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InternationalTravel.ai > UAE

The UAE

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Winter

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: September

Famous For: Luxury shopping, Modern architecture, Desert landscapes

Train Access: Yes (dubai metro, etihad rail, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (RTA Buses, Abu Dhabi Buses, very safe)

Tourist Visa: Visitors to the UAE typically require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for citizens of select countries for a 30-day stay. Others must apply in advance, with tourist visas valid for 30 to 90 days.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, each with its own unique allure for travelers. Dubai, the most famous emirate, dazzles visitors with its futuristic skyline, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, offers breathtaking views, while the Dubai Mall provides an unparalleled shopping experience. Cultural enthusiasts can explore the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood or witness traditional dhow boats along Dubai Creek. Abu Dhabi, the capital, is home to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, showcasing a fusion of art and architecture. For dining, UAE offers a diverse culinary scene, from high-end restaurants serving international cuisine to local eateries offering Emirati dishes like shawarma and mezze. Outdoor activities abound, with desert safaris, dune bashing, and camel rides providing a taste of Bedouin life. The pristine beaches of the Arabian Gulf invite water sports and relaxation. Unique events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix attract global visitors. For a quieter experience, the northern emirates like Ras Al Khaimah offer mountain hikes and archaeological sites. UAE's blend of modernity, tradition, and natural beauty ensures a memorable journey for every traveler.

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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to UAE

Weather: The UAE experiences a desert climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters. Temperatures in the summer can exceed 40°C (104°F), with high humidity levels in coastal areas. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F). Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, occurring mainly in winter.

Festivals: The Dubai Shopping Festival is a shopper's paradise with discounts and entertainment, while the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a highlight for Formula 1 fans.

Best Destinations for Kids: The UAE is family-friendly, with destinations like Dubai's KidZania and Aquaventure Waterpark, offering educational and thrilling experiences for children.

Hidden Gem: The emirate of Fujairah is an underrated destination, known for its scenic mountains and unspoiled beaches, ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Traveling on a budget in the UAE is feasible with careful planning. Affordable accommodations can be found in guesthouses or budget hotels, particularly outside the prime areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dining options include food courts in malls and local markets where one can savor street food and regional specialties at a lower cost. Public transport, such as the Dubai Metro and inter-emirate buses, provides economical travel options. Free attractions, like the public beaches or the Dubai Fountain show, offer entertainment without the price tag. Visiting during the summer months can also result in significant savings on accommodations and attractions, albeit with higher temperatures.

Accessibility: The UAE is generally accessible for older people, with modern infrastructure, elevators, and well-maintained sidewalks in urban areas, as well as accessible public transport options like the Dubai Metro.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travel in the UAE is considered safe and can be quite rewarding. The country offers a mix of modern amenities, cultural sites, and natural landscapes. Solo travelers can enjoy a variety of activities from shopping in Dubai's grand malls to peaceful moments in the Arabian Desert. English is widely spoken, making communication easy. For safety, standard precautions are advised, such as avoiding less populated areas at night and being mindful of local customs and dress codes. The UAE is known

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week in the UAE could include exploring Dubai's landmarks, experiencing Abu Dhabi's cultural sites, and relaxing on the beaches of Sharjah or Ajman.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, consider a deeper exploration of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, visits to the cultural sights in Sharjah, adventures in the desert, and perhaps a retreat to the serene beaches and mountains of Fujairah.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: Syriana, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, Star Wars: The Force Awakens (portions filmed in Abu Dhabi)

Popular Foods: The UAE's cuisine is a reflection of its diverse population and rich cultural heritage. Popular dishes include Shawarma, which is thinly sliced meat wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables and sauce; Hummus, a creamy dip made from chickpeas and tahini; and Al Harees, a traditional dish made with wheat and meat slow-cooked in a clay pot. For dessert, Luqaimat, sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup, and Umm Ali, a warm bread pudding, are widely enjoyed.

Unusual Eats: Camel meat is a traditional food in the UAE that may be unusual to visitors. It is often prepared during special occasions and can be served in a variety of dishes.

Popular Sports: football (soccer), cricket, camel racing, horse racing, falconry

Popular Teams: Al Ain FC (football), Al-Wahda FC (football), Sharjah FC (football)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: Public displays of affection are frowned upon in the UAE and can lead to fines or imprisonment. It is also considered disrespectful to refuse food or drink offered by a host. Additionally, during the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited and can be seen as disrespectful to those who are fasting.