Visiting the United Arab Emirates

What to see and do, and travel essentials for visitors to the UAE

Quick facts

10.749 million

Total population
Emirati dirhams (AED)

Currency
Abu Dhabi

Capital

Plan your visit and explore what the seven emirates have to offer

After getting a taste of all the world in one place during your visit to Expo 2020 Dubai, why not immerse yourself even further into the sights, sounds, tastes and thrills of the region? With seven emirates to choose from, each with their own distinct attractions, there’s something for everyone to delight in. Explore what the seven emirates have to offer.

Must-knows for all travellers

All the practical information you’ll need for planning your trip to the UAE. Discover the lowdown on getting here, the culture and customs, weather, currency and more.

Getting to the United Arab Emirates
By air
Seven major airports across all emirates bring travellers from around the world to the UAE within a four- to eight-hour flight. Emirates Airline (Dubai) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) connect the UAE to most international destinations.

By sea
Many major cruise lines stop in the UAE as part of their itineraries. Modern facilities in Port Rashid (Dubai), Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Port Khalid (Sharjah) and Ras Al Khaimah Port provide speed and ease of entry for visitors.

By land
An excellent network of roads and highways connect the UAE to neighbouring Arab countries, making travelling by car or bus across the seven emirates and adjacent GCC countries extremely convenient.
Where to stay
A variety of accommodations can be found in the UAE, from modest to the ultra luxurious. Relax in the desert, stay by the sea or right in the centre of the city. You can easily search online for accommodations across the seven Emirates. But if you want to make your visit to Expo extra special, why not stay at the Rove Expo 2020? It’s the only hotel on site and has views of Al Wasl Plaza and a rooftop pool.
Culture and customs
The UAE’s culture is firmly rooted in its strong local heritage. This, combined with international influences, has created a shining example of Islam’s true commitment to tolerance and hospitality. In the UAE, people are encouraged to dress modestly and visitors will find that for non-Muslims alcohol is available in hotel outlets and pork can be consumed in certain restaurants.
Health information
Before travelling to the UAE, please consult the World Health Organization's guidelines on international travel and health and the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention website for the most up-to-date information. We also have COVID-19 safety measures implemented across the Expo 2020 Dubai site.
Weather in the UAE
Year-round sunshine, blue skies and warm conditions make a visit to the UAE a true pleasure. Rainfall is rare, and temperature ranges from around 25C on a winter day, to a high of around 42C on a summer’s day. Since all public and private establishments are equipped with air-conditioning, even the summer months are ideal for a visit.
Time difference
GMT + 4 hours
Currency
The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the dirham (abbreviated to Dhs or AED). USD $1 equals AED 3.673. Banks and money exchange bureaus can be found throughout all emirates, mainly in major shopping malls and key locations. All major hotels will also readily exchange currency for guests. If you are carrying cash of more than AED 40,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency, you must declare it to airport customs control on entry. Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are all widely accepted in the UAE, as are traveller’s cheques.
Telecommunications
Stay connected with a temporary SIM card on a pay-as-you-go basis. Etisalat and du provide mobile phone and internet services in the UAE, and both have excellent reception and speed. The plans have various options for making local and international calls, sending text messages and surfing the internet. Visitors to the UAE can buy their SIM card and ask about the various plans at Etisalat or du shops located at airports in the UAE.
Water and electricity
The electricity supply in the UAE is 220/224 Volts at 50Hz. British-style square, three-pin sockets are standard. Most hotels can supply adapters. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in the UAE, but if you prefer the taste of bottled water, locally bottled mineral water is readily available in supermarkets and grocery stores everywhere.

Have questions about Expo 2020 Dubai? Take a look at our FAQs.

Never miss an update Be the first to know about events and offers