Travel Guide to the United Arab Emirates

Here’s what you need to know about the UAE requirements for travel and what’s coming soon.

The Upcoming GCC Unified Visa

A major change is on the horizon with the launch of the GCC Unified Visa, also known as the Gulf visa or GCC Grand Tours Visa. This new system will let tourists visit all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, using a single permit.

Set to roll out in late 2025, the GCC visa is designed to make multi-country trips across the Gulf easier and more cost-effective. 

Instead of applying for separate visas for each GCC country, travelers will soon be able to submit one online application for a unified GCC tourist visa. Once approved, they’ll receive a single digital visa, likely valid for 30 to 90 days, that grants access to multiple destinations across the region for tourism or family visits.

This will be a more budget-friendly and time-saving option, which will replace the need to pay multiple visa fees or repeat paperwork. It’s also expected to have a faster processing time than traditional embassy or consulate-issued visas. The visa also simplifies regional travel for tourists planning multi-country Gulf trips, especially those flying into one country and out from another.

Eligible applicants will likely include nationals who already qualify for individual single-country visas, such as the UAE e-visa, which makes the transition to a unified system smoother for many frequent travelers.

While final launch details like pricing are still being worked out, GCC officials have confirmed that the visa framework is approved and in development.

One of the most common questions travelers ask is about the best time to visit the UAE. Since the country has a desert climate, timing your trip right makes a big difference in how much you enjoy the experience.

Weather and Travel Seasons

• November to March – Peak Season These cooler months are the most comfortable for sightseeing, beach outings, and outdoor festivals. Daytime temperatures stay around 25°C-30°C (77°F-86°F), with cooler evenings perfect for walks and open-air dining. This is also the best time to visit Dubai, so expect higher hotel rates and larger crowds.
• June to September – Off Season Summer in the UAE is extremely hot and humid, with daytime highs over 40°C (104°F). Most people move between air-conditioned spaces, but this is when you’ll find fewer tourists, lower prices, and major shopping discounts. If you don’t mind the heat, you’ll enjoy shorter queues at attractions and plenty of indoor things to do in the UAE, like malls, aquariums, and indoor theme parks.
• April/May and October – Shoulder Months These months offer a middle ground, with warm weather in the UAE that avoids the extremes of summer. Tourist numbers are more manageable, and prices are slightly lower than peak winter.

Events and Festivals Timeline

Aligning your trip with local events can make your journey even more memorable. Here’s a yearly breakdown:

• January – February: Continuation of the Dubai Shopping Festival (which begins in early December),  concerts, and international sports tournaments. Ideal weather for beaches and outdoor dining.
• March – April: Art Dubai, Dubai World Cup horse race, and Al Marmoom Heritage Festival, one of the biggest camel racing events in the region.
• May – August: Indoor family festivals, summer sales, and entertainment shows. A good season for budget-friendly UAE tourism.
• September – October: Cooler weather returns. Tech expos and design fairs.
• November: Cultural highlights like Dubai Design Week and Sharjah Book Fair. Desert trips and outdoor dining are popular.
• December: UAE National Day celebrations, Abu Dhabi grand prix, winter festivals, and world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks. The next Dubai Shopping Festival begins mid-month.

According to every reliable UAE travel guide, the golden window for visitors is between November and March, when the weather is pleasant and the calendar is packed with festivals. 

If you’re wondering how safe the UAE is or how easy it is to get around, here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect as a tourist.

Safety: One of the World’s Safest Countries

The UAE ranks as one of the safest countries globally for visitors. Violent crime is extremely rare, and even petty crimes like pickpocketing are uncommon. Most travelers say they feel safe walking alone, even late at night.

This sense of security is due in part to strict laws, visible law enforcement, and a culture that discourages criminal behavior. According to the latest UAE travel advisory updates from most countries, the destination is considered low-risk for tourists. Still, it’s a good idea to check your own country’s current guidelines before your trip.

If you’re American and asking if Dubai is safe for Americans, the answer is yes. The country has a large expatriate population (including many from the U.S.) and is accustomed to international visitors.

Is the UAE Safe for Ladies?

Yes, the UAE is considered very safe for solo female travelers. Public transport in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi includes women-only sections on the metro and some buses, and harassment is rare. If an issue does occur, authorities take it seriously and respond quickly.

Women can comfortably explore malls, museums, and cultural sites on their own. According to the ruler of Dubai, “If a woman walks alone at any hour of the day or night without fear, know that she is in the UAE.”

Getting Around

The UAE’s transport system is efficient and easy to use.

• Air Travel: Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports are major international hubs. Sharjah also has a busy airport.
• Highways: Cities are well-connected by highways like the E11, E611, and E311. Roads are well-maintained and clearly signed in English and Arabic.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car is simple and affordable, with major international and local agencies available at airports and in cities.
• Public Transport:
  • Dubai: Excellent metro (automated, air-conditioned, safe), buses, and trams.
  • Abu Dhabi: The bus network covers most areas.
  • Other emirates: Buses and taxis are more common.

Taxis are affordable, metered, and widely available. Apps like Uber and Careem make rides even easier; no need to explain directions, just drop a pin in the app.

Navigation and Language

English is widely spoken, especially in tourism and service sectors. Signs, menus, and apps are all in English. Google Maps works well, and you won’t have trouble finding your way around, even in older areas or rural towns.

Tourist Facilities and Accessibility

Tourism infrastructure in the UAE is excellent. You’ll find:

• Clean public restrooms
• Free Wi-Fi in many public areas (even on the Dubai metro)
• Prayer rooms and ATMs
• Wheelchair access in malls and many tourist attractions
• Family-friendly paths for strollers

If you have mobility needs, it’s worth checking individual venues in advance, but most major sites are accessible.

Emergency Services and Healthcare

Healthcare in the UAE is high-quality and easily accessible. Pharmacies are everywhere, and hospitals have English-speaking staff. 

If you’re applying in advance for a short-term visit visa (whether single-entry or multi-entry), check whether medical or travel insurance is required, as some visa categories in the UAE mandate valid insurance, while others do not.

If you lose something or need help, local police are known to be professional and responsive.