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 is a federation of 7 emirates created in 1971 — a feat-country that in 50 years transformed a desert populated by pearl fishers into one of the world's most spectacular destinations. 10 million inhabitants (88% expats). Dubai (3.5 million inhabitants, the most famous emirate) houses the Burj Khalifa (828 m, world's tallest tower since 2010), Burj Al Arab (7-star sail hotel), Palm Jumeirah (palm-shaped artificial island visible from space), Dubai Mall (world's largest, 1,200 shops, aquarium, ice rink), Dubai Frame (giant golden frame), gold and spice souks in Old Dubai (Deira, Bur Dubai). Abu Dhabi (capital, more traditional), with Sheikh Zayed Mosque (one of the world's most beautiful, 82 domes, marbles and inlays), Louvre Abu Dhabi (Jean Nouvel, 2017, starry dome), Yas Island (Ferrari World, Warner Bros). Rub al-Khali Desert ('Empty Quarter', one of the world's largest sand deserts) at Liwa. Ras Al Khaimah (Hajar Mountains, hiking, beaches). A destination of luxury, modernity, and architecture, perfect in 5-10 days.
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).
- 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.
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.