---
title: "United Arab Emirates: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to the United Arab Emirates? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Dubai-beach.jpg
---

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# United Arab Emirates: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![United Arab Emirates: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Dubai-beach.jpg)

### About United Arab Emirates

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/united-arab-emirates#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/united-arab-emirates#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/united-arab-emirates#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/united-arab-emirates#weather)
- [Culture Notes](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/united-arab-emirates#culturenotes)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/united-arab-emirates#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/united-arab-emirates#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/united-arab-emirates#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/asia/united-arab-emirates#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

For many, the United Arab Emirates might seem like a paradox. A dizzying array of contrasts where the arid desert meets the sparkling blue water of the Arabian Gulf and ancient Bedouin culture lives in harmony with the glitz and glamour of modern-day architecture and the futuristic skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Between the sand and the glitter lies a magnetic culture and destination that will draw you into its warm embrace.

 

**Capital City:** Abu Dhabi

**Population:** 9.9 million (2021 est.)

**Currency:** United Arab Emirates Dirham

**Time Zone:** Gulf Standard Time (GMT+4)

**Emergency Number:** 999

**Outlet:** Types C, D and G

![Camel-Beach-Dubai](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Camel-Beach-Dubai.jpg)

![desert-uae](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/desert.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Great for exploring off the beaten paths.

**Conservative Clothing** - Make sure to bring some covering, especially when entering religious sites. Typically the dress should be conservative, meaning shoulders covered and clothing to the knee. Low-cut blouses and short shorts should be left out of the suitcase.

**Hat & Sunglasses** - Keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.

**Swimsuit** - Desert beaches or pool time!?

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn. Remember to pack sunblock with SPF to protect your skin while outside.

**Lip Balm** - Its dry in the desert, give you lips from TLC.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more?

**Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.

**Packing Cubes** - We'll be moving in and out of hotels frequently and these will keep you organized.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Towel** - Quick dry is out go-to.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Travel Adapter** - A universal plug is your best option.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes.

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash-only.

**Call Your Bank** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

Language: The official language of the Emirates is Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools, and most native Emiratis speak a dialect of Gulf Arabic that is similar to the Arabic spoken in the surrounding countries.

 

- Hello / Good morning - Salam Alekum
- Goodbye - Mae alsalama
- How are you? - Kayf halikm?
- Thank you - Choukran
- My name is… - Aismi hu?
- Yes - Nem
- No - La
- How much? - Kam Thuman?
- Where is ... ? - Ayn hu ... ?

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) 

![Abu-Dhabi-Mosque](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Abu-Dhabi-Mosque.jpg)

#### Weather

[ABU DHABI WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/24d4554d38/abu-dhabi/?unit=us)

#### Culture Notes

- The UAE is rooted in Islamic traditions, so even in cosmopolitan Dubai, respect the culture by dressing modestly. Men and women should wear clothing that covers the tops of arms and legs, including the knees.
- You can get arrested for anything more intimate than holding hands in public, and it’s against the law to share the same hotel room with someone of the opposite sex unless you’re married or closely related. Keep in mind that homosexual sex is illegal and, if you get caught, can lead to imprisonment, fines and deportation.
-  The UAE has strict, zero-tolerance anti-drug laws, and thorough searches are conducted at its airports. Even medications that are over-the-counter in some countries — those that contain codeine, for example — could get you arrested. Check the banned-substances list [here](https://dubaiofw.com/banned-medicines-in-uae/). And always carry a doctor’s prescription for any medication you’re bringing into the country.
- When visiting the UAE during Ramadan it is crucial to know not to eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum in public. Aside from it being highly offensive to those who are fasting, it is also not allowed by law in the country.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | 100 AED per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | 5-10 AED per ride |
| **Restaurants(full service)**  |  | 10-15% of total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/UnitedArabEmirates.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **Tap water in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is considered safe to drink.

 

**Do I need a Visa? **For Visa information, click [here. ](https://emiratesvisa.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwmv-DBhAMEiwA7xYrd1euhmXtTa97xPBhkvMUzpy4xhk-iApV5cpdfITmcCZMrwKuyuuxTxoCa5IQAvD_BwE)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/united-arab-emirates)

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance? **While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com,](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) or from a provider of your choice.

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

**What does public transportation look like?** Abu Dhabi and Dubai have an extensive public transportation system with buses, taxis, metros, water taxis, and trams.

 

**Is Uber or Lyft available? **For ride-share apps, either go with Uber or use the homegrown app, Careem.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple (2)](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

### Book With Confidence

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