AE24.0°N · 54.0°EPhoto: imran shahabuddin · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsWestern Asia travel guide
United Arab Emirates
Desert, skyline and the easiest weekend away from India
The UAE is a short flight from most Indian metros, which makes Dubai and Abu Dhabi the classic long-weekend escape. Expect record-breaking architecture, malls built for the summer heat, desert camps and a large Indian community that makes the place feel familiar.
For Indian travellers. Hindi and Malayalam are widely spoken, and Indian vegetarian food is available almost everywhere.
Places worth your time
Photo: imran shahabuddin · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Dubai
Book the observation deck for sunset, then watch the fountain show below.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi
One of the world's largest mosques, open to visitors outside prayer times. Modest dress required and provided.
Photo: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Desert safari
Outside Dubai
Dune drive, camel ride and dinner at a desert camp. Choose operators with good reviews and safety records.
Photo: Phil6007 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Old Dubai and the Creek
Dubai
Take an abra boat across the Creek to the gold and spice souks in Deira.
Photo: Wadiia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Louvre Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island
Art spanning all eras under a floating perforated dome.
Know before you go
- Dress modestly outside beaches and hotels, and avoid public displays of affection.
- The weekend is Saturday and Sunday; Friday afternoons are quieter.
- Metro and taxis are cheap compared with hiring a car in Dubai.
Key facts
- Official name
- United Arab Emirates
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Currency
- United Arab Emirates dirham (AED د.إ)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +971
- Area
- 83,600 km²
- Region
- Western Asia
Who can get in easily
93 of 198 passports can enter United Arab Emirates without arranging a visa in advance.
- Visa-free
- Visa on arrival
- eTA
- eVisa
- Visa required
Visa requirements for United Arab Emirates by passport
IndiaVisa required
United StatesVisa-free90 days
United KingdomVisa-free90 days
ChinaVisa-free90 days
SingaporeVisa-free90 days
PakistaneVisa
BangladeshVisa required
Sri LankaVisa required
NepalVisa required
NigeriaeVisa
PhilippinesVisa required
CanadaVisa-free90 days
AustraliaVisa-free90 days
GermanyVisa-free90 days
Pick any passport above to see the full requirements, or use the selector at the top.
Nearby countries
Oman
Saudi ArabiaSource: Wikipedia contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0). Updated weekly. Cover photo: imran shahabuddin · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons.