Opulence, architectural marvels that pierce the sky, and endless stretches of golden sand dunes are probably the first images that come to mind when you think of the United Arab Emirates. The unique blend of local traditions and Western influences that is noticeable everywhere you look and the many famous attractions draw in millions of tourists yearly, so a trip to this fascinating Middle Eastern country is sure to leave an indelible impression on you, no matter which part of it you decide to visit.
However, if you’ve never travelled to this corner of the world and don’t know much about it except for the eye-catching pictures people post on social media, you might have a bit of trouble planning your holiday. Since you probably don’t get to visit the UAE every other day, you shouldn’t let this unique opportunity go to waste, so here are a few tips that can help you turn your trip into a memorable experience.
Stay Connected
From marvelling at majestic structures that seem to rise out of the sand to visiting iconic landmarks or indulging in fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, the UAE offers a plethora of varied attractions and experiences that will have you walking on cloud nine. It would be a shame not to be able to share all these wonderful things with the people back home because of connectivity issues.
To avoid this annoying problem, you should purchase an eSIM for UAE and choose a plan that suits your travel needs. With an eSIM, you’ll be able to enjoy unlimited data and fast and reliable internet for the duration of your trip, so you can keep in touch with your loved ones, have all the travel resources you need at your fingertips and make your way around the places you visit with ease.
Do As Locals Do
As always, it’s recommended to learn a bit about the local cultural norms and customs before you arrive at your destinations to avoid uncomfortable situations and conduct yourself respectfully and socially acceptable.
You should know that despite its obvious futuristic edge and cosmopolitan air, UAE is a conservative country at heart from a cultural standpoint as it holds tight to its Islamic traditions. This means people here dress modestly, and attires that might be too revealing are frowned upon. Follow the locals’ lead and dress appropriately, choosing clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. For women, it’s also indicated to carry a shawl to cover their heads if needed – for example, when visiting religious sites.
Since Islam is the predominant religion, you’ll be hearing calls to prayer broadcasted from mosques five times a day. Try not to disturb during these times by talking loudly or making noise, and show patience and understanding as some shops and stores may close briefly. You might want to wait for the prayer to end to visit a mosque, so people can worship in peace.
You should also refrain from public displays of affection that are considered normal in other countries. While holding hands is tolerated between couples, more intimate behaviours like hugging or kissing are considered immoral and can lead to hefty fines or even jail time.
Mind The Weather
UAE has an arid desert climate, which means temperatures are high all year round but especially during summer when the mercury can reach up to 50 °C and the scorching heat makes it almost impossible to spend time outdoors. For someone who’s used to the UK’s temperate climate with constant showers and mild temperatures, setting foot in the Arabian Peninsula can be a major thermal shock, so you should be mindful of the weather when planning your trip.
The best thing to do is to avoid the summer months and schedule your visit during winter, from December through February, when you can travel more comfortably. However, since prices for flights and accommodation will be higher during this time of the year, you might want to consider shoulder seasons in spring and fall as an alternative.
Pack Smartly
What to pack is the most common dilemma for holidaymakers, regardless of destination. So, what exactly should you take with you when travelling to the UAE? The short answer is as little as possible, so you don’t have to carry around heavy luggage stuffed with unnecessary items.
The long answer is to take only as many clothes as you’ll be wearing. Pack pieces that are light and comfortable to keep you cool, and make sure to adhere to the local dress code. Sunglasses, a hat, and heavy-duty sunscreen, preferably with an SPF factor of at least 50, to protect against harmful sun rays are also must-haves.
Also, make sure you have your documents ready. You need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of arrival. As a UK citizen, you’ll be granted a visitor or tourist visa the moment you arrive without the need to apply beforehand.
Venture Into The Desert
Although you’ll most likely be surrounded by modern buildings for the better part of your trip, you shouldn’t forget that the barren desert covers most of UAE’s land area. You’re practically surrounded by sand dunes as far as the eyes can see, and that means you get to enjoy a multitude of exciting activities in a unique setting that seems like it came straight out of Arabian Nights tales.
You can book a desert safari and ride across the vast arid terrain, or ride a quad bike if you’re feeling more adventurous. Going sandboarding, spending a night in a luxury desert lodge, or flying over the desert in a hot air balloon are also great options.
As a final piece of advice, try to do your research ahead of time and book tickets and activities in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly.