVEL GUIde
Al Rabi trail in Khor Fakkan is one of the best places to visit when in Dubai and UAE.

Disclaimer: This page is packed with useful free information to help you plan your trip and it contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.


UAE and Dubai Travel Essentials

BEST TIME TO GO

November-March (high season, pleasant temperatures 20-30 °C (68-86 °F), April/May/October (shoulder season, hotter weather)

UAE DAILY BUDGET

160-210 USD average (midrange hotel, food at a regular restaurant, car rental and petrol.
Accommodation, eating out and alcohol are the main cost accelerators.

GETTING TO UAE

Fly to Dubai (DXB airport-most popular), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), Ras Al Khaimah (RKT). Drive from Muscat (Oman).

BOOK TICKETS

HOW LONG IN UAE

3 Days in Dubai, 7-10 days for main highlights of UAE, two weeks or more- cover most of UAE ( plus a side trip to Musandam (Oman)

TRANSPORTATION

If you are planning to travel around UAE independently, renting a car is a must!

RENT A CAR

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels, rooms in shared apartments, Air BNB, glamping (desert/mountain luxury camping).

BOOK A ROOM

TRAVEL SAFE

Travel insurance is a must for stressless trips. Choose insurance that also covers COVID-19.

GET INSURANCE

TOURS IN UAE

Day tours from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, desert safaris, Musandam (Oman)

BOOK A TOUR

Watch my UAE highlights video

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Travel Basics

Visiting UAE for the first time? Here are a few more useful tips and resources

  • ’Hello’ and ‘Thank You’: ‘as-salam alaykum’ and ‘shukran’. Other popular word is ‘habibi’ which means ‘darling’ or ‘dear’.
  • Currency: UAE Dirham (click here for current conversion rates)
  • Language: Arabic, English (almost everyone speaks it), Hindu.
  • Visa: Free on arrival to selected countries. Tourist visa validity depends on nationality. Lithuanians get 3 months tourist visa on arrival, for example. Find out your visa requirements here.
  • Safety rating: Ranked 41 on the Global Peace Index in 2020 with Abu Dhabi and Dubai being among the top 10 safest cities in the World!
  • Best SIM cards: Etisalat has larger coverage across the country (currently has packages with free Expo 2020 pass offer) and Du. Vigin Mobile also offers packages with higher amounts of data. Tourist Sim cards are available at the airport and in most of the shopping malls. Prices start at 14 USD for the smallest package. You need to show your passport before buying a sim card.
  • UAE dress code: Modest attire is expected when visiting UAE. Although shorts and bikinis are common at the public beaches in Dubai as well as resorts, visitors and ex-pats are advised to dress modestly when going to public places such as shopping malls, and especially to more conservative areas. Basically, shoulders and knees should be covered. Women travelers are not expected to cover heads or wear abayas (except when visiting mosques).
  • Don’ts: avoid using hand gestures, especially while driving, as it is considered very offensive and can get you into trouble (even jail).

UAE TRAVEL GUIDE

From jagged peaks of Hajar mountains to orange-hues of Mleiha desert to the serene coastline of Khorfakkan, Fujairah’s ancient forts, and mosques, to the picturesque Hatta dam and the highest peak of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, with more rocky trails of Shawka and lush Al Ain Oasis, as well as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi, all the way to endless rolling sand dunes of Liwa and Empty Quarter-these are just a few highlights awaiting for you.

Read my blog posts about the many fantastic things you can do in the UAE. I hope it will inspire and help you plan a memorable visit to the Emirates. If you are a resident of the UAE, you may also find some new places within an hour or two drive from Dubai.

Unique Instagrammable Places in Dubai: 35+ best photo spots in Dubai

Unique Instagrammable Places in Dubai: 35+ best photo spots in Dubai

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How to Hike Dahir (Al Henna) Trail in Fujairah, UAE

Rainbow valley (spectrum) hike in Fujeirah UAE

How to Hike Rainbow Valley (Spectrum) Trail in Fujairah, UAE

mleiha dunes with fossil rock in the background uae

Mleiha and the Fossil Rock: Ultimate Guide for a Perfect Day Trip from Dubai, UAE

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Dubai (UAE) to Oman by Road: What You Need to Know (2023)

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Top 10 must visit pavilions at Dubai Expo 2020 (and the ones to skip)

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Best UAE Hikes- a Guide to Sheri Village in Wadi Naqab

hatta dam bridge

10 Best Things to Do in Hatta, Dubai Mountain Town, UAE

mounatin range at sunset in wadi naqab uae

The Best UAE Trails: How to Hike from Wadi Naqab to Wadi Koob pools and Al Sanat Village

easy hiking trails in uae A woman hiking in wadi shawka united arab emirates ras al khaimah

8 Easy Hiking Trails in UAE

Cloudy Sunset at the top of the UAE mountains with a group of men standing

Best UAE Hiking Trails: A Guide to Hebs Village in Ras Al Khaimah

Al Rabi Hiking Trail UAE

Al Rabi Hike in Khor Fakkan: the Best Beginners’ Trail in the UAE

wadi shah hike ras al khaimah uae

How to Hike Wadi Shah in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Leopard Canyon Hike Ras Al Khaimah UAE

Leopard Canyon Hike in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Hatta dam hike UAE

Hatta Hikes- Secret Canyon Trail, UAE

Red Wall Hike in Wadi Naqab Ras Al Khaimah UAE

Red Wall hike in Wadi Naqab, UAE

Sunset at Showka Dam with thunders Ras Al Khaimah UAE Nikon Z6

Wadi Shawka Hike from Dam to Pools in UAE: Everything You Need to Know

AFFILIATE NOTICE

This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

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