Travelling in the United Arab Emirates

The essentials, updated for 2026

Entering the UAE

Visa-free for manyCitizens of many countries can visit without a visa for 30 or 90 days; some others can get a visa on arrival if they hold a residence permit from certain countries. Check your nationality on the official u.ae portal.

Passport validity

At least six monthsYour passport should be valid for six months or more from the date you arrive.

Dubai's Tourism Dirham

AED 7 to 20 a nightPer occupied room, depending on the hotel's category, added to your bill at checkout. Holiday homes charge it too.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

AED 10For tourists since September 2026. Free for visitors aged 60 and over, for worshippers and on guided cultural tours. A strict dress code applies.

Ramadan

Dates change each yearDuring the holy month, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in the daytime. Many restaurants still serve visitors, sometimes behind screens.

Money and plugs

UAE dirham (AED), Type GThe dirham is pegged to the US dollar at about 3.67. Sockets take the British-style three-pin plug.

Sources: UN Tourism arrivals via Falstaff (estimate), entry rules (Khaleej Times, June 2026), Tourism Dirham rates (Arabian Business) and Grand Mosque fee (The National, Sept 2026), checked 12 October 2026. Confirm before you travel.