Welcome to Dubai & the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a destination of superlatives — and that's no exaggeration. In a country smaller than Austria, you will find the world's tallest building, the largest artificial island, one of the most beautiful mosques on the planet, and a desert landscape that will leave you speechless.

Yet the UAE is far more than just glitz and glamour. Behind the skyscrapers lies a fascinating culture that uniquely combines tradition and modernity. Here you meet Bedouin descendants who are also tech entrepreneurs and experience a society where over 200 nationalities live together peacefully.

• Dubai: The city of records — Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina. A metropolis only 50 years old and already one of the most exciting cities in the world
• Abu Dhabi: The elegant capital with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Formula 1 track on Yas Island
• Desert: Desert safaris, dune bashing, camel riding, stargazing — the Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter) is the largest sand desert in the world
• Mountains: In the hinterland of Hatta and Ras Al Khaimah await wadis, hiking trails, and the highest mountain in the UAE (Jebel Jais, 1,934 m)
• Beaches: Miles of white sandy beaches on the Persian Gulf and on the east coast of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman
• Shopping: From traditional gold and spice souks to the most luxurious malls in the world

From Germany, the UAE is reachable in just 6 hours direct flight — Emirates and Etihad fly several times daily from Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg. Entry is visa-free for 90 days, and thanks to the time difference of only +3 hours, there is practically no jet lag.

1. Burj Khalifa at Sunset — Stand at 555 meters high (floor 148, "At the Top Sky") when the desert turns golden and the city begins to glow beneath you. The most unforgettable experience in the UAE. → Chap. Dubai City
2. Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi — The third-largest mosque in the world is a masterpiece of white marble, gold, and Swarovski crystals. Free, even for non-Muslims. Most beautiful at dusk. → Chap. Abu Dhabi
3. Desert Safari with Dune Bashing — Race over the sand dunes in an off-road vehicle, then smoke shisha at sunset in a desert camp, ride camels, and watch belly dancing. Authentic Arabia. → Chap. Desert & Adventure
4. Stroll through the Gold Souk in Deira — Dozens of shops where literally tons of gold glitter in the windows. Haggling is a must! The experience alone is worth its weight in gold. → Chap. Dubai City
5. Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi — Jean Nouvel's architectural masterpiece: a "rain of light" dome over world art from the Stone Age to today. The first universal museum in the Arab world. → Chap. Abu Dhabi
6. Take an Abra across Dubai Creek — For 1 AED (0.25 EUR), ride the traditional wooden boat across the creek, experiencing old Dubai on both sides. The city's cheapest attraction. → Chap. Dubai City
7. Dubai Marina at Night — The illuminated skyscrapers reflect in the water, dhow dinner cruises glide by, and life pulses at JBR Beach. A futuristic skyline within reach. → Chap. Dubai City
8. Explore the Hatta Mountains — Just 90 minutes from Dubai: a turquoise-blue reservoir, hiking trails through the Hajar Mountains, and the historic Hatta Heritage Village. The contrast to the big city. → Chap. Desert & Adventure
9. Ferrari World on Yas Island — The world's fastest roller coaster (Formula Rossa, 240 km/h) in the largest indoor theme park in the world. Pure adrenaline for families and motorsport fans. → Chap. Abu Dhabi
10. Fujairah: Diving on the East Coast — Sharks, rays, turtles, and the wreck of the MV Dara in the crystal-clear Gulf of Oman. The other side of the UAE that hardly any tourist knows. → Chap. Northern Emirates

The UAE consists of seven emirates, which can be roughly divided into four travel regions:

🏙️ Dubai City

For whom: Everyone — the all-rounder
The megacity on the Creek is the tourist heart of the UAE: Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, the historic souks, Dubai Marina, and endless beaches. Here, futurism meets tradition. For first-time visitors, Dubai alone is worth a trip.

🕌 Abu Dhabi

For whom: Culture, families, luxury
The capital of the UAE is the more elegant, quieter sister of Dubai. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a must, the Louvre Abu Dhabi world-class, and Yas Island offers a theme park paradise with Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World. Plus, the most beautiful corniche on the Gulf.

🏜️ Desert & Mountains

For whom: Adventurers, nature lovers, couples
Just an hour from Dubai begins the vastness of the Rub al-Khali. Desert safaris, overnight stays under the starry sky, camel farms, and the dunes of Al Marmoom. To the east, the Hajar Mountains beckon with Hatta and the turquoise-blue reservoir.

🌊 Northern Emirates

For whom: Explorers, budget travelers, divers
Sharjah (UNESCO cultural capital), Ras Al Khaimah (Jebel Jais, world's longest zipline), Fujairah (east coast, diving, wadis), and the sleepy Ajman. Cheaper, more authentic, and less crowded than Dubai.

