The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah — formed on 2 December 1971. They share a currency and a federal government, but not every rule: Sharjah, for one, is entirely dry.
Entry and money
- Visas: EU citizens are generally admitted without a visa for 90 days within any 180; British, American, Canadian and Australian passport holders typically get 30 days. Rules change — check the current position before booking.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- The currency is the dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at 3.6725 since 1997. Cards work everywhere; keep cash for souks, taxis and small cafés.
- Tipping runs at around 10–15 per cent, though a service charge is often already on the bill.
Getting around
- The Dubai Metro is fast, spotless and cheap. Buy a Nol card at any station; fares are by zone. There is a women-and-children carriage and a Gold Class carriage at the front.
- Taxis are metered and reasonable. Those with a pink roof have a female driver and take women and families only. Careem and Uber both operate.
- Buses E100 and E101 connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi for around 25 dirhams in roughly two hours.
- Car hire: most visitors need an international driving permit alongside their own licence. Fuel is cheap, roads are excellent, and toll gates — Salik in Dubai, Darb in Abu Dhabi — charge automatically and appear on the rental bill.
- Driving standards are fast and assertive; speed cameras are everywhere and fines are steep.
Medicines and health
This is the point most often missed. Several medicines that are ordinary at home are controlled or banned here — codeine, tramadol, some strong painkillers, certain sleeping tablets and anything containing CBD. Carry a doctor's letter and the original prescription for anything on repeat, and check the Ministry of Health list before you fly. People have been detained over a blister pack in a suitcase.
Medical care is excellent and expensive; travel insurance is not optional in practice. Pharmacies are widespread and many open around the clock.
Everyday details
- Emergency numbers: 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire.
- Voice and video calls over the internet are restricted. The apps most travellers rely on will not place calls; licensed alternatives such as Botim work, and hotel Wi-Fi does not change this. Messaging is unaffected.
- Power is 220–240 V with the British-style three-pin plug.
- SIM cards from Etisalat (e&) or du are sold at the airport with tourist data bundles; an eSIM bought before departure is simpler still.
- Tap water is treated and safe, but almost everyone drinks bottled.
When to come
November to March is the season: 20–28 °C, sea warm enough to swim, mountains and desert both comfortable. From May to September temperatures run 40–48 °C with humidity near 90 per cent on the coast — hotels are cheap then, and you will spend the daylight hours indoors.
During Ramadan the rhythm of the day shifts entirely; it is a rewarding time to visit if you know what to expect.