United Arab Emirates

A hub built for travel

The United Arab Emirates, and Dubai in particular, has developed into one of the world's busiest travel hubs, connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia through its airports. Dubai itself has grown from a trading port into a city defined by record-setting architecture, large-scale shopping and dining, and a long stretch of beachfront.

City, desert and beyond

A Dubai stay typically mixes time by the pool or beach with visits to the old creek-side districts, where the city's trading history is still visible, and a half-day or overnight excursion into the desert for dune driving or a traditional camp dinner; our Dubai City Break itinerary is built around this combination. Abu Dhabi, the capital, is a short drive away and adds cultural institutions and its own waterfront developments for travellers with extra time. Dubai's dining scene draws chefs and concepts from around the world, and its beach clubs and rooftop venues make it easy to fill an evening without leaving your hotel district.

When to visit

Summer in the Gulf, roughly June to September, brings intense heat and humidity that limits outdoor activity to early morning or evening. The cooler, drier months from November to March are far more comfortable for exploring the city, the beach and the desert, and are generally considered the best time to visit. Many visitors treat the UAE as a stopover on a longer route to East Africa or Asia, which suits Dubai's role as a major connecting hub reasonably well given how short the city break itself can be.