United Arab Emirates
Phone Code
+971
Capital
Abu Dhabi
Population
10 Million
Native Name
دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة
Region
Asia
Western Asia
Timezone
Gulf Standard Time
UTC+04:00
On This Page
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates where futuristic cities rise from desert sands and ancient Bedouin culture meets the boldest architecture on earth. Dubai is the emirate of records — the Burj Khalifa (828 m, world's tallest building), Palm Jumeirah (an artificial island visible from space), and a skyline that reinvents itself every decade. Abu Dhabi combines oil-funded ambition with cultural depth: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural masterpiece in white marble and Swarovski crystal, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi brings world art to the Gulf under Jean Nouvel's iconic rain-of-light dome. Beyond the big two, Sharjah is the cultural capital with over 20 museums, Ras Al Khaimah offers mountain adventure and the world's longest zipline, and Fujairah — the only emirate on the eastern coast — has unspoilt beaches on the Gulf of Oman. Most Western visitors receive a complimentary visa on arrival: US citizens get 30 days (standard passport with M or F marker required), UK citizens get 90 days within any 180-day period, usable in one stretch or across multiple visits. Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond entry. Passports with an X sex marker are not accepted. The UAE enforces strict exit controls — outstanding debts, legal disputes or uncancelled work visas can result in travel bans. Overstay fines accumulate daily.
UAE Visa & Entry System
The UAE visa system is straightforward for most Western travellers: a free visa is stamped into your passport on arrival at the airport — no advance application, no fee, no online form. US citizens receive 30 days, UK citizens 90 days within a 180-day period (usable continuously or split across multiple entries). Requirements: passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry date, return or onward ticket. Passports with X sex marker or 12-page US emergency passports are refused. Extensions can be requested at immigration authorities' discretion: in Dubai through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, in other emirates through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship — not guaranteed. Overstay fines compound daily and can reach significant amounts. Those planning to work, study or reside permanently must obtain the appropriate visa before arrival — tourist entry does not suffice. Work visas are sponsored by the employer and require a comprehensive medical examination after arrival (HIV, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, leprosy, pregnancy screening); examinations conducted outside the UAE are not recognised. Diplomatic/official passport holders must obtain visas before arrival, including for transit. The UAE maintains tight exit controls: outstanding legal or financial matters can trigger travel bans.
Common Visa Types
Free Visa on Arrival
Tourism, sightseeing, short-term business meetings, shopping, beach holidays and cultural visits. US citizens receive 30 days (only M or F passport markers accepted). UK citizens receive 90 days within a 180-day period from first entry, usable continuously or split across multiple visits. Requirements: passport valid 6 months beyond entry, yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country, sufficient funds. Extensions possible at immigration authorities' discretion. Overstay fines accumulate daily.
Work / Employment Visa
Employment with a UAE employer, professional assignments, long-term work. Must be arranged before arrival through the employer as sponsor — tourist entry does not authorise work. Working on a visit visa requires a probationary work permit from the Ministry of Labour (maximum 3 months); unauthorised work risks fines, imprisonment and deportation. Comprehensive medical examination mandatory after arrival: HIV, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, leprosy, pregnancy screening. Examinations conducted outside the UAE are not recognised.
Student Visa
Study at UAE universities and educational institutions, academic programmes and language courses. Must be arranged before arrival through the sponsoring institution. Requirements: acceptance letter, valid passport, photographs, academic qualifications, proof of financial means and medical examination after arrival.
Residence Permit
Long-term residence, family sponsorship, retirement, property ownership and extended stays. Application through a sponsor (employer, family member or property ownership for eligible nationalities). Includes comprehensive medical examination, Emirates ID registration and applicable fees. Holders are subject to exit controls.
Diplomatic / Official Visa
Diplomatic assignments, official government business and work for international organisations. Holders of diplomatic or official passports must obtain visas before arrival — even transit passengers are not exempt. Non-compliance results in entry denial.
