United Arab Emirates

For most travellers, the United Arab Emirates is known for its futuristic skylines, luxury hotels, desert adventures and world-famous attractions. For us, it’s home. We’ve watched the country grow alongside us. As we grew up, so did the UAE, transforming from vast stretches of desert into the remarkable nation we know today.

Beyond the skyscrapers, you’ll find mountain roads, beaches, historic neighbourhoods and a country that never seems to stand still. New restaurants, attractions and developments appear constantly, continuing to fuel a sense of discovery, even for those of us who have lived here our entire lives.

One of the things we love most about living in the UAE is its diversity, both in terms of places and people. In a single weekend, you can hike through mountain canyons, camp beneath desert stars, kayak through mangroves, relax on beaches or explore cities filled with people from every corner of the world. It is a true melting pot where hundreds of nationalities live side by side and cuisines from almost every country can be found.

This section of The Third Culture Travels isn’t a traditional travel guide. Instead, it’s a collection of our experiences living, exploring and rediscovering the country we call home. In fact, the UAE is probably the hardest destination for us to write about because it isn’t a destination at all. It’s simply life as we know it.

UAE at a Glance

Formed in 1971, the United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates that has transformed from a collection of fishing, pearling and trading communities into one of the world’s most modern and ambitious nations.

Today, the UAE is best known for destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but there is far more to explore beyond its iconic skylines. Visitors can discover world-famous attractions, cultural landmarks, mountain landscapes, deserts, mangroves and coastlines stretching along both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Despite its relatively small size, the UAE offers remarkable diversity, making it one of the Middle East’s most popular travel destinations for city breaks, family holidays, road trips and stopovers.

Best time to visit

Visiting during winter is a no-brainer, with peak season running from Nov to Mar.
While summer is extremely hot, there is AC everywhere, so many travellers still enjoy visiting, especially if their trip focuses on restaurants, shopping, attractions and other indoor experiences.

Currency

The official currency is the UAE Dirham (AED).

Cards are widely accepted throughout the country, and many residents rarely carry cash.

ATMs are readily available in all cities, shopping centres and airports.

Language

Arabic is the official language of the UAE.
However, English is spoken almost everywhere and is the primary language used across much of daily life, business and tourism.

You’ll also hear countless other languages due to its diverse population.

Major Places to Visit

The UAE’s main places to visit include Dubai and Abu Dhabi for iconic landmarks and city experiences, Sharjah for culture and heritage, Ras Al Khaimah for mountains and adventure, Fujairah for beaches and diving, and Al Ain for oases and history.

Must Try Food

The UAE’s food scene reflects both traditional Emirati cuisine and its multicultural population. Emirati dishes include Machboos (spiced rice with meat or seafood), Harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat), Luqaimat (sweet dumplings with date syrup), and Balaleet (sweet vermicelli with egg), alongside everyday favourites such as shawarma, manakish, mixed grills, and karak chai. International cuisines from around the world are also widely available throughout the country.

Getting Around

Car: The easiest and most convenient way to explore the UAE. Car rental is widely available and affordable.

Metro: Available in Dubai, offering a fast and affordable way to travel within key areas.

Taxi / Ride-hailing: Widely available across the UAE via taxis, Uber and Careem, and often the most practical option for short trips. On the more expensive side.

Buses: An affordable public transport option.

Sim Card

SIM cards are easy to get in the UAE, with providers like Etisalat, du and Virgin Mobile. You can buy them at the airport or in shopping malls, with both tourist and monthly plans available.

Coverage is excellent across all emirates, including remote desert and mountain areas, making it easy to stay connected throughout your trip.

Our Fun/Cultural Tip

The UAE brings together people from all over the world, and that shows in everyday life, from conversations in multiple languages to food from every cuisine you can imagine.

Emirati hospitality remains central, with coffee, dates and karak often offered as a welcoming gesture. It’s a country where tradition and very futuristic modern life sit side by side in a very natural way.

“Did you know the UAE, formed in 1971, is one of the world’s youngest countries yet one of its most futuristic?”

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UAE: Top Travel FAQs

Is the UAE safe for tourists?

Yes, the UAE is one of the safest countries in the world for both tourists and residents, with very low crime rates, strong public safety, and well-maintained cities across all seven emirates. It is one of the safest countries for women as well.

How many days do you need in the UAE?

Around 5 to 7 days is ideal to explore Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with time to include at least one other emirate such as Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah or Fujairah for mountains, culture or coastal escapes.

Do you need a tour guide to explore the UAE?

No, you do not need a tour guide to explore the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The country is very easy to travel around independently using taxis, rental cars, and public transport in major cities. Guided tours can be useful for desert safaris, cultural sites, or day trips, but most attractions are easy to visit on your own.

Is the UAE expensive for tourists?

The UAE can be expensive, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for luxury hotels, dining and attractions. However, there are plenty of mid-range and low budget hotels, local restaurants and free or affordable attractions that make it accessible for different budgets. With good planning and local knowledge, it can be more affordable than many major global cities such as London.
Our favourite way of presenting this is karak tea in the UAE, where it can cost 1 AED at a local café or be reimagined in Dubai with 24-carat gold and priced at thousands of dirhams.

Do you need a car in the UAE?

While a car is not essential in Dubai or Abu Dhabi city centres, it is highly recommended if you want to explore beyond the cities. Many of the best experiences such as mountains, deserts, hidden beaches and smaller emirates are easier to reach by road.

Is public transport good in Dubai?

The Dubai Metro is efficient and connects major tourist attractions, while buses and taxis make it easy to get around cities. However, the public transport system is not comprehensive across the country, and most inter-emirate travel or access to natural areas is far easier by car. However, the public transportation is being actively developed by the government.