Saily eSIM for United Arab Emirates
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3,402 mi away
£1 AED 5.01
Today
2:29 pm
+4h from you
Travel warning
There's a high risk of terrorist attacks targeting places like hotels, beaches, and restaurants, and regional tensions mean incidents could happen with little warning.
Weather & climate
Weather in United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
34°
Partly cloudy
Sat
29°
34°
Sun
28°
34°
Mon
26°
34°
Tue
24°
34°
Wed
24°
39°
Thu
26°
40°
Fri
30°
39°
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:
Do not drink alcohol or appear under its influence in any public place as it is illegal.
Dress modestly in public areas such as shopping malls, covering shoulders and knees.
Only cross roads at designated pedestrian crossings to avoid fines or imprisonment.
Do not swear, make rude gestures, or post critical material online as these are illegal acts.
Do not take photos of people, especially women on beaches, without their permission.
Bonus tips:
Check for red flags and only swim at approved beaches with lifeguards present.
It is illegal to kiss or show affection in public, and you can be arrested for doing so.
Stay connected on your trip
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.
No vaccinations required
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
No UK adapter needed
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
Arabic(primary)
English
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
23 days 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
24 days 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.
Airports in United Arab Emirates
Beaches in United Arab Emirates
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit the UAE is during the cooler months, from November to March. During this period, temperatures are more moderate, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Summers (June to August) are extremely hot and humid.
The UAE has a relatively conservative dress code, particularly outside of tourist resorts. While more relaxed in Dubai, it's advisable to dress modestly in public places, covering shoulders and knees. During Ramadan, even more modesty is expected. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches and swimming pools.
Tap water is generally desalinated and safe to drink in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but it might taste different than what you're used to. Many people prefer to drink bottled water, which is readily available.
Be wary of overly persistent street vendors or those offering unsolicited services. Agree on taxi fares beforehand or ensure the meter is running. Also, be cautious of online scams and fraudulent job offers targeting tourists.
Emirati cuisine features a blend of Middle Eastern and Asian flavors. Try dishes like Machboos (spiced meat with rice), Harees (wheat and meat porridge), and Luqaimat (sweet dumplings). Don't miss out on trying Arabic coffee and dates, a traditional welcome gesture.
The UAE has strict laws and customs. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours are prohibited. Alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed venues. Photography of government buildings and military installations is prohibited.
Major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have well-developed public transportation systems, including buses, metros, and taxis. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also readily available. Renting a car is an option, but be aware of local driving habits.
British citizens can enter the UAE without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Always check the latest entry requirements with the UAE embassy or consulate before you travel, as rules can change.
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.