Discover Tailor-Made United Arab Emirates Vacations

“For many, the best time to visit is during the cooler season from November to March,” says Destination Specialist Jodi Hartnell. 

During this period, average daytime highs hover in the mid-20s Celsius, creating ideal conditions for sightseeing, desert adventures, and outdoor dining. This is the prime season for strolling through souks or exploring coastal towns. Desert resorts are also popular during these months, when daytime temperatures are comfortable for activities like dune bashing and camel rides. Winter nights in the desert can turn surprisingly cool, so a light jacket is a smart addition to your suitcase.

From April to October, the UAE enters its hot season. “Temperatures commonly reach 50 degrees Celsius or higher, and even in Dubai the humidity can make them dangerous,” says Hartnell. “This is why even bus shelters are air-conditioned, and very few people are actually outside during the daylight hours.” 

While less suited to extended outdoor exploring, summer does come with perks: lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, and a focus on the UAE’s seemingly endless indoor attractions, including vast shopping malls, world-class museums, and luxury spas.

Read our full guide to the best time to visit Dubai and beyond and let us help you choose the perfect time for your UAE escape.

The UAE is home to a majority expatriate population, but Islam still shapes daily life, from prayer times to cultural customs. Travellers should be mindful of a few norms: public displays of affection are discouraged, handshakes and hugs are reserved for same-gender greetings, and only the right hand should be used for eating, receiving gifts, and shaking hands, since the left is viewed as unclean. Our full guide to UAE culture and traditions outlines more of these nuances.

The UAE’s contemporary art scene is just as vibrant, with art fairs, galleries, and museums spotlighting local and international talent. At the same time, traditional souks brim with fragrant spices. While holidays are celebrated year-round, the nation is at its most vibrant during Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic festival celebrating the end of Ramadan. “Communities come together for public events with music, smiles, and loads of food to sample,” says Destination Specialist Jodi Hartnell, “including the UAE’s 150 varieties of dates.” 

Other calendar highlights in the UAE include the Dubai Shopping Festival (in December and January), the Abu Dhabi Art Fair (in November), and UAE National Day (every December 2).

Experience the UAE’s unique culture with a tailor-made journey that leaves a lasting impression. 

A meal in the UAE often begins with rice, meat, or fish, delicately spiced and served with generosity that mirrors the Emirati spirit of hospitality. Sweet cravings find comfort in Knafeh, a pastry made with sour cheese, sugar syrup, and golden dough, best enjoyed straight from the pan at Qwaider Al Nabulsi in Dubai. For something savoury, Samboosa—a crisp, spiced pastry inspired by the Indian samosa—makes for a perfect bite between meals. These dishes capture the multicultural soul of the Emirates, where every flavour tells a story of connection and heritage.

Beverages are equally integral to Emirati life. Arabic coffee, lightly roasted and infused with cardamom, cumin, cloves, and saffron, is traditionally served with dates and shared as a gesture of welcome. On warmer evenings, Jellab—a chilled mix of grape molasses and rose water—offers fragrant relief from the desert heat. Beyond the classics, modern favourites such as luqaimat drenched in date syrup and viral sweets filled with pistachio-tahini cream showcase the UAE’s evolving palate.

The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED), and credit cards are widely accepted. Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken in major cities and resorts. Entry is straightforward, as visa-free access is available to citizens of many countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.

As with any Islamic country, respecting cultural norms is important. Dress codes vary depending on the setting. Western attire is fine in hotels and resorts, but modest, loose-fitting clothing with minimal skin exposure is recommended for religious sites and traditional public areas such as souks. 

Friday is a holy day, so some businesses may close midday. During Ramadan, non-Muslim visitors are not expected to fast but should refrain from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours (eating in most hotels is fine, and some malls have curtained-off areas for discreet dining). 

Alcohol is only served in licensed venues, and drug policies are strictly enforced. “While laws are in place, they are not as severe as most people think,” says Destination Specialist Jodi Hartnell. “They should never be a deterrent to visiting.” 

She also adds a practical tip: “Sunscreen—lots of it, no matter the time of year. The sand and water attract the sun, which is almost always shining.”

For more practical tips, read our full guide to things to know about the UAE ahead of your visit.