Your Local's Guide to UAE

Skip the tourist traps. Discover authentic experiences across all 7 emirates with insider tips from someone who actually lives here.

Before You Arrive

First time in the UAE? No stress! Get the insider scoop on everything you need—from visa requirements and currency exchange to local customs and getting around. We'll help you navigate like a pro so you can skip the rookie mistakes and dive straight into the adventure.

All Seven Emirates

Most visitors only scratch the surface with Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but the UAE's seven emirates each offer something unique. Discover hidden beaches in Fujairah, adventure sports in Ras Al Khaimah's mountains, authentic souks in Sharjah, and peaceful escapes in Umm Al Quwain. Ready to go beyond the usual tourist trail?

Attractions & Experiences

From soaring above the clouds at Burj Khalifa to diving with sharks, racing through golden dunes to exploring ancient souks—the UAE is packed with unforgettable moments. Whether you're seeking heart-pounding thrills, family fun, or cultural immersion, we've handpicked the best experiences that'll make your trip truly epic.

Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline at sunset

Burj Khalifa ℹ️

Stand atop the world's tallest building and witness breathtaking 360° views from the 124th floor. Watch the city transform as the sun sets over the desert.

4-6 hours
Theme park with exciting rides and family attractions

Theme Parks ℹ️

From Ferrari World's record-breaking coasters to Warner Bros' DC Universe—UAE's theme parks deliver world-class thrills and family fun you won't forget.

Full day
Desert safari with camels in UAE golden dunes

Desert Safari ℹ️

Dune bash across golden sands, ride camels at sunset, and feast under the stars with traditional belly dancing. This is the quintessential UAE adventure.

6 hours
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Grand Mosque ℹ️

Marvel at one of the world's most beautiful mosques with its gleaming white marble, intricate floral designs, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet.

2-3 hours
Louvre Abu Dhabi museum with stunning architecture and cultural exhibitions

Louvre Abu Dhabi ℹ️

Explore masterpieces from around the world under a stunning dome that creates a mesmerizing "rain of light." Art, culture, and architectural brilliance in one place.

4-5 hours
Yas Island theme park with exciting attractions and family adventures

Yas Island ℹ️

Abu Dhabi's entertainment island packs Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros, and SeaWorld all in one spot. Pure adrenaline and endless fun!

Full day
Dubai Aquarium with sharks and underwater tunnel

Dubai Aquarium ℹ️

Walk through a 48-meter underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and thousands of marine creatures. Go cage diving if you're feeling brave!

Full day
Luxury yacht experience in Dubai marina

Luxury Yacht ℹ️

Cruise past Dubai Marina's glittering skyline and iconic Palm Jumeirah on a private yacht. Sunset views, swimming stops, and living your best life.

4 hours
Skydiving adventure with spectacular aerial views

Skydiving ℹ️

Free-fall over the iconic Palm Jumeirah from 13,000 feet. This tandem skydive offers the ultimate rush with unbeatable aerial views of Dubai's coastline.

6 hours
Extreme water sports flyboard jetpack jetovator experience

Extreme Water ℹ️

Fly like Iron Man with flyboarding, jet-pack rides, and wakeboarding. These extreme water sports will get your heart pounding on the Arabian Gulf.

2 hours
Traditional souk with gold and spices

Traditional Souk ℹ️

Wander through bustling Gold, Spice, and Textile souks where the air is thick with frankincense and bargaining is an art form. Authentic UAE shopping!

3 hours
Jumeirah Public Beach with Burj Al Arab view

Jumeirah Public Beach ℹ️

Soft white sand, turquoise waters, and the iconic Burj Al Arab as your backdrop. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or Instagram-worthy sunset shots—totally free!

Half day
Traditional abra water taxi on Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek Abra Ride ℹ️

Cross Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden water taxi for just 1 AED. It's the cheapest and most authentic way to experience old Dubai's charm and bustling waterfront.

