UAE Tourism

Why Visit the UAE?

Get to be on sandy beaches in the morning and desert safaris in the evening - all in one day. Stroll through futuristic malls and vibrant gold souks. Explore the cultural charm of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Fly over the Palm, with a skydive and see the sunset at Burj Al Arab. Go from camel rides in deserts to sipping coffee on the 35th-floor rooftop cafe.

Quick Overview

Category Details Capital Abu Dhabi Location Middle East Languages Arabic, English, Hindi, Chinese and more Currency United Arab Emirates Dirham Festivals Eid, UAE National Day, The Dubai Shopping Festival, Sharjah Water Festival, Dubai World Cup Cities Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Al Ain, Ras Al-Khaimah Top Attractions Burj Khalifa, Ferrari World, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Museum of Future, Dubai Miracle Garden Best Time to Visit December to March Activities Desert Safari, Skydiving, Dubai Fountain, Adventure Park, Zipline, Hot Air Balloon, Amusement Park

Places to visit

1. Abu Dhabi -

A prime example of a place that blends modern futuristic attractions and rich culture. It features the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and an art-filled Louvre Abu Dhabi.

2. Dubai-

The face of modern UAE, showcasing the remarkable sky-high views of Burj Khalifa, a global shopping experience at Dubai Mall and catching a sunset at Bedouin-style camps.

3. Sharjah-

Dive into culture at Sharjah Art Museum, and dive into underwater marine life at the aquarium and feel the rush with a buggy ride at Mieiha’s desert dunes.

4. Ras Al Khaimah-

This is known as the UAE’s underrated destination. Go to the rugged trails of Jebel Jais or the world’s longest zipline, or relax at a secluded beach resort in Al Hamra.

5. Fujairah-

A laid-back coastal escape, you can go for snorkelling at the lazy Snoopy Island, visit Fujairah Fort and take it slow by the ocean.

Budget and Accommodation

If you’re travelling to Dubai from India, flights can cost you around ?20,000 to ?30,000. If you want to live on a budget, the stay options can range from ?2,000 to ?4,000 per night, and if you’re going for mid-range accommodation, it costs up to ?5,000 to ?10,000. If you want to have a luxury vacation in the UAE and want to live at the glamorous Atlantis or hotels in Jumeriah, the prices start at ?24,000 to ?38,000 and go up fast. For commuting locally, the Dubai Metro is a convenient and affordable option. Taxis and ride apps are also available according to your comfort.

How to Reach Dubai from India?

Travelling to Dubai from India is easy, as there are direct flights available from major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Flights operate daily, and the journey takes approximately 3-4 hours. You’ll land at the Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is well connected to the city.

Best time to visit the UAE

The best time to visit the UAE from India is during October to March, when the weather is pleasant, skies are clear, and you can enjoy being outdoors without melting. November to February are ideal months to visit for desert safaris. Camping in Ras Al Khaimah and exciting winter events. December to January are the best months for Ski Dubai and Global Village. From October to March, the weather is pleasant and ideal for city tours, relaxing beach visits, and there are fewer crowds. February and March are the holy months of Ramazan, and you can experience the local lifestyle and culture.

Things to do in the UAE

1. Fly across Jebel Jais-

If you are an adventurous person, go to the world’s longest zipline at Ras Al Khaimah and enjoy the adrenaline rush and spectacular mountain views.

2. Go Desert Glamping -

Instead of going for basic desert safaris, opt for a luxurious desert camp experience in Dubai. Enjoy the fairy lights, fire pits and stars that you can see.

3. Ski in the desert- Only possible in Dubai, you can go from a desert to an indoor snow park in a span of a few hours. Ski through the slopes, hang out with penguins and sip on hot chocolate.

4. Go to Yas Island- Get on the fastest roller-coaster in the world at Ferrari World or float in the lazy river in Yas Waterworld.

Visa and Immigration

If you’re going to the UAE from India, you require a UAE tourist visa before heading to the UAE. The most common visa type is a 30-day entry visa, which costs approximately ?6,500 to ?7,000 and typically takes 3-5 working days to process. To apply for the UAE visa, you can apply via a travel agency or online. Ensure that your important documents are ready.

Culture and Lifestyle

Language The official language is Arabic, but in many tourist destinations, English is widely spoken, especially in cities like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.

Attire There is no strict dress code in the UAE for tourists, but dressing modestly is appreciated in public places. Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting Mosques and traditional areas. Beaches, clubs and hotels are more relaxed - pack a mix of all.

Cuisine Food in the UAE is a foodie’s dream, try the famous Shawarma, Falafel, Manakish or eat the Emirati dish like Machboos. Some famous spots to check out are Pier 7, Ravi Restaurant, and Operation: Falafel. To try some local gems, go to Karama and Deira. For a traditional dining experience, visit Arabian Tea House or Fanar.

Shopping

What to Shop If you’re in the UAE, make sure to shop for gold; prices are great here. Don’t miss out on perfumes, dry fruits, handicrafts and local spices. If you want to splurge on your vacation, explore the luxurious malls in the UAE that have luxury and boutique designers. Where to Shop Go to Dubai Mall for every big or small purchase while also admiring the stunning aquarium. For luxury shoppers, Mall of Emirates is the best choice. To bring home some bling, head to the Gold Souk in Diera, and for some local souvenirs, try the Karama Market.

What to pack for Dubai

Pack outfits that are easy, breezy and light, which could survive the heat. Carry at least one outfit that is modest when visiting religious places. UAE uses type G plugs, bring a universal charger adapter Ensure that you carry a comfortable pair of shoes here, since there is a lot of walking in malls. Carry a thin jacket with you, as the air conditioning in malls, metros, and cabs can be quite cold.

Tips

Cabs are affordable in the UAE, but the metro is a more convenient and quicker option. Be sure to bargain at the Gold Souk, as they offer the best prices. Dining hours during Ramadan should shift, respecting local cultures. Free Wi-Fi is everywhere - in malls, metros, and cafes. You can be charged with a fine if you chew gum on the metro.

Although a small country, the UAE has a number of unique places, be it natural or man-made, that make it one of the most interesting places to visit in the world. It doesn’t matter if you are on a honeymoon, a family vacation or a solo trip, this country has something or the other to offer for people of all preferences and budget. Make sure to read this UAE tour guide thoroughly to find out exactly how to explore the country to its full potential. 

Whether you're standing in the shadow of towering Burj Khalifa in Dubai or modern Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the UAE attractions draw in all kind of tourists. Be it a romantic getaway with your better half or a family vacation, the UAE is a wonderful holiday destination. So wait no more and apply for a UAE visa to visit this glamorous gulf country. Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) are major international airports in the UAE.