At a glance
Prepare your trip to the United Arab Emirates with our comprehensive guide covering entry requirements, safety, health, climate, budget and practical travel tips.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Language: Arabic
Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). Exchange rate: 1 AED = ± 0.24 EUR
Tourist Office: visitabudhabi.ae
Did you know? Dubai is an emirate, not a nation. Together with 6 other emirates, it forms the United Arab Emirates (UAE), of which Abu Dhabi is the capital.
Are you travelling to the United Arab Emirates? Here are a few useful tips:
Travel documents and customs formalities
Since 2015, no travel visa has been required for citizens of the European Union, provided your stay does not exceed 90 days. When entering the United Arab Emirates, you may not carry any material that offends Islamic morality.
The healthcare system in the United Arab Emirates
Healthcare facilities are mainly private, with highly qualified staff and very professional equipment. However, as costs are very high, we recommend taking out travel insurance before travelling to the United Arab Emirates. This will ensure you are covered for all medical care. No compulsory vaccination is required for the United Arab Emirates.
Safety in the United Arab Emirates
It is recommended that you maintain a discreet attitude and respect local customs and religious practices, particularly during Ramadan. Bear in mind that there are fairly strict codes of conduct.
Consuming alcohol is only permitted if you are 18 or older and only in designated places. Always respect the ban on taking photos or videos in places where this is prohibited. There are places where any display of affection in public is forbidden. Exposing yourself in revealing clothing is prohibited. Drugs are also strictly forbidden. If you take medication, it's important to carry a medical prescription translated into English.
Before travelling, read the latest travel advice for the United Arab Emirates on the website of the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs.
Which travel insurance should I choose for a trip to the United Arab Emirates?
At Redion, you can take out either temporary or annual travel insurance.
All travel insurance policies include the following benefits:
- Reimbursement of medical expenses
- Organisation of, and assistance with, your repatriation and that of your travelling companions if necessary
- Early return in the event of hospitalisation or death of a relative in Belgium
- Assistance in case of lost documents
If you only travel abroad once a year, temporary travel insurance may be useful. If you travel several times a year, annual travel insurance will be the more cost-effective option.
Climate and religion in the United Arab Emirates
The climate in the United Arab Emirates is highly variable. The best time of year to visit the country is from November to April. The main religion is Islam.
Middle Eastern cuisine
Given the country's neighbouring regions, the United Arab Emirates is an ideal destination to enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine. Don't miss the chance to try hummus and “tabbouleh”, dishes that are very common in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and beyond. Be sure to try “harissa”, a mixture of meat and wheat slow-cooked in a clay pot. “Machboos”, prepared with rice, onions, meat, herbs and lemon, is also a very tasty dish.
