United Arab Emirates tours & tailor-made trips

Plan your dream trip to the United Arab Emirates with a local expert

See a different side to the United Arab Emirates on a trip built just for you, by someone who lives there.

Custom itinerary planningHandpicked local experts
Complete peace of mindASTA membership, financial protection & 24/7 local support
A fairer way to travelBenefiting local communities

The United Arab Emirates beckons with golden dunes, soaring skylines, and age-old Bedouin traditions.

A journey through the United Arab Emirates reveals a land of striking contrasts, from camel treks across the red dunes of Liwa to fragrant spice souks along Dubai Creek and the quiet palm oases of Al Ain. Made famous by its two largest cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this Middle Eastern gem has much to please all kinds of visitors, whether you're in the mood for modern indulgence or wish to cast your eyes upon the country's storied past.

Uncovering the UAE beyond the headlines calls for an insider’s touch. That’s why we connect you with trusted local experts, handpicked by our team to help you design a tailor-made trip that reveals the secrets and stories behind each emirate.

Your United Arab Emirates adventure awaits

Best time to visit

Shoulder seasons: October to November, April to May
Outdoor activities and sightseeing: November to March

Destination highlights

Each emirate reveals a different side of the country, where generous Arabian hospitality and proud traditions meet futuristic architecture and some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes. Venture beyond the city lights for a wealth of truly special and unexpected experiences: hike the rugged Hajar Mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, kayak through the mangroves of Abu Dhabi, or spend a night under the stars at a desert camp near the Empty Quarter.

Price overview

US $1,500 - $2,000+

All of our tailor-made trips can be 100% customized to your style—from budget stays to higher-end escapes. Prices are per person, based on a 7-day trip.

Best time to visit

How it works

How would you like to plan your trip?

Build a trip from scratch with a local United Arab Emirates expert, or pick a curated itinerary as your starting point and customize it until it's yours.

  • Share your preferencesTravel dates, budget, experiences and more
  • Connect with your local expertReceive your first itinerary within 48 hours
  • Refine your trip togetherFull flexibility and a hassle-free, personal service
  • Book with confidence24/7 support, secure payment, ASTA protected

Free to plan. No commitment until you book

Trip ideas

Recommended trips to the United Arab Emirates

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Meet your local experts

Your trip, planned by someone who actually lives there

Our local experts aren’t travel agents working from a brochure. They’re people who live locally and know the destination like the back of their hand. Alongside them, you’ll craft an authentic and immersive trip, filled with intimate knowledge and passion for the place they call home.

Start planning your trip
  • Ibrahim

    I’ll help you plan a trip that’s perfect for you, filled with unforgettable experiences that reveal the essence of my home country…

  • Ashif

    I've made time for you to visit the garden city of Al Ain, whose unmatched natural beauty will take you back to the Bedouin era of the UAE.

  • Ibrahim

    Working with TravelLocal has helped us grow our business and support our local community.

Traveler stories

What our travelers are saying

Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort
Travellocal outlined our itinerary according to our interests. They were very detailed in scheduling the tours. The activities bridged the ancient with the modern of UAE.

Michael MackTraveled in June 2025
Cityscape of Dubai, UAE
When planning the trip I didn't know where to start. Stephen was an Angel! He put away all of my concerns and answered all my questions (a lot of them).

Curtina Austin-JonesTraveled in April 2025
Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi
The tour was amazing, we