United Arab Emirates

Middle East

United Arab Emirates

Skylines and sand dunes.

01 Overview

About United Arab Emirates

Dubai’s record-breaking skyline, Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks and desert escapes — a popular short-haul luxury break from East Africa.

02 Where you’ll go

Sites to visit, day by day

8 scenic stops

Scenic stops and their locations — mix and match them into days, or ask Davema to build the route for you.

Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai 1 Half day
Landmark · Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Downtown Dubai

The world’s tallest building, with an observation deck at 555 metres.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi 2 Half day
Landmark · Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Abu Dhabi

Eighty-two domes and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.

Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina 3 Half day
City · Dubai

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina

Skyscrapers, promenade and yacht-filled water.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island 4 Half day
Heritage · Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island

A museum under a shimmering dome.

Old Dubai & the Creek, Bur Dubai / Deira 5 Half day
Culture · Dubai

Old Dubai & the Creek

Bur Dubai / Deira

Cross by abra between spice and gold souks.

Corniche, Abu Dhabi 6 Half day
Scenic · Abu Dhabi

Corniche

Abu Dhabi

A beachside promenade.

Desert dune safari, Dubai desert 7 Evening
Adventure · Dubai

Desert dune safari

Dubai desert

Dune bashing, camels and a desert dinner.

Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi 8 Half day
Heritage · Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Watan

Abu Dhabi

The presidential palace and gardens.

03 Best places to visit

Where to go

04 When to visit

Month by month

JanBest
FebBest
MarBest
AprGood
MayQuieter
JunQuieter
JulQuieter
AugQuieter
SepQuieter
OctGood
NovBest
DecBest

Best time Good Less ideal / wetter

05 Itineraries

Journeys in United Arab Emirates

All trips

08 Gallery

Dubai Marina towers at dusk Abu Dhabi

09 Before you go

Travel notes

Visa & entry

Visa requirements depend on your passport and purpose of travel. Davema’s visa desk will confirm what you need for your nationality before you book.

Davema travel documentation

11 Related destinations

If you love United Arab Emirates

Your next story

Plan your United Arab Emirates journey.