- The UAE is one of the most reliable winter sun destinations from the UK
- Combine Dubai's skyscrapers with Abu Dhabi's culture and beaches
- UK visitors get a free visa on arrival
- Avoid June-September, when temperatures regularly top 40 °C
- Airports
- Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), Ras Al Khaimah (RKT)
- Flight time
- about 7h from London to Dubai or Abu Dhabi
- Best time to go
- November-March
- Currency
- UAE dirham (AED)
When the UK is grey and drizzly, the United Arab Emirates offers almost guaranteed sunshine, warm seas and a seven-hour flight with no jet lag to speak of (the time difference is just three or four hours). Dubai is the headline act, with its skyline, malls and beach resorts, but the seven emirates also include cultured Abu Dhabi and the mountains and beaches of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
This guide covers where to go, when to visit, entry rules and how to keep costs under control.
Where to go in the UAE
Dubai
Most visitors start in Dubai. Go up the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building at 828m, ideally at sunset, then watch the Dubai Fountain show below. Explore the older side of the city around Dubai Creek, where traditional abra boats cross to the gold and spice souks in Deira. Beach resorts line Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, and desert safaris with dune driving and dinner under the stars are a classic excursion.
Abu Dhabi
The capital is calmer and more cultural. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, free to visit outside prayer times with modest dress (book a time slot online). Saadiyat Island has the Louvre Abu Dhabi and fine sandy beaches, while Yas Island is packed with theme parks, including Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, plus the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit.
Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
About an hour north of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah combines quieter beach resorts with Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, home to one of the world's longest zip lines. Fujairah, on the east coast facing the Gulf of Oman, offers snorkelling, diving and mountain scenery.
Best time to visit the UAE
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| November-March | Peak season: sunny days around 24-30 °C, comfortable evenings, highest prices around Christmas and February half-term |
| April and October | Hot (often mid-30s °C) but manageable, with good-value deals |
| May-September | Extremely hot and humid, often above 40 °C; hotel prices drop sharply |
During Ramadan, which moves about 11 days earlier each year, daytime eating and drinking in public is discouraged and some venues change their hours, though hotels continue to serve guests. It can be a rewarding time to visit, with special evening iftar meals.
Summer is when the biggest UAE hotel bargains appear. If you mainly want a pool, a beach and air-conditioned sightseeing, it can be great value, but outdoor activities are best kept to early morning.
Getting to the UAE from the UK
Direct flights take about 7h from London to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with non-stop services from several UK airports including Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Dubai International (DXB) is one of the world's busiest hubs, which also makes the UAE a popular stopover on the way to Asia and Australia.
British citizens receive a free visit visa on arrival, normally valid for 30 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Check the latest rules before travel, as medication restrictions are strict: some prescription and over-the-counter medicines that are legal in the UK are controlled in the UAE.
Getting around
Dubai has a modern, driverless Metro connecting the airport, Downtown and Dubai Marina, plus a tram, buses and water taxis; use a rechargeable Nol card. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available and relatively affordable. Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the drive takes around 1h30, and there are intercity buses. Hiring a car is easy, and roads are excellent, though speed cameras are everywhere.
Money and costs
The UAE dirham (AED) is pegged to the US dollar. Prices range from very affordable street food and metro fares to some of the world's most expensive hotels and brunches. Hotel bills in Dubai include a nightly Tourism Dirham fee, and most prices carry 5% VAT plus service charges. Alcohol is available in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants but is expensive, so factor it into your budget. Where service isn't included, tipping around 10% is appreciated.
Top attractions in UAE
UAE on the map
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Dubai from the UK?
No advance visa is needed. British citizens get a free visa on arrival, normally for 30 days, provided their passport is valid for at least six months.
What is the hottest month in Dubai?
July and August, when daytime temperatures often exceed 40 °C and humidity is high. The sea can feel like a warm bath.
Is Dubai or Abu Dhabi better for a holiday?
Dubai suits travellers who want nightlife, shopping and the big sights; Abu Dhabi is quieter, with excellent beaches, culture and theme parks. Many visitors combine both.
What should I wear in the UAE?
Beachwear is fine at pools and beaches, but cover shoulders and knees in malls, the souks and traditional areas. Mosques require long sleeves and trousers or long skirts, with headscarves for women.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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