UAE Travel Guide 2024: Complete Checklist For Your Travel

Amidst the extensive lands of high-rise buildings and ancient traditions, the UAE claims to be a place where dreams fly as high as skyscrapers and whose every corner reflects a rich history as vast as their deserts. 

So, are you planning to explore the magnificence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2024? Look no further! This comprehensive UAE travel guide will provide all the essential information and a complete checklist to ensure a ssmooth and memorable journey.

About The UAE: Seven Emirates

Snuggled into the southeastern edge of the Arabian peninsula, this country signifies a union of modern innovations and timeless traditions, where significant businesses are conducted alongside fun and sun-seeking tourism. Most people recognise Dubai as UAE, but beyond the glitter of this evolving city lies six more emirates that have their temptations and appeal. 

From glittering metropolitan cities, massive malls, and twinkling towers to dazzling deserts - every corner fills your imagination with excitement for an adventurous trip. Whether you are into thrilling adventures in rolling dunes, relaxing getaways alongside coastlines, or soaking up culture in monumental heritages, the UAE has something for everyone. 

So, get ready to be amazed at every turn and create memories for a lifetime- where every day is an adventure waiting to happen. 

Visa Requirements

Before starting your UAE adventure, you must understand the visa requirements. The UAE is one of the countries that has made Travel Insurance mandatory for visa eligibility. To help you navigate better, InsuranceDekho assists with all travel insurance needs. 

Depending upon your nationality, you need to obtain a visa in advance or avail yourself of visa-on-arrival facilities. However, ensure that you have bought travel insurance beforehand to cover your trip for a hassle-free experience. Also, make sure you check with the UAE embassy or consult an expert for the most up-to-date information and ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. 

What Can You Do in The UAE?

UAE offers endless opportunities to fill your day with adventures to make it a perfect holiday for you. A country that is home to breathtaking attractions and that has won ample world records offers the best of everything - be it adventure, history, food, culture, and the best of them all! SHOPPING. Here are some things to plan your trip:

• Begin your day with a stroll on Deira Creek in Bur village which creates romantic scenic views on the waterfront with traditional dhows and abras sailing across. 
• Dress modestly and grab traditional local cuisine for a generous, fulfilling breakfast to continue your day, such as raqaq, khameer, and chebab, served with cheese, date syrups, or eggs with a healthy drink or a ‘karak chai’ on the side.
• Avid cultural lovers can explore the stunning architecture and experience the breathtaking views from the top of the Burj Khalifa.
• Visit the enchanting Louvre Abu Dhabi museum and admire its impressive collections of art and artefacts.
• Adrenaline junkies can plunge straight into a desert safari and explore the excitement of dune driving and camel riding or go kayaking to dig the world underwater or Fly in skydiving above Palm Jumeirah with the best service providers in the world. 
• A thrilling ride on the world’s fastest roller coaster would be the perfect cherry on the cake. 
• Therapeutic luxury shopping and entertainment in Dubai Mall is not something to miss out on. And continue to explore the vibrant nightlife of  Dubai with world-class entertainment in restaurants, bars, and clubs.
• Enjoy a relaxing sunbathe and luxuriate yourself with water sports, indoor skiing, or snowboarding with a smooth, mesmerising Dubai fountain show- which reflects a rhythmic dance to music, water, and lights. 

Must Visit Places in The UAE

A union of seven emirates on the Arabian peninsula - UAE consists of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm AL Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, and Fujairah rolls out the carpet of their desert and seas calling for travellers across the world for an experience of a lifetime. Here are some must-visit destinations.

DUBAI:  A city that needs no introduction and is home to Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, the two tallest buildings on the planet. Dubai is the centre of breathtaking views of iconic buildings, luxurious hotels, and affluent malls, which you can enjoy from the observation decks. For a shopping spree like no other, take a visit to the Dubai Mall, where you'll find everything from high-end luxurious fashion to souvenirs for all. You can even take a stroll through the rich history of Old Dubai as you wander through the streets of the Al Fahidi Historic District, which reflects the vibrant culture, colourful markets, and traditional architecture of this historic city. Also, don't miss the chance to explore the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo for a glimpse into some cool underwater marine world.

