Roavina

Country guide

United Arab Emirates

A photograph of United Arab Emirates
Photograph · Tonenight · CC BY-SA 4.0

The United Arab Emirates has been one country since 2 December 1971, when seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah — federated. It covers 83,600 km² and held 11,027,129 people in 2024, of whom about 11 per cent are Emirati citizens; the rest came to work, and that shapes the food, the languages and the shape of a week more than any monument does. Abu Dhabi is the capital and Dubai the largest city, close enough to treat as one base. The northern emirates beyond them are quieter and far less built.

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information
Language spoken
Arabic; English is widely used
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+971
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
UAE dirham (AED)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
999 police · 998 ambulance
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type G · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide drinking-water statement was recorded

Planning a visit

  1. January: no seasonality data recorded
  2. February: no seasonality data recorded
  3. March: no seasonality data recorded
  4. April: no seasonality data recorded
  5. May: no seasonality data recorded
  6. June: no seasonality data recorded
  7. July: no seasonality data recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: no seasonality data recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

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26 places match
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Category

Historic monuments 30 Museums 26 Places of worship 10 Nature sites 26 Viewpoints 2 Food and drink 0 Markets and shopping 21 Entertainment 10 Nightlife 0 Family attractions 9 Art and culture 5 Activities 5

Typical visit duration

Up to 1 hour 21 1 to 2 hours 4 Half a day or more 1

Interests

History 2 Art 0 Museums 0 Nature 13 Sea and beach 13 Viewpoints 0
  1. Dubai Creek Dubai Creek
    01 2 hours

    Dubai Creek

    Dubai Creek is a natural saltwater inlet that historically divided the city into Deira and Bur Dubai.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  2. Dubai Miracle Garden Dubai Miracle Garden
    02 2 hours

    Dubai Miracle Garden

    Dubai Miracle Garden is a seasonal outdoor floral attraction in Dubailand, Dubai. It claims status as one of the region's larger flower gardens, displaying elaborate arrangements and structures covered in blooms.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  3. Jumeirah Beach Jumeirah Beach
    03 2 hours

    Jumeirah Beach

    Jumeirah Beach is a public coastal stretch along the Persian Gulf in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The local name is شاطئ الجميرة. The beach lies in the Jumeirah district, a well-established residential and hospitality area.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  4. Ras Al Khor Ras Al Khor
    04 1 hr 30 min

    Ras Al Khor

    Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wetland area in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The local name is محمية رأس الخور للحياة البرية. It is recognized as an important habitat for migratory birds and indigenous wildlife.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  5. Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve
    05 1 hour

    Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve

    Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve is a protected natural-heritage area in Abu Dhabi Emirate, recognized for its fossilized sand dunes formed over millennia. The site preserves ancient geological formations created when wind-blown sand solidified into dramatic sculptural shapes.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Abu Dhabi
  6. Mushrif Park Mushrif Park
    06 1 hour

    Mushrif Park

    حديقة مشرف الوطنية

    Mushrif Park is a major public park in Dubai, known locally as حديقة مشرف الوطنية. The park occupies a substantial green space in the eastern part of the city, offering a natural environment distinct from Dubai's urban core.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  7. Safa Park Safa Park
    07 1 hour

    Safa Park

    حديقة الصفا

    Safa Park is a public green space in Dubai, also known locally as حديقة الصفا. The park offers an outdoor recreational setting within Dubai’s developed urban landscape.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  8. Zabeel Park Zabeel Park
    08 1 hour

    Zabeel Park

    حديقة زعبيل

    Zabeel Park is a major urban green space in Dubai, known locally as حديقة زعبيل.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  9. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
    09 4 hours

    Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

    محمية دبي الصحراوية

    The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a 225-square-kilometre protected area in the emirate's inland desert, which the reserve describes as 4.7 per cent of Dubai's total land area and as the UAE's first national park.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  10. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
    10 1 hour

    Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

    The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is a specialized veterinary facility dedicated to falcons, reflecting the deep cultural significance of falconry in the United Arab Emirates.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Abu Dhabi
  11. Ḩadīqat al Khawr
    11 1 hour

    Ḩadīqat al Khawr

    حديقة الخور

    Ḩadīqat al Khawr, also known locally as حديقة الخور, is a public park beside Dubai Creek. Its setting connects an urban green space with the waterway that shaped Dubai’s history as a trading and fishing settlement.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  12. Ḩadīqat al Khazzān
    12 1 hour

    Ḩadīqat al Khazzān

    حديقة الخزّان

    Ḩadīqat al Khazzān is a park in Dubai, known locally as حديقة الخزّان. Its name is translated as Reservoir Park or Tank Park, giving the place a water-related identity within the city.

