Travel advisory · United Arab EmiratesSome governments advise against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice

Areas with warnings

Also named by one government: Abou Moussa (France), Grande Tomb (France), Petite Tomb (France), Strait of Hormuz vicinity and other sensitive maritime areas (by sea) (New Zealand), Al Minhad Air Base and surroundings (Canada), Islands of the Strait of Hormuz (Italy)

Government	Advice	Updated	Read the advice
United Kingdom (FCDO)	Context unpredictable, escalation risk high; be prepared for disruption	–	Read the advice
United States (State Dept)	Level 3: Reconsider Travel	Oct 23, 2026	Read the advice
Canada (Global Affairs)	Exercise a high degree of caution (regional advisories)	–	Read the advice
Germany (Auswärtiges Amt)	Von nicht notwendigen Reisen wird abgeraten (avoid non-essential travel)	Oct 29, 2026	Read the advice
New Zealand (SafeTravel)	Exercise increased caution (regional advisories)	–	Read the advice
France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)	Zone de vigilance renforcée (increased caution) across the whole country (regional advisories)	–	Read the advice

Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.

Middle East

United Arab Emirates

Visitors come for Dubai's skyline and beaches and for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and many combine both cities in one trip.

Start with the essentials Plan a trip to United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a country of seven emirates on the Gulf coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Most trips cover two cities. Dubai is known for its skyline, shopping malls and beaches. Abu Dhabi, the capital, is about an hour and a half to two hours away by road, and it is where you find the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and several museums.

The UAE suits city breaks, family holidays and a beach stay added to a city trip. Most of the country is hot and dry, so November to March is the most comfortable time for walking and outdoor sights. Plan at least four to five days for Dubai and Abu Dhabi together, and allow more if you want desert time or a visit to another emirate. Dress is more relaxed in tourist areas, but cover up at mosques and in many public places. Alcohol, drugs and some medicines are under strict rules, so check them before you pack.

Five things to know before United Arab Emirates

Check the regional travel advice before you book
Iranian strikes have hit locations across the Gulf since July 2026, and flights can be cancelled or airspace closed at short notice. Read the current UK or US advice and your insurance terms. UK travel advice
Check how many days your passport gets on arrival
British citizens get a free visa on arrival for up to 90 days in any 180; other passports differ, so check yours on the official ICP site. Your passport needs six months of validity from arrival. Visas and entry
Check your medicines before you pack
Some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are controlled in the UAE and need approval from the Ministry of Health before you travel. Carry prescriptions for everything.
Book Burj Khalifa and the Grand Mosque by time slot
The Burj Khalifa decks sell timed tickets that cost more at sunset, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque asks visitors to book a free slot and cover arms, legs and hair. Dubai
Respect public behavior laws
Public drunkenness, swearing, rude gestures and public displays of affection can lead to fines or arrest. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public by day.

United Arab Emirates travel guides

Practical guides from writers who live there.

Dubai

Where to stay, the metro and booking Burj Khalifa.

Read the guide Abu Dhabi

The Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat.

Read the guide Visa on arrival

Which passports are stamped in free, for 30 or 90 days, and who needs a visa first.

Read the guide Getting around

Dubai Metro, taxis and the bus to Abu Dhabi.

Read the guide Phones and eSIM

Data plans, and which calling apps work.

Read the guide Where to stay

Choosing a base by area in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Read the guide

Top places to visit in United Arab Emirates

See all attractions in United Arab Emirates

Landmark · DubaiHeritage House - DubaiCheck ahead for maintenance closures.

Gallery · DubaiCourtyardVisit during the cooler months if you want to spend time outdoors.

Museum · DubaiDubai Police Museum

Landmark · Abu DhabiCorniche Track

Destinations in United Arab Emirates

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque reflected in a pool at low sun in Abu Dhabi

CityAbu DhabiExplore

The Burj Khalifa and skyscrapers above a multi-level highway interchange in Dubai

CityDubaiExplore

CitySharjahExplore

CityRas Al KhaimahExplore

What a day costs in United Arab Emirates

Per person, in AED

Work out your trip

BudgetAED 190a day≈ $52 · per person

Hostel beds, cheap eats, buses and free sights.

