However, they are not all just tall skyscrapers and sand. Founded 50 years ago by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country is now home to more than 200 nationalities and a world pioneer in many industries.

Every year, it welcomes millions of tourists from around the world to explore the rich and diverse experiences that this Arabian gem has to offer.

## Basic information about the UAE

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## Why the Emirates

There is no lack of reasons why you should visit the United Arab Emirates. This small country located in the Persian Gulf is home to the tallest building in the world, the most luxurious hotels ever built and a mixture of tradition and novelty that is rare in other countries. The best reasons to visit the United Arab Emirates can be found in each of its 7 emirates, all of which offer their own unique experiences.

## The capital of the Emirates

Abu Dhabi - this emirate is the capital of the UAE and its largest state, which occupies approximately 87% of the country's territory.

Abu Dhabi, the Arab capital of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the national capital of this federation. The city is located on a small island just off the coast of the Persian Gulf and is connected to the mainland by a short bridge. Abu Dhabi was previously an undeveloped city with only local significance, but its oil revenues allowed it to develop into a modern city with a fully developed infrastructure.

## Flag

The flag shows three identical horizontal stripes of green, white and black, from top to bottom, while the red vertical strip is next to the mast. The flag was designed in 1971 by the young Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah. The UAE flag consists of four colors: green, white, black and red. All four represent Arab unity. Green indicates good and agriculture, which is abundant throughout the country. White means peace. Black is about courage and strength. Red refers to strength and sovereignty.

## Emblem of the United Arab Emirates

The emblem is made up of a golden falcon which represents strength and heritage, while the flag in the middle with seven stars around it represents the unity of the seven emirates. Originally, when the emblem was adopted in 1971, it contained an Arab Dhow in the middle instead of the UAE flag and seven stars.

## Population

The current population of the United Arab Emirates (April 2020) is 9,865,519, which corresponds to 0.13% of the total world population. The UAE ranks 93rd in the list of countries by population.

The population density in the United Arab Emirates is 118 per km2.

86.4% of the population is urban. The average age in the United Arab Emirates is 32.6.

## Holidays in the Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, there are two types of holidays - fixed holidays (National Day and New Year) and Islamic holidays, which depend on the phase of the moon and their dates change every year.

Federal ministries, public ministries and government institutions are closed during public holidays.

In 2020, the people of the UAE will have a total of up to 15 holidays.

| Holiday              | Date                      |
| -------------------- | ------------------------- |
| New year             | 1st January 2020          |
| Eid Al Fitr          | 23th or 24th May 2020     |
| Arafat Day           | 29th or 30th July 2020    |
| Eid Al Adha          | 30th or 31st July 2020    |
| Hijri New Year's Day | 19th or 20th August 2020  |
| Martyr's Day         | 1st December 2020         |
| National Day         | 2nd and 3rd December 2020 |

## Currency of the Emirates

The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED or Dhs) and is divided into 100 fils.

Credit and debit cards are generally accepted. Foreign currencies can be exchanged in exchange offices, banks and licensed hotels, a passport is required. If you are shopping in malls or smaller stores, cash is the best choice.

Bank opening hours are usually from Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 - 13:00 (some banks keep later hours). Some banks have small branches in shopping malls, which are also open in the evenings.

[1 AED=0.272294 USD updated on 11th May 2020](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=AED&To=USD)

## Prices in the Emirates

If you are wondering if the UAE is an expensive country to visit and live in, the answer is yes. While the cost of living in the UAE varies depending on the emirate, the total cost is high. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have slipped into the world ranking of the most expensive cities to live in.

When arranging discounts, it is more advantageous to pay in dirhams and in cash. As in many other Arab countries, in Dubai, traders are in the habit of bargaining.