The UAE has a subtropical desert climate: extremely hot summers, pleasantly warm winters, little rain. The right travel time can make the difference between enjoyment and discomfort.

🟢 Best Time: November – March (High Season)

The absolute recommendation. Daytime temperatures of 24–30°C, little rain, perfect beach weather. All outdoor activities possible: desert safaris, hiking in Hatta, water sports. Note: This is also high season — hotels are 30–80% more expensive, popular attractions crowded. Christmas/New Year and Easter holidays are peak times.

🟡 Transition Period: October and April

Still or already warm (30–35°C), but bearable. Significantly cheaper hotels than in the high season. October is often the best choice for budget-conscious travelers — the sea still has 28–30°C bathing temperature. In April, temperatures rise noticeably again.

🔴 To Avoid: May – September

Temperatures of 40–50°C, plus oppressive humidity of 80–100% on the coast. Everything takes place indoors — malls, hotels, air-conditioned taxis. Outdoor activities are practically impossible. However: Hotels cost a fraction (5-star luxury from 80€/night), attractions are empty, and many restaurants offer summer specials. Those who can endure the heat and want to save money will find bargains here.

Climate Table: Dubai

The UAE is not a budget travel destination, but it is cheaper than its reputation — if you know where to save. The currency is the UAE Dirham (AED), pegged to the US Dollar (1 USD = 3.67 AED). The Euro rate fluctuates slightly but is around 1 EUR ≈ 4.0 AED.

💰 Budget Travelers (250–400 AED / 60–100 EUR per day)

• Accommodation: Hostel or simple hotel in Deira/Bur Dubai (80–150 AED / 20–37 EUR)
• Food: Shawarma, Indian restaurants in Karama, falafel stands (15–40 AED / 4–10 EUR per meal)
• Transport: Metro + Bus (day pass 22 AED / 5.50 EUR)
• Activities: Creek Abra (1 AED), souks (free), mosques (free), beaches (free)

💰💰 Mid-range (600–1,200 AED / 150–300 EUR per day)

• Accommodation: 4-star hotel or apartment (300–600 AED / 75–150 EUR)
• Food: Good restaurants (80–150 AED / 20–37 EUR per meal)
• Transport: Metro + occasional taxi/Uber
• Activities: Burj Khalifa (from 169 AED / 42 EUR), Desert Safari (from 150 AED / 37 EUR), Dubai Frame (52 AED / 13 EUR)

💰💰💰 Luxury (2,000+ AED / 500+ EUR per day)

• Accommodation: 5-star resort on the Palm or at JBR (800–3,000+ AED / 200–750+ EUR)
• Food: Fine dining (300–800 AED / 75–200 EUR per person)
• Transport: Private chauffeur, limousine, helicopter transfer
• Activities: Burj Khalifa Lounge (Level 152–154, from 750 AED / 187 EUR), yacht charter, helicopter flight

Typical Prices (2026)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with Children

The UAE is a family paradise. Water parks (Aquaventure, Yas Waterworld, Wild Wadi), theme parks (Ferrari World, IMG Worlds, Legoland), Dubai Aquarium, Kidzania, Ski Dubai — the list is endless. Hotels often offer kids clubs and children's discounts. → Plan a family vacation

💑 Couples & Honeymooners

Romantic dinners on the Burj Al Arab helipad, sunset dhow cruises, desert overnight stays under the stars, luxury spas, infinity pools overlooking the skyline — Dubai is made for romance (as long as public displays of affection are kept discreet). → Honeymoon trips

🎒 Budget & Solo Travelers

The UAE is safer than most European cities. Hostels in Deira and Bur Dubai are affordable (from 60 AED/15 EUR), the metro network is excellent, and street food in Indian and Pakistani neighborhoods costs next to nothing. Solo women feel very comfortable thanks to the strict security situation. → Budget tips

🏄 Adventurers & Active Travelers

Dune bashing, sandboarding, kayaking through mangroves, diving on the east coast, the world's longest zipline at Jebel Jais, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, skydiving over the Palm — adrenaline is omnipresent in the UAE. → Adventure vacation

🛍️ Shopping Fans

The UAE is a shopping mecca. From the Dubai Shopping Festival (January–February) to endless malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall) to traditional souks — you can find everything here, often tax-free. → City trips

☀️ Beach Lovers

Miles of white sandy beaches on the Persian Gulf, plus private hotel beaches with sun loungers and cocktail service. The best public beaches: JBR Beach, Kite Beach, La Mer, Al Mamzar. The east coast (Fujairah) is quieter. → Beach vacation