Bed a night: AED 120
Food: AED 60
Transport: AED 10
Sights: Free

Mid-rangeAED 755a day≈ $206 · per person

A 3-star room, casual restaurants, public transport and one paid sight a day.

Bed a night: AED 350
Food: AED 180
Transport: AED 45
Sights: AED 180

ComfortAED 1,800a day≈ $490 · per person

A 4-star room, good restaurants, taxis and a guided tour.

Bed a night: AED 700
Food: AED 450
Transport: AED 150
Sights: AED 500

Checked Oct 3, 2026 by Youssef HaddadA source for every line on the trip cost page. Flights not included. Rates By Exchange Rate APIWork out your trip

When to go

Rainy days

Best

JanuaryClear2 rainy daysHigh24°Low16°Mild, busy
FebruaryClear1 rainy dayHigh25°Low17°Mild, busy
MarchClear2 rainy daysHigh29°Low20°Warm
AprilClear1 rainy dayHigh34°Low23°Hot
MayClear0 rainy daysHigh39°Low27°Very hot
JuneClear0 rainy daysHigh41°Low29°Very hot
JulyClear0 rainy daysHigh42°Low31°Hot, humid
AugustClear0 rainy daysHigh42°Low31°Hot, humid
SeptemberClear0 rainy daysHigh40°Low29°Hot, humid
OctoberClear0 rainy daysHigh36°Low26°Hot
NovemberClear0 rainy daysHigh30°Low22°Warm
DecemberClear1 rainy dayHigh26°Low18°Mild, busy

Average daily high and low in Dubai, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to United Arab EmiratesPut the places you like in United Arab Emirates on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Right now in United Arab Emirates

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 28°
Humidity: 67%
Wind: 9 km/h
Chance of rain: 0%

United Arab Emirates

12:06 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+4

Today36°23°0%Tuesday: Clear. High 36°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 0%.
Wed35°23°2%Wednesday: Fog. High 35°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 2%.
Thu35°23°0%Thursday: Clear. High 35°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 0%.
Fri36°23°0%Friday: Clear. High 36°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sat36°23°0%Saturday: Clear. High 36°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sun36°22°0%Sunday: Clear. High 36°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 0%.

Updated 09:04 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 3.673 AED

Amount

Converted to

AED · United Arab Emirates Dirham

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Before you go to United Arab Emirates

eSIM for the UAEData plans comparedRead the guide Travel insuranceCheck cover for disruptionRead the guide Cards and cashDirham pegged to the dollarRead the guide Visas and entry30 or 90 days by passportRead the guide

Rules for United Arab Emirates, checked

Controlled medicines need approval from the UAE Ministry of Health before travel; bring up to three months' supply of ordinary medicines.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Read more British citizens get a free visa on arrival for up to 90 days in any 180; the passport must be valid for six months from the day you arrive.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Read more

United Arab Emirates FAQ

Do I need a visa for Dubai?

British citizens get a free visa on arrival for up to 90 days in any 180. Other passports differ in length or need a visa in advance, so check yours on the official ICP site before you fly.

How do I get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

Intercity buses and taxis take about 90 minutes to two hours. Renting a car is easy, and speed cameras on the highway are strict.

Can I drink alcohol in Dubai?

Yes, in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants, if you are 21 or over in Dubai. Being drunk in public or drinking in the street is against the law.

What should I wear in the UAE?

Beachwear is fine at beaches and pools. In malls, souqs and government buildings cover shoulders and knees, and at mosques women also cover their hair.

How many days do I need in the UAE?

Four or five days covers Dubai and a day or two in Abu Dhabi. Add a night in the desert or the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah for a week.

When is the best time to visit the UAE?

November to March, when days are warm and evenings mild. It is also the busiest and most expensive season, so book rooms early.