Country guide · United Arab Emirates
Best places to visit in United Arab Emirates
3 destinations compared, so you can choose where to spend your time.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Wadiia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
For a first trip to United Arab Emirates, start with Abu Dhabi: A white-marble mosque, island museums and Yas Island's theme parks. For beaches, look at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Abu Dhabi is the least expensive of the destinations in this guide.
Key facts
- Destinations in this guide
- 3
- Best months overall
- November–March
- Start with
- Abu Dhabi
- Least expensive here
- Abu Dhabi
3 places to visit in United Arab Emirates
Best: November–March · 4 days
Abu Dhabi
A white-marble mosque, island museums and Yas Island's theme parks
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Best: November–March · 5 days
Dubai
Record-breaking towers, winter beaches, desert dunes and creekside souks
Best: November–March · 4 days
Ras Al Khaimah
Beach resorts below the Hajar Mountains and the UAE's highest peak, Jebel Jais
Compare the destinations
| Destination | Known for | Best time | Ideal stay | Mid-range per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi | November–March | 4 days | $180–$350 |
| Dubai | Burj Khalifa and Luxury hotels | November–March | 5 days | $200–$380 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Jebel Jais and Jais Flight zipline | November–March | 4 days | $200–$380 |
When to visit United Arab Emirates
Across these destinations the most reliable months are November–March. Timing still varies by place: Abu Dhabi is best in November–March; Dubai is best in November–March; Ras Al Khaimah is best in November–March.
Signature dishes across United Arab Emirates
| Destination | Try first | Also try |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Machboos | Harees and Thareed |
| Dubai | Shawarma | Machboos and Harees |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Machboos | Samak mashwi and Harees |
Events through the year in United Arab Emirates
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Abu Dhabi: Al Dhafra Festival — camel contests and heritage events in the western region (usually December–January); Dubai: Dubai Shopping Festival (usually mid-December to late January) |
| February | Abu Dhabi: Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open — women's tennis tournament (usually early February); Dubai: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (usually late February) |
| March | Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Festival continues (usually into March); Dubai: Dubai World Cup horse race at Meydan (usually late March or early April) |
| June | Dubai: Dubai Summer Surprises shopping festival (usually summer) |
| October | Dubai: Global Village reopens for the season (usually mid-October) |
| November | Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Art — gallery fair at Manarat Al Saadiyat (usually November); Dubai: Dubai Fitness Challenge and Dubai Run on Sheikh Zayed Road (usually November) |
| December | Abu Dhabi: UAE National Day — fireworks and celebrations (2 December); Dubai: UAE National Day celebrations (2 December) |
How far apart they are
| From | To | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai | 123 km |
| Abu Dhabi | Ras Al Khaimah | 217 km |
| Dubai | Ras Al Khaimah | 94 km |
Questions travellers ask
+Where should I go on my first trip to United Arab Emirates?
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, spreads across a main island and a ring of smaller islands on the Gulf coast. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Qasr Al Watan palace carry…
+When is the best time to visit United Arab Emirates?
Generally November–March, though it varies by region.