Alcohol is legal but strictly regulated in the UAE. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you can order alcohol in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants — however, prices are high (beer 40–70 AED/10–17 EUR, cocktail 60–100 AED/15–25 EUR). Where to buy: Cheapest at duty-free upon arrival (max. 4 liters of spirits

The UAE is liberal compared to neighboring countries, but there are clear expectations: Beach & Pool: Bikini and swim trunks are normal — in hotels, at public beaches, and beach clubs. Malls & Restaurants: Shoulders and knees covered. In practice, this is not always enforced in Dubai, but signs at

Photography is generally allowed in the UAE, and the UAE is extremely photogenic. But there are important restrictions: Allowed: Attractions, skylines, landscapes, your own group, food, souks (most vendors are happy about photos) Ask: Always ask for permission before photographing Emiratis (especia

The currency of the UAE is the UAE Dirham (AED), sometimes also written as "Dhs" or "د.إ". The exchange rate is pegged to the US dollar (1 USD = 3.6725 AED, fixed), the euro rate fluctuates slightly around 1 EUR ≈ 4.0 AED. Cash ATMs: Available everywhere — in malls, hotels, souks, on the street. A

The UAE has an excellent healthcare system — hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the best in the world. But: Medical treatment is expensive. Before the Trip Travel health insurance: Absolutely necessary! A hospital stay can quickly cost 5,000–50,000 EUR. The insurance should cover repatriat

The UAE has excellent mobile coverage — 5G in all cities, 4G even in the desert. Two providers dominate: Etisalat (e&) and du. Tourist SIM Cards du Tourist SIM: Available at the airport and in du shops. Packages from 49 AED (12 EUR, 1 GB + calls) to 149 AED (37 EUR, 10 GB + unlimited local calls,

The UAE has a hot desert climate (BWh according to Köppen) — sunny all year round, almost no rain, extreme heat in summer. The humidity on the coast makes the heat even more unbearable. Winter (November–March): The best travel time. Daytime temperatures 24–30°C, nights 14–18°C. Perfect for outdoor

Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE — the law theoretically provides for prison sentences of up to 10 years. In practice, tourists are rarely prosecuted, but the risk exists and the situation should be taken seriously. What this specifically means: Same-sex relationships are not recognized. Same-se

The following phrases are in Gulf Arabic (Khaliji), the local dialect. It differs from Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) and Levantine Arabic, which many Lebanese and Syrians in the UAE speak. GermanArabic (Transliteration)Note Hello / Peace be upon youAs-salamu alaikumTHE standard greeting. Respons

GermanArabic (Transliteration) The bill, pleaseAl-hisab, min fadlak A table for two, pleaseTawila li ithnayn, min fadlak Water, pleaseMai, min fadlak Delicious!Laziiz! I'm a vegetarianAna nabati No spiceBidun harr CoffeeGahwa TeaShai BreadKhubz RiceRuz MeatLaham ChickenDajaj FishSamak

Shopping & Bargaining

Bargaining is part of the culture in the souks — and with a few Arabic phrases, it's even more fun: GermanArabic (Transliteration) How much does this cost?Bikam hada? This is too expensive!Hada ghali ktir! Can you lower the price?Mumkin akhass? Last price?Akhir si'r? I'm just lookingBass batfarra

GermanArabic (Transliteration) Help!Musaada! / Sa'adni! Call the police!Ittasil bil-shurta! Call an ambulance!Ittasil bil-is'af! I need a doctorAhtaj tabib HospitalMustashfa PharmacySaidaliyya Where is the nearest ...?Wayn aqrab ...? I'm lostAna daa'i My passport was stolenJawaz safari inasaraq Em

Home Travel GuidesDubai & UAE

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Travel Guide Dubai & UAE

Your complete travel guide for the United Arab Emirates

Capital:Abu Dhabi

Language:Arabic (English everywhere)

Currency:UAE Dirham (AED)

Entry:Passport (visa-free for 90 days)

Best travel time:November – March

Flight time:5.5 – 6.5 hours

Last updated: 10 March 2026 · 13 Chapters · 74 Sections

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Route Suggestions

Dubai & Abu Dhabi Classics

7–10 days

The ultimate first-time visitor route: all the highlights of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, plus an unforgettable night in the desert.

Dubai DowntownOld Dubai/CreekDubai MarinaAbu DhabiWüsten-Safari

Adventure Route

7–8 days

For the active and nature lovers: hiking, diving, ziplining, wadi exploration, and desert adventures.

DubaiHattaFujairah/OstküsteRas Al KhaimahWüste

Family Paradise

7–10 days

The UAE as a family playground: theme parks, water parks, aquariums, and a child-friendly desert safari.

Dubai (Wasserparks, Malls)Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)Al Ain ZooWüsten-Safari (familienfreundlich)

Luxury & Indulgence

5–7 days

The best of the best: overnight stays in iconic hotels, fine dining, spa, helicopter flight, and private desert lodge.

Dubai Downtown (5-Sterne)Palm Jumeirah (Atlantis)Abu Dhabi (Emirates Palace)Wüste (Qasr Al Sarab)

Budget Explorer

5–7 days

The UAE on a budget: street food, affordable hotels in Deira, public buses, and the free highlights of the northern Emirates.

Deira/Bur DubaiSharjahAjmanFujairahHatta

All Chapters

Planning· 2 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Dubai & the UAE

7 Sections

Chapter 2

Arrival & Transport

5 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 3

Dubai City

11 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 4

Abu Dhabi

7 Sections

Chapter 5

Desert & Adventure

5 Sections

Chapter 6

Northern Emirates

5 Sections

Understanding· 5 Chapters

Chapter 7

History of the UAE

4 Sections

Chapter 8

Society & Islam

4 Sections

Chapter 9

Food & Drink

3 Sections

Chapter 10

Nature & Environment

3 Sections

Chapter 11

Architecture & Design

2 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 12

Practical Info A-Z

14 Sections

Chapter 13

Arabic Phrasebook

4 Sections

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Regions at a Glance

Dubai City

The megacity on the Creek: Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, historic souks, Dubai Marina, and endless beaches.

Burj KhalifaDubai MallGold SoukPalm Jumeirah+1

Dubai

Abu Dhabi

The elegant capital with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the theme park paradise Yas Island.

Sheikh Zayed MosqueLouvre Abu DhabiYas IslandCorniche+1

Abu Dhabi

Desert & Mountains

Endless sand dunes, desert safaris, the Hajar Mountains, and the turquoise Hatta Reservoir.

Desert SafariHattaAl Qudra LakesLiwa Oasis+1

Dubai

Northern Emirates

Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Ajman: authentic, affordable, and largely tourist-free.

Sharjah MuseumsJebel Jais ZiplineFujairah DivingSnoopy Island

Al Ain

The UNESCO World Heritage oasis city at the foot of Jebel Hafeet with the largest zoo in the UAE.

Al Ain OasisJebel HafeetAl Ain ZooCamel Market

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