United Arab Emirates Holidays 2026/2027

Travelling to the United Arab Emirates from the UK is straightforward, with frequent direct flights from London and regional airports like Stansted and Edinburgh to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Flight times average around seven hours, making the UAE an appealing mid-haul destination without excessive jet lag. UK passport holders receive a free visa on arrival, adding to the ease of travel.

Once in the UAE, getting around is simple and efficient. Dubai has an excellent public transport system, including the modern Metro, trams and buses, while there are also plenty of affordable taxis. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem are also popular and reliable, however, the roads can get pretty busy at rush hour. For travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the journey takes around 90 minutes by road, with private transfers, taxis and organised transport widely available.

The UAE offers such an impressive variety of experiences, blending world-famous attractions with rich cultural heritage. In Dubai, visitors can marvel at record-breaking landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, enjoy luxury shopping at Dubai Mall, relax on golden beaches at the Palm Jumeirah or dine at some of the world's most celebrated restaurants in JBR. Abu Dhabi provides a more cultural contrast, with architectural highlights, museums and calmer beachfront resorts, along with the wow-factor of Yas Island and it's many attractions.

Beyond the cities, desert experiences are a major highlight. Desert safaris allow travellers to explore vast sand dunes through dune bashing, camel rides and traditional Bedouin-style evenings complete with local food and entertainment. Adventure seekers can also try quad biking, sandboarding or hot air balloon rides at sunrise.

Families are well catered for with theme parks, waterparks and interactive attractions, particularly on Yas Island. Meanwhile, those seeking relaxation can enjoy luxury spas, beach clubs and private island retreats. Cultural experiences such as visiting mosques, traditional souks and heritage districts give travellers a deeper understanding of Emirati life.

Accommodation in the UAE is one of its strongest selling points, with hotels renowned for high standards, service and variety and there is plenty of them. From ultra-luxury beachfront resorts to modern city hotels and family-friendly all-inclusive options, there is something for every budget and travel style.

Dubai offers a huge selection of hotels, ranging from iconic luxury properties to stylish mid-range hotels close to shopping malls, beaches and attractions. Abu Dhabi is known for its spacious resorts, often set along pristine beaches or on private islands, ideal for travellers seeking a more relaxed pace, as well as sky high towers.

Families benefit from resorts with kids' clubs, waterparks and spacious rooms, while couples can choose adults-focused hotels offering fine dining, spa facilities and private beaches. Many UK travellers also opt for half-board or all-inclusive packages, which provide excellent value given the quality of dining and service. Beach resorts on Saadiyat Island and the Palm Jumeirah are great, but pricey options.

Multi-centre holidays are a popular way to experience more of what the UAE, and beyond, has to offer. A common option is combining Dubai and Abu Dhabi, allowing travellers to enjoy Dubai's energy and landmarks alongside Abu Dhabi's cultural attractions and laid-back resort atmosphere. With a short transfer time between the two cities, this makes for an easy and rewarding twin-centre break.

The UAE also works brilliantly as part of a longer, more adventurous itinerary. Many travellers combine Dubai or Abu Dhabi with destinations such as the Maldives, Mauritius or Thailand, pairing city excitement with beach relaxation. Others choose to link the UAE with a Kenya safari, enjoying urban luxury before heading into the African wilderness.

Stopovers

A stopover of two to four nights allows enough time to experience the highlights, such as city tours, desert safaris, shopping and beach time. Many hotels are well set up for short stays, offering central locations, airport transfers and excellent facilities. Companies like Emirates Holidays and Etihad Holidays even have incentives and discounts to encourage you to stop over.