United Arab Emirates

Types of trips: Adventure, Relaxation, Exploration, History, Cultural, Geography

Best known for: Oil production, Hotels/Holidays, Dubai, Palm-shaped holiday resorts and the world's tallest building

Why Go?: The United Arab Emirates is a fascinating country - with its huge, glittering cities and vast deserts, it's like two countries rolled into one. Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have an international reputation for being excellent holiday destinations and cultural hotspots, while travelling south into the deserts you can find small towns where people get around on camels. This is an excellent destination for groups who want to be amazed by the sheer size of things!

Fact File

Population: 9,300,000

Capital: Abu Dhabi

Language(s): Arabic

Ties to the UK?: Good relationship, popular travel destination

Landscape: The long coastal region is mostly made up of salt pans that gradually extend inland, with large desert areas in the south with some occasional man made lakes and natural oases 

Climate/Seasons: Hot summers with temperatures reaching over 45°C in July/August and warm winters from October - February

When to Go: Although the prices will be highest during this time, October - March will have the best events and weather! Avoid the peak of summer and the extreme heat, and the month of Ramadan has unpredictable business hours and certain rules about where you can eat/drink - it's best visiting outside this period to avoid confusion!

Reasons to Visit: Local activities & culture, Man-made attractions, Good weather, Bahrain Grand Prix

How to Get There: There are several international airports in the country that you can travel to, some of which you can fly direct to from London 

Places to Go: Dubai Museum, Sharjah Heritage Museum, Dubai Mall, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Wild Wadi Water Park, Bahrain city and the Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building)

Famous People: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Hussain Al Jassmi, Elham Al Qasim

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Al Ain Zoo

History: The British government controlled the United Arab Emirates for a period in the 20th century, before the country became independent in 1971 and the seven emirate states joined together to become the modern day UAE

Architecture: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque, Emirates Palace

Culture: Quite diverse, but strongly influenced by Arabian culture, with evidence of Persian, Indian and East African cultures in everyday life

Sport: Football, Cricket, Formula One, Tennis

Events: Abu Dhabi Festival, Middle East Film and Comic Con

Watch Out For: You should respect the Muslim traditions and practices of the country at all times - it's best to research into local laws and customs beforehand to avoid causing offense whilst there. British citizens can get visas on arrival to the country for a month, but you may want to organise this beforehand if you have a large group!  

Medical Issues: Some vaccines/boosters may be advised for you - see this page for a general overview and always talk to a doctor!