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About

UAE 2025: Honest Guide to the Land of Over-the-Top Luxury

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and beyond — where to go, how much to spend, and why it's actually amazing despite being completely artificial.

First Impressions: Wow or WTF?

The UAE is what happens when you have unlimited oil money and zero chill. Fifty years ago, this was desert with camels. Now it's skyscrapers taller than clouds, artificial islands shaped like palm trees, and indoor ski slopes in the middle of the desert. Sounds insane? It is. And that's exactly why millions come here.

Some people sneer: "Ugh, everything's fake and soulless." But let'...

Cities and Resorts

Ras Al Khaimah
21°
United Arab Emirates

Ras Al Khaimah

Sharjah
19°
United Arab Emirates

Sharjah

5places
United Arab Emirates

Sharjah

5places

Attractions

Blue Souk (Central Market)Al Noor MosqueMuseum of Islamic CivilizationAl Noor Island+1
Dubai
17°
United Arab Emirates

Dubai

15places
United Arab Emirates

Dubai

15places

Attractions

Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)Dubai MarinaGlobal VillageSpice Souk+11
Abu Dhabi
19°
United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

12places
United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

12places

Attractions

Kai BeachYas BeachHudayriyat Island BeachLouvre Abu Dhabi+8

What to See

Kai Beach
Beach

Kai Beach

United Arab Emirates

Yas Beach
Beach

Yas Beach

United Arab Emirates

Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)
Museum

Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)

United Arab Emirates

Hudayriyat Island Beach
Beach

Hudayriyat Island Beach

United Arab Emirates

Louvre Abu Dhabi
Architecture

Louvre Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Blue Souk (Central Market)
Entertainment

Blue Souk (Central Market)

United Arab Emirates

Dubai Marina
Architecture

Dubai Marina

United Arab Emirates

Global Village
Entertainment

Global Village

United Arab Emirates

Qasr Al Watan
History

Qasr Al Watan

United Arab Emirates

Soul Beach
Beach

Soul Beach

United Arab Emirates

Spice Souk
Entertainment

Spice Souk

United Arab Emirates

Palm Jumeirah
Architecture

Palm Jumeirah

United Arab Emirates

Desert Safari
Nature

Desert Safari

United Arab Emirates

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Entertainment

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Yas Waterworld
Entertainment

Yas Waterworld

United Arab Emirates

Expo City Dubai
attraction

Expo City Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Burj Khalifa
History

Burj Khalifa

United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Religious

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

United Arab Emirates

Abra Water Taxi on Dubai Creek
Entertainment

Abra Water Taxi on Dubai Creek

United Arab Emirates

Dubai Frame
attraction

Dubai Frame

United Arab Emirates

Dubai Mall
Entertainment

Dubai Mall

United Arab Emirates

Burj Al Arab
Architecture

Burj Al Arab

United Arab Emirates

Al Fahidi Historical District
History

Al Fahidi Historical District

United Arab Emirates

Al Noor Mosque
Religious

Al Noor Mosque

United Arab Emirates

Museum of Islamic Civilization
Museum

Museum of Islamic Civilization

United Arab Emirates

Corniche Beach
Beach

Corniche Beach

United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi Corniche
Architecture

Abu Dhabi Corniche

United Arab Emirates

Al Noor Island
Nature

Al Noor Island

United Arab Emirates

Gold Souk
Entertainment

Gold Souk

United Arab Emirates

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Entertainment

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Al Qasba
Entertainment

Al Qasba

United Arab Emirates

Museum of the Future
attraction

Museum of the Future

United Arab Emirates

Popular Routes

Al Fahidi & Dubai Creek Walk
4 km
2.5-3.5 hours
Easy

Al Fahidi & Dubai Creek Walk

United Arab Emirates

This route reveals Dubai as it was before the oil boom — traditional, trading, alive. Forget the skyscrapers and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the old Arabian Gulf. Al Fahidi Historical District (formerly Bastakiya) is a labyrinth of narrow alleys between houses of coral stone and clay. The main architectural feature is wind towers (barjeel), ancient air conditioners that direct cool air into buildings. Today, there are galleries, cafes, and small museums here. Visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding — here you can learn about the emirate's history and Bedouin traditions. Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort is the city's oldest building (1787). The exhibition tells about life before oil: pearl diving, fishing, trading. It's a great contrast to ultra-modern Dubai. The main adventure of the route is crossing Dubai Creek on an abra (traditional wooden boat). The ride costs just 1 dirham and takes a few minutes but provides unforgettable impressions. Boats run from early morning until late night. On the other bank, famous markets await you. The Spice Souk is an explosion of aromas: saffron, cardamom, frankincense, dried lemons. Traders eagerly offer samples and explain the uses of each spice. The Gold Souk is the world's largest. Over 300 shops offer gold, silver, and precious stones. Prices are competitive, but bargaining is not just acceptable but expected — it's part of the culture. Even if you're not planning to buy, the displays with kilograms of gold are impressive.

Things to watch out for

No alcohol in public or outside licensed venues. Drinking in parks or beaches is illegal.

faq.title

faq.subtitle United Arab Emirates

Many nationalities get visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for 30-90 days. Russians get 90 days visa-free. Check UAE official portal.

November-March is ideal (20-30°C). Summer (June-August) is extremely hot (40-50°C) but hotels are cheaper. Ramadan dates vary yearly.

Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars. No public drinking. Buying alcohol requires license (tourists can buy in duty-free).

Cover shoulders and knees in malls and public areas. Swimwear only at beaches/pools. More conservative outside Dubai. Abayas not required for tourists.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting United Arab Emirates

WhatsApp and FaceTime calls are blocked. Download Botim or use VPN for video calls before arriving.

Dress modestly outside hotels and beaches. Cover shoulders and knees in malls and public areas.

No alcohol in public or outside licensed venues. Drinking in parks or beaches is illegal.

Get a Nol card for Dubai metro and buses. Much cheaper than single tickets. Available at metro stations.

Connectivity & Internet

Average Speed100 Mbps
4G CoverageExcellent, 5G

Tourist SIM from Etisalat or du costs $15-30 for 5-10GB valid 14-30 days. Available at airports (24h) and malls. Passport required. VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime voice/video) blocked - use VPN or local apps like Botim ($5/month). 5G widespread.

Electricity
Voltage:220VV
Frequency:50HzHz
⚡
G

UK-style plugs type G (three rectangular pins). Voltage 220V. Travelers from US and continental Europe need an adapter. US travelers may also need voltage converter for non-dual-voltage devices

Useful Apps

Careem

Leading ride-hailing app. Fixed prices, multiple car options, food delivery. Usually cheapest.

Bolt

Taxi app with competitive prices. Often has promo codes for new users. Good alternative to Careem.

RTA Dubai

Official Dubai transport app. Metro, bus routes, Nol card top-up, parking payments, traffic info.

MAPS.ME
Zomato

Restaurant reviews and ratings. Find best places to eat, read reviews, check menus and prices.

Talabat

Popular food delivery app. Thousands of restaurants, groceries, flowers.

Botim

Licensed VoIP app for video/voice calls. WhatsApp/Telegram calls are blocked, use Botim instead (/month).

Entertainer

Buy-one-get-one-free deals at restaurants, attractions, spas. Paid app but saves a lot of money.

Dubai Now

Official Dubai government app. Pay fines, bills, visa status, various government services.

Visit Dubai

Official tourism app. Events, attractions, deals, travel guides, weather info.

Local Transport

Operators: RTA Dubai, Abu Dhabi DoT, Sharjah Roads
Booking: RTA app, nol card, cash on bus
Popular Routes
Dubai-Al Ain2h
AED 29
Dubai-Sharjah30-45min
AED 11
Dubai-Abu Dhabi1.5-2h
AED 26
Abu Dhabi-Al Ain1.5h
AED 18

UAE has excellent public transport. Dubai Metro is modern and cheap (3-8 AED). Intercity buses connect emirates (Dubai-Abu Dhabi 25 AED, 1.5h). Taxis are affordable. Nol card works on metro, buses, trams. No commercial flights between emirates. Etihad Rail coming soon.

Health

Tap Water✓ Safe
InsuranceRecommended
Recommended coverage: $50,000
Should include: medical evacuation
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis AHepatitis BTyphoidTetanus boosterMMR

No mandatory vaccinations (except Yellow Fever/Polio if from endemic countries). Tap water is safe. Main risk is extreme heat in summer (40-50C). Stay hydrated, avoid midday sun. World-class medical facilities. Travel insurance recommended.

Emergency Services

Universal
999
Police
999
Ambulance
998
Fire
997

Police 999, Ambulance 998, Fire 997, Coast Guard 996. Non-emergency police: 901. Dubai Tourism Police: +971-4-609-6239. Use DCAS SOS app in Dubai or AD999 app in Abu Dhabi for quick emergency access. 911 does not work - use 999.

Local Cuisine

Shawarma
$

Shawarma

Grilled meat wrapped in pita bread

Hummus
🌱$

Hummus

Chickpea dip with tahini and olive oil

Al Machboos
$$

Al Machboos

Traditional Emirati rice dish with meat and spices

Falafel
🌱$

Falafel

Deep-fried chickpea balls

Luqaimat
🌱$

Luqaimat

Sweet dumplings with date syrup

Tipping

Expected
Local term: Tip/Baksheesh
Restaurants
10-15%, often 10% included
Taxi
Round up or 10%
Hotels
Porter5-10 AED per bag
Housekeeping5-10 AED per day
Concierge10-20 AED for special service
Tours
Guide (per day)50-100 AED per person
Driver (per day)30-50 AED per person

Tipping is expected in UAE, especially Dubai. 10% often added to bills but staff expect additional 10-15%. Service industry relies on tips.