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A photograph of United Arab Emirates

Country guide

United Arab Emirates

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...

Photograph · Tonenight · CC BY-SA 4.0

6,981 Places
2Cities

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

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.

Checked 2026-08-25

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

Top things to see

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

Filter the list

86 places match

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Category

Historic monuments 27 Museums 0 Places of worship 10 Nature sites 21 Viewpoints 2 Food and drink 0 Markets and shopping 20 Entertainment 1 Nightlife 0 Family attractions 0 Art and culture 5 Activities 0

Typical visit duration

Up to 1 hour 86 1 to 2 hours 53 Half a day or more 5

Interests

History 35 Art 10 Museums 3 Nature 13 Sea and beach 12 Viewpoints 1
  1. Surf Abu Dhabi
    82 45 min

    Surf Abu Dhabi

    Surf Abu Dhabi is a controlled-wave surf venue on Hudayriyat Island, built around a bookable surf basin rather than an open beach break.

    • Notable
    • Historic monument
    • Abu Dhabi
  2. Theatre Of Digital Art Theatre Of Digital Art
    83 1 hour

    Theatre Of Digital Art

    Theatre Of Digital Art is an immersive cultural venue in Dubai dedicated to digital art exhibitions and multisensory experiences. It utilises advanced projection technology to transform interior spaces into dynamic visual environments.

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Dubai
  3. The View at The Palm The View at The Palm
    84 20 min

    The View at The Palm

    ذا فيو ات ذا بالم

    The View at The Palm is an observation deck situated on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's iconic artificial archipelago. Positioned atop The Palm Tower, this vantage point offers panoramic outlooks over the frond-shaped island, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline.

    • Notable
    • Viewpoint
    • Dubai
  4. Union Square
    85 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
  5. Yas Mall Yas Mall
    86 45 min

    Yas Mall

    ياس مول

    Yas Mall is a large enclosed shopping and leisure centre on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Its practical appeal is the way retail browsing, meals and indoor entertainment can be combined in one air-conditioned destination.

    • Notable
    • Market
    • 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.