Group trips to the United Arab Emirates

Find out the entry requirements for United Arab Emirates, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for United Arab Emirates – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

The United Arab Emirates is in the Gulf Standard Time (GST) zone, which is UTC+4. The UAE does not observe daylight saving time. So, if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 4pm in the UAE. If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 8pm in the UAE. Keep this time difference in mind when planning calls or activities.

The currency used in the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham (AED). As of the latest rates, 1 GBP equals approximately 4.85 AED, 1 USD is about 3.67 AED, and 1 EUR is around 4.10 AED. You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and airports throughout the UAE.

Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are widely accepted in the United Arab Emirates. You can use major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express in most places, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. It's also easy to find ATMs for cash withdrawals. If you prefer using cash, the local currency is the UAE Dirham. Consider carrying some cash for smaller vendors or local markets, as they might not accept cards.

Tipping in the United Arab Emirates is not obligatory, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, it is common to leave a tip of around 10% if service charges aren't included. For hotel staff, a small tip for bellhops and housekeeping is customary. Taxi drivers don't expect a tip, but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. In general, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service, so feel free to tip according to your satisfaction.

In the United Arab Emirates, you can find good internet connectivity. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls, making it easy to stay connected. However, if you want to ensure a seamless connection during your travels, we suggest you buy a local SIM card. Popular providers include Etisalat and du, offering various data plans to suit your needs. You can purchase a SIM at the airport or in major shopping centers. If your phone supports it, you might also consider an e-SIM data plan for convenience.

In the United Arab Emirates, the official language is Arabic. However, English is widely spoken and used in business and tourism. Here are some useful Arabic phrases you might hear or use:

• Hello: "Marhaba"
• Thank you: "Shukran"
• Yes: "Na'am"
• No: "La"
• Please: "Min fadlak" (to a man), "Min fadlik" (to a woman)
• Goodbye: "Ma'a as-salama"

In the United Arab Emirates, you will find Type G plugs, which are the same as those used in the UK. The voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you're coming from a country that doesn't use Type G plugs, it's a good idea to bring a universal adapter with you. This will ensure you can charge your devices without any hassle.

The main religion in the United Arab Emirates is Islam. The majority of the population is Muslim, with both Sunni and Shia sects present. If you're visiting, it's important to respect local customs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan when many Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Women should dress modestly, particularly in public places, covering their shoulders and knees. Important religious holidays include Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.

Packing for a trip to the United Arab Emirates? Here’s a handy list to help you prepare your backpack for a great experience:

1. Clothing:
   • Lightweight long-sleeve shirts
   • Loose cotton pants
   • Modest dresses for women
   • Swimwear for hotel pools or beaches
2. Shoes:
   • Comfortable walking shoes
   • Sandals for the beach
   • Dress shoes for fine dining
3. Accessories and Technology:
   • Sunglasses
   • Sunhat
   • Power bank

The weather in the United Arab Emirates is mostly hot and sunny. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

• Coastal areas (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Winters are mild and pleasant, ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).
• Desert areas (Liwa, Al Ain): Expect even hotter summers, while winter nights can get quite cool.
• Best time to visit: The cooler months from November to March are ideal for visiting, as the temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor activities.