Welcome to United Arab Emirates

Go beyond the glitz and glamour of Dubai anddiscover all the United Arab Emirates has to offer. Each of the seven emirates has its own personality and reasons to visit, so hit as many as you can.

There are drifting sand dunes in Al Dhafra’s Rub Al Khali desert and gorgeous beaches in Ras al-Khaimah. There’s a vibrant arts scene and adventure activities for days in Sharjah. Contrasting the natural landscape you have the shiny, man-made skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Take an overland trip to Bastakiya and its 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort, then peruse the spice and gold vendors at the nearby souks. Hike and bird watch in the rugged Hajar Mountains. Back in Abu Dhabi, don’t miss the new Louvre Abu Dhabi, where you can see human history artifacts through the ages that demonstrate links between cultures. Uncover the treasures of the United Arab Emirates and you’ll be surprised at what you find.

Unique Facts

• The United Arab Emirates is governed by an absolute monarchy. Each of the emirates is ruled by a separate royal family. The president and head of state is the emir of Abu Dhabi. The prime minister is the emir of Dubai.
• There are seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain and Fujairah.
• Expats make up almost 80 percent of the entire United Arab Emirates population, making for an incredible diversity.
• Many traditional Emirati families still own huge date farms, passed from one generation to the next. The date palm trees have been cultivated here for thousands of years.
• The oldest pre-Islamic Christian archaeological find in the United Arab Emirates is on the natural island of Sir Bani Yas, off the coast of the western region. This island was also once home to Arabia’s largest wildlife reserve.

Language

The United Arab Emirates’ official language is Arabic.

When To Go

The best time to go to the United Arab Emirates is between April and May or September to October. This is a time of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. The best weather is December to March.

Airports

Abu Dhabi International Airport
Dubai International Airport
Fujairah International Airport
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 30 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting the United Arab Emirates: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type G. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham

Getting Around

Be aware that road conditions may vary from those in the United States.

Dubai’s public transportation system includes buses, water buses, monorail, tram and subway.

Taxis are affordable and well marinated, as well as have authorized meters.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4.
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Telephone: +(971) (2) 414-2200
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(971) (0) 2-414-2200
Fax: +(971) (2) 414-2241
abudhabiacs@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Visit https://www.visitdubai.com/en/ to get more information about visiting Dubai.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 998
Police: 911
Fire: 997

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in the United Arab Emirates.