Holidays in the United Arab Emirates: what do I have to know

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven states in the Persian Gulf, sharing borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia. Dubai and the capital, Abu Dhabi, are undoubtedly the most prominent of these. The other emirates are Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain.

 

Travel to the United Arab Emirates: when to go

The United Arab Emirates is particularly coveted by tourists, as the country offers so many possibilities. You're sure to fall under the spell of its mesmerising architecture, glittering skyscrapers, world-famous shopping malls and huge hotel complexes. And if you like to be pampered, the spas are the place to be. A trip to these wellness havens is a must during your travel to the United Arab Emirates!

You are probably wondering when to visit? It is widely accepted that the period from November to March is the best time to visit. Whether you're planning to go shopping in Abu Dhabi, go on safari in the desert of Dubai or relax in one of the incredible resorts of the United Arab Emirates, this is the perfect time. The daytime temperatures are quite bearable and you'll even get the occasional cool breeze.

The second favourable period for a travel to the United Arab Emirates runs from April to May. Temperatures will be very high during the day, but nights will be relatively cool. Although it is not possible to organise long outdoor adventures due to the excessive heat, especially by the sea, evening expeditions in the desert are a must. The biggest advantage is that there aren't many tourists, and you can really enjoy the country without the crowds of the high season.

 

 

Why take a trip to the United Arab Emirates during the spring season

In spring, that is, from April to May, the weather in the United Arab Emirates is close to perfect and is ideally suited to a relaxing holiday. You won't be bothered by extreme temperatures or excessive humidity. The winter rush will also have left the country, so most of the tourist attractions are disengaged and therefore entirely you at this time of year.

And if you're looking for a place to stay, you'll find that you're not alone.

And if you are wondering when to go to Abu Dhabi or Dubai.  In Dubai, you'll enjoy the good weather and explore the must-see places, including:

• The Bur Dubai district;
• The magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• The many grocery markets dotted around the city

 

The museums and cultural centres of Sharjah & United Arab Emirates, will also merit a tour in your itinerary. Equally key is the Abu Dhabi Rally in the spring, where you'll be able to attend not only the World Rally Championship, but also the famous International Book Exhibition, which takes place in April during your Abu Dhabi trip.

 

Why choose a day trip to the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi?

In the United Arab Emirates, the summer, which runs from June to October, is the low tourist season. The reason for this is simple: it is extremely hot and there is a lot of rainfall. Hotels in the United Arab Emirates are trying to create new activities; ativities to offer an unforgettable immersion for those who choose a stay in the United Arab Emirates in summer.

While summer is not recommended for safaris in the desert, the season is ideally suited to a tour of the seven islands of the United Arab Emirates; The seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates, and in particular Charjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For although it's hot on the outside, it's quite different on the inside. Thanks to the magic of air conditioning, it is a pleasure to tour the remarkable buildings. In addition, popular sights such as the Burj Khalifa and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are populated by tourists.

In addition, the summer season in the United Arab Emirates is great for scuba diving. Between the cold, clear waters of Jumeirah Beach in Dubai or the lagoons of the eastern coast in the Gulf of Oman, the choice is plentiful for unforgettable diving sessions, but also a cruise in the United Arab Emirates!

Towards the end of the summer, in October, when the temperatures start to drop while the high season crowds have not yet invaded the beaches; don't hesitate to go for excursions in the desert, the pleasures will be even greater!

 

What to do in the United Arab Emirates in winter 

More and more visitors agree that winter (November & March) is an ideal time for a travel to the United Arab Emirates. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, temperatures and humidity levels drop dramatically, which encourages outdoor activities. To make the most of the vast sandy expanse of the United Arab Emirates, book a desert safari to cover the dunes in powerful off-road vehicles. Although, camel rides are also an experience!

Of course, the desert is not the only playground the United Arab Emirates has to offer in winter. Horse racing fans will also find plenty to do with the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates which takes place in November.

Note, however, that it is quite cold in the early morning, and nights tend to be chilly in the desert. So make sure you bring appropriate clothing.