Restaurant:

- Meals, cheap restaurant 25.00 AED
- Meals for 2 people, Middle-class restaurant, three-course menu 200.00 AED
- McMeal at McDonald's AED 25.00
- Homemade beer (0.5 liters) 40.00 AED
- Imported beer (0.33 l bottle) 45.00 AED
- Coca Cola / Pepsi (0.33 l bottle) 3.31 AED
- Water (0.33 1 bottle) 1.44 AED

Trade:

- Milk (1 liter) 5.95 AED
- White bread (500 g) 4.49 AED
- Jablka (1 kg) 8.10 AED
- Banana (1 kg) 6.37 AED
- Oranges (1 kg) 6.37 AED
- Water (1.5 l bottle) 2.44 AED
- Bottle of wine (medium range) 60.00 AED
- Homemade beer (0.5 l bottle) 15.14 AED
- Imported beer (0.33 l bottle) 15.58 AED
- Cigarettes 20ks (Marlboro) 21.50 AED

Transportation:

- One-way ticket (local transport) 5.00 AED
- Monthly ticket (regular price) 247.50 AED
- Start of taxi (normal tariff) 12.00 AED
- Taxi 1 km (normal tariff) 2.00 AED
- Waiting for 1 hour taxi (normal tariff) 30.00 AED
- Petrol (1 liter) 2.30 AED

## Visa to the Emirates

EU citizens have the opportunity to obtain entry visas free of charge after landing at an international airport in the UAE valid for 90 days in any 180-day period. No obligations to obtain in advance are required. This type of visa cannot be extended. Passports should be normal and valid for more than six months. For US and Australian citizens, you can get your visa after landing too but valid for 1 month stay in the UAE

## Security in the Emirates

This country is particularly safe for single women, especially in hotels such as the Dubai Jumeirah Emirates Towers and the Dukes Dubai, which dedicate floors only to women with exclusively female employees.

Not surprisingly, in recent years, Abu Dhabi has surpassed cities such as Vienna and Tokyo, which, according to an online survey by Numbeo, were described as the safest in the world.

The UAE would like to keep it that way, so you will be subject to a very strict customs system when you visit. As you cross Dubai International Airport, you will be able to see 944 control systems, including 23 drug and explosives detectors and 700 radioactivity detectors.

## Interesting facts about the Emirates

- The form of government of the country is an absolute monarchy. Each emirate of the UAE is governed separately royal family, but Emir Abu Dhabi is home to the country's president and head of state, while the Emir of Dubai serves as Prime Minister's.
- Dubai has the longest driverless metro system. It is more than than 75km long
- According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The height of the skyscraper is 828 meters.
- It is always wise for people visiting the country to familiarize themselves with local laws. In Dubai, for example, people were prosecuted and imprisoned for public display of affection.
- Arabic is the national language, but English is widely used
- Burj Al Arab is a 7-star hotel with 24-carat interiors gold

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- Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates and across the city you will see mosques. Religion is an important part of Dubai's culture.

## Important contacts

**Where to call in case of emergency in the UAE?**

- Police: 999
- Fire brigade: 997
- Emergency: 998

**The UAE phone code is +971.**

**Contacts at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi:**

**Address:**

P.O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Phone: +971-2 414 2200

Email: AbuDhabiACS@state.gov

**Contacts at the Australian Embassy United Arab Emirates:**

**Address:**

16th Floor, Al Muhairy Centre, Zayed the First Street, Abu Dhabi

Phone: +971 2 401 7500

Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com

**Contacts at the British Embassy Abu Dhabi:**

**Address:**

British Embassy Abu Dhabi, Al Hisn Street, Al Markaziyah West, PO Box 248 Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 2 610 1100

Further contacts can be found on the MFA website.

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## List of airports

There are 9 airports in the UAE. Here is a description of the most famous airports focused on international transport.

### Dubai International Airport

Luxury is the only word that defines Dubai, and its DXB international airport has recently won many awards. It is primarily an international airport that provides flights to all over the world; the passengers always loved it and rated it as a classy experience. This airport, which is accessible from any area of Dubai with taxi or even metro, allows seamless transportation between the city and the airport. This airport consisting of 3 terminals is home to the largest airline in the UAE - Emirates; also Terminal 3 operates exclusively for Emirates and Qantas. According to passenger traffic, DXB is the third busiest airport in the world, with 88 million passengers in 2017.

The airport offers its passengers great shopping and dining options in the Dubai Duty-Free area during a stopover. Either shop from top brands like Chanel, Jimmy Choo, or relaxation in the lounges which are good to choose from. With free Wi-Fi available in the DXB, you can enjoy a stopover watching the latest movies.

