With some of the tallest buildings in the world, incredible man-made islands, and unmissable desert safari experiences, the United Arab Emirates offers some of the most spectacular experiences you can find. Although years ago this desert area was filled with fishing villages and crumbling forts, nowadays the United Arab Emirates has grown into a famous show-stopping tourist destination.
Planning to visit UAE soon? This is an excellent idea! So let's talk through The Ultimate Travel Guide To United Arab Emirates and the things you should know before your trip.
Constantly breaking city records and always building something new, the UAE is always making headlines for their ‘next best’ feature of the city. UAE is mainly defined by innovation, manmade islands, ultra-modern projects, and an opulent lifestyle.
The UAE is a country of superlatives, and Dubai is unlike any other city on the planet.
With its modern architecture and over-the-top style, the UAE’ largest city is a spectacular fusion of its Bedouin heritage and an ultra-modern culture all its own.
It felt almost natural to want to go up the tallest building in the world and view the entire city as if they were toy building blocks. It’s pretty hard to miss the Burj Khalifa when driving around the city. Basically, you can see the building from any corner of Dubai.
And while there are plenty of famous sights and beautiful beaches to grab your attention, it is only by wandering UAE’s city-states (emirates) and neighborhoods that you will discover its true cultural diversity.
All in all, this guide will give first-time visitors a great overview of what this incredible country has to offer.
While UAE’s beautiful landmarks and delicious cuisine make it an unforgettable trip, there are a few things you should know beforehand.
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UAE in December! Best Time to Travel
No matter what time of the year you’re visiting the United Arab Emirates, expect extremely high temperatures with year-round sunshine and very little rain. The UAE really only has two seasons – hot and very hot.
If I have to choose the best time of year to travel to UAE, I would say that the best months are between November and March!
Typically with good weather comes higher costs, so expect to pay higher prices for accommodation and flights!
You’ll probably want to plan your trip anytime between November to February. With most travelers preferring the shoulder season, you’ll have better luck finding great hotel room rates and flights.
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Budget for UAE
The official currency of The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the Emirati Dirham (AED / Dhs).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places around the country. While ATMs are accessible, they can be extremely spread out around the country and might not be close by when you need one.
It is generally wise to select which major iconic attractions you want to visit in UAE and book tickets online before your trip. You will save money, sometimes significantly. Also, you will skip the wait lines and walk right on in. It makes absolutely no sense to waste time standing in a line if you can avoid it.
Check out Booking.com to compare prices for hotels.
Book your flight at least one month prior to your trip and if you have destinations on your UAE itinerary beyond Dubai (which you definitely should!), make sure to have all your tickets prearranged.
The prices will go up during the peak season, so check the best deals if you don’t want to avoid breaking the bank.
Getting Around in UAE
There are a few ways to get around UAE. You can drive, take a taxi, or fly. While the trains are cheap buses, they involve long rides. Metro is only available in Dubai and will only cover part of the city
If you are a first-time visitors and you want to get a general feel of the city layout you can book the famous Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Luckily, Uber is available in UAE.
Renting a car works out to be your best bet for full flexibility and going off the beaten path. Car rentals can be an affordable option in UAE while the gas price is really cheap. Check out these really good offers for rental cars.
Now, if you don’t want to drive but still have a comfortable trip through UAE, one of the best ways of getting around is by booking a private car charter with a driver. This covers most of the places you’ll want to get to beyond the tracks.
Safety in UAE
UAE is considered one of the safest countries to travel to in the world.
In fact, at this moment is listed as the 31st safest country in the world. Definitely, you should use your common sense in order to avoid unpleasant situations such as pickpocketing.
Other than that, you need to pay attention to the way you dress. All of this especially if you are a woman and you visit a more conservative emirate as Sharjah is considered.
My best advice is to make sure you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. This is mainly because of the risk you are exposed to when traveling to a new country, whether might be illness, injury, or cancellation. Check out these affordable monthly plans given by SafetyWing. You definitely want a stress-free vacation and a few pennies on a dollar will be really worth it!
UAE in December! What To Wear
No matter what time of year you are visiting, when packing for your trip to UAE, there are a few key items you must consider. Always make sure you have a crossover bag, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and midi dresses, and you can’t go far wrong.
So, the things you should consider are mainly the weather and definitely the cultural norms. It’s going to be hot, but you go in swimwear everywhere.
UAE is a Muslim country and fairly conservative so you’re going to want to cover up a bit
If you are visiting UAE as part of a layover as you head to other destinations, or if it’s a very quick weekend trip, you want to choose classic pieces in neutral shades that you can easily mix and match.
Depending on your travel plans, for your main suitcase, you’ll want to decide whether to bring a carry-on or a backpack.
I came across the setout backpack by WHONLOX and I think it’s the best luggage for your trip to UAE.
As always, the best thing to keep in mind for any travel is to pack light and only bring the necessities. Trust me, you don’t wanna carry a huge suitcase all around UAE.
For a finishing touch and some shade take with you a hat, a wide-brimmed sunhat.
Shoes can make or break a trip. Sneakers are always my favorites, given that you’ll be doing a lot of walking, and flip-flops and sandals are a must. Stick with flats to keep your feet comfortable.
My daily outfits in UAE consisted of midi dresses, they’re stylish and comfortable, while maxi dresses were the perfect fit for a night out. For long waking days, I suggest you these loose-fitting pants made of breathable fabrics.
Know Before You Go to UAE
Culture: UAE is a conservative country and so it’s important to respect local and religious traditions at all times. Try to avoid any kind of behavior that may offend local customs. You should use adequate clothes, the best will be the ones covering your knees and shoulders.
Religion: Predominately Islamic (Muslim) which means that It’s also a good idea to try and avoid the Ramadan period in UAE if you can, as stricter rules apply during this time around your behavior in public places. Also, the hotels have normal activities but outside the resort, you cannot eat or drink in the daytime.
Language: The official language of the UAE is Arabic however English is the language of business and is spoken by almost everyone in Dubai.
SIM Cards are super easy and cheap. It’s always a good idea to buy a local sim card once you arrive and you will have enough internet for all your vacation.
Plugs: In UAE, the power plugs are type G which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend taking with you a universal adapter and also using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Airport transfer: For your airport pick-up, you will want to arrange a car in advance. The ease and peace of mind it will provide will be well worth it.
Food: Sample the culinary secrets, experience the street food culture, and discover what the locals like to eat.
No trip is complete without exploring hidden gems, so I’d highly advise taking a guided tour while in UAE.
Always carry wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
Overall: United Arab Emirates in December
Your trip to United Arab Emirates can’t encapsulate a lot of different types of travel in a short time frame, so multiple visits are needed to see all the highlights. While many will focus on famous places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there are many more spectacular landmarks! Explore the glitz and glam, and then uncover the ancient traditions of this multifaceted country.
Now that you know what to do and also what not to do in UAE, all you have to do is focus on having a fantastic vacation!