Finally, winter in the UAE is the peak tourist season, which means exorbitant travel costs, both for accommodation and transport; tourist spots will also be crowded. As such, if you are planning a visit to the United Arab Emirates during the winter, don't delay in booking your hotel room and flight tickets early.

 

Travel to the United Arab Emirates: where to go

When you go to the United Arab Emirates, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find that there is more than just skyscrapers, shops and beaches. The various destinations in the UAE offer culture, art and history lovers a wealth of places to visit and things to do. Immerse yourself in the country's benign past on excursions under the canvases in the desert or by exploring the many forts that preserved the coastline long before the domination of skyscrapers.

For lovers of culture, art and history, there are plenty of places to see and do.

For nature lovers, the desert begins where the cities end and the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains are ripe for adventure. If you fancy an adventure, you can take a trip to the paradise of Sir Bani Yas, which can be reached by air or sea from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

 

Visit the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is one of the most famous buildings in the United Arab Emirates and the highlight of Dubai. Not only is it the world's tallest building to date, but it also boasts the titles of the world's tallest free-standing structure, the world's highest observation point and the world's longest distance elevator. The Burj Khalifa observation deck offers a panoramic view of Dubai. It is the icing on the cake for any visitor to the United Arab Emirates. The climb is vertiginous, so it is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo!

 

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a gigantic modern building of incomparable beauty. Harnessing contemporary design and age-old craftsmanship, the mosque harmoniously blends past and present styles and techniques to create a new interpretation of Islamic architecture.

The tour of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a unique opportunity to see how the mosque has evolved over time.

A visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a must for any travel to the United Arab Emirates. It is a very impressive place from the outside, with its white stone facades contrasting with the azure sky, and will not fail to impress you; The interior of the house is decorated with gold, mosaic tiles, fine glass and marble.

 

 

Visit the Hajar Mountains

The Hajar Mountains weave through the desert, forming the rugged, choppy heart of the United Arab Emirates. Winding rollercoaster roads with spectacular scenery along the way linking the region's small villages make this region a true paradise. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking or trekking through the many wadis of the region, wadis which are also excellent birdwatching spots.

 

Visit Jebel Jais in Ras Al-Khaimah

The mountain of Jebel Jais, located in Ras Al-Khaimah, is the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates. It has become much easier to access in recent years thanks to the winding road that twists and turns around the sides of the mountain.

At the top of this new road, you can enjoy a series of landscape terraces and viewing platforms that offer panoramic views over a vast expanse of sand, with the sea on the horizon. For those who swear by thrills, there is the world's longest zip line, which runs along the side of the Jebel Jais mountain for over two kilometres. Guaranteed adrenalin with a descent speed of up to 120 kilometres per hour!

 

Visit the Sharjah Art Museum 

It was the most important museum dedicated to the arts of the Mirats before the opening of the Louvre and the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi. Today, the Sharjah Art Museum still houses the most diverse collection of art in the country. The museum is renowned for its collection of works by Arab artists as well as for its important exhibits by European artists who have dedicated their careers to the painting of the Arab world. The museum is also renowned for its programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

 

Visiting the beaches of the United Arab Emirates

There's a beach for everyone in the United Arab Emirates. From the urban beaches along the coast of Dubai to the golden sandy beaches of Abu Dhabi, along its winding coastline, to the luxurious beaches of Ajman and the wilder beaches of Fujairah, the possibilities are endless.

Many of the luxury hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi also have private beach plots, where you can take part in jet skiing sessions, paddle boarding and other activities; jet skiing, paddle boarding, scuba diving and snorkelling courses and sessions are organised daily by the many high-end leisure centres that call the area home.

 

Where to spend your stay in the United Arab Emirates?

From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, through many other emirates, well lodging relève our know-how, let us suggest you some hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: 

• The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, between luxury and well-being facing the sea
• The Atlantis Dubai, for a stay full of amusement!
• The Dubai Marina, to experience a unique and prestigious moments in the heart of Dubai