The impossible made real — a desert transformed into a forest of supertall towers, where artificial islands rise from the Gulf and you can ski indoors while it is 40°C outside.
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Population
- 10,678,556
- Area
- 82,880 km²
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currency
- UAE Dirham (AED)
- GDP
- $548,598M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
Annual visitors
8,084,000 (2020)
Safety
Very low (0.69/100k)
Big Mac
$5.17
Avg temp
28.2°C
Religion
Islam
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 999 · Ambulance 998 · Fire 997
Travel guide
The United Arab Emirates (Arabic: الإمارات العربية المتحدة al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyah al-Muttaḥidah) or simply the Emirates (الإمارات al-ʾImārāt) is a country rich in history and culture at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Boasting attractions ranging from the glittering and cosmopolitan cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to the vast and unforgiving desert landscapes of the Empty Quarter, it makes an easy starting point for travels in the Middle East.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore United Arab Emirates
Best time to visit
November–March is the perfect season with warm, sunny days (24–28°C). April and October are shoulder months. May–September is extremely hot (40–50°C) and only suited to indoor activities.
Visa
Citizens of 55+ countries including US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia receive a 30-day visa-free entry to Dubai and Abu Dhabi (renewable once). Other nationalities apply for a visa through an airline or online.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2)
Book your trip to United Arab Emirates
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