The Complete UAE Tours & Travel Guide

When planning to visit the UAE, there is important information to be aware of. The information below can help to make your trip to the UAE more enjoyable.

• Language: The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. Road signs, menus, and public information are usually bilingual.
• Currency: The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED).
• Religion: Islam is the official religion of the UAE and is practiced by the majority of Emiratis (UAE citizens). Although the UAE is very tolerant of other religions, visitors will see Islamic traditions, such as the call to prayer, fasting during Ramadan, and the observance of Islamic celebrations.
• Dress: United Arab Emirates ladies dress modestly, with many local women wearing an abaya that covers most of their bodies. Some women also choose to wear a hijab or burqa. Male Emiratis typically wear a kandura (or dishdasha). Visitors are not expected to wear traditional dress, but should dress modestly in family friendly places.
• Laws and customs: The UAE is very safe, but it has strict laws that visitors should respect, including:
  • Avoid public displays of affection with members of the opposite sex.
  • Only drinking alcohol in licensed venues (hotels, clubs, bars).
  • Not taking drugs (illegal drugs are banned, with severe penalties).

  It is important to be mindful of local UAE rules, laws, and customs when in the country.

• Food: A UAE travel guide will always recommend trying some of the UAE’s famous food. The Emirates has everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to vibrant street food, local dishes, and international cuisine from all over the world.

The GCC Unified Visa, sometimes known as the Gulf Visa or the Grand Tours Visa, is a new visa scheme currently being developed by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The visa will allow tourists from a non-GCC country to travel to the GCC region for short-term travel, such as tourism and visiting family.

With the GCC Visa, visitors can travel to one or all six GCC countries (the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman) using a single visa. The visa was first announced in October 2023. It is expected to begin its pilot phase in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The visa will allow easier travel within the GCC Region, without needing to apply for a separate visa for each country. For the GCC countries, including the UAE, the visa is expected to increase tourism and boost local economies.

The GCC Grand Tours Visa is intended for non-GCC nationals and GCC residents, GCC nationals are expected to be exempt since they can already move across the region without needing a visa. The visa can be used for single-country or multi-country access, depending on travel plans. Visitors will need to comply with UAE requirements for travel, including any travel restrictions.

Until the GCC unified visa is launched, visitors of the UAE will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a Tourist Visa, a visa-on-arrival, or an eVisa. Although these visas all have advantages, it is thought that the GCC Unified Visa will be the preferred option for many travelers once launched due to its convenience.

Some of the top things to do in Dubai and the UAE include:

• Go shopping: Shopping is one of the most popular things to do in the UAE, for both locals and tourists. From huge malls with luxury shopping to traditional markets, all the best UAE tours include shopping. Popular options include:
  • The Dubai Mall (Dubai): This is a huge shopping and entertainment complex with an aquarium, ice rink, countless dining options, and more than 1,000 retailers, including luxury brands and high-street stores.
  • Gold Souk (Dubai): This is one of the oldest souks in the UAE. There are more than 350 stores selling gold, precious stones, and pearls.
  • Fish souk (Ajman): This is one of the best places in the UAE for fresh fish.
  • Al Ain Souk (Abu Dhabi): This is a traditional souk that sells spices, carpets, perfumes, handicrafts, and local delicacies.
• Water activities: There are a huge number of water activities that can be done across the UAE, including swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and boat rides. Some of the most unique options for water activities include:
  • Swim in AURA SKYPOOL (Dubai): This is the highest 360-degree infinity pool in the world and has views across Dubai. AURA offers events all day, including unlimited brunches, pool days, comedy nights, and even a pool sleepover.
  • Snorkel or dive at Snoopy Island (Fujairah): The coral reef is a popular snorkeling and diving site, as it is rich in marine life.
  • Water-based activities at Marjan Island (Ras Al Khaimah): Marjan Island is a collection of four islands with beautiful sandy beaches and a variety of watersports.
• Go to a theme park or water park: The UAE has some of the best theme parks and water parks in the world, and is one of the things that make the country so popular with families. Some of the best places to visit in the UAE with family include the following attractions:
  • Yas Island (Abu Dhabi): Yas Island is home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld.
  • Aquaventure World (Dubai): This is the biggest waterpark in the world, with more than 105 water slides and attractions.
  • Al Montazah Parks (Sharjah): This is an amusement and water park and a top family destination in Sharjah.
  • MOTIONGATE (Dubai): MOTIONGATE is a Hollywood-inspired theme park with indoor and outdoor attractions.
• Go on a desert safari: Desert safaris are popular across the UAE, particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

If you are visiting the UAE, follow one of the UAE tourist guide itineraries below to help you see as much as possible. 

3-Day Itinerary: Highlights of Dubai

Day 1: Modern Dubai

• Visit the Burj Khalifa observation deck.
• Explore The Dubai Mall and Dubai Aquarium.
• Dubai Fountain show, Timeout Market, and an evening cruise in Dubai Marina.

Day 2: Explore the desert and Old Dubai

• Morning: Explore Al Fahidi Historical District and Dubai Museum.
• Afternoon: Take an abra to the souks and stroll through the Gold Souk and Spice Souk.
• Evening: Desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides, stargazing, and cultural dinner show.

Day 3: Palm Jumeirah and beach day

• Relax at Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach, or Atlantis The Palm.
• Visit The View at The Palm (an observation deck on the 52nd floor) for skyline views.
• Go for dinner and drinks at one of the many beachfront restaurants.

5-Day Itinerary: Dubai and Abu Dhabi

• Day 1: Arrive in Dubai, explore Downtown (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain).
• Day 2: Modern attractions, including Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, JBR Walk, and Ain Dubai.
• Day 3: Day trip to Abu Dhabi to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Emirates Palace.
• Day 4: Desert safari experience.
• Day 5: Cultural Dubai, including the Al Fahidi Historical District, souks, and a relaxing evening at La Mer Beach.

7-Day Itinerary: Visit Multiple Emirates

• Day 1: Dubai – Arrival, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain.
• Day 2: Dubai – Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach, and Global Village.
• Day 3: Abu Dhabi – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
• Day 4: Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
• Day 5: Sharjah – Islamic Civilization Museum, Souk Al Arsah, and other cultural heritage sites.
• Day 6: Fujairah and the East Coast – Snoopy Island snorkeling, Al Bidya Mosque, and Fujairah Fort.
• Day 7: Ras Al Khaimah – Jebel Jais mountain adventure (hiking or zipline) and relax at a beach resort.

In this United Arab Emirates travel guide, we will also provide you with some helpful tips to help make your trip to the UAE smoother and more successful. Some tips are listed below:

• Dress modestly in Public: The UAE is an Islamic country, and dressing modestly is advised, particularly in traditional areas and religious sites. However, swimwear and non-modest clothing are fine at pools, beaches, and at hotels.
• Respect local customs: Avoid public displays of affection, be mindful during prayer times, and follow cultural etiquette during Ramadan (i.e., no eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours).
• Be aware of the heat: The UAE can be very hot and humid, particularly in summer. It is recommended to carry water, wear sunscreen, and use hats or sunglasses when outdoors. Avoiding the sun in the middle of the day is also recommended.
• Payments: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it is recommended to carry some cash for souks, taxis, or small shops.
• Alcohol rules: Non-Muslim tourists can legally drink alcohol, and it is served in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants. However, drinking in public is prohibited, and drink driving carries severe penalties.