What is the best time to visit United Arab Emirates?

The best time to visit United Arab Emirates depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Burj Khalifa. Check weather patterns for Asia before booking.

What currency does United Arab Emirates use?

United Arab Emirates uses the United Arab Emirates dirham (د.إ). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in United Arab Emirates?

Al Harees is one of United Arab Emirates's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Al Machboos and Shawarma. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit United Arab Emirates visa-free?

93 countries can enter United Arab Emirates without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is United Arab Emirates safe for tourists?

United Arab Emirates is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates , also known simply as the Emirates, is a country in West Asia…

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Language

Arabic

Currency

United Arab Emirates dirham (د.إ)

Population

11.3M

Timezone

UTC+04:00

Visa-free access

93 countries

Travelling to United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), also known simply as the Emirates, is a country in West Asia, situated at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a.

United Arab Emirates is located in Western Asia, Asia. The capital is Abu Dhabi, and the official language is Arabic. The local currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham (د.إ). With a population of 11.3M, United Arab Emirates is a mid-sized country in Asia.

United Arab Emirates offers visa-free entry to 93 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 90 days. 105 more can apply for an eVisa online.

Top places to visit in United Arab Emirates

Burj Khalifa

The world's tallest building at 828 metres; the spiralling silhouette was inspired by the Hymenocallis desert flower; the At The Top observation deck on floor 124 delivers a 360-degree panorama where the gold of the Arabian desert meets the turquoise of the Gulf; arrive at dusk when both colours are simultaneously at their most saturated.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The largest mosque in the UAE features 82 white marble domes and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet; the 'rain of light' effect—sunlight refracting through Swarovski-crystal chandeliers across the reflective pool—occurs for precisely 40 minutes after the Asr prayer; non-Muslim visitors enter free through the north gate.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Jean Nouvel's rain-of-light dome—a 180-metre latticed steel disc—filters the desert sun into 7,500 shifting beams across galleries where a 7,000-year-old Neolithic idol stands metres from a Magritte; the permanent collection deliberately dismantles the East-West art divide by displaying civilisations in parallel rather than in sequence.

Jebel Hafeet

A craggy limestone monolith rising 1,249 metres above the desert floor; the 60-million-year-old formation reveals marine fossils embedded in the sun-bleached rock; drive the 60-turn mountain road at 5 am to witness the Empty Quarter emerge from the indigo pre-dawn haze; the temperature drops ten degrees as you ascend above the thermal currents of the Oasis city.

Mleiha Archaeological Centre

The site preserves a continuous human record from the Palaeolithic era; including Neolithic tombs and a pre-Islamic fort built of sun-dried mudbrick; the laterite-red earth of the Fossil Rock formation provides a sharp backdrop to the Bronze Age circular graves; visit at twilight when the wind-sculpted dunes cast long shadows over the excavated foundations; the silence is absolute.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

The 19th-century district is defined by its high-rising barjeel wind towers constructed from coral stone and sun-baked gypsum; these architectural lungs harnessed the Gulf breeze to cool the merchants' courtyards before the age of electricity; walk the narrow sikkas at 4 pm when the sand-coloured walls turn a deep amber; the air smells of dried lime and sandalwood from the nearby creek.

See all 20 places in United Arab Emirates →

What to eat in United Arab Emirates

Explore all United Arab Emirates dishes →

United Arab Emirates visa requirements

Visa-free

105

eVisa / eTA

Countries that can visit United Arab Emirates visa-free

93 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 90 days.

Europe

Asia

Americas

Oceania

eVisa and eTA for United Arab Emirates

105 countries can apply online before travelling. Processing typically takes 1–7 business days.

Asia

Africa

Before you go to United Arab Emirates

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. United Arab Emirates immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham

The local currency is د.إ. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: Arabic

Arabic is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check United Arab Emirates's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for United Arab Emirates

Select your passport for an instant result.

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United Arab Emirates 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore United Arab Emirates

20 places, 5 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates — your questions

It depends on your passport. 93 countries can enter United Arab Emirates visa-free. 105 can apply for an eVisa online. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.