United Arab Emirates Travel Notes
My Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah stops, real opinions and places to explore.
- Languages
- Arabic · English
- Currency
- UAE Dirham · AED
- Cash
- A Small Cash Backup Is Useful.
- Cards
- Yes. Widely Accepted.
- Tap To Pay
- Common.
- WiFi
- Available. Quality Varies.
- Mobile Data
- SIM Or eSIM · Check Coverage
- Small Shops
- Varies. Keep Cash Handy.
- Tipping
- Appreciated. Not Compulsory.
What To Wear
What To Pack
Light, respectful public clothing and a layer for air conditioning work well. Swimwear belongs at the pool or beach. Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has specific coverage requirements; check them before visiting.
Money And Payments
Cash And Cards
Cards and contactless are common in Dubai and Abu Dhabi hotels, malls, supermarkets, and restaurants. Keep UAE dirhams for smaller purchases and optional tips. Dubai’s nol card is a separate stored value transport payment method.
Travel Cards
Check UAE dirham conversion fees. A Dubai nol card and your foreign bank card are different products; confirm transport payment separately.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is welcome but not compulsory. At restaurants, check what is already on the bill; a service charge is not necessarily a direct tip to staff. Small dirham tips are useful for hotel help and deliveries. Example: choosing 10% on an AED 200 restaurant bill means AED 20. Read the service charge first; extra tipping is welcome but optional, and a small hotel tip can be given directly in dirhams.
Getting Around
Getting Around Locally
Dubai has metro, tram, buses, and taxis; a nol card is useful there. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have their own networks. Do not assume a Dubai transport card is valid across every emirate.
Traveling Between Stops
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are separate cities, with traffic affecting transfers. Match the airport code to your ticket and compare an intercity bus with a direct taxi for your actual destination.
Staying Connected
Using T Mobile In United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates is listed for international roaming on eligible T Mobile plans. Data allowances, speeds, and call charges depend on your plan. Check before you travel.
Mobile Data For This Trip
Check the plan’s UAE coverage and whether it includes calls as well as data. Save hotel and driver details; some internet calling services have local restrictions, so agree a working contact method.
Where To Stay
Choosing Your Area
Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah serve different plans. A lower nightly price can mean a long daily commute. Compare your reviewed places and the full transport cost.
Before You Arrive
Before You Fly
Use official UAE visa guidance for your passport. Visa on arrival and advance permission depend on nationality and other conditions. A stopover package or hotel booking does not grant entry by itself.
Sources And My Visit
Practical information was researched and checked on 22 October 2026. My reviews describe my own visits. Area comparisons are planning advice, not hotels I claim to have inspected. Entry advice must match your passport, residency, route, and travel date.
Dubai
Alsahel Holiday
The best everything. From top to bottom, location, views, atmosphere, price. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Super close to the Metro. In the hotspot of Dubai. Just telling people I’m in JBR. They look at me like wow you’re rich
Wane By SoMiya
SO MUCH FUN! Enjoyed unlimited food and beverage with a wildly beautiful view! The food was great, drinks were good. Bathrooms had it all! No complaints. Many people asked me where I was, this place is hidden in the JW Marriott.
Allo Beirut JBR
SOOOO GOOD!
Global Village
It doesn’t give you and immersive experience like the one in Saudi does. Basically you can’t enter each country and see what they sell. Maybe a performance but no real cultural experience.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Definitely buy tickets in advance, you can easily spend the whole day here as there’s many food spots. Be prepared to walk a lot. It’s very unique. A true work of art.
JBR Beach Dubai
FREE!
The View Palm Jumeirah
I went for sunrise and it was beautiful. I got there a little bit before 6 AM and ended up staying until almost 9 AM. They do have a café that opens around 8 AM if I’m not mistaken. There really isn’t much to do but to walk around in a
Sky Views Observatory
Yes, you can buy tickets there, but if you buy them online, it’ll be a lot faster because the line can get long. If you choose to do the Eduok, you do get to ride the slide for free and you get to cut the line. You will also get to
Atmosphere Burj Khalifa
Very stunning restaurant/bar on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa! Just getting up there is an experience in itself!
Armani/Ristorante
Stunning upscale restaurant. A bit confusing to find though. Great view of the fountain, and yes, it is active throughout the day.
Dubai Frame
First of all, let me say I personally don’t feel like this is really worth the money and the time it takes to actually get up there. It’s a cool concept as it shows the old school Dubai versus the new school Dubai. Once you’re up there
Abu Dhabi
W Abu Dhabi Yas Island
The W is always the Go To Spot!
Al Reem Island
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Etihad Business Class Lounge
For an Etihad lounge, I really wasn’t impressed. Now the lounge is 3 floors, there is relaxation room, showers, smoking rooms, and food, of course. However, the food is really mediocre. They relaxation rooms are only for four hours and
Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
The only rides worth going on are Mission Ferrari (you’re not ready for the unique experience) Formula Rossa (worlds fastest coaster) and Flying Aces.
Etihad Park
Regular concert spot
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
I used them just for valet and chauffeur to F1. Very nice and smooth experience.
MOTN ABU DHABI
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Beach Hostel
Best location for price!
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Make sure women are dressed properly!!! Even if just going outside. If you want to go inside you have to go downstairs through the mall.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Honestly, not all that. I didn’t get a chance to do it, but the best part is probably riding around on the water. Be careful when purchasing your ticket to what is actually included.
Sharjah
Rain Room
Very unique concept. I got lucky enough to be there while no one else was there so I got to experience a different than most people. You won’t need no longer than 15 to 30 minutes
