The seven United Arab Emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. They are on the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. The capital and the largest city of the federation, Abu Dhabi, is located in the emirate of the same name. Four-fifths of the UAE is desert, yet it is a country of contrasting landscapes with dunes and oases, rocky mountains and fertile plains. Most holidaymakers head for the shopping and sunbathing emirate of Dubai. Dubai’s astonishing hotel building plan is responsible for making the United Arab Emirates one of the world's fastest growing tourist destinations. Dubai has all the right ingredients for an unforgettable holiday - sun, sand, sea, sports, unbeatable shopping, top-class hotels and restaurants, an intriguing traditional culture, and a safe and welcoming environment. Abu Dhabi is a city of modern skyscrapers with a dramatic corniche alongside the seashore. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have some of the world’s most upmarket resort hotels.
Unchallenging long-haul breaks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Winter sun
High-quality hotels
Travel during Ramadan - generally the only cafés and restaurants open in daylight hours are in hotels, and even these won’t serve alcohol during the day. Ask your Travel Counsellor for the dates as they change every year. Hotels near building sites – whatever your preferred hotel, ask your Travel Counsellor to double-check whether there will be any building work close by when you holiday in Dubai. The speed of development in Dubai means the situation can change from week to week.
Dress modestly – Dubai is ultra liberal compared to most Muslim countries but you’ll look out of place in skimpy clothes in the city centre (and you’ll be chilly in the malls, where the air-conditioning can be ferocious). Topless sunbathing is forbidden by law. Shopping hours – Dubai’s famous malls typically open 10am to 10pm, except on Fridays when most open in the afternoon. Haggling is expected in the souks, but unlikely to get you far in the malls.
The emirates offer virtually guaranteed warm or hot winter sunshine. From November to March expect daytime temperatures in the mid to high 20°sC/75-85°F, sunny skies, and usually just the odd burst of rain. Unless you’re in the pool or the sea, it’s unpleasant to be outside during the summer months. Daytime temperatures normally reach the high 30°s C/100°F in May and October, and rise well into the 40°s C/110°F+ in July and August.
Flights to Dubai from London take approx seven hours.
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Drivers in the United Arab Emirates are reckless and the death toll on roads is high. In the rush hours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi city, the ever-worsening traffic can be at a virtual standstill. There is zero tolerance for drink driving. You should not consider driving in the desert unless accompanied by a trained professional and a suitable large 4x4 vehicle.In Abu Dhabi and Dubai you will need an international licence to drive a car. Elsewhere you need a full UAE licence.In Dubai most holidaymakers stay in hotels by the beach in Jumeirah, up to 16km/10 miles from the city centre. However, taxis are fairly cheap and hotels run free shuttle buses to some malls.