At Terminal 3, they will also take care of your children in the children's corner where they can enjoy games before the long flight ahead.

Location: In the Al Garhoud district, 4.6km to the east of Dubai

### Abu Dhabi International Airport

As the second largest airport in the United Arab Emirates, it was opened on January 2, 1982, with a plan to modernize the country. The airport with 3 terminals is fully owned by the government of Abu Dhabi. It has two parallel runways with a length of 4.1km and a width of 60 meters. Terminal 3 is the latest addition in recent years, operated mainly for Etihad Airways, including the Airbus A380s. The airport currently serves as a base for more than 30 airlines flying to more than 100 destinations in 50 countries.

With the introduction of bus services in Abu Dhabi in 2008, traveling to and from the city has become a satisfying option.

Location: 38km to the southeast of the center of Abu Dhabi

### Sharjah International Airport

It ranks third in the list of airports in the United Arab Emirates by its size. It has eight departure gates along with 25 aircraft stations. Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, Saudi Airlines, Egypt Air are one of the few airlines operating here since its establishment in 1977. The airport is also focused on cargo transport and is the second largest and busiest transport center in the Middle East with a capacity of 500,000 tons per year. According to reports, in 2012, the airport handled 5 million passengers and 332,796 tons of cargo.

The 4060 m long track is the longest in the UAE region. The terminal includes prayer rooms, 4,000 square meters of check-in area, a duty-free zone, food stalls and lounges. The airport is accessible by car rental, Sharjah Transport taxi or buses. Air Arabia air-conditioned buses are a convenient option and often travel between the airport and Dubai, Al Ain and Ras al Khaimah.

Location: 15km from Sharjah city center.

### Ras Al Khaimah Airport

The airport focuse mainly on freight transport. Airlines operating here are Air Arabia, Air India Express, Luxair, Ural Airlines, SmartWings Poland and Pegasus Airlines.

Ras Al Khaimah Airport in the United Arab Emirates offers, along with two passenger terminals, aircraft maintenance and training. It also has a decent range of facilities such as VIP terminals, lounges, smoking areas, a dining area, shops, a police station and a health center. Muslim travelers have prayer rooms at the arrival and departure terminals. Wi-Fi internet access allows you to access online and watch movies before embarking on a long flight.

Location: In the Gulf of Ras Al Khaimah, 20km to the south of the capital

### Al Ain International Airport

One terminal airport is also the second largest airport in Abu Dhabi. With four gates and a runway of 4000m, it is planned to expand this airport for better functionality.

Location: 18km to the northwest of Al Ain

### Al Maktoum International Airport

Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, is Jebel Ali International Airport, 37km from the southwest of Dubai and 40km from Dubai International Airport. It has a capacity of over 12 million tons of cargo per year and 160 million passengers per year. It is capable of handling all new generation aircraft, such as the superjumbo A380.

The airport is potentially the largest in the world, but far from complete. Some charter airlines fly from Europe to Al Maktoum International Airport, but there are only a few scheduled flights. The latest information says that completion is postponed until 2030.

### List of airports in Dubai

#### Dubai Airport, Dubai DXB

The nearest airport to Dubai Airport and Dubai is Sharjah Airport (17.46km)

Dubai DWC

Airports

## Weather in the Emirates

Annual precipitation is almost everywhere below 100 millimeters and happens in the winter months. Rainfall is rare but occurs in the form of storms or downpours, which can sometimes be intense.

Winter, from December to February, is very mild or pleasantly warm: maximum temperatures range from 24°C to 26°C. Sometimes, especially in January, the cold air masses from the north can bring cold and windy days, during which the temperature can drop to about 10/12°C at night and around 16/18°C during the daytime.

Summer is very hot and sunny, with daily temperatures between 38°C and 42°C between May and September. April and October are also hot months, with maximum temperatures around 33/36°C. During the hottest days, the temperature can reach 47/48°C on the coast and even more inland. Fortunately, the buildings are air conditioned.

The United Arab Emirates can be hit by strong winds all year round, but especially in the spring, which can cause a storm of dust and sand.

