United Arab Emirates
A federation of seven emirates at the eastern edge of Arabia. Cities raised out of the desert in fifty years sit in front of oases and dunes that were always there.
Landmarks
The places known for their height, and the ones that predate the cities.
- The tallest building in the worldBurj Khalifa, 828mDubai
Observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors. Sunset slots sell out first.
- A mosque in white marbleSheikh Zayed Grand MosqueAbu Dhabi
It holds tens of thousands, and non-worshippers may enter at set hours. The dress code is strictly enforced.
- A museum on the waterLouvre Abu DhabiSaadiyat Island
Light falls like rain through a perforated dome. It shares its name with the Louvre in Paris under an agreement.
- A palm-shaped islandPalm JumeirahDubai coast
Resorts and apartments line the fronds. A monorail runs to the far end.
- Enormous dunesLiwa Oasis and Moreeb DuneSouthern Abu Dhabi
The edge of the Empty Quarter, with dunes approaching 300m. About three hours from Abu Dhabi.
- The highest mountain roadJebel Jais, 1,900mRas Al Khaimah
Far cooler than the cities even in summer. A very long zipline runs off this mountain.
World Heritage
The sites and oases around Al Ain, inscribed together as one.
- Hafit tombsStone tombs five thousand years oldAl Ain, foot of Jebel Hafit
Beehive-shaped round burial chambers scattered across the lower slopes. Early Bronze Age.
- HiliA Bronze Age settlement and channelsNorthern Al Ain
Round tombs, house foundations and early irrigation channels sit inside a public park.
- Bidaa Bint SaudHilltop tombs and a wellNorth of Al Ain
Tombs and a falaj well on a rocky outcrop overlooking an old caravan route.
- Al Ain oasesFalaj channels and date palmsCentral Al Ain
Underground channels still water the date palms as they always did. Shaded paths run through them.
Where to go
Seven emirates joined by road, easily paired two to a day.
- DubaiThe largest cityNortheast coast
Towers, old souks and desert tours all start here. Direct flights arrive from Korea.
- Abu DhabiThe capitalWest coast
Mosques, museums and a racing circuit. An hour and a half from Dubai by car.
- SharjahThe emirate of museumsNext door to Dubai
A museum of Islamic civilisation and old markets. Alcohol is not sold here and rules are stricter.
- Al AinThe oasis cityInland, toward the Oman border
World Heritage sites, a camel market and forts in one place. Drier than the coast even in summer.
- FujairahCoast on the Gulf of OmanEast coast
The only emirate facing the eastern sea. Good for diving and snorkelling.
- Ras Al KhaimahMountains and desertNorth
Jebel Jais and an abandoned pearling village. Quieter and cheaper than Dubai.
When to go
Winter is the travel season; summer makes the outdoors hard.
- WinterNovember to MarchEverywhere
Daytime around 25C and pleasant. Desert camps and outdoor events cluster here.
- Shoulder seasonApril and OctoberEverywhere
Hot but still bearable, and prices fall. Just avoid the middle of the day.
- SummerJune to SeptemberEverywhere
Daytime tops 45C with high humidity. Plan on an indoor trip.
- SandstormsFrequent in springInland and coast
When the shamal blows, visibility drops and flights can be delayed.
- RamadanDates shift each yearEverywhere
Eating and drinking in public during daylight is restricted. After sunset the cities stay busy late.
Before you go
Open to visitors, but the law follows Islamic norms.
- EntryVisa-free for short tourist staysEverywhere
Korean passports need no visa for short tourist stays. The permitted length changes, so check before you leave.
- MoneyDirham; cards accepted almost everywhereEverywhere
The currency is pegged to the dollar. Souks and taxis are easier with cash.
- AlcoholLicensed venues onlyHotels and licensed bars
Sold only in hotels and licensed bars. Drinking in public or being drunk in public is an offence.
- ConductDress, photography, public behaviourEverywhere
Covering shoulders and knees is the safe choice in malls and public places. Photographing people without permission causes real trouble.
- Getting aroundDrives on the right; metro and ride-hailingDubai and Abu Dhabi
The Dubai metro and taxis work well. Between cities, drive or take an intercity coach.
- Restricted itemsSome everyday medicines are controlledAirports
Depending on the ingredient, some cold and pain medicines need a prescription. Check before packing.
- Emergency numbersPolice 999, ambulance 998, fire 997Everywhere
The numbers are separate. There is a dedicated tourist police, and cities answer in English.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change year to year and by season. Check each operator or venue before you travel.