10 mins
Al Seef waterfront heritage district

Al Seef Heritage ℹ️

Stroll through beautifully restored heritage buildings blending old and new Dubai. Enjoy waterfront cafes, art galleries, and traditional architecture along Dubai Creek—all for free.

2 hours
Public parks and gardens in Dubai

Public Parks ℹ️

Escape the city buzz at lush green parks like Zabeel Park or Al Barsha Pond. Perfect for picnics, jogging, or letting kids run wild—entry is under 10 AED or free!

Half day
Dubai Marina waterfront promenade

Dubai Marina Walk ℹ️

Walk along the stunning 7km promenade lined with skyscrapers, luxury yachts, and waterfront restaurants. People-watch, grab coffee, or just soak in the views—free and fabulous.

2 hours
Alserkal Avenue art galleries district

Alserkal Avenue ℹ️

Discover Dubai's creative side at this contemporary art hub. Wander through cutting-edge galleries, indie boutiques, and hip cafes in converted warehouses—entry's free!

3 hours

Download Our Digital Guides

UAE Packing List
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Packing Guide

UAE Instamoments
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Instamoment

UAE Survival
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Arabic & Apps

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Planning a Summer Visit?

45°C outside — but 40% cheaper hotels, zero crowds, and 50+ indoor attractions. Summer can actually work.

Summer Travel Guide

Where to Stay in UAE

From ultra-luxe resorts with private beaches to cozy boutique hotels and budget-friendly stays—finding the perfect base for your UAE adventure is easy. Whether you want to wake up to Burj Khalifa views, beachfront bliss, or cultural neighborhoods, we've curated the best accommodations across all seven emirates.

powered by Booking.com, same trusted prices, no extra cost, and booking through our links helps keep this guide free.

Beachfront Hotels

Atlantis The Palm
★★★★★

Atlantis The Palm

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Aquaventure Waterpark included - 105 slides & attractions for resort guests
The Lost Chambers Aquarium access - 65,000 marine animals viewing
Underwater suites available - Sleep surrounded by Ambassador Lagoon
Book on Booking.com
Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach
★★★★★

Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach

Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Private beach cabanas with butler service - Dedicated staff for each cabana
Nobu restaurant on-site - Celebrity chef dining without leaving resort
Kids For All Seasons program - Supervised activities in 4 languages
Book on Booking.com
One&Only The Palm
★★★★★

One&Only The Palm

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Overwater spa pavilions - Treatments suspended above Arabian Gulf
101 Marina restaurant - Only floating restaurant in Middle East
Beachfront villas with private pools - Direct beach access from room
Book on Booking.com
Raffles The Palm Dubai
★★★★★

Raffles The Palm Dubai

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Sky Pool on 23rd floor - Infinity pool 100 meters above Palm Jumeirah
Cinq Mondes Spa treatments - Exclusive French spa rituals
All suites minimum 86 sqm - Largest entry-level accommodations in Dubai
Book on Booking.com
Anantara Dubai The Palm
★★★★★

Anantara Dubai The Palm

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Overwater villas with glass floors - First in Middle East to offer this
Lagoon-facing infinity pools - Private pools in each villa
Thai cooking classes on stilts - Unique cultural experience over water
Book on Booking.com
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
★★★★★

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Talise Ottoman Spa - 7,000 sqm spa with Turkish bath rituals
Al Orjouan restaurant - Only Lebanese fine dining on Palm Jumeirah
Private beach with Ottoman pavilions - Themed architecture extending to beach
Book on Booking.com
St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
★★★★★

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Golf cart transportation - Complimentary carts to navigate 200-hectare property
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club access - Gary Player-designed championship course
Sea plane landing platform - Direct helicopter/seaplane arrivals
Book on Booking.com
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
★★★★★

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Gold cappuccino service - 24-karat gold flakes in coffee
Private beach with 85 cabanas - Each with air conditioning and butler service
Helicopter landing pad - VIP arrival directly at hotel
Book on Booking.com
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
★★★★★