The sea in the Emirates is warm enough to swim all year round, although it drops to 23°C from January to March. It is very hot in summer and exceeds 30°C from June to October. In the Gulf of Oman, the sea is slightly warmer in winter than in the Persian Gulf.

The United Arab Emirates is sometimes hit by tropical cyclones, which bring strong winds and heavy rains, as happening with Cyclone Gon in early June 2007, although this happens less often than in neighboring Oman. The most dangerous area is the northern area and especially the emirate of Fujairah, which overlooks the coast of the Gulf of Oman; in contrast, inland and western areas are generally spared. Cyclones form from May to December and are more common at the beginning of the period (May &mdash; June) and slightly less in the end (October &mdash; December).

## Weather in Dubai

August is the warmest month in Dubai with an average temperature of 35.5°C and the coldest is January at 19°C, with the longest daily sunshine being 12 hours in June.

{{< guide-forecast7 code="25d2055d27/dubai" >}}

The wettest month is February with an average rain of 40mm.

The best month for swimming in the sea is August, when the average sea temperature is 33°C.

## When to fly to Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is winter, from December to February, which is a pleasant and sunny period that will allow you to avoid the unpleasant heat of the long warm season.

The best months for a beach holiday are March and November (although we recommend November because the sea is warmer), while in the long summer, when it is too hot, sunbathing can also be a problem.

Weather

## Attractions in Dubai

Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle and modern architecture in the middle of the desert. The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is known for its extravagant, newly built monuments such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Mall.

In just over two decades, the city has changed from a desert port to a thriving metropolis with skyscrapers.

### Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world over 800 meters, the Burj Khalifa, is one of the most impressive landmarks in Dubai. Even better than viewing a skyscraper from the outside is to go to the top and see what Dubai looks like from floor 148. The view stretches from the sea to the desert and it is a truly unique experience.

Burj Khalifa, 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai, +971 4 366 1655

### Dubai Mall

What could be more exciting for people who like to shop than visiting the largest mall in the world? Dubai Mall has 1,200 stores, from some of the largest luxury stores in the world, such as Chanel and Cartier, to Forever 21, Zara and other trendy stores. The department store also has an entire area reserved for jewelry stores and dozens of grocery and beverage stores.

Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, +971 800 382246255

### Palm Jumeirah Island

Palm Jumeirah is the largest artificial island in the world. Every tourist in Dubai definitely needs to see it and visit one of its top restaurants and bars. Even better than just visiting the island is to stay in one of its 5-star hotels, such as Fairmont The Palm, Atlantis or Anantara.

The Palm Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai

### Madinat Jumeirah resort

Madinat Jumeirah is connected by three kilometers of waterways, which will take you to all the facilities of the resort and allow you to travel around the extensive resort by authentic Abra boats. The structure of the building is a tribute to the old Arab Citadel in the past. When you float around its waterways, you can easily get lost in the history of the country. The rooms inside are new, but not very thrilling. In the resort, you can also smell the traditional Arab culture (from fresh air market), which has historically had, in addition to commercial use, threre is also highly social use.

[King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates](https://www.jumeirah.com/en/collection/madinat-jumeirah)

### Dubai opera

Opened in 2016, the Dubai Opera House is the first theater built in central Dubai, overlooking the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. The support zone is expected to be the largest cultural center in the world when completed.

The building, which took three years to build and complete, was designed by architect Janus Rostock Atkins and can be transformed into three modes: a theater, a concert hall and a banquet hall with approximately 2,000 seats in concert mode. This feature really distinguishes Dubai Opera from other cultural places. Rostock was one of the most powerful architects in the Middle East, and this project won the GCC Project of the Year Award (MEP Middle East Awards 2015). <https://www.dubaiopera.com/>

### City Walk shopping area

City Walk is located on Al Safa Street, a large street that leads from the Sheikh Zayed Highway to the sea with beautiful views of the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. City Walk reproduces the concept of a European city with shops and businesses arranged along the main road that visitors walk through. It is not a "closed" shopping center on several floors, but a street with inner and outer squares, where it is pleasant to walk and sometimes stop for window shopping.

<https://www.citywalk.ae/en>

### Dubai Canal

The Dubai Canal is 3.2km long that stretches from the bay of old Dubai to the Arabian Gulf.

