World Guide

United Arab Emirates

Country · Asia, Western Asia

United Arab Emirates
Photo: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The United Arab Emirates is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iran. With a population of about 11.5 million and an area of 83,600 square kilometers, the nation is centered around its capital, Abu Dhabi.

Highlights

This guide features 17 sights across the country, primarily concentrated in the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Dubai, visitors can explore modern architectural landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab, the Museum of the Future, and the Dubai Frame. The city also features the Palm Islands, the Port of Jebel Ali, the Emirates Towers, and the historic areas of Deira and Bur Dubai, alongside Jumeirah Beach. Abu Dhabi offers cultural and leisure sites including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, and the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. For sports and nature, the area includes the Etihad Arena and the mountain peak of Jebel Hafeet.

Food and drink

Travelers to the region may encounter local specialties such as Dubai chocolate.

When to go

The weather in Abu Dhabi is warmest from May through September, with daily highs ranging from 36 °C to 40 °C. The cooler months occur from November through March, when daily highs range between 22 °C and 29 °C and lows hover between 16 °C and 22 °C. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with the highest frequency occurring in January, March, and April, though it typically rains on no more than two days in any given month.

Practical notes

The official language is Arabic and the currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham. The country operates on UTC+04:00 time. Electricity is supplied at 220 volts, using plugs of type C and G. Traffic moves on the right side of the road.

Cities

Food and drink to try in United Arab Emirates

  • Dubai chocolate

Top sights in United Arab Emirates

  1. Burj KhalifaBurj KhalifaDubai
  2. Burj Al ArabBurj Al ArabDubai
  3. Sheikh Zayed Grand MosqueSheikh Zayed Grand MosqueAbu Dhabi
  4. Louvre Abu DhabiLouvre Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi
  5. Palm IslandsPalm IslandsDubai
  6. Museum of the FutureMuseum of the FutureDubai
  7. Yas IslandYas IslandAbu Dhabi
  8. Port of Jebel AliPort of Jebel AliDubai
  9. Qasr Al WatanQasr Al WatanAbu Dhabi
  10. Dubai FrameDubai FrameDubai
  11. Etihad ArenaAbu Dhabi
  12. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu DhabiEmirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi
  1. Jebel Hafeet · Al Ain
  2. Deira, Dubai · Dubai
  3. Emirates Towers · Dubai
  4. Jumeirah Beach · Dubai
  5. Bur Dubai · Dubai

Weather by month

The warmest month is August, with an average high of 40 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C222427313637394038342925
Average low, °C161619222628303128262218
Rainfall, mm921186001000311
Rainy days212201110011

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Abu Dhabi (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

Also worth a look

Neighbouring countries and territories