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Beach 9-hole golf course - Only beachfront golf in Abu Dhabi
Atarmia Spa with private beach access - Spa treatments with ocean views
3 private beaches spanning 6 miles - Multiple beach experiences in one resort
Book on Booking.com
Ajman Saray Luxury Collection
★★★★★

Ajman Saray Luxury Collection

Ajman Beach, Ajman
Traditional dhow boat trips - Complimentary sunset cruises for guests
Camel rides on private beach - Only beachfront camel experience in UAE
Al Sakher seafood restaurant over water - Built on stilts extending into Arabian Gulf
Book on Booking.com

Downtown Hotels

Address Downtown
★★★★★

Address Downtown

Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Dubai Fountain choreographed views - Rooms positioned for optimal fountain viewing
Neos restaurant on 63rd floor - Highest restaurant with Burj Khalifa views
Direct skybridge to Dubai Mall - Climate-controlled walkway connection
Book on Booking.com
Armani Hotel Dubai
★★★★★

Armani Hotel Dubai

Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai
Giorgio Armani personally designed interiors - Every detail curated by fashion legend
Levels 1-8 & 38-39 of Burj Khalifa - Exclusive floors in world's tallest building
Armani Spa with signature treatments - Custom skincare using Armani cosmetics
Book on Booking.com
Palace Downtown
★★★★★

Palace Downtown

Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Arabian-style architecture with modern luxury - Traditional wind towers with contemporary amenities
Thiptara Thai restaurant over water - Floating restaurant with fountain views
Horse carriage arrivals - Traditional welcome befitting palace setting
Book on Booking.com
Taj Dubai
★★★★★

Taj Dubai

Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Indian hospitality with Middle Eastern location - Namaste greeting and Indian butler service
Bombay Brasserie rooftop - Authentic Indian dining with skyline views
Jiva Spa with Ayurvedic treatments - Ancient wellness practices in modern setting
Book on Booking.com
Address Sky View
★★★★★

Address Sky View

Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Sky Bridge with glass slide - 150-meter transparent slide between towers
CE LA VIE restaurant and sky pool - Infinity pool 220 meters above ground
Observatory deck access - Private viewing platform for guests
Book on Booking.com
Kempinski The Boulevard
★★★★★

Kempinski The Boulevard

Downtown Dubai, Dubai
European castle architecture - Bavarian-inspired design in Middle East
Paulaner Brauhaus with imported beer - Authentic German brewery experience
Kids castle play area - Medieval-themed children's facilities
Book on Booking.com
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
★★★★★

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

Corniche, Abu Dhabi
Observation deck on 74th floor - 360-degree views of Abu Dhabi
Ray's Grill restaurant - Only steakhouse with marina and city views
Pool deck 200 meters above sea level - Highest rooftop pool in Abu Dhabi
Book on Booking.com
Rosewood Al Maryah Island
★★★★★

Rosewood Al Maryah Island

Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Sense Spa over Marina waters - Treatment rooms suspended above water
House of Wisdom cultural center access - Adjacent to world's most advanced library
Majlis private dining rooms - Traditional Arabian meeting spaces
Book on Booking.com
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
★★★★★

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri

Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Abra boat transportation - Traditional water taxi to cultural district
Souk Qaryat Al Beri access - Exclusive shopping and dining via water
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque proximity - 5-minute walk to iconic landmark
Book on Booking.com
Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman
★★★★

Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman

Downtown Ajman, Ajman
Dual beach and city access - Only downtown hotel with private beach
Filini Italian restaurant terrace - Beachfront fine dining with mountain views
Traditional souk within walking distance - Cultural shopping 200 meters away
Book on Booking.com

Business Hotels

Four Seasons DIFC
★★★★★

Four Seasons DIFC

DIFC, Dubai
Express Airport Transfers - 15-minute access to/from DXB Airport
24/7 Business Center - International phone lines and videoconferencing
Executive Club Lounge - Continental breakfast and networking spaces
Book on Booking.com
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
★★★★★

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

Business Bay, Dubai
World's tallest hotel - 355m with direct metro connectivity
Executive floors with private check-in - Fast-track business services
Multiple meeting rooms with city views - International video facilities
Book on Booking.com
Hilton Dubai Creek
★★★★★

