UAE Travel Guide

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United Arab Emirates

Practical information

11:29:29

Language(s): Arabic
Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham
Time zone: GMT +4

Emirati history and culture

UAE culture has been shaped by centuries of trade, tribal tradition, and, more recently, rapid modernization following the discovery of oil. Before unification in 1971, the area was known as the Trucial States, a collection of sheikhdoms under British protection. Unlike many countries in the region that relied primarily on agriculture or oil exports alone, the UAE used its oil wealth to diversify its economy into finance, tourism, and technology. This forward-thinking approach, paired with relative political stability and strong leadership, allowed the country to grow at an exceptional rate. The ruling families, particularly the Al Nahyan and Al Maktoum dynasties, have played a central role in guiding this transformation.

Today, the Emirati population is a mix of native Bedouin heritage and a vast expatriate community. Traditional culture remains highly respected, and Islamic values shape daily life, from dress codes to religious celebrations like Ramadan and Eid. Storytelling, poetry, falconry, and traditional dances such as the "Yowlah" are key elements of cultural expression, particularly during national holidays and festivals. Arabic is the official language, and hospitality is a deeply rooted cultural value, with serving Arabic coffee and dates seen as a symbol of welcome. The UAE’s identity is a unique blend of old and new—firmly rooted in its traditions, yet open to the influences of a globalized world.

Time Zone

The time zone is the UAE is UTC +4 hours.

Languages

Arabic

The official language in Jordan is Arabic. There is a significant difference between the written language—known as Modern Standard Arabic—and the spoken form.

English is also widely spoken and understood especially in Dubai due to the large numbers of Western tourists visiting the city every year.

Useful Phrases

SabaaH alkhayr - Good morning
Naäam - Yes
Laa - No
Min faDlik - Please
Shukran - Thank you
Aafwan - You're welcome
Aläafw - Excuse me
Ana asef (male) / Ana asefa (female) - I'm sorry
Ma esmuka? - What's your name?
Esmi huwa..... - My name is....
Ana jayyed (male) /jayyedah (female) - I'm fine
Ana la atakallamu Al arabiyyah. - I don't speak Arabic
Mosa’adah! - Help!
AynaAl hammam? - Where is the bathroom?

Currency

United Arab Emirates Dirham

The currency in the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED د. إ.). For the latest exchange rates please see www.xe.com

It is an open currency so you can buy AED before you arrive, or take cash in US dollars, GB pound or Euros and exchange it locally. US Dollars are the most commonly used currency so will be easiest to exchange. Dubai is becoming increasingly cashless, however we would recommend travelling with some cash for tipping and buying small items in markets and local shops. If you are relying on a credit or debit card for emergency funds, make sure you tell your card issuer that you will be using it abroad, or you may find that it won't work when you really need it.

Expect to pay between AED 40-80 ($11-$22 USD) for a meal out in a mid-range restaurant in Dubai city. To get around the city, a taxi will cost you around AED 5 base rate then AED 2-3 per km whilst on the journey, whereas the bus will be AED 4-9 depending on how far you plan to travel.

GBP

AED

Electricity

The standard plug socket in Dubai is type G which are the same as those in the UK (3 square pins) and are 230V / 50Hz. You should be ok just relying on the UK plugs/adaptors, or you could pick up a worldwide adaptor.

Weather

The UAE is a very sunny country, with clear skies and bright sunshine almost all year round. From May to September, temperatures regularly reach over 40°C, and there is almost no rainfall during these months. Coastal areas, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, can feel quite humid in summer, but inland regions tend to be drier. Evenings offer some relief as temperatures drop slightly, though it generally stays warm throughout the night.

The cooler season runs from November to March, bringing more comfortable daytime temperatures between 18°C and 30°C. This is also when the UAE sees most of its limited rainfall, usually in short, scattered showers. The coldest months are January and February, but even then, the weather remains mild by most standards, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Safety and Security

Your safety and well-being is always the number one priority at Kandoo Adventures.

We operate all our travel destinations in accordance with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice, which publishes travel advisory notices for British nationals. We also closely follow the advice of ABTA (The Association of British Travel Agents) which provides support to UK tour operators.

In addition to this, our extensive, directly-managed operations in each of our destinations, provide us with detailed knowledge and up-to-date information, which enables us to make informed decisions and operate our trips safely.

We always recommend that you regularly check the FCDO's travel advice, in order to keep up to date about the country you are planning to visit.

If you are not a UK resident, we would recommend that you visit your government's travel advisory website for further information:

Alternatively, you may wish to seek further information from the World Health Organisation.

Lost or delayed luggage

We recommend that you wear your walking boots to travel and pack as many essential items as possible in your carry-on luggage. If your luggage is delayed we can then do our best to kit you out to start the trip on time. In the event that your luggage is delayed or lost, our procedure is as follows:

Establish what items are missing and a contingency plan for each critical item
If it reaches 6pm on the evening of Day 1 of your trip and your luggage has not arrived we recommend buying and/or hiring items immediately as a precaution
We will take you to a shop where you can buy toiletry items, e.g. toothbrush. You will be able to find everything you need in Dubai.

We will do everything we can to help if your luggage is lost or delayed. Be sure to check your insurance policy coverage for lost luggage cover before your adventure in the UAE.

Dressing appropriately

We recommend bringing lightweight clothing including comfortable walking shoes such as trainers or walking sandals. Due to the conservative local culture in Dubai, please ensure you have modest dress - make sure shoulders and knees are covered and women will need a scarf or similar to be respectful when visiting religious buildings. Transparent or tight-fitting attire is also not permitted, as well as clothing featuring cartoon character images.

Geography

Dubai is a modern city located on the southeast coast of the Arabian Gulf, covering an area of around 4,100 sq km. It sits within the United Arab Emirates and has grown rapidly into a global hub, with much of its population concentrated along the coastline. While Dubai is famous for its skyscrapers and luxury developments, around it lies a vast desert landscape that dominates much of the region’s geography.

To the south and east of the city stretches the Arabian Desert, made up of golden sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and dry wadis. This arid terrain forms part of the larger Rub' al Khali, or Empty Quarter—one of the largest deserts in the world. Inland, the landscape becomes harsher and more remote, but desert wildlife like oryx, foxes, and camels still roam freely. To the northeast, the rocky Hajar Mountains rise sharply, marking the edge of the desert and offering a rugged contrast to the flat plains. Dubai’s geography is shaped by its extreme climate and limited natural water sources, yet it continues to thrive through careful planning and innovative infrastructure.

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