Are you planning to visit the UAE anytime soon? If yes, this article is for you. Check out the post to know what to expect in the country. Read here!
What to Expect in UAE
UAE is one of the most visited countries in the Middle East, boasting a diverse landscape, scenic beaches, golden-brown deserts, bold architecture, rich culture that combines Bedouin heritage and ultramodern style. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah are beautiful cities in UAE and the epitome of glitz and glam.
UAE is a perfect place for people of all ages, ethnicities, and walks of life, thanks to the friendly environment and a myriad of tourism, employment, and business opportunities. Many people ask: What to expect in UAE. Today’s article will answer this question. Read on!
Warm Weather
UAE experiences two seasons: warm and warmer. The weather is intensely hot during the summer season. The hot, humid, and dry weather conditions are troublesome for outdoor enthusiasts. So, we recommend people visit the country from October to February to enjoy the pleasant weather.
UAE has beautiful clear and blue skies during the winter season, making it a perfect place for beach lovers. You will expect to see hundreds of thousands of tourists during the winter months visiting the country.
At the same time, you will come across plenty of tourists on beaches. UAE beaches are beautiful with white sand and crystal clear waters. So, if you want to avoid the scorching heat, make sure you visit UAE in winter.
Dress Code
UAE is a Muslim country and follows specific Islamic laws, rules, and regulations. It means you must consider the dress code and wear modest clothes in public areas. Similarly, when visiting mosques to learn about Islamic history and culture or exploring the magnificent architecture, make sure you wear modest clothes.
Although the law enforcement agencies won’t arrest you or ask you to change your clothes, we suggest respecting the local culture. When it comes to the dress code, make sure you cover your shoulders and avoid showing too much leg. The good news is that if you are in a hotel space, you can wear anything you want. Most hotels have beach clubs that allow women to lounge in bikinis.
Language and Currency
Arabic is the primary and official language of the UAE. However, English is the most widely spoken language in big cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Other languages spoken in the UAE are Hindi, Urdu, and Mandarin. Dirham is UAE’s official currency. So, make sure you know the rate when exchanging dollars, euros, or other currencies with Dirham.
Although you can use credit cards and debits cards for shopping, most paces still rely on cash. Therefore, it is wise to carry some money/cash when strolling through local markets. In addition to language and currency, most foreigners want to know whether they can drink in the UAE. The answer is “Yes,” but you may not drink in public places. The minimum drinking age in UAE is 21.
Desert Safari
UAE is well-known as a desert country. Not embarking on a desert safari won’t complete your trip to the UAE. Remember, the desert safari is the most adventurous activity to do in the UAE.
So, make sure you avoid sitting in the front seat when whipping around some of the world’s gigantic sand dunes. You can enjoy a wide range of activities in the desert, including off-roading, quad biking, navigating the sand, sandboarding, and staying overnight in the desert.
Unique Culture
Another thing to expect in the UAE is the country’s unique culture. While big cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are famous for their breathtaking skyline, great shopping, scenic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife, overall, the country holds different cultures, combining Islamic, Bedouin, and Arab traditions.
There are dozens of museums in the UAE to learn about the rich history and culture. For example, you can visit the Dubai Museum or Etihad Museum if you are in Dubai. Each city in the UAE has museums that showcase ancient and modern art/artifacts and archeological findings.
Final Words
There are numerous things to consider or learn before visiting the UAE. The purpose is to streamline your trip to this Middle Eastern country and avoid problems. UAE is a perfect tourist destination from beautiful Arabic architecture to rich history/culture, scenic beaches, desert excursions, skylines, world-class hotels, all-inclusive beaches, restaurants, shopping malls, lively nightlife, and many other things the Middle East.
- Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
- Photos from Unsplash & canva.