United Arab Emirates
Dubai is a glittering new city, while Abu Dhabi feels like a calmer capital — the contrast is striking. Getting between cities is easy, making it simple to combine several even on a short trip.
- Currency
- AED
United Arab Emirates currency guide — today's rate & payment tips
Visa and entry rules change often. Check your government's travel advisory or the local embassy before you go.
Average temperature by month
Based on Dubai · 5-year average
Choose a city
Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Dubai
Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, situated on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf, ranking among the country's largest in both population and area. Its global presence is so strong that it's sometimes mistaken for an independent city-state.
44 sights 9 guides Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, located along the Arabian coast. It is also the seat of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
29 sights 9 guides Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Sharjah
Sharjah is the capital of the Emirate of Sharjah, one of the emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. With a population of 1.8 million, it is one of the country's largest cities.
44 sights 9 guides Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Al Ain
Al Ain is a city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, ranking among the UAE's largest by population. Its national museum, zoo, historic forts and archaeological sites, and mosques offer plenty to explore.
13 sights 9 guides Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Ajman
Ajman is the fifth-largest city in the UAE, part of the metropolitan area that stretches into Dubai and Sharjah. It borders the Persian Gulf to the west.
10 sights 9 guides Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Top sights in United Arab Emirates
Views & landmarks
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is a towering skyscraper in downtown Dubai, standing 828 meters tall and ranking as the world's tallest building. Its observation deck is a popular spot for taking in sweeping views of the city.
Temples & religious sites
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The largest mosque in the UAE, located in Abu Dhabi, is also the resting place of the country's first president. It stands out among Islamic architecture for its lavish marble work and grand scale.
Museums & galleries
Louvre Abu Dhabi
An art museum on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi that uses its name under an agreement with the Louvre in Paris. It opened in 2017 as the largest art museum on the Arabian Peninsula.
Views & landmarks
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel is a 56-story, five-star hotel in Dubai operated by the Jumeirah Group. Of its roughly 400 rooms, 40 are suites, making it a great choice for travelers seeking something extra special.
Shopping & districts
Bur Dubai
A historic area west of Dubai Creek, facing the Deira district across the water. Its streets retain the charm of old Dubai and are pleasant to explore on foot.
Views & landmarks
Address Downtown
A 63-story, over 300-meter-tall skyscraper in Downtown Dubai that combines a hotel and residences. Built by Emaar Properties, it's one of Dubai's iconic landmarks.
Museums & galleries
Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum is housed inside Al Fahidi Fort in a building constructed in 1787. It opened to the public as a museum in 1971.
Views & landmarks
HHHR Tower
This is a high-rise residential building in Dubai, the second-tallest residential building in Dubai and the fourth-tallest in the world. Its towering height is well worth seeing in person.
Visit stories: United Arab Emirates
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Local data
Get an eSIM for United Arab Emirates before you go
Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.
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