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United Arab Emirates
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Group Departure Dates

1 Tours | From $1640 p/p

Duration:

10 Days

Country(ies):

Jordan, United Arab Emirates

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 18

Meals:

B- 9, L - 0, D - 2

Highlights:

Madaba Roman mosaics, views over Israel from Mt. Nebo, scenic drive along the King's Highway, Kerak crusader castle, full day in Petra, W...


   From

$1640(p/p)

United Arab Emirates Tours

Our United Arab Emirates tours take you to the ultra-modern city of Dubai - boasting towering skyscrapers, massive shopping malls and idyllic beach resorts, and so much more.

The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven separate emirates, most notably, the capital city of Abu Dhabi - an oil-rich haven which has become a melting pot of unique cultures and is a hub for various sport and leisure activities, and not forgetting its decadent cuisine!

Our United Arab Emirates tours explore the city of Dubai, where you can enjoy a spectacular Dhow cruise on Dubai Creek, feasting on board while listening to live music and watching mesmerising Tanura dancers.

On our United Arab Emirates tours, you will have the opportunity to explore Dubai's sandy deserts, with dune riding, sunset photography, belly dancing, and more - these are just a glimpse of activities that you can experience with us at Encounters Travel.

Don't hesitate to contact us for any additional information about our United Arab Emirates tours we have to offer, or if you're interested in a tailor-made tour.

More information about United Arab Emirates tours

Do you want to know more about the United Arab Emirates and its beauty? Or do you need accurate visa information?

Contact the United Arab Emirates tourism board for more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official language of the United Arab Emirates?

Although Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates, English is extremely widely-spoken, especially in the main commercial centres such as Dubai, where foreign populations outnumber Arab ones. Many Emiratis have at least a rudimentary grasp of English, although you will come across people who speak Arabic only, especially in the northern part of the country. Trade, commerce, and tourist activities are generally conducted in English.

What can I see and do in the United Arab Emirates?

Despite being a small country, the United Arab Emirates has lots to offer in terms of natural phenomena. With both wet and dry habitats, it is a wonderful combination of contrasts. The east coast features some lovely beaches, while the inland oasis city of Al Ain is home to green palms and natural springs. The north of the country features isolated valleys, while in the west you will find some of the planet's biggest sand dunes.Besides all this natural splendour, the United Arab Emirates is also best known for being one of the premier commercial and shopping destinations in the world.

What type of climate can I expect in the United Arab Emirates?

The United Arab Emirates is primarily hot and dry, with occasional rain sometimes seen from November to February. It gets extremely hot and humid during the summer time. The autumn period, from around October to March, generally sees the most agreeable weather - temperatures range between 15°C and 27°C (63°F and 85°F).

What currency is used in the United Arab Emirates?

The dirham is the United Arab Emirates' currency. It comprises of both notes and coins. Note values range from 5 AED to 1000 AED. Coins include a one-dirham coin, as well as the fractional unit, which are called fils and come in values of 5, 10, 25, and 50. One dirham equals a hundred fils.Payments can easily be made using cash, traveller's cheques, and credit cards, which are taken in most places. It is generally easy to find an ATM, most of which accept all major cards.

What type of food can I expect to eat in the United Arab Emirates?

In the major cities of the United Arab Emirates, you will find a selection of food options covering a range of origins and budgets. Fancier, more upmarket restaurants are found in many hotels and malls, while roadside cafes and small restaurants are widespread.These are mostly run by the many immigrants that live in the United Arab Emirates. Common types include Pakistani, Indian, Syrian, Lebanese, and Jordanian eateries, offering a range of traditional dishes.Many major international restaurant and fast food chains also operate in the United Arab Emirates. As the UAE is so cosmopolitan, it isn't very common to find traditional Emirati options at restaurants.

TOUR REVIEWS

My experience with Encounters was excellent from start to finish. The Tour Guide, Sheriff, was the most passionate, enthusiastic and professional guide I have ever had on a tour and his love for Egypt really made me enjoy my time so much more.
I was cautious about arriving in Egypt given the current circumstances about the country, but felt safer that I did living in London as soon as I arrived. All of the Encounters staff are very professional.

I liked the fact we were met at the airport and helped thru customs and getting a visa and then upon leaving taken to where we needed to go. Its always tough to figure out where everything is in a foreign airport when you do not travel much
We had a wonderful time and great memories. We felt safe the whole time and would recommend this trip to anyone of any age as long as you can walk a lot. They are with you from arrival to departure and any problems that arose the guides would try their best to solve. They also showed remarkable patience for other people in other groups we saw that were acting like idiots.

