UAE

The UAE is basically Dubai and Abu Dhabi plus a bunch of desert. It’s expensive, super modern, and feels like nowhere else in the Middle East. Everything is new, shiny, and air conditioned to the extreme. It’s not for everyone but it’s pretty wild.

Dubai is the main draw and it’s over the top in every way. Burj Khalifa is ridiculously tall and the view is insane. The Dubai Mall is massive with an aquarium inside because why not. Old Dubai around the creek and souks gives you some actual culture. Gold Souk and Spice Souk are touristy but still cool. Deira is more real and less fancy.

The beach scene is good. JBR Beach is free and busy. Beach clubs cost money but you get loungers and pools. Desert safari tours are cheesy but fun if you want dune bashing and camel rides. Skip the dinner show though.

Abu Dhabi is an hour away and way more chill. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is stunning and you can visit for free. Wear modest clothes or they give you stuff to cover up. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is actually really good. Yas Island has Ferrari World if you’re into theme parks.

Getting around Dubai means taxis or metro. Metro is cheap and connects most tourist stuff. Taxis are everywhere and affordable compared to the West. Uber and Careem work great. Renting a car makes sense if you’re doing desert trips or Abu Dhabi.

Money burns fast here. Budget hotels start at eighty bucks. Meals are expensive unless you hit the cheaper Indian or Pakistani spots. Alcohol is pricey and only in hotels and licensed venues. ATMs everywhere and cards work everywhere.

Best time is November to March. Summer is absolutely brutal. Forty-five degrees and humid. Nobody goes then for good reason.