The Dubai Water Canal is one of the most expensive and environmentally friendly projects in Dubai. The street lamps used in the canal are completely solar, in addition to being just an attraction, the canal serves as a functioning transport system and provides a great connection with the city itself. You could walk across the canal on a boat or ferry, but to enjoy the experience, it would be ideal to sit on top of a traditional Arabian Dhowa or Abra.

There are 5 pedestrian bridges, 3 of which connect both sides of the canal, which is supposed for a quiet walk. One bridge over the canal has a concrete slope for cyclists.

The area around the canal has separated trails, jogging tracks, bike paths and seating areas that visitors can use. The channel also has intelligent charging stations that guarantee that it will never drain your batteries. Each of the pedestrian bridges has lifts on both sides.

### Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek, or Arabic Al Khor, is a 14-kilometer-long stretch of water coming from the Persian Gulf to Dubai. It divides the city into two districts, Deira and Bur Dubai. Take an evening cruise and see what you can see from the water surface.

**When to visit:**

All year round

**Opening hours:**

The first Abra (boat) leaves at 5:00 in the morning and runs until midnight. Take this into account when planning your activities around the bay.

**How much does it cost:**

The road to Abre costs 1 dirham, one way. Inas prices will depend on your chosen activities.

**How to get there:**

Creek Tube Station is on the green line and is quite close to the water. It even goes under the water!

## Beaches in Dubai

Dubai is not just about skyscrapers but dunes. It is located on the edge of the Arabian Gulf and is also a paradise for beach lovers. In idyllic weather from October to May, Dubai's beaches have become one of its main attractions.

While dressing on Dubai's beaches is more relaxed than in other parts of the city, this is not a place to go in your thong bikini. Choose swimming suit that offers more coverage (shorts, one-piece and casual bikinis are fine) and don't forget to cover them before leaving the sand. And ladies, sunbathing topless is seriously unacceptable.

Summer and the beach go hand in hand, don't they? Well, not in Dubai, when summer temperatures (June to September) are around 43°C. If beach days are a priority of your Dubai vacation, book your stay for the colder months.

Stay hydrated on the beach, but keep your alcohol in your hotel room. Drinking alcohol outside of licensed bars and restaurants is against the law and exposes serious fines and even imprisonment.

### Jumeirah Beach

It is white sand beach, located in the Jumeirah district of Dubai on the shores of the Persian Gulf. It stretches along the coast south of the historic part of town to the junction with The Palm Jumeirah and ends between the south of Jumeirah Beach. One of the most visited public beaches in Dubai. It is very popular among residents and tourists. Admission is completely free and there are showers and changing rooms.

There are also lifeguards on the beach, a few cafes and restaurants, and a jogging track for fitness lovers. It is also one of Dubai's public beaches, offering a variety of water sports including paddleboarding and water skiing. Residents living in Jumeirah district enjoy this public beach in Dubai, as it just steps away from their homes.

Jumeirah Beach is open 24 hours, but the beach is only accessible for swimming until sunset.

### Kite Beach

A five-minute drive to the north will take you to Kite Beach, whose main activity is clear from the name. This is an excellent Dubai beach for water sports. Wakeboarding, kayaking and paddleboarding are also available. Play tennis or volleyball on the soft sands, or simply relax while sunbathing with city views and free Wi-Fi. Kite Beach is fully equipped with toilets and changing rooms, cafes and fast food trucks.

### Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is located between the Arabian Gulf and Umm Suqeim Park. This white sand beach is a popular place for families with children. Selfies at sunset are a mandatory activity here. Sunset Beach is equipped with toilets, showers and changing rooms, as well as free Wi-Fi, for those who want to catch a wave. It is also the only Dubai beach for surfing with small to medium waves, which is ideal for beginners.

### Marina Beach

Marina Beach is located along the sidewalk at Jumeirah Beach Residences, between Bluewaters Island and Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. Beach facilities include sun loungers and parasols for hire, a 1.8 km jogging track, showers and public toilets, and many shops, restaurants and grocery stalls along the shopping street.

Once known as the Russian beach due to its popularity among Russian tourists.

Guide to the United Arab Emirates

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