I purchased my rid tour as part of a group coupon. Is obituary hesitant but my tour was great. The staff at Encounters were professional and helpful. I had a lot of questions but no one made me feel like a pest. Good experience.
I always wanted to go to Morocco and I finally got to go last September. I'm glad I chose this tour group. They were professional and attentive. Good times!

I liked the fact we were met at the airport and helped thru customs and getting a visa and then upon leaving taken to where we needed to go. Its always tough to figure out where everything is in a foreign airport when you do not travel much
Everything was great. Our guide was very knowledgeable and liked that we were interested in what he was telling us. We were lucky to be in a group with like minded people who also wanted to stay in places longer of which our guide accommodated. Only negative thing was the sitting train. Best to just take the flying option. Train was not bad but has no services, no alcohol, and breakfast was all carbs and an egg. Egypt really seems to like their breads and pastries....

Ant provided excellent service. He always responded as quickly as he could, attending to the questions I had for him. He was also very patient and pleasant. I depended on his knowledge and service to make the trip.
I liked the service and the tour guide & driver on the tour. They were professional and provided very good service. I thought 1-2 hotels on the trip were not quite 4-star. It also happened that this group of people was always late for schedule and our walk pace was too slow. It really needs the guide to make people on schedule and be punctual for the activity. Overall I think the time management of this tour needs improvement.

ratings

United Arab Emirates Country Guide

United Arab Emirates Country Guide Flag

Factfile


Time: GMT+4
Dial Code: +971
Area: 83,600 km2
Elevation: The lowest point in the United Arab Emirates is the Persian Gulf at 0m | The highest point in the United Arab Emirates is Jabal Yibir at 1,527m (5,009 ft.)
Population: 9,541,615 (2018)
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Government: Federal presidential, Constitution monarch
Language: Arabic

The United Arab Emirates also referred to as the Emirates, is a country in Western Asia at the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf. The country is bordered by Oman to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south, Qatar to the west and Iran to the north.

The sovereign absolute monarchy is a federation of seven emirates, encompassing Abu Dhabi (which functions as the capital), Quwain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain. A ruler governs each emirate, and one of the rulers is the President of the United Arab Emirates.

The official religion is Islam, and Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates. The oil reserves of the United Arab Emirates are the seventh largest in the world while its natural gas reserves are the world's 17th largest. Dubai is the most populous city and the nation is a regional and middle power.

The climate in the United Arab Emirates is subtropical-arid with blisteringly hot summers and warm winters. The temperatures in the Al Hajar Mountains are much lower given the increased elevation. In the summer months, a humid southeastern wind known as Sharqi ('Easterner'), results in the coastal region temperatures being unpleasant.

The culture of the Emirati is based on Arabian culture and has been influenced by the cultures of East Africa, Indian and Persia. The United Arab Emirates has the second largest economy in GCC (after Saudi Arabia), and is extremely reliant on oil. Dubai is the top tourism destination in the Middle East.

Highlights

  • Al Wathba Race Track - this track is popular for camel racing, which is part of the Middle Eastern culture.
  • Dubai - a city and emirate known for modern architecture, lavish hotels and luxury shopping.
  • Abu Dhabi - the capital, located off the mainland on an island in the Persian Gulf.
  • Jebel Jais - the tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, situated in Musandam Governorate, Oman.
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - the largest mosque in the country, and a significant place for worship and daily prayers.
  • Burj Al Arab - a luxury hotel, and the third tallest hotel in the world on an artificial island.
  • IMG World's Adventures - the world's largest indoor theme park, with more than 20 rides and attractions.
  • Burj Khalifa - a palatial beachfront hotel with domed gatehouses, flying ramps and a private beach.

Tips

  • Refrain from showing PDA in public, as this frowned upon in a conservative country.
  • Tipping is not expected, but it’s common practice, and most restaurants add a service charge.
  • Arabs and expats dine late, from about 10pm onwards, and restaurants stay open late.
  • Alcohol is only served in licensed places, and it’s illegal to be inebriated in public.
  • Electronic cigarettes are illegal in the United Arab Emirates and likely to be confiscated at the border.
  • During Ramadan, you cannot eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset.
  • Never take a photograph of or with a stranger without asking permission.
  • During summer, it is not advised to go out in the extreme heat.

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