Our guide to living in and exploring the UAE
Our UAE guides are written to help residents, newcomers and visitors make better plans, whether that means finding a great weekend brunch, settling into a new neighbourhood or working out how to see the best of Dubai on a short trip. We live here, go to the events we write about and update our guides when things change. This page introduces the essentials we think everyone should know, and the guides above go into each topic in more depth.
Getting to know the seven emirates
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Abu Dhabi is the capital and the largest emirate, home to Saadiyat Island’s museums and Yas Island’s theme parks. Dubai is the busiest for events, dining and nightlife. Sharjah is known for its culture, heritage and family-friendly atmosphere, and it’s alcohol-free. Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah offer mountains, beaches and a slower pace, and are popular for weekend escapes. Ajman and Umm Al Quwain are smaller and quieter, with long beaches, mangroves and a more traditional feel. Our city guides for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are good places to start.
The rhythm of the week and the year
Since 2022, the official weekend in the UAE has been Saturday and Sunday, with many government offices and schools finishing early on Friday. Sharjah’s government works a four-day week, with Friday added to the weekend. The year has two main seasons for going out. From roughly October to April, the weather is warm and pleasant, and the calendar fills with outdoor festivals, concerts, markets and sporting events. From May to September, it’s very hot and humid, so life moves indoors to malls, attractions, cinemas and air-conditioned venues, and many residents travel. Public holidays such as Eid follow the Islamic calendar, so their dates move each year and are confirmed close to the time.
Ramadan and local customs
Ramadan is a special time in the UAE, with a calmer pace during the day and lively evenings built around iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. Non-Muslims are not expected to fast, but it’s polite to avoid eating, drinking or smoking openly in public during fasting hours. Working hours are usually shorter, and some venues change their opening times or entertainment. Many restaurants and hotels set up Ramadan tents and majlis-style spaces for iftar and suhoor, and they’re a lovely way to experience the season, whatever your background. More generally, dress modestly in public places such as malls and government buildings, cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques, keep swimwear for the beach or pool, and ask before photographing people.
Getting around
Dubai has the most developed public transport in the country, including the Dubai Metro, trams, buses and water taxis, all paid for with a Nol card. Taxis are plentiful and ride-hailing apps work across the main cities. In Abu Dhabi, buses use the Hafilat card, and taxis are the most common way to get around. Travelling between emirates is easy by car, intercity bus or taxi, and many people combine a stay in Dubai with a day in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. Allow around an hour and a half to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, and longer at peak times. Driving is straightforward on well-signed highways, but always follow speed limits carefully, and never drink and drive.
Money, tipping and saving
The currency is the UAE dirham, shown as AED. Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, though it helps to carry a little cash for taxis, souks and small shops. Tipping is not compulsory, but it’s appreciated for good service, and some bills already include a service charge, so check before adding more. Some menus also list extra charges or fees in the small print, so it’s worth a quick look before you order. If you want to make your money go further, our offers page explains the discount apps and loyalty programmes that many residents use.
Making the most of your weekends
The best way to discover the UAE is to say yes to new things. Try a brunch, a desert drive, a gallery opening, a beach clean-up, a comedy night or a run club. Our what’s on calendar and weekend picks are updated with confirmed events, and our category guides cover everything from dining and nightlife to family activities. We also publish seasonal guides, for example to Ramadan, Eid, the summer holidays and the winter festival season, so you can plan ahead for the busiest times of the year.
New to the UAE?
Moving here comes with a lot to organise, from visas and Emirates ID to housing, schools and finding your people. Our new to the UAE guide brings together practical advice and the communities that helped us settle in. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, use the suggestion link below and we’ll add it to our list.
Organising something people should know about? Submit an event and we’ll consider it for our guides and calendar.