An Armchair Guide to UAE
- Sophie Uden
- Mar 4, 2019
- 3 min read
As an Armchair Traveller, I’ve done plenty of Armchair Travelling. By that I mean that I have spent far too much time on my laptop/in my books researching destinations that I will one day visit. Instead of putting all of that information to waste, I thought instead I would compile everything in to a blog post. I hope this helps if you are planning on visiting this destination or even if you just interested like me!
The United Arab Emirates to most people is just Dubai, and sometimes Abu Dhabi too! I’ve *technically* been to UAE on a layover but in my opinion unless you leave the airport it definitely doesn’t count. I’d love to come back to actually see what the country has to offer, especially because I’ve not visited anywhere else in the Middle East. Another big draw is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – my boyfriend is a big F1 fan so going to a race weekend would be great for him!
I think there are a couple of things which have held me back from putting it right to the top of my list – in part because we would be cohabiting as an unmarried couple which is *technically* illegal, and also because of alcohol laws. As fair as I’m aware, drinking in licensed venues such as hotels is not illegal for tourists but you just have to be aware and sensitive of local laws and cultures.
Logistics
Getting there – Dubai is a common layover destination for Asia/Oceania so you could consider a short trip as part of a layover. Otherwise, you can find lots of direct reasonably priced flights (from £300 for example).
Getting around – If you’re able to, and are staying for long enough to make it worth it, definitely consider renting a car and using this to get around (it’s about 1h30 to drive between Abu Dhabi and Dubai for example). Otherwise, consider taking day trips/tours with operators if you want to visit more than 1 location.
Where to stay? If you’re only staying for a long weekend (or as a layover), pick one city and stay there! Otherwise, it might be sensible to split your time between Abu Dhabi area/Dubai area/a beach area depending on your interests. Hotels are going to be the obvious choice in UAE and of course you can find super luxury and spend £000s but you can also find plenty of reasonable options for £50-£100 per night.
When to go? Unless you’d like to cook yourself at 40 or so degrees, it will be most comfortable to visit in the winter months between November and March.
Top Sights
Dubai
Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building There is a light/fountain show at the base of the building that you can watch from street level or from the top!
Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Mall - where there is also an aquarium!
Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Emirates Palace (Hotel)
Oases
Al Ain – UNESCO desert oasis
Liwa – remote oasis area
Yas Island – home of the Formula 1 track
Beaches
Al Aqah, Fujairah – the East Coast’s best beaches
Abu Dhabi Islands/Beaches (check out this article here for options)
Old Fishing Villages
Jazirat Al Hamra
Sharjah – on Dubai’s doorstep is more traditional Sharjah
Long Weekend Itinerary
This is your long layover option! If you’re in Dubai, then spend your time here using these blog posts to help plan your time. If on the other hand you find yourself in Abu Dhabi then check out this city guide here! If you’re here for 4 days or feel like you’ve seen all the city has to offer, consider a day trip to one of the oases.
1 week Itinerary
Either choose between Abu Dhabi and Dubai as your base or split your time between the two. Refer to city guides in the above Long Weekend Itinerary and take day trips to Al Ain Oasis and/or Liwa Oasis.
2 week Itinerary
Tick of everything from the 1 week itinerary, perhaps at a bit more leisure, and spend your extra time soaking up the sun at a resort if you’re looking for some R&R. If you’re after a bit more culture or activity, split your extra week between a traditional fishing village and the lesser-shouted about 2000m high mountain Jebel Jais.
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