Money and payments
Cards and cash
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
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Asia · Western AsiaOutline guideCountry in West Asia
Photo: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The United Arab Emirates (Arabic: الإمارات العربية المتحدة al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyah al-Muttaḥidah) or simply the Emirates (الإمارات al-ʾImārāt) is a country rich in history and culture at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Boasting attractions ranging from the glittering and cosmopolitan cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to the vast and unforgiving desert landscapes of the Empty Quarter, it makes an easy starting point for travels in the Middle East.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about United Arab Emirates.
Cards and cash
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Arabic
The official language is Arabic, although the majority of the population do not speak it.
4 GB for 28 days costs 49 dirham (Jan 2026) at both providers with the SIM card for free.
The water is safe to drink in the UAE, although most people prefer bottled water for its taste.
General medical care in the Emirates is quite good, with clinics for general and specialized care widely available, including some which are now open 24 hours.
Emiratis share a common culture with the rest of the Arab world, so what would be good manners in other Arab countries would generally be good manners in the Emirates too.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
The nation's capital, filled with major museums and monuments.
The financial capital and commerce center and largest city of the UAE.
The nation's cultural hub famous for its Arabic and Islamic architecture.
The smallest emirate, one of the quiet destinations with a relaxed atmosphere.
A peninsular town extending into the gulf with multiple beach resorts.
An adventure hub of the Middle East, with the highest mountain in UAE and many thrill activities.
Popular tourist and stay-cation destination on the gulf of Oman. Nicknamed as The Bride of the Eastern Coast.
Once a small oasis and now a major town close to the Omani border town of Buraimi.
Once a mountainous village, but now a major adventure destination for kayaking and hiking.
A town set on a picturesque bay with multiple historical watch towers and a traditional Friday's Market.
A crescent of farms around an oasis on the edge of the Empty Quarter. Provides an easy access to the Empty Quarter and famous for off road adventures across sand dunes.
An industrial and energy town located in the western region in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Places in United Arab Emirates on the World Heritage List.
Jabal Al Fayah
Listed 2025
Wadi Wurayah
Listed 2026
Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)
Listed 2011
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the United Arab Emirates.
Sharjah (إمارة الشارقةّ) is the third largest of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates.
Public transport and paid services in United Arab Emirates.
By train
Etihad Rail operates the UAE's embryonic passenger rail network.
By public transport
Public transportation within cities is widely available and advanced, with bus stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah offering shaded air conditioned bus stops to protect people from the sun and…
By car
Cars remain the main mode of long-distance transport in the UAE, which has modern road infrastructure with right sided traffic.
By taxi
In all cities of the UAE, taxis are widely available and relatively affordable. Local ride share apps such as Uber and Careem are also common in the UAE.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in United Arab Emirates.
Finding apps for United Arab Emirates…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Dubai · International · DXB
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Abu Dhabi
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 22° | 23° | 26° | 30° | 35° | 36° | 38° | 39° | 37° | 34° | 29° | 25° |
| Avg. low | 18° | 18° | 20° | 23° | 27° | 29° | 31° | 32° | 30° | 28° | 24° | 20° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 11 | 5 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 9 |
| Humidity | 65% | 64% | 62% | 58% | 58% | 62% | 60% | 57% | 58% | 57% | 59% | 64% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$70
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$190
Per person, per day
Luxury
$485
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $105 | $280 |
| Food and drink | $15 | $40 | $95 |
| Local transport | $10 | $20 | $45 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $65 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 3 of 4Reconsider travel
Reconsider travelto the United Arab Emirates due to terrorism and armed conflict. U.S. government employees working in the UAE need special authorization to travel to military bases and critical energy infrastructure sites due to UAE government restrictions and potential security risks. As of August 29, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in UAE. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations in the UAE associated with the United States. Terrorism There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the UAE. For more information, Americans who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Regional tensions The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should: read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis” sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts follow advice from the local authorities monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice stay away from areas around security or military facilities keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in United Arab Emirates.
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