During a pandemic, the process of going to resorts has become much more difficult. However, if for all that you decide to go on a trip or are just looking for a place for your future vacation, here are 5 things you need to know before going to the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates is a wonderful country where state-of-the-art architecture blends with the endless sands of the golden desert. It’s a place where the customs and traditions of ancestors are combined with modern technologies. This country has something to surprise you. That’s what the shopping centres alone, which include a huge variety of stores for going shopping from dawn to dusk and entertainment for both adults and children. The superior hotel service is not even worth mentioning. Everyone has already heard about it. Here you will feel like a truly special person.
1. Resorts
The country consists of seven emirates. The largest one is Abu Dhabi, the smallest is Ajman. Choosing tours to the UAE, tourists choose Dubai and Sharjah.
Most tourists prefer Dubai. Despite the high prices relative to other resorts, this emirate is the most popular among travellers. People from all over the world come here to enjoy the excellent service of local hotels, for which you will pay good money, to look at the masterpieces of architecture and modern technology. There are so many places to visit, but this article is not about them.
For those who want a relaxing and quiet vacation with family and children, we recommend giving preference to Sharjah. Alcohol is prohibited in this emirate, and besides, it is not as noisy as Dubai. But if you still want to have fun, then getting to the city of Dubai will not be a challenge for you. In addition, prices for rooms in Sharjah hotels are much lower.
In the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi (the emirate itself has the same name), people go for business and unusual entertainment. The city is a major hub for business people and oil exports. It has many modern skyscrapers and giant shopping centers.
Fujairah is a favourite place for diving and snorkelling lovers. Also if you suddenly miss the greenery, then you should go here. The emirate will delight you with its oases.
Modest and calm Ajman is located just 10 km from Sharjah. This is one of the poorest emirates in the UAE, which, moreover, differs in its size. Ajman’s territory is the smallest of all seven regions of the country. It is customary here to just walk the streets and return to an inexpensive hotel in the evening.
The most unpopular emirates among tourists are Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain.
2. Weather
You can come to the UAE all year round. It is warm here and there is almost no rain. We recommend you travel to this country in late fall, winter and spring (from the end of October to April). It won’t be too hot here at this time. You will find quite comfortable weather with pleasant temperatures.
3. Currency
The national currency of the UAE is the dirham.
In circulation, there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 dirhams. The larger the denomination of the banknote, the larger it is in size. Here 6 types of coins are issued as well: 1 dirham, 50, 25, 10, 5, 1 fils. The easiest way to distinguish 50 fils coin from others is that it is heptagonal, and all other coins are round.
Going on a trip to the UAE, it is more convenient to take dollars with you. It is better to pay in dirhams, although some stores accept payment in dollars, but the exchange rate will be less profitable. Shops and hotels accept payments by bank cards.
4. Transport
Public transport in the UAE is poorly developed. This is because almost every resident has a car. The buses and metro are mainly used by labour migrants and tourists. Regular city bus service is available only in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The bus ticket is inexpensive.
Most often, tourists take a taxi. Many travellers prefer to rent a car. To do this, you need an international driving license and a credit card.
5. Alcohol
The UAE is a Muslim country with a prohibition on alcohol consumption. Each emirate establishes its laws. For example, in Sharjah, you can not only consume but even transport and store a bottle of wine or something like this. There are a couple of alcoholic shops in Ajman. In Dubai, you can find alcoholic cocktails on the menu but be prepared to pay a nice sum. Alcohol can be brought to your hotel room in some emirates. You can buy wine, beer and other drinks in duty-free shops upon arrival, but not too much. The quantity is closely monitored.
If you have not visited the UAE yet, be sure to write it down on your wish list. The country is really worth visiting. Culture, architecture, sea, luxury and, of course, the level of service will leave you with an unforgettable experience and emotions for a long time.
We wish you a good time and be careful! It’s too hot here! 🙂