Middle East
United Arab Emirates
Easy, safe and expensive: Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer top infrastructure, a one-year remote work visa and a huge expat crowd. Trade-offs: summer heat, car-centric cities, strict laws and 2026 regional tension.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa87 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyAEDUS$1 ≈ Dh3.67Details
- Price level63%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999Police 999 · Ambulance 998 · Fire 997
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated tap water meets standards, but building tanks vary; most people drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedNo visible LGBTQ+ scene; complete discretion is essential, online too.Details
- Internet385 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 645 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightMany licences (UK, EU, US, GCC and others) are accepted for rentals; other nationalities need an IDP.
- Digital nomad visaYesUAE Remote Work (Virtual Work) VisaDetails
Where to go in United Arab Emirates
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DubaiCity | 4/5 | $3,000–4,630 | Nov–Mar | 7/100 |
| Abu DhabiCapital city | 4/5 | $2,720–4,360 | Nov–Mar | 10/100 |
| SharjahCity | 4/5 | $1,910–3,000 | Nov–Mar | 36/100 |
| Ras Al KhaimahCity | 4/5 | $1,910–3,000 | Nov–Mar | 28/100 |
| FujairahCity | 4/5 | $1,770–2,720 | Nov–Mar | 41/100 |
| AjmanCity | 5/5 | $1,630–2,450 | Nov–Mar | 61/100 |
| Al AinCity | 5/5 | $2,180–3,270 | Nov–Mar | 27/100 |
When to visit United Arab Emirates
November–March is warm and dry (mid-20s °C) and has most events. April–October is hot; June–September is brutal at 40–45 °C with high humidity.
Good to know
Entry
- Many passports get a free visa on arrival; others apply online through ICP, GDRFA Dubai or their airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai).
- Passport must be valid at least six months on arrival.
- Codeine, tramadol, some ADHD and sleep medicines need advance approval via the ede.gov.ae portal.
- Pork products and pornography are illegal to import; carry prescriptions for all medicines.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking or being drunk in public is illegal everywhere; Sharjah bans alcohol entirely. Legal age is 21.
- Even trace amounts of drugs, including cannabis or some CBD products, mean prison: minimum three months.
- Swearing, rude gestures (also online), public kissing and photographing people without consent can mean jail or deportation.
Etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees in malls, souks and government buildings.
- In Ramadan, don't eat, drink or smoke in public in daytime, even in cars.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women and families.
- Use your right hand to eat, give and receive.
Tipping
Not obligatory. About 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added; round up taxis; small tips for delivery riders and hotel staff.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: United Arab Emirates
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
- GDRFA Dubai
- UAE Ministry of Health medicine permits (EDE)
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.