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  13. Al Mamzar
    13 1 hour

    Al Mamzar

    الممزر

    Al Mamzar is a coastal area in Dubai, known primarily for Al Mamzar Beach Park. The local name الممزر identifies this destination on Dubai's northeastern shoreline, near the border with Sharjah.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  14. Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
    14 1 hour

    Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

    محمية المرموم الصحراوية

    Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is the largest unfenced nature reserve in the United Arab Emirates, located in the desert interior of Dubai. The protected area encompasses extensive dune landscapes, sabkha flats, and gravel plains.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  15. Capital Gardens Capital Gardens
    15 1 hour

    Capital Gardens

    Capital Gardens is a public green space in Abu Dhabi, identified in OpenStreetMap as a city-level place within the emirate’s capital.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Abu Dhabi
  16. Dubai Garden Glow Dubai Garden Glow
    16 1 hour

    Dubai Garden Glow

    دبي جاردن جلو

    Dubai Garden Glow is an illuminated theme park in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The attraction features elaborate light installations and sculptures, creating a nighttime entertainment destination.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  17. Dubai Hills Park Dubai Hills Park
    17 1 hour

    Dubai Hills Park

    Dubai Hills Park is a landscaped recreational space within Dubai Hills Estate. It offers a greener side of Dubai through lawns, gardens, paths, play areas, and outdoor space for walking, jogging, exercise, and family time.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  18. Expo Lake Expo Lake
    18 1 hour

    Expo Lake

    Expo Lake is a constructed water feature within Expo City Dubai, the large development created on the former Expo 2020 Dubai site. It forms part of the landscaped public realm linking the district’s pavilions, paths and open spaces.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  19. Jubail Mangrove Park Jubail Mangrove Park
    19 1 hour

    Jubail Mangrove Park

    Jubail Mangrove Park is a protected natural area in Abu Dhabi featuring extensive mangrove forests along the coastline. The park preserves one of the region's most significant coastal ecosystems, providing habitat for marine life and migratory birds.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Abu Dhabi
  20. Khalifa Park Khalifa Park
    20 1 hour

    Khalifa Park

    Khalifa Park is a major public park in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Named in honour of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the park occupies a significant green space within the urban environment.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Abu Dhabi
  21. Kite Beach Kite Beach
    21 1 hour

    Kite Beach

    كايت بيتش

    Kite Beach is a public beach on Dubai’s Arabian Gulf coastline. It is known for kite surfing and other watersports, while its open shore also suits swimming, walking, relaxing, and watching activity on the water.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  22. La Mer
    22 1 hour

    La Mer

    La Mer is an outdoor beachfront destination in Dubai, developed by Meraas. It combines a public beach with retail, dining, and entertainment offerings along the Jumeirah coastline.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  23. Marsana Beach Marsana Beach
    23 1 hour

    Marsana Beach

    Marsana Beach is a named coastal place in Abu Dhabi, mapped under the Arabic name شاطئ مرسانا.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Abu Dhabi
  24. Quranic Park Quranic Park
    24 1 hour

    Quranic Park

    الحديقة القرآنية

    Quranic Park is a Dubai public park themed around Islamic heritage and the Holy Quran. Its Arabic name is الحديقة القرآنية. The park occupies a substantial plot in Al Khawaneej and opened as a cultural-religious destination for residents and visitors.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Dubai
  25. Saadiyat Public Beach Saadiyat Public Beach
    25 1 hour

    Saadiyat Public Beach

    Kai Beach is the current operating name of the former Saadiyat Public Beach on Saadiyat Island.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Abu Dhabi
  26. Union Square
    26 1 hour

    Union Square

    Al Ittihad Square

    Al Ittihad Square is an open civic space in Abu Dhabi, named for the union that gives the United Arab Emirates its national identity.

    • Notable
    • Nature site
    • Abu Dhabi

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to United Arab Emirates be?

Six to eight days is enough for roughly four days in Dubai and two or three in Abu Dhabi. Sharjah can be a separate museum day, while Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah requires dedicated road time rather than being treated as a quick urban extension.

What entry documents are needed for United Arab Emirates?

UAE entry permission depends on nationality and may be arranged in advance or granted under a nationality-specific rule. Confirm the current position through the federal ICP service or the responsible UAE embassy, especially for a stopover itinerary.

What is the best way to travel around United Arab Emirates?

Dubai combines metro, tram, buses, and marine transport; Abu Dhabi relies more heavily on buses and taxis. Travel between emirates remains road-based, so allow for an intercity bus, taxi, or rental car rather than expecting a passenger train.

When is a practical time to visit United Arab Emirates?

November through March gives the most practical outdoor hours for this Dubai-Abu Dhabi route. In hotter months, schedule waterfront and heritage districts early or late and reserve the middle of the day for indoor museums.

What money and payment basics apply in United Arab Emirates?

The United Arab Emirates uses the dirham (AED). Cards are widely useful in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but retain an AED backup for smaller fares or deposits and check which currency a card terminal proposes.

What practical safety details should I save for United Arab Emirates?

Police in the UAE can be reached on 999 and ambulance services on 998. Type G sockets supply 230 V; tap-water guidance is not recorded here, so ask the accommodation for the building-specific position.