United Arab Emirates Vacations

UAE practices a peculiar way of greeting that isn't found in any other culture. The men greet each other with an Emirati kiss — Khusmak, where men touch each other's nose. Alternatively, people hug and shake hands, but it is prohibited when greeting the opposite gender because of their religious adherence. While both are the traditional ways of greeting, you can use the safe path by nodding your head, placing your right hand on the heart, and then smiling.

If you are an Islamic practitioner, Islam is at the heart of the UAE. The majority of locals practice Islam and you can see the influence on every aspect of their daily life including cultural practices, prayers, and custom dietary. UAE is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest and the most beautiful mosque with a total of 82 domes and over 1000 columns, the sight of the mosque  just takes your breath away. So, when you visit the UAE, make sure to pay a visit to this grandiose mosque.

When speaking of culture, how can we miss traditional dressing? UAE's dressing is inspired by their Islamic texts, where modesty and conservativeness are prioritized. Men and women wear clothes that cover most parts of the body. Women in UAE wear an "Abaya," a long black cloak that covers most of the body except feet, hands, and face. An "Abaya" is paired with a "Niqab" and "Gafaaz," which cover the face and hands. The man wears a "Kandura," a long loose-fitting robe, which is usually white. Along with "Kandura," a headscarf is tied in various styles. While in the UAE, don't miss the opportunity to immerse in their traditional attire because to get a feel of the place you need to soak into their culture.

UAE is a melting pot of different activities, so for every activity, there is a right time to visit and experience them. The tourist season in the UAE is categorized into three seasons — summer, winter, and spring. The winter (November to March) is the peak tourist season, with temperatures around 68 F to 86 F. This is excellent for outdoor activities like sightseeing, relaxing on the beaches, and other activities. If outdoor activities are what you crave, well, plan your trip during the winter.

Are you seeking indoor as well as outdoor activities at the same time? If yes, spring is your season. During spring (April and May), the UAE experiences a gradual increase in temperatures. This is the best time to experience both sides of the world before it gets too hotter, which happens by late May.

If you are into indoor activities like shopping or enjoying indoor attractions, visit the UAE in the summer. Summer (June to September) in the UAE is extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 122 F. This period is less favourable for outdoor activities and more favorable for indoor activities. When you visit the UAE in summer, make sure to pay a visit to family-friendly attractions like Dubai Mall Ice Rink, SKI Dubai, iFLY Dubai, and Green Planet to name a few.

Ultimately, the best time to visit the UAE depends on the kind of activities you and your family want. For outdoor adventures, the best time to visit the UAE is in winter. If you are more into indoor activities and want to avoid travellers during peak season, plan a trip during the summer.  

How much does a trip to Dubai typically cost?

For a week-long vacation to Dubai, an individual traveller should budget at least $3,900, not including air travel. Dubai is known to be an expensive city to visit, though pricing will vary depending on the time of year and style of trip. Dubai is priced lowest during the hottest months of May to August. With the help of a Goway Destination Specialist, you can curate a tailor-made vacation suitable to any budget.

What documentation is required to visit Dubai?

Travellers from Canada and the United States require a passport, but no advance visa arrangements are required to visit Dubai. Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, you will be processed by immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a free 30‑day visit visa.

What is the best time of year to visit Dubai?

Dubai’s location in the desert is known for relentless heat during the summer months. The best time to visit Dubai is November through March, when the temperature is moderate and you can enjoy more outdoor activities such as a day trip to experience quad riding and sand boarding in the desert or an evening dinner in a Bedouin tent among the stars.

How do I plan a trip to Dubai?

Venture to Dubai with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist and let us plan a trip that suits you! Do you want to ride up to the sky in the world’s largest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, or spend a day in the desert riding a camel? The best way to explore Dubai is on a tailor-made vacation that caters to your individual interests.

What are some of the best places to visit in Dubai?

Dubai is located southeast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has experienced explosive growth since the 1980s, becoming a city renowned for its impressive modern architecture. Visit the staggering Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which stands 160 stories high and has endless views of the desert beyond Dubai. Explore the iconic man-made islands of the Palm Jumeirah, which appear as a large palm tree from the sky, and enjoy luxurious resorts, restaurants, and beaches. If you’re looking to beat the heat indoors, consider the high-end shopping experiences found at Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. On the banks of Dubai Creek, visit the heritage district of Old Dubai. The streets are lined with historic gypsum and coral buildings, a stark contrast to the present-day skyscrapers.

What should I pack for a Dubai trip?

There are no specific requirements for dress in Dubai, however, modest attire with items that cover the shoulders, midriff, and knees should be packed. Consider bringing light layers given the heat. When visiting any historical, cultural or religious sites, such as a mosque, ensure you are wearing long-sleeves and ankle covering dresses or pants. For women, pack a headscarf to be used only when applicable. Also pack a jacket or warm sweater, as evening trips out to the desert can get cold.

Is Dubai LGBTQ+ friendly?

Dubai is not known to be LGBTQ+ friendly, as there are laws discriminating against the LGBTQ+ community, which also dictate LGBTQ+ activities are illegal and punishable by law. In Dubai, it is socially unacceptable to display any affection in public. If planning a visit to Dubai, it is paramount to be alert, consider travelling in a group, while also exercising discretion.

What language is spoken in Dubai?

The official language in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai is Arabic. However, there is a large expat population in Dubai and you’ll find English is also spoken quite frequently. Road signage is most often in Arabic and English. Travellers will also find many popular tourist attractions and hotels can transact in English.

What currency does Dubai use?

The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is called the Dirham (AED). On average $1 USD is worth 3.60 AED, but exchange rates are always fluctuating, so check the latest rates before travelling. Dubai operates nearly cashless, so electronic payment methods of credit cards are preferred for all purchases.

Do I need to tip in Dubai?

Dubai is known for its extraordinary levels of service, and while tipping is not mandatory in Dubai, it is generally expected and considered an expression of gratitude for good service. While dining, a tip between 10-15% of the total bill is customary. Other services such as hotel luggage assist, transportation, tour guides may be tipped modestly.

You can learn a lot about a culture from exploring and enjoying their food. This is also true for Arabian culture. Emirati cuisine is diverse and mouth-watering. It is a blend of different flavours influenced by Middle Eastern, Persian, and South Asian dishes. Some of the common dietary include rice, meat, and fish. While in the UAE, dig into their local specialties like Knafeh and Samboosa.

Kanefh is a dish from Palestine but loved by the locals of the UAE. It is a pastry dish made from sour cheese, sugar syrup, and dough and has to be eaten immediately after being made. The best place to have Kanefh is the Qwaider Al Nabulsi in Dubai. For some light snacks, try Samboosa, which is an Indian version of Samosa. These are host pastries filled with either meat or vegetables and topped with a variety of spices. Once you have it, you'll ask for more —  it's that delicious.  

Apart from local dishes, they have a diverse variety of beverages. Some of the common beverages enjoyed by the locals include Arabic coffee and Jellab. If you are a coffee lover, Arabic coffee doesn't disappoint you. The coffee is made with lightly roasted beans spiced with cardamom, cumin, cloves, and saffron. Having this coffee with organic local dates is a must. On the other hand, if you want to cool your body during summer, Jellab is what you need. This classic Arabian cold drink is made from a blend of grape molasses and rose water, perfect for hot summer nights. The availability and preference of certain drinks depend on specific areas. So, before planning a trip to the UAE, do thorough research on local dishes so that you get the best dishes and drinks in the best place.