United Arab Emirates

Why the United Arab Emirates

There is something dizzying about this federation of seven emirates that, in just fifty years of existence, has transformed an almost uninhabited coastal desert into one of the world's hubs. Dubai is not a city like any other: it is an experience in its own right, a demonstration of what human will can accomplish when oil money meets limitless ambition. The Burj Khalifa, a spire of glass and steel at an altitude of 828 metres, leaves no one indifferent.

But reducing the Emirates to Dubai would be a mistake. Abu Dhabi, the federal capital, cultivates a deep cultural identity with the Louvre of Jean Nouvel architecture set on the sea and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a masterpiece of white marble that accommodates up to 40,000 worshippers. Al Ain and its UNESCO-listed oases are a reminder that this territory has a history of four millennia. Ras al-Khaimah raises its rocky mountains forty minutes from the shore. And to the east, Fujairah plunges its pristine coral reefs into the Indian Ocean.

What surprises the European traveller is this mix of Islamic rigour and cosmopolitan openness: more than 200 nationalities live together in a country where the official language is Arabic but where everyone speaks English, where alcohol is available in hotels and where spice souks rub shoulders with the largest shopping malls on the planet. The Emirates are like nothing else.

When to go

The ideal season runs from November to March. Temperatures range from 17°C at night to 29°C in the afternoon in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, perfect for exploring the cities on foot, going on a desert safari or cruising along the Corniche at sunset. December and February are the busiest and most expensive months, driven by the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (end of November) and the Dubai Tennis Championships.

October and April are excellent transition periods: the heat drops below 36°C, prices drop significantly and there are fewer tourists. From May onwards, temperatures happily exceed 38-40°C with a humidity level that can exceed 80% in the Gulf. June, July and August are reserved for shopping enthusiasts in air-conditioned malls at 20°C, on tight budgets (prices halved) or families attracted by the Dubai Summer Surprises.

How much does it cost

The United Arab Emirates is a medium to high level destination. Dubai has rates comparable to Paris or London: count between €100 and €200 per person per day for a comfortable stay (3-4 star hotel, varied meals, travel and one or two activities). Luxury is commonplace and the budget can add up very quickly: a gourmet dinner at the top of the Burj Khalifa, a night at the Burj Al Arab or a private safari in the Liwa desert quickly add up to the bill.

The good news: the Dubai metro is excellent and costs less than €2 each way. A meal in a popular restaurant (shawarma, biryani, Lebanese) costs €10-15. Museums are often free in Abu Dhabi. And in the low season (May-September), 5-star hotels are priced at less than €100 per night. A 7-8 day organized tour from Paris, flights included, starts at around €1,500 per person in a reasonable package, and easily exceeds €4,000 in the luxury version.

Where to go

The seven emirates form a mosaic of very distinct personalities. Dubai and Abu Dhabi concentrate the majority of visitors, but the point of a complete tour is precisely to get out of these two capitals to discover another texture of the Emirates.

Dubai, the impossible skyline

No one is left unmoved by the Burj Khalifa from below, or by the 360-degree view from the At The Top observation deck. The city vibrates at all hours, from the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in the old quarter of Deira to the terraces of the Marina at sunset. The contrast between the Old City and the Dubai Mall (the largest shopping mall in the world) sums up the Emirati spirit: everything coexists without complex.

Abu Dhabi, the cultural capital

140 kilometres from Dubai, the capital takes the time to admire itself. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world: its 82 domes, its columns inlaid with semi-precious stones and its 12-tonne Swarovski chandelier deserve several hours. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, inaugurated in 2017, displays a collection under its honeycombed dome that dialogues between East and West with rare intelligence.

Sharjah, the cultural emirate

Classified as the World Book Capital by UNESCO in 2019, Sharjah assumes a radically different positioning from Dubai: no alcohol, Islamic art museums among the best in the region, and carefully restored souks. A one-day stop between the two capitals is a must to understand the diversity of the Emirates.

Al Ain, the oasis-capital

The birthplace of founding father Sheikh Zayed, Al Ain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its oases and falaj (irrigation canals dating back to the Bronze Age). Al Jahili Fort, its exceptionally green public gardens and Jebel Hafeet which dominates the city at 1,249 meters make it an essential stop on the road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Ras al-Khaimah, the Emirate of Adventure

The Hajar Mountains offer a unique vertical playground here: cliffside via ferrata, record zip line of 2.8 kilometers over Jebel Jais, hikes between rocky ridges and canyons. Nature lovers will prefer the northern emirate to the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

Fujairah, the gateway to the Indian Ocean

The only emirate to look east, Fujairah borders the Gulf of Oman and its turquoise waters. Divers appreciate its untouched coral reefs; history buffs will take a break at the 16th-century fort. A two-day stop after the hustle and bustle of Dubai goes a long way.

The Liwa Desert

The rawest and most memorable experience in the Emirates. The dunes of the Liwa erg, at the gateway to the Saudi Rub al-Khali, rise to more than 300 meters and stretch as far as the eye can see in all directions. A bivouac under the stars, a night in a luxury camp in the middle of the red sand, and the sunrise over this still ocean leave an impression that does not fade.

Our itineraries

In pictures

Practical advice

Formalities

French nationals enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa, for a stay of up to 90 days out of 180. A passport valid for at least 6 months is required. The stamp is affixed on arrival without any prior procedure. Register on the Ariane portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before leaving: this allows the crisis unit to be notified of your presence in the event of a regional incident.

The Quai d'Orsay classifies the United Arab Emirates as "Enhanced Vigilance" (not in the red zone) due to regional tensions in the Middle East. Large cities and tourist areas are considered safe. Avoid islands disputed with Iran (Grande Tomb, Petite Tomb, Abu Moussa).

Getting around

The Dubai Metro efficiently serves the main attractions with two lines (Red and Green). The rechargeable Nol card simplifies journeys. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive (€5-15 for a journey within Dubai). To reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai, there are several options: intercity bus (15 AED, 2 hours), taxi (about 200 AED) or rental car (excellent road, 1h30 via the E11 highway).

The rental car is highly recommended for tours between emirates and to explore Ras al-Khaimah, Al Ain and Fujairah. The roads are in excellent condition and the signage is bilingual Arabic-English. Please note: there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and there are many automatic speed cameras.

Culture and uses

The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country where certain rules of etiquette apply. In public spaces (shopping malls, mosques, souks), wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. On hotel beaches, swimwear is perfectly acceptable. Ostentatious public displays of affection should be avoided.

During Ramadan (dates vary according to the lunar calendar), it is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public spaces during the day. The opening hours of restaurants, museums and shops are modified. Outside this period, restaurants serve at all hours and the nightlife in hotels is very active.

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated: 10% at the restaurant (if not included in the bill), AED 5-10 for a hotel porter, a few dirhams for a taxi driver.

Frequently asked questions