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- United Arab Emirates Holidays
United Arab Emirates
Holidays
Traveling to UAE 2025
Just fifty years ago, the United Arab Emirates was a vast desert. Today, it's a symbol of luxury and cutting-edge innovation. Sand dunes have given way to palm-lined avenues, bustling bazaars to high-end boutiques, and camels to luxury cars. Along the coast, man-made islands, pristine beaches, and world-class hotels now define the landscape. Yet amid this modernity, the UAE still exudes the magic of the Arabian Nights—where tradition and hospitality meet futuristic ambition.
Main Resorts
Abu Dhabi
The largest of the seven emirates and a modern resort city, Abu Dhabi dazzles with cutting-edge architecture and luxury. It's a haven for travelers seeking upscale relaxation, home to Formula 1 tracks, the Ferrari World theme park, and numerous five-star hotels. More budget-friendly options like four- and three-star hotels are also available, some offering peaceful locations outside the city with free shuttles to major shopping centers.
Dubai
The second largest emirate, Dubai is the ultimate blend of beach relaxation and urban glamor. Here, you’ll find world-class festivals, designer shopping, fine dining by celebrity chefs, and iconic landmarks like the Burj Al Arab—the world’s most luxurious hotel—and the 124-story Burj Khalifa. Dubai also boasts a record number of mega-malls, making it a paradise for shoppers and entertainment seekers alike.
Jumeirah
Jumeirah, Dubai’s most prestigious residential area, is a hub of luxury villas, skyscrapers, restaurants, and nightlife. Nearby attractions include Wild Wadi Water Park and the Madinat Business Center. Its crown jewel is Palm Jumeirah—a stunning man-made island shaped like a palm tree with 16 fronds and a crescent-shaped breakwater, offering a concentrated dose of resort-style opulence.
Sharjah
The third largest emirate, Sharjah is ideal for those seeking a quiet, family-friendly vacation without alcohol. It's rich in Arabian culture, with numerous museums, galleries, and historical sites. Hotels are fewer but mostly located along the beachfront, offering moderate prices for both accommodation and dining. A perfect choice for culture lovers and bargain shoppers.
Ras Al Khaimah
The northernmost and greenest emirate, Ras Al Khaimah has only recently begun attracting tourists. While it lacks the skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it offers plenty of family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts. Unlike Sharjah, alcohol is permitted here, making it a great option for those seeking a classic beach holiday with modern comforts.
Fujairah
The only emirate on the Indian Ocean, Fujairah offers a milder climate, lush tropical gardens, green hills, and rugged mountains. It's ideal for divers, thanks to vibrant coral reefs, and for those seeking a peaceful beach escape. The area blends natural beauty with modern comforts—shopping centers, restaurants, and urban charm.
Umm Al-Quwain
A quiet emirate just 50 km from Dubai, Umm Al-Quwain preserves traditional Emirati life. It’s perfect for a serene beach vacation, with calm lagoons, historical landmarks, and even an amusement park. It’s also home to the UAE’s best riding school. Hotel options are limited but affordable and family-friendly.
Ajman
The smallest emirate, Ajman is known for its deluxe beachfront hotels, modern infrastructure, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for a peaceful seaside getaway with pristine sands and gentle waves. For more excitement, Dubai is just a short drive away.
Climate and Seasons
The UAE has a dry tropical climate with minimal, irregular rainfall. Summers (above +30–35 °C) are extremely hot and sunny, with sea temperatures around +30 °C—making this the low season, often with significant travel discounts. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is sunny and mild (+20–25 °C), and the sea remains warm enough for swimming.
Time
UAE time is the same as Tbilisi time.
Currency
The UAE’s currency is the dirham (AED), divided into 100 fils. It is tightly pegged to the US dollar, with an exchange rate of approximately 1 USD = 3.67 AED, which rarely fluctuates.
Geographical Background
The United Arab Emirates is located in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Qatar to the northwest, Oman to the east, and Saudi Arabia to the south. Its 700 km coastline—600 km along the Persian Gulf—is also touched by the Gulf of Oman. The capital is Abu Dhabi. The landscape includes mountains in the east, deserts in the south and west, and salt flats in the north. Most cities and resorts are located along the coast or in oases.
Historical Background
The UAE was founded in 1971, when six emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah—united to form a single state, later joined by Ras Al Khaimah. Though the country's modern history is short, human presence in the region dates back over 7,000 years. Located along key trade routes between the Mediterranean and India, the area saw the early arrival of Islam during the Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime. Over the centuries, it was ruled by the Arab Caliphate, Oman, Portugal, and Britain. After WWII, the discovery of oil sparked rapid development, transforming the UAE into one of the world’s most stable and prosperous nations.
Language and Religion
The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, especially in resorts and tourist areas. Most service staff are fluent in English. Islam is the dominant religion and shapes many aspects of daily life and culture.
Cuisine
UAE cuisine shares many traditions with other Arab countries. Due to Islamic dietary laws, meat dishes feature lamb, goat, veal, or beef, accompanied by vegetables. Spicy soups, sour-milk products, and desserts made with honey and nuts are common. Strong Arabic coffee, served in small cups from special pots, is a favorite drink.
Though traditional Emirati cuisine is modest, the UAE is a gourmet’s paradise. Renowned international chefs and over a hundred Michelin-starred restaurants can be found in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For casual dining, thousands of cafes offer everything from Mediterranean classics to Asian delicacies. Every February, the Dubai Food Festival turns the city into a global culinary celebration with food fairs, tastings, and master classes.
Transport
Taxis are the preferred transport for tourists and can be hailed on the street. Fares are metered, with short trips costing around $4–7, influenced by traffic conditions. To rent a car, you must be over 21 with a valid driver’s license from your home country.
Public transport includes city buses and Dubai’s air-conditioned metro, both paid via reusable plastic cards. Many hotels also offer free shuttles to beaches and shopping centers—check with your hotel reception for details.
Holidays
The UAE celebrates both secular and Muslim religious holidays, along with vibrant trade and food festivals that attract visitors worldwide. Key events include:
- Late November: Formula 1 and Desert Rhythm Festival (ethnic music).
- December 2: National Day with air shows, parades, concerts, and fireworks.
- January: Dubai Shopping Festival featuring grand sales, shows, and giveaways.
- February: Dubai Gastronomic Festival.
- March: World Cup horse race with a $10 million prize.
- Early April: Camel Festival, a 9-day cultural event with races, beauty contests, and auctions.
- Early June: Summer Surprise Festival—weeks of sales, entertainment, and contests.
From late June to July, the holy month of Ramadan is observed. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and restaurants and nightclubs operate on limited hours. Visitors should respect these customs, dress modestly in public (covering knees and elbows), and reserve beachwear for the beach only.
Emergency Numbers
- Ambulance and Police: 999
- Fire Service: 997
- Help Desk: 180 or 181
Medical Care
Medical services in the UAE are generally paid. It’s important to have travel health insurance to cover any medical expenses during your trip. Always carry your insurance policy details when seeking medical assistance.
Useful Tips
The UAE is very safe, with virtually no crime, day or night. However, it has strict laws and cultural norms you should respect:
- Swimwear is only allowed at beaches or hotel pools; nude or topless sunbathing is forbidden.
- Avoid photographing Arab women, government buildings, banks, or military sites.
- Gambling is illegal.
- Drinking alcohol in public, transporting alcohol between emirates, and drunk driving are serious offenses with severe penalties.
- During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public before sunset.
Useful information