Essential Information for UAE Travellers
Travel Guide
The UAE is a land of superlatives and contrasts — where desert meets futuristic skyline and millennia-old Bedouin heritage coexists with the most ambitious architectural projects on earth. Dubai's Burj Khalifa (828 m) offers observation decks on floors 124, 125 and 148 where you can see desert and ocean simultaneously. The Dubai Mall houses 1,200 shops, an aquarium and an ice rink. Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree and visible from space, redefines what human engineering can achieve. Old Dubai tells a different story: the Creek with its traditional dhow boats, the Gold and Spice Souks, and the Al Fahidi heritage district with its wind towers. Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — white marble, Swarovski crystals, the world's largest hand-knotted carpet — is breathtaking at sunset and free to enter. The Louvre Abu Dhabi brings masterpieces from Paris to the Gulf under a spectacular rain-of-light dome. The desert itself is an experience: dune bashing in 4x4s, camel riding at sunset, sleeping under the stars in Bedouin camps, sandboarding the dunes. Ras Al Khaimah surprises with Jebel Jais (1,934 m, UAE's highest peak) and the world's longest zipline. Fujairah offers snorkelling without the crowds on the Gulf of Oman coast. And the food reflects the cosmopolitan population: shawarma stands, Lebanese mezze, Indian curry houses, and fine dining 400 metres above the ground.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Burj Khalifa (828 m, world's tallest), Palm Jumeirah (artificial palm-shaped island), Dubai Frame (150 m golden frame with glass floor), Museum of the Future (Dubai's most spectacular building), Louvre Abu Dhabi, Burj Al Arab (the 'sail hotel') — the UAE redefines architectural boundaries.
Dune bashing by 4x4 through the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), camel riding at sunset, overnight stays in traditional Bedouin camps, sandboarding, falconry displays, stargazing in the desert — the authentic Arabia behind the skyscrapers.
Jumeirah Beach with Burj Al Arab views, Kite Beach for watersports, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Palm Jumeirah beach clubs, Fujairah's east coast for snorkelling, Ras Al Khaimah for quieter alternatives — crystal-clear water and year-round sunshine.
Dubai Mall (1,200 shops, aquarium, ice rink), Mall of the Emirates (with indoor ski slope Ski Dubai), the Gold and Spice Souks on Dubai Creek, Global Village (seasonal cultural market featuring 90 countries) — from traditional souks to luxury megamalls.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free entry, architectural masterpiece), Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Al Fahidi heritage quarter with wind towers and Dubai Museum, Sharjah's 20+ museums, Qasr Al Hosn fort in Abu Dhabi — behind the modernity lies a rich cultural layer.
World's longest zipline at Jebel Jais (Ras Al Khaimah), indoor skydiving at iFLY Dubai, Ski Dubai (indoor ski slope while it's 50°C outside), jet skiing around the Palm, helicopter tours over Dubai, Deep Dive Dubai (world's deepest pool, 60 m) — adrenaline in the desert.
Money & Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
Currency code: AED
Practical Money Tips
Cards Work Almost Everywhere
The UAE is one of the most card-friendly destinations in the Middle East. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, restaurants, malls, taxis, petrol stations, supermarkets and most shops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) work widely at NFC-enabled terminals. Cash is mainly needed for souks, small independent shops, tips and some desert safari operators. Amex is accepted at major hotels and luxury retailers but less universally.
Exchange Bureaux Offer Competitive Rates
Licensed exchange houses in Dubai (Al Ansari Exchange, UAE Exchange, Al Rostamani) and Abu Dhabi consistently offer better rates than airport counters or hotel desks. Gold Souk and Bur Dubai areas in particular have fierce competition among exchangers. The Dirham is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate (1 USD = 3.6725 AED), so dollar holders get a stable, predictable rate. EUR and GBP holders should compare — spread can vary by 2-3% between providers.
ATMs Are Everywhere but Foreign Fees Apply
ATMs from major UAE banks (Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, Mashreq) are found in every mall, hotel lobby and metro station. Most dispense 100 and 500 AED notes. International withdrawals typically incur a fee from both the UAE bank and your home bank — check with your bank before travel. Some UAE ATMs offer dynamic currency conversion — always decline and withdraw in AED to get your bank's exchange rate instead.
Tipping Is Expected in Service Settings
While service charges (10%) are often included in restaurant bills, additional tipping is customary. Restaurants: 10-15% if no service charge included, or round up if it is. Hotel porters: 5-10 AED per bag. Housekeeping: 10-20 AED per day. Taxi drivers: round up to the nearest 5 AED. Desert safari guides and drivers: 20-50 AED. Valet parking: 10-20 AED. Tips should be in cash — card tips rarely reach the individual.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
Where this country maintains embassies or consulates
Explore different regions and their cities.
Embassies in United Arab Emirates
These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.
Key origin countries
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Planning your trip to the UAE? Whether you need to check your visa-free eligibility, apply for a work visa, or extend your stay — get step-by-step guidance for your application.
Apply for UAE Visa