Weather
Best October-May, very hot June-September.
Time difference
GMT +4.
Currency
UAE Dirham (Dh) = 100 fils.
Get foreign currency onlinePublications
Specialist articles
Destinations
Quote request
Send us your details and we'll prepare a tailor-made travel itinerary to your specific requirements.
E-Newsletter
United Arab Emirates holidays
The condition of Abu Dhabi was so evidently mint that it would not have been surprising to see adhering to the buildings bits of straw and polystyrene from the crates in which they had been packed.
Jonathan Raban, Arabia through the Looking Glass
United Arab Emirates holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a United Arab Emirates holiday, personal to you.
The United Arab Emirates only united to form a country together in 1971. Since that time, each emirate has prospered following Abu Dhabi’s initial efforts in pearl cultivation. More recently, it has not been Abu Dhabi, the capital, that’s been in the spotlight, but its neighbour, the entertainment playground two hours to the north, Dubai.
Here the main attractions are not tours around historic buildings and monuments, though some are scattered about the Creek, but visiting the various five- or even seven-star hotels and their exquisite restaurants. Tourists come to marvel at the opulence and take advantage of every luxury service the emirate is so keen to offer, to achieve the perfect, glamorous night out. But take a moment to explore its other side, by crossing the Creek in a rickety old boat, heading into the old alleyways around Bastakia and checking out the grand mosque at Jumeirah and then head to the skies in a helicopter or the creaky cable car at Creekside Park to appreciate the splendour of this oasis of concrete and glass.
Abu Dhabi is now fighting back, however, with unprecedented development, which includes the creation of the largest Guggenheim museum anywhere on an island off the coast, a Cultural Foundation centre, a Grand Prix circuit – whose first race will take place in 2009 – and a Ferrari World theme park.
United Arab Emirates tailor-made holiday highlights
DubaiCity of glamour, sheikhs, credit cards, outrageous shopping malls, the highest prize in horse racing, beaches, excellent restaurants, strong religious beliefs, a relaxing home for the rich and famous, extravagant hotels and culture. Let yourself be immersed in a city that will woo you with its ebullient lifestyle and charm.
Khor Fakkan
Picturesque town with an exquisite harbour and spectacular mountains that meet the clean, cool, crisp waters of the Gulf. Relax on the pristine beaches or tour the mountains above the harbour town.
Al Ain
Known as the 'Garden City of the Gulf', Al Ain is an oasis surrounded by sand dunes and built as a garden city. This lush area offers unique displays of landscaping, water, and sculpture. Also home to one of the last remaining camel markets.
Abu Dhabi
The capital city grew out of pearling and oil to become one of the most modern cities in the world, while still maintaining parts of its heritage. It has ancient burial grounds in Um al Nar and nearby building yards where craftsmen demonstrate skills unchanged for centuries. Pretty mosques dot the capital.
Horse racing
The Dubai World Cup, only started in 1996, has become one of the most prestigious races in the world, attracting thoroughbreds from across the globe. And it's worth winning – the prize money runs into the millions.
Liwa Oasis
Among apricot-coloured sand dunes and beneath star-studded skies are verdant oases with the occasional wandering camel. Its most spectacular driving east from Mezaira'a to Hameem.
People & place
United Arab Emirates facts
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Language: Arabic.
People: Arab (42%), other Asian (50%).
Religion: Sunni Muslim.
Size (sq km): 82,880.
Population: 4,500,000.
Population density/sq km: 139.
Etiquette
Muslim religious laws should be taken into consideration. Visitors are expected to observe local standards and should be modestly covered. Gesture and eat with the right hand, the left hand is for hygiene. Don't point. Gifts are not necessary, and if you give a gift it will be opened in private. Avoid giving alcohol, pork, or images of naked or partially clad women, even in art.
Shopping
Luxury goods, traditional leather goods and silverware.
Food & drink
Popular dishes include tabbouleh (bulghur wheat with mint and parsley), hummus (chickpea and sesame paste), warak enab (stuffed vine leaves), koussa mashi (stuffed courgettes) and makbous (spicy lamb with rice). Consumption of alcohol is permitted for non-Muslims except in Sharjah.
International Airports
Abu Dhani (AUH) is 35 km from city. Dubai (DXB) is 5 km from city. Ras al-Khaimah (RKT) is 15 km from city. Sharjah (SHJ) is 10 km from city.
Internal travel
Good road and flight networks. Limited buses, taxis in town, car hire available.
Red tape
Visas
Required for all (except UK up to 30 days).
Vaccinations
Hep. A, Hep. B, Malaria, Polio, Rabies, Typhoid (See page 649).
Driving requirements
A local driving licence can be issued on presentation of a national driving licence and a letter from your sponsor. International Driving Permit useful but not mandatory.
Reps in UK/US
UK: 30 Prince's Gate, London SW7 1PT, tel (020) 7581 1281, fax (020) 7581 9616, emailinformation@uaeembassyuk.net. US: 3522 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 243 2400, fax (202) 243 2432.
UK/US reps in United Arab Emirates
UK: PO Box 248, 22 Khalid bin Al Waleed Street, Abu Dhabi, tel (2) 610 1100, fax (2) 610 1586, email information.abudhabi@fco.gov.uk. US: Al-Sudan Street, PO Box 4009, Abu Dhabi, tel (2) 414 2200, fax (2) 414 2432, email consularbudha@state.gov.
Currency
UAE Dirham (Dh) = 100 fils.
Finance
Credit cards and traveller's cheques widely accepted.
Business hours
0800-1300 and 1600-1930 Sat-Wednesday, 0800-1200 Thursday.
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Safe.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: M 72.75, F 77.90.
Useful websites for travel
www.uaeembassyuk.net, www.dubaitourism.ae, www.britain-uae.org, http://usembassy.state.gov/uae, www.uae.org.ae,www.emirates.org, www.dubaitourism.com.
Local media
The Gulf Today, Emirates News, Khaleej Times are some of the English-language newspapers.
Tourist boards
UK: 1st Floor, 125 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5EA, tel (020) 7839 0580, fax (020) 7839 0582, email dtcm_uk@dubaitourism.ae. US: n/a.
Below is a selection of some ideas for holidays to United Arab Emirates. This is simply a taste of what we can offer. If you're interested in a specific United Arab Emirates itinerary then please call one of our consultants on 0845 643 6562.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea Jordan
The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar sits more than 1,400 feet below sea level on the otherworldly shores of the Dead Sea, the world’s oldest and very first natural spa. Designed as a tribute to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the hotel cascades through a series o...
Dubai Sporting Events
Dubai plays host to some of the worlds most exciting sporting events including the Rugby 7s (November 2007), Dubai Desert Classic (January 2008) and Dubai World Cup (March 2008)*. We recommend booking early. WEXAS can arrange flights, accommodation and tickets...
Emirates First Class
Fly with Emirates in First Class to enjoy the highest levels of luxury and comfort in the air. The First Class experience ranges from Private Suites* to the onboard lounge and Shower Spa, with prices from £3,149 pp to Dubai.... Please call 0845 643 6562 for price details.
More information »United Arab Emirates news
- Cruise ship set to be named in Dubai
11 January 2010
