Things to do in United Arab Emirates
2 destinations in United Arab Emirates, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.
Places to visit in United Arab Emirates
- Things to do in Abu Dhabi city, beach, culture
- Things to do in Dubai city, beach, food
Best time to visit United Arab Emirates
When flights to each destination are cheapest.
- Abu Dhabi
- Flights to Abu Dhabi are cheapest from mid-June through August (summer), when temperatures are extreme and tourist numbers drop, with savings of roughly 30-40% versus the October-March peak season. For the best balance of price and pleasant weather, aim for late April-May or September-October, when fares dip 15-25% below peak and temperatures are more manageable.
- Dubai
- Flying in late January through early March or in September avoids both peak winter-holiday crowds and brutal summer heat, with fares typically 20-35% lower than December-January peak. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently save $50-$120 versus weekend travel.
Is United Arab Emirates expensive?
A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.
- Abu Dhabi
- About $40 a day on a shoestring, about $255 comfortably.
- Dubai
- About $55 a day on a shoestring, about $243 comfortably.
Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.
Free things to do in United Arab Emirates
- Abu Dhabi: Corniche Beach A pristine, well-maintained public beach stretching 8 km along the waterfront with free access and stunning skyline views.
- Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Visit Free guided tours offer deep cultural insight into Islamic architecture and traditions at one of the world's most beautiful buildings.
- Abu Dhabi: Heritage Village An open-air living museum on the Breakwater recreating traditional Emirati life with craft demonstrations and historic dhow boats.
- Dubai: JBR Beach (Jumeirah Beach Residence) Free public beach with skyline views, volleyball, and a buzzing boardwalk
- Dubai: Dubai Frame Exterior & Zabeel Park Walk around the golden picture-frame landmark and relax in a huge green park
- Dubai: Al Seef Heritage District Stroll the atmospheric creek-side promenade lined with traditional wind-tower architecture
Cheap eats in United Arab Emirates
- Automatic Restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Mixed shawarma platter with garlic sauce and fresh bread Plates $4-8
- Al Mrzab Restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Lamb harees or chicken machboos with karak chai Plates $5-10
- Sajway in Abu Dhabi, Saj bread wraps stuffed with cheese, zaatar, or spiced chicken Plates $3-7
- Ravi Restaurant (Satwa) in Dubai, Mutton karahi with fresh naan Plates $3-6
- Al Ustad Special Kabab (Deira) in Dubai, Charcoal-grilled kebab platter with rice Plates $4-7
- Bu Qtair Fish Restaurant (Umm Suqeim) in Dubai, Freshly fried fish and prawns with masala sauce Plates $6-10