Classic UAE: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, desert
Duration : 7 days
Route : Dubai (3 nights) → Abu Dhabi (2 nights) → Liwa desert (1 night) → return Dubai (1 night)
Custom travel to United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven emirates created in 1971 around Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and four smaller neighbors, transformed in fifty years a desert of pearl fishers into one of the world's most spectacular destinations, powered first by oil revenue and then by a determined push into tourism, finance and aviation. Dubai lines up the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower at 828 m, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah visible from space, the Dubai Mall and the gold and spice souks of Old Dubai, where the creek is still crossed by traditional abra boats. Abu Dhabi, the more traditional and measured federal capital, answers with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and its 82 white marble domes, the Louvre Abu Dhabi designed by Jean Nouvel and the thrill parks of Yas Island. To the south, the dunes of the Rub al-Khali, one of the world's largest continuous sand deserts, are explored from the Liwa oasis, while Ras Al Khaimah offers Hajar Mountains and beaches away from the urban buzz. Luxury, modernity and bold architecture: a country best discovered in 5 to 10 days, year-round thanks to ubiquitous air conditioning but at its most comfortable from November to March.
Highlights
- Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab
- Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Rub al-Khali Desert (Liwa): giant dunes
- Old Dubai: gold and spice souks
- Ras Al Khaimah: Hajar Mountains and beaches
- Exceptional hospitality (Burj Al Arab, Atlantis)
Sample itineraries
Dubai luxury and culture
Duration : 5 days
Route : Dubai Atlantis The Royal or Burj Al Arab (4 nights) → Abu Dhabi excursion → return flight
Complete UAE: 7 emirates and desert
Duration : 10 days
Route : Dubai (3 nights) → Sharjah → Ras Al Khaimah (2 nights, mountains) → Abu Dhabi (2 nights) → Liwa desert (2 nights) → return Dubai (1 night)
When to go
November-March is the only truly comfortable period (20-28 °C, blue sky, low humidity). Avoid June-September (45-50 °C, 80% humidity, infernal heat even at night). April-May and October are tolerable (30-35 °C). High season (December-February) also coincides with the highest hotel rates, especially around the year-end holidays; booking as early as February-March for a December trip helps secure better rates.
- Winter (high season) (November – March), All sites, F1 GP Abu Dhabi November
- Spring (April – May), Beaches, Dubai Mall, indoor sites
- Scorching summer (June – September), All indoor (AC malls), Dubai Summer Surprises sales
- Autumn (October), Preludes to high season
Practical information
One of the world's safest countries (almost zero crime). No visa for French citizens < 90 days. Cards accepted everywhere, Apple Pay omnipresent. Tap water drinkable but Emiratis prefer bottled. Covering attire in mosques (abaya lent at entrance). Alcohol allowed in licensed hotels and restaurants (not in streets). No PDA (public displays of affection). Drugs: zero tolerance (very heavy sentences). Ramadan: restaurants only open after sunset except hotels. The Careem and Uber apps work well in both major cities and display prices upfront, a convenient alternative to traditional taxis, especially late at night.
Frequently asked questions
When?
November-March (20-28 °C). Avoid June-September (40-50 °C, unbearable even at night).
How long?
5-7 days for Dubai + Abu Dhabi + desert. 10 days for the 7 emirates.
Budget?
€2,800-€4,000 per person for 7 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €5,000-€7,500. Flights: €600-€1,000.
Visa?
No for French citizens < 90 days.
Family?
Yes, exceptionally (Atlantis Aquaventure, Ferrari World, Dubai Mall, beaches). Total safety.
How to get around?
Private car with driver recommended. In Dubai: modern metro, Uber/Careem. In Abu Dhabi: taxi.
Cover up?
Yes in mosques (abaya lent). Casual attire accepted everywhere else (covered shoulders appreciated in souks).
Alcohol?
Yes in licensed hotels and restaurants. Forbidden in streets. Sharjah: alcohol totally forbidden.
Combine?
Yes: UAE + Oman (Muscat 4 h away), UAE + Maldives, UAE + Sri Lanka.
Tips?
10-15% in restaurants (sometimes included in service charge). Appreciated in hotels.
Can I stay connected on the ground?
Yes, very easily. A local eSIM or SIM card (Etisalat, du) can be bought in minutes at the airport or in shops, with excellent 4G/5G coverage across the whole country, including the Liwa desert. Note: calls via WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime can be blocked or unstable without a locally authorized VPN; text messaging works normally.
What should I pack?
Light, loose clothing for the heat, but also modest, covering attire (shoulders and knees) for visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and traditional souks. Bring a sweater or light jacket: air conditioning is very strong in malls, restaurants and transport. Sunglasses, a hat and high-protection sunscreen are essential, along with regular swimwear for hotel beaches and pools.