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Arabic is the official language, but English is used everywhere in business, hospitality, and on road signs, so travelers rarely face a language barrier. Staff in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally speak fluent English.

Prepaid tourist SIM cards and eSIMs are sold at the airport and in shops; buying one requires showing a passport for registration. Voice and video calls through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype are blocked on local networks. A licensed local calling app is the usual workaround for internet calls.

Tap water is treated and safe to drink, though most residents and hotels still serve bottled water by habit. Pharmacies are widespread, and many in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are open 24 hours. The biggest health risk for visitors is heat: summer temperatures from June to September regularly pass 40°C, so stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity around midday.

Many nationalities, including most of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia, can enter visa-free or receive a visa on arrival, typically for a stay of 30 to 90 days depending on nationality. Travelers from other countries can usually apply for an e-visa in advance through an airline or an online service.

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.

• Dress modestly in public places - shoulders and knees covered is a safe default; swimwear is for pools and beaches only.
• Cover up more fully when visiting mosques; women should bring a scarf for their hair.
• Public displays of affection beyond hand-holding are frowned upon and can draw attention from authorities.
• During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours, even if you are not fasting.
• Ask before photographing people, especially women.
• Bargaining is expected in souks and markets, but not in malls or supermarkets.

Public holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so exact dates are only confirmed shortly beforehand, and they can shift shop hours and public transport schedules.

Friday afternoon is a traditional prayer time, when some shops and offices close briefly. During Ramadan, working hours shorten across the board and many restaurants stay closed until sunset.

• By metro: Dubai's driverless metro covers most major sights and is the easiest way to get around the city. Buy a rechargeable Nol card at any station.
• By train: Etihad Rail's passenger service launched in 2026, currently connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, with more routes due to open later in the year.
• By taxi: Metered taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber also operate across the main cities.
• By bus: Intercity buses connect all seven emirates cheaply. They're a practical way to reach Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah without a car.
• For most journeys between emirates, road transport - taxi, bus, or rental car - is still the practical option.

Local Emirati food centers on rice, meat, and spices rather than the international fine dining Dubai is known for. Dishes worth trying include machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), harees (a slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge), and luqaimat (fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup), a popular dessert especially during Ramadan.

Because such a large share of the population is made up of expatriates, everyday eating out is dominated by Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Lebanese, and Iranian food, often at simple, inexpensive restaurants alongside glossy international chains. Arabic coffee, served with dates, is a traditional gesture of hospitality. Alcohol is only available in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars - it is not sold in supermarkets in most emirates, and Sharjah does not serve it at all.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the capital, are the country's two major cities and cover most travelers' itineraries.

The other five emirates sit within easy reach for a day trip or a slower-paced stay: Sharjah is known for its museums and traditional architecture, Ajman for its quieter beaches, and Umm Al Quwain for a laid-back, less touristy feel. On the east coast, facing the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah has mountains and diving spots, while Ras Al Khaimah combines beaches with the UAE's highest peaks.