Hilton Dubai Creek

Deira, Dubai
Airport shuttle service - 20-minute guaranteed transfers
Executive lounge with international breakfast - Western and Continental options
Creek-side business center - 24/7 printing and conference facilities
Book on Booking.com
Hyatt Regency Dubai
★★★★★

Hyatt Regency Dubai

Deira, Dubai
Rotating rooftop restaurant - Al Dawaar with 360-degree business dining
Gold Passport benefits - Express check-in for business travelers
Dubai Creek proximity - Traditional business district location
Book on Booking.com
Grand Hyatt Dubai
★★★★★

Grand Hyatt Dubai

Umm Hurair, Dubai
Healthcare City proximity - Medical business hub access
Grand Club level - Private executive check-in and continental breakfast
Multiple restaurants and meeting spaces - International business dining
Book on Booking.com
InterContinental Dubai Marina
★★★★★

InterContinental Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina, Dubai
Marina business district location - Walking distance to corporate offices
Club InterContinental - Executive lounge with European breakfast
Express airport transfers - 25-minute direct connection to DXB
Book on Booking.com
Le Meridien Dubai
★★★★★

Le Meridien Dubai

Garhoud, Dubai
Airport adjacency - 5-minute transfer from Dubai International
French business hospitality - European-style executive services
24-hour business center - International communication facilities
Book on Booking.com
Fairmont Dubai
★★★★★

Fairmont Dubai

Trade Centre, Dubai
World Trade Centre connection - Direct access to exhibition halls
Fairmont Gold floor - Executive club with continental breakfast
Emirates Towers metro link - Business district connectivity
Book on Booking.com
Crowne Plaza Dubai
★★★★

Crowne Plaza Dubai

Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Financial District location - Walking distance to major banks
Priority Club rewards - Express check-in for frequent business travelers
Meeting rooms with sheikh zayed road views - Corporate event facilities
Book on Booking.com
Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
★★★★

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

Dubai Airport, Dubai
Terminal 3 connection - 2-minute walk from arrivals
24-hour business services - Always-available international communication
Express transit hotel - Perfect for layover business meetings
Book on Booking.com

Family Hotels

JA Beach Hotel
★★★★★

JA Beach Hotel

Jebel Ali, Dubai
Interconnecting family rooms - Privacy for parents while keeping children close
Cool Zone Kids Club - English-speaking staff with supervised activities
Shallow kids pools with lifeguards - international safety standards
Book on Booking.com
Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi
★★★★★

Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi

Marina Beach, Dubai
Westin Family Kids Club - Age-appropriate programs with English activities
Family beach cabanas - Private spaces with child-safe beach access
Temperature-controlled family pool - Comfort for international families
Book on Booking.com
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort
★★★★★

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Adjoining family suites - Separate spaces connected for family convenience
Kids Club with international staff - Activities in multiple languages
Zero-entry kids pool - Safe shallow water with gradual depth
Book on Booking.com
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
★★★★★

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah

Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Family connecting rooms - Separate adult and children sleeping areas
Kids Zone with English programs - Supervised activities with familiar language
Children's splash pad - Water features designed for toddler safety
Book on Booking.com
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort
★★★★★

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort

Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Penguin Club for children - English-speaking staff with international programs
Family pool complex - Separate areas for adults and children with lifeguards
Adjoining family rooms - Connected suites for large families
Book on Booking.com
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
★★★★★

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Sinbad's Kids Club - Multilingual staff with age-appropriate activities
Family rooms with bunk beds - Fun accommodation for children
Wild Wadi Waterpark access - Free entry to adjacent water park
Book on Booking.com
Rixos The Palm Dubai
★★★★★

Rixos The Palm Dubai

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Rixy Kids Club - International program with English-speaking counselors
Family suites with kitchenettes - Self-catering options for families
Kids-only pool with slides - Safe water play area with supervision
Book on Booking.com
Habtoor Grand Resort
★★★★★

