United Arab Emirates

Arabic. English is widely understood.

Dirham

The United Arab Emirates is considered a very safe destination, but as with any major city or resort, take care of your valuables.

Jumeirah Beach & Dubai Marina
Unwind on this spectacular beach and marvel at the buzzing mega-marina's exclusive restaurants and luxury hotels.

The Palm, Jumeirah
This palm tree-shaped man-made island is so big it can be seen from space. It's a glitzy haven of luxury hotels, marinas, restaurants and shops.

Dubai Desert
Go sandboarding or book a thrilling 4x4 adventure through the dunes.

Dubai City
Discover the Gold Souk, traditional wind towers and the old Fahidi Fort, plus the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque.

Ski Dubai
Visit the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, with year-round snow and five runs. Try skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding.

Burj Al Arab
One of the world's most luxurious hotels, this spectacular building offers incredible views over the Arabian Gulf. Book a sumptuous lunch here  - we can add this experience on to your holiday for you.

Abu Dhabi City
Take in beautiful architecture including the imposing Grand Mosque and painstakingly renovated Al Husn Palace. Drive along the Corniche admiring wonderful views as you approach Heritage Village, and shop til you drop at Abu Dhabi Marina Mall.

•   Make sure you have a full 10-year passport.
•   British and Irish passport holders don’t need a visa.

January
Dubai Shopping Festival
Snap up cut-price items and enjoy entertainment including fashion shows, film festivals, firework and laser shows and lavish prize draws.

Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
This great golfing event takes place at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, and there's a spectators' village with lots to keep kids busy.

February
Dubai Jazz Festival
Listen to the rousing rhythms of jazz artists and bands from all over the world.

Dubai Tennis Championships
Top players from around the world head to the city for this $1million tournament.

March
Dubai World Cup
This is the world's richest horse race meeting as thoroughbreds compete in various races.

Desert Rock Festival
Rockers should head to Dubai Festival City for this musical extravaganza, as local and international artists entertain the crowd.

March-April
Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Festival
Join in the fun at this two-week extravaganza with ballet, art and contemporary classical music.

May
Vertical Marathon
Cheer your support for up to 200 runners as they race up the 52-floor Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai. Proceeds go to the charity Medecins Sans Frontières.

June
Dubai Dance Festival
Watch student and professional shows, take part in workshops and show off your moves at parties.

December
Dubai International Film Festival
Watch features, short films and documentaries submitted from across the globe.

•   Browse souks, malls and popular shopping streets.
•   Malls are spacious, modern and airconditioned.
•   In Dubai the latest fashions are available in designer shops. There are lots of boutiques and tailors, who can custom-make outfits in just a few days.
•   You'll find electronic items, carpets, and good value gold jewellery in Dubai and silver jewellery in Sharjah.
•   Souvenir shops sell rosewood tables, boxes and backgammon boards inlaid with intricate bone and mother of pearl mosaic patterns. You’ll also find brass coffee sets, hand-carved wooden dhow models and ornaments set with turquoise, lapis lazuli and other semi-precious stones.
•   Department stores, boutiques and supermarkets operate on a fixed price basis, but of course haggling is essential in the souks. Carry cash to get the best bargains.

Dubai - 6¾ hours
Abu Dhabi - 7 hours

Beach, Eat & Drink, Shopping, Night life, Events & Festivals, Sport in general, Watersports, Golf, Wellness / Spa, Wintersport, Outdoor / Adventure

•   Try mezze, a selection of starters that's as filling as a main course. It includes:
    o   Tabbouleh (a salad of chopped parsley, cracked wheat, tomatoes and mint)
    o   Hummus (chickpea and sesame seed dip)
    o   Moutabel (aubergine puree)
    o   Waraeinab (stuffed vine leaves with rice)
    o   Tahini (sesame seed paste, yoghurt and lemon dip)
    o   Arabic bread
•   Main dishes include:
    o   Machbous (spiced lamb with rice)
    o   Hareis (simmered wheat and tender lamb)
    o   Meshwi (a mixed grill of various types of meat and sausage)
    o   Locally caught fish or shellfish.
•   For a snack, try shawarma - slivers of grilled lamb carved from a vertical spit and served with salad in a pocket of Arab bread.
•   For desert try esh asaraya (cheesecake) and umm’ail (bread pudding with cinnamon and nutmeg).
•   The middle east is famous for its sweet pastries, although fruit is the usual dessert.

Summer, Winter

In most cases, a service charge of 15–18 % will be added to your bill.