ABU DHABI: To step back in time and learn more about UAE’s heritage, you must visit Abu Dhabi Heritage Village and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a stunning and massive mosque with beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has its cultural hub on Saadiyat Island, home to the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. For some thrills, you may also hop onto the fastest roller coaster ride in the world at the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.  

Ras Al Khaimah:  Known for its stunning beauty, take a trip to Jebel Jais- the highest mountain in the UAE which offers the world’s longest zipline for some breathtaking rugged mountains and an unforgettable experience. Chill out at the lovely beaches of Ras Al Khaimah- relax, swim, or take a walk with your partner or family on the soft sands and calm crystal clear waters for a perfect retreat. Options for thrilling water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing are also available.

Sharjah: Explore the cultural capital of UAE, where you can visit magnificent museums and galleries to dive deep into their civilisation or stroll through beautiful parks and vibrant souks to glimpse their heritage and creativity. In the evening, you must try fresh seafood available in Italian, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Arabic, and Emirati cuisines. It offers one of the best dining experiences. 

Al Ain:  Need a cultural retreat? Al-ain is home to major classical music and offers a natural getaway with a Garden Oasis of Al Ain with the ancient forts of Al Jahili, lush parks, and exotic wildlife of Al Ain Zoo will amaze you with breathtaking views. While you are there remember to bless your palate with Balaleet- a traditional Emirati breakfast, to sweeten your trip.

Fujairah: Fujairah is the only emirate located in the Gulf of Oman, which offers clear and calm beaches with a relaxed atmosphere. Also, don’t forget to explore the mosque and indulge in Snorkeling and diving.

Best Time to Travel to The UAE

Dreaming of exploring the Majestic UAE but don’t know where to start? Here’s a tip - while the UAE enjoys sunshine at all times of the year, timing is the key to the best of adventures. Depending on your preference and tolerance of heat and crowd, UAE has a season perfected for every bunch. 

The UAE experiences a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. In the summer, the deals are the cheapest. In the autumn, the crowds are the least, and in the winter, with the balmy weather, UAE has something for everyone year-round. 

The best time to visit is during the cooler months, between November to March. It is the perfect time to indulge in your traveller persona and plan a trip to the UAE when the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities and offers authentic experiences of festivities. Various cultural events and festivals happen across the UAE, including the renowned Dubai Shopping Festival and Abu Dhabi Festival during spring.

TRAVEL CHECKLIST

Valid Passport & Visa:  Make sure you have a valid and updated passport and a travel visa for UAE before your travel date and apply for it in advance if necessary. 

Flight Tickets:  Always fill in the same details as in your Government IDs and always double-check your flight details and departure times, terminals, and any layovers in between to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance to secure your stay options beforehand. Confirm your reservations for tours, attractions, and restaurants for a smooth and lavish experience.

Sun Protection: Carry a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen along with sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes.

Travel Insurance: Get yourself an international travel insurance that protects you in medical emergencies and unforeseen circumstances during your trip. You can buy travel insurance from InsuranceDekho as per your needs and travel requirements.

Currency Exchange:  It is always advisable to familiarise yourself with the currency used in your destination country. In the UAE, the currency used is Emirati Dirham (AED). Exchange currency in your home country or withdraw cash from ATMs using a Forex card.

Travel Document: Organise all your travel documents, boarding passes, hotel reservations, and receipts, travel insurance documents, medical information, and emergency contacts. 

CONCLUSION

Don’t let the tallest buildings and vast deserts intimidate you. By following this simple travel checklist and planning ahead, you can ensure memories that will last a lifetime in the dreamy land of the United Arab Emirates. 

So, pack your bags and start planning your UAE adventure, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance for a flawless experience!