Habtoor Grand Resort

Marina Beach, Dubai
Kids Club with international activities - Programs in English and European languages
Interconnecting family suites - Flexible accommodation for large families
Children's lagoon pool - Shallow water with tropical theming
Book on Booking.com
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
★★★★★

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Young Explorers Club - Premium kids program with international standards
Family beach villas - Private accommodations with direct beach access
Kids splash zone with water features - Safe aquatic play area
Book on Booking.com
JA Lake View Hotel
★★★★

JA Lake View Hotel

Jebel Ali, Dubai
Family apartments with kitchens - Self-catering facilities for extended stays
Kids Club with outdoor playground - English-speaking staff and nature activities
Multiple pools including kids area - Graduated depths for different ages
Book on Booking.com

Budget Hotels

Rove Downtown
★★★★

Rove Downtown

Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Free high-speed Wi-Fi - Unlimited connectivity without roaming charges
International TV channels - BBC, CNN, and home country news access
24/7 English-speaking front desk - Round-the-clock assistance in native language
Book on Booking.com
Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai
★★★

Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai, Dubai
International electrical outlets - Universal plug types and voltage converters
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout - Free internet access in all areas
Currency exchange services - On-site financial convenience
Book on Booking.com
Hampton by Hilton Dubai Airport
★★★★

Hampton by Hilton Dubai Airport

Dubai Airport, Dubai
Free airport shuttle - 24/7 complimentary transfers to terminals
English TV channels and international news - Familiar media access
24-hour front desk with English support - Always-available assistance
Book on Booking.com
Ibis Styles Dubai Jumeira
★★★★

Ibis Styles Dubai Jumeira

Jumeira, Dubai
Free Wi-Fi with high-speed internet - Unlimited connectivity for international travelers
International restaurant options - Familiar European and international cuisines
Reliable air conditioning - Essential comfort standard for international visitors
Book on Booking.com
Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport
★★★

Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport

Dubai Airport, Dubai
Complimentary breakfast with international options - Familiar morning meal choices
Free Wi-Fi and international electrical outlets - Connectivity without extra charges
24/7 reception with English support - Round-the-clock native language assistance
Book on Booking.com
Citymax Hotel Al Barsha
★★★

Citymax Hotel Al Barsha

Al Barsha, Dubai
Mall of the Emirates proximity - Easy access to shopping and metro connection
Taxi and Uber pickup points - Convenient transportation access
International TV channels - BBC, CNN, and international news networks
Book on Booking.com
Premier Inn Dubai International Airport
★★★

Premier Inn Dubai International Airport

Dubai Airport, Dubai
British hospitality standards - Familiar service quality and English-speaking staff
Free Wi-Fi and international plug sockets - Connectivity essentials included
24-hour reception and currency exchange - Convenient services for international travelers
Book on Booking.com
Rove City Centre
★★★★

Rove City Centre

Deira, Dubai
City Centre Deira Mall connection - Direct shopping and dining access
Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout - Unlimited internet for international guests
Metro connectivity and taxi pickup - Easy city transportation access
Book on Booking.com
Novotel Dubai Al Barsha
★★★★

Novotel Dubai Al Barsha

Al Barsha, Dubai
French hospitality with international standards - European service quality
Free Wi-Fi and international restaurant options - Connectivity and familiar dining
24/7 English-speaking reception - Always-available native language support
Book on Booking.com
Al Seef Heritage Hotel
★★★

Al Seef Heritage Hotel

Al Seef, Dubai
Dubai Creek heritage location - Traditional charm with modern amenities
Free Wi-Fi and international TV channels - Essential connectivity and entertainment
Metro access and taxi pickup points - Convenient city transportation
Book on Booking.com

Dining & Restaurants

The UAE's food scene is a delicious melting pot—from sizzling street shawarma and aromatic Arabic coffee to Michelin-starred fine dining with skyline views. Craving authentic Emirati flavors, international cuisine, or Instagram-worthy brunches? We've got you covered with insider picks for every budget and vibe.