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United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates tailor-made holidays

Introduction

The United Arab Emirates is a popular destination during the UK's winter and spring months, when the comfortable warmth and something-for-everyone tourism industry serves holidaymakers well. Comprised of seven sovereign sheikhdoms – or emirates – the UAE's Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the best known and most visited. City breaks to the rapidly growing city of Dubai are a popular choice – with its sparkling shopping malls, gold souks, fine dining restaurants, desert golf courses, five-star beach hotels and architectural wonders such as the iconic sail-shaped Burj al-Arab and the Jumeirah Palm.

But this is also a country of contrasts. On the one hand there are the vibrant and modern cities of Dubai and the oil-rich capital, Abu Dhabi, while away from these dynamic business and tourism hubs can be visited open desert, breathtaking mountains and sweeping beaches.

Life in the other five emirates – Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain and Ras Al-Khaimah – moves at a far slower pace. But even in Dubai and Abu Dhabi it doesn't take long to get away from the bustle of modern city life to experience the Arabian desert.

Tailor made holidays in the UAE are a chance to see at first hand a mix of traditional Bedouin lifestyle and customs, juxtaposed with a very Western style of rampant consumerism. What's more, a number of the world's leading airlines are based in the Gulf region, making it is an extremely accessible and affordable holiday option.

 

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At a glance

Flying time from UK
7 hours

Time zone
GMT +4

Currency
UAE Dirham (Dh) = 100 fils

Language
Arabic

Travel advice
Check the FCDO for visa & travel advice

Top itineraries in the United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi & Dubai: Soaring Cities & Desert Dreams

9-day tailor-made holiday from £4,160 pp

Combine palm-studded beaches, duty-free shopping and stays in some of the world's most opulent hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai either side of the region's most luxurious desert resort.

Park Hyatt, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Desert & Beach Break

8-day tailor-made break from £2,530 pp

Combine Abu Dhabi’s spectacular beaches and awe-inspiring desert on this twin-centre trip. You'll stay in two five-star hotels as you indulge in Abu Dhabi's renowned fine dining and a wealth of activities, enjoying the region's famous hospitality throughout.

What our clients say about our United Arab Emirates holidays

  • The service and support I receive from Tim Tan is always excellent and it is a real pleasure to be able to deal with him. He is so reliable and responsive.

    Madeliene M

  • The service was exactly as I hoped, efficient, accurate to my needs and saved me lots of hassle.

    David D

Top places to stay in the United Arab Emirates

Beachfront Villa pool, One&Only The Palm, Dubai

One&Only The Palm, Dubai

Designer resort

Located on the peninsula of one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, Palm Jumeirah, One&Only The Palm offers an exclusive and secluded enclave of impeccable style. Amidst lush manicured gardens, fountains and pools along the sparkling shore, guests can enjoy the beauty of the resort.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

Contemporary resort

The three distinctive properties in this outstanding Dubai beachfront resort offer a wonderful recreation of the grandeur, romance and hospitality of Old Arabia.

Pool, Fairmont The Palm, Dubai

Fairmont The Palm, Dubai

Contemporary resort

With unrivalled views across the Arabian Gulf, easy access to the international airport and Dubai's many attractions including world-class shopping, entertainment and golf courses, the Fairmont The Palm ranks as one of the finest hotels in the Emirates.

Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah Resort, Dubai

Contemporary resort

A vast Arabian-style complex, divided into three stunning hotels, amid terraced gardens by the Arabian Gulf and connected by meandering waterways.

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Where to go in the United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the richest and largest of the seven emirates that together make up the United Arab Emirates, with awe-inspiring culture, powder-white beaches, safari parks and world-class hotels and restaurants that make it the perfect destination for everyone, from honeymooners to families.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai

Experience the glamour of Dubai, from its world-class shopping to dazzling beaches and some of the world's most opulent resorts. Explore our top offers and tailor-made trips.

United Arab Emirates articles

  • Skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Desert Dreaming in Abu Dhabi

    Awe-inspiring culture, miles of sugar-white beaches, unexpected natural wonders and world-class luxury – Abu Dhabi has come of age, and it wants everyone to know. Discover why its glittering skyline, marble-domed mosque and indulgent islands make it a destination for all.

  • Where to shop in Dubai

    Shopping in Dubai is big business, with the sweltering heat of the desert; many take advantage of the air conditioned and elaborately designed malls to indulge in a spot of retail therapy.

  • Exploring the top hotels in Dubai

    Alison Nicolle, an Indian Ocean and Middle East travel expert, recently returned from Dubai, where she checked out all the top hotels and enjoyed a few of the best holiday experiences on offer.

  • Abu Dhabi Doo | Abu Dhabi Holidays

    Five miles off the coast of Abu Dhabi, in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, lies an island resort that could change your perceptions of a Middle Eastern holiday. Who, for example, when asked to ponder the attractions of the previously sleepy capital of the UAE, would immediately think ‘safar…

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Meet our United Arab Emirates experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0621

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0621 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected