Holiday Guide to UAE

UAE is one of the most visited country in the GCC. Known the world over, Dubai is a glitzy-glamorous shopping capital and has emerged as one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world in the last decade.

A holiday in the UAE will mesmerise you as you walk through alleys to traditional souks, drive across the magnificent desert and indulge in a wide variety of activities that involve experiencing the traditional Emirati culture. you will see that even a week-long holiday in Dubai might not be enough to explore this unique Middle Eastern destination.

What To See, Where To Go

On a holiday in UAE you can expect to be spoiled for choice as you have so many tourist attractions to choose between. From admiring the architectural excellence of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world to visiting The Atlantis, built on a man-made artificial to choosing between the many sun-kissed beaches, exotic deserts, the rugged mountains of Hatta – the UAE has so much to offer for tourists.

Get transported from the old world charm of the Arabic-style souqs to the futuristic world of ultra-modern shopping malls and multiplexes. Indeed, the UAE has a number of unique places, be it natural or man-made, that make it one of the most interesting places to visit in the world

Whether you’re standing in the shadow of towering Burj Khalifa in Dubai or modern Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the UAE attractions draw in all kind of tourists. Be it a romantic getaway with your better half or a family vacation, the UAE is a wonderful holiday destination.

Here is a list of other tourist attractions across the UAE that might be of interest to those travelling there for a holiday:

Desert Safari
Burj Khalifa
The Hajar Mountains
Sharjah Arts Museum
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Abu Dhabi
Beaches
Bastakiya
Jebel Hafeet
Dubai Creek – Dhow Ride
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Education
Al Bidyah Mosque
Souks
Dubai Miracle Garden

Louvre Abu Dhabi
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Dubai Parks & Resorts
The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis – The Palm
Ski Dubai
IFly Dubai
At the Top – Burj Khalifa
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Dubai Autodrome
Moreeb Dune
National Auto Museum
Saadiyat Island Cultural District
Hatta

Mountains in UAE

Away from the glitz and glamour of Dubai lie rugged mountains that border the desert landscape of Eastern UAE in Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Hatta and Fujairah. Ras al Khaimah is home to UAE’s tallest mountain, Jebel Al Jais as part of the Hajar Mountain range. Bikers, hikers and mountain climbers flock to Hajar mountains for an unforgettable adventure in the open desert air.

A visit to the range is a great destination for exploration under the open sky — whether it’s a day trip to the natural wonder, or an evening spent camping beneath a tapestry of stars.

Hatta is now home to the region’s first “trailer hotel”, visitors can camp along the banks of Hatta Dam in luxuriously appointed trailers. Just leave your car with us at reception (make sure you don’t forget anything!), and we’ll transport you’ll be transported up the hill to your very own Sedr trailers nestled in the mountains.

All trailers are on a first come, first served basis. Once inside, the amenities are hotel standard – everything you would expect, like modern bathrooms, Wi-Fi, TV and comfy bedding. But no five-star frills. It’s about all the five-star thrills instead. Surely, an experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on!

Where to Stay

Most tourists start their UAE holiday in Dubai – a huge city with huge distances, composed of so many neighborhoods, so different from each other. Choosing the area you want to stay in will depend on what you actually want to visit in Dubai, as well as on your budget. Moreover, if you are visiting the cities of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, you need to decide whether to visit them on a day trip or spend the night there as well.

The UAE has a wide range of hotels, resort and guest houses to choose from. Here is a list of hotels that might be of interest to you when planning your holiday in the UAE

Burj Al Arab
Address Sky View
Atlantis The Palm
FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai
W Dubai – The Palm
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
The Address Dubai Mall

Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai
Address Beach Resort
Rixos Bab Al Bahr
JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
Address Beach Resort Fujairah

Best Time To Visit UAE

The best time to visit UAE is December through March, when the temperatures are lower.

How To Get There

Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) are major international airports in the UAE. Tourists and visitors to the UAE can arrive into the UAE by land, sea or air. The UAE is well-connected by major airlines of the world. Road transportation is by private cars and public buses. Several cruise-ships have added Abu Dhabi and Dubai on their Asian itineraries.

Visa Requirements

Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. All types of visit and tourist visas can be extended for 30 days twice, upon applying for it and after successful approval by the relevant authority. This can be done without the need to leave the country.

Getting Around

Getting around the UAE is easy with a pretty good network of roads. One can find a cab easily to travel between the emirates. There are also other options for transportation including metro, monorail, bus, plane and ferry service. One can also hire a car in order to have a smooth and convenient trip.

How Long to Stay in UAE

You can spend anywhere from three days to three weeks in the UAE, but we recommend a two-week stay as the perfect travel duration. A three-day stay will allow you to soak up the main highlights of one of the seven emirates, but a two-week itinerary will let you experience this region beyond tourist postcards.

Itinerary: Editor’s Suggestions

For visitors from the Middle East, the UAEis a perfect holiday destination for a self-drive trip. Pack your SUV or car with your luggage and drive through UAE. The excellent road network will take you to the various tourist attractions enroute. A suggestive route: