£1 AED 4.98
Today
8:56 pm
+4h from you
Travel warning
There's an increased risk of attacks in the region, with frequent strikes on places like airports, ports, and hotels, making travel unsafe.
Weather & climate
Weather in United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
26°
Overcast
Thu
23°
26°
Fri
22°
26°
Sat
23°
28°
Sun
23°
32°
Mon
24°
34°
Tue
26°
36°
Wed
26°
32°
SPF level in United Arab Emirates
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for United Arab Emirates
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in the UAE to enter the country.
You can get a free tourist visa on arrival which is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period from your first entry.
If you have a residence permit for the UAE, your passport only needs to be valid for at least 3 months from your arrival date.
You could face accumulating daily fines for overstaying your 90-day visa limit.
You must carry a certificate proving yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Good to know:
If travelling through the UAE without passing immigration, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from your transit date.
It is illegal to bring pork products or pornography into the UAE, and other media like books may be censored.
Safety in United Arab Emirates
Tips when travelling
United Arab Emirates is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
It is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in any public place across the UAE.
Dress modestly in public areas, with women covering their shoulders and knees, and save swimwear for the beach or pool.
Swearing, making rude gestures, or showing affection like kissing in public can lead to arrest or deportation.
Be aware of rip currents at beaches and only swim where there are lifeguards and safe-swimming flags.
Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended to avoid spiking.
Bonus tips:
When using taxis, look for cream-coloured cars with coloured roofs in Dubai or silver/grey cars in Abu Dhabi, or book through recognised apps.
Driving standards can be poor and speeding is common, so be extra careful on the roads.
More information
Driving in United Arab Emirates
You can drive in the UAE using a UK driving license for a short period. It is advisable to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) for longer stays or if requested by rental companies or authorities.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60-80 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: United Arab Emirates drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in United Arab Emirates
It's crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical care in the UAE can be expensive. Ensure your policy covers all planned activities.
Consult your GP or a travel clinic for personalized health advice before your trip. Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations. The UAE has a high standard of medical care, particularly in major cities. Be aware of heat-related illnesses; stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Cards & payments
Widely accepted in major establishments, but smaller shops and local markets may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1095
Tipping in United Arab Emirates
Tipping is not mandatory in the UAE, but it is a common practice to show appreciation for good service. Service charges may be included in the bill at some establishments, so check carefully before adding a tip.
Restaurant
10-15% if service is not included
Bar/Café
10-15% if service is not included
Taxi
Round up the fare or 10 AED
Hotel Porter
5-10 AED per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 AED per day
Tour Guide
10-15% of tour cost
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in the UAE. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper data rates.
Local SIM
5GB for 125 AED (~£27)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in United Arab Emirates
Voltage
230V / 50 Hz
Plug types
Type G, Type D
WiFi & internet
Widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is readily available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in tourist areas. Some public areas also offer free WiFi. Mobile data is generally reliable with good 4G/5G coverage. Average internet speeds are robust.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Ambulance
998
Fire
997
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling United Arab Emirates
Country code
+971
To call the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi, dial 00 971 2 610 1100.
The country code for the UAE is 971. When calling from abroad, replace the first 0 of the local area code with +971.
Languages in United Arab Emirates
UK Embassy
British Embassy Abu Dhabi
British Embassy, Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 248, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
about 17 hours ago
Regional risks
- The section advising British nationals about entry to Saudi Arabia using emergency travel documents has been removed.
- The notice about temporarily withdrawing dependents of British Embassy staff from the UAE has been removed.
Warnings and insurance
1 day ago
Safety
- Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure such as ports, hotels, and airports have decreased.
- However, the risk of renewed strikes remains and further attacks could occur at short notice.
Warnings and insurance
15 days ago
Regional security warning
- The advice to "Stay away from... US or Israeli facilities and institutions" now more specifically warns about "US or Israeli-linked locations", as the Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target them.
Risk of regional attacks
- The previous list of examples of infrastructure Iran continues to strike across the region no longer includes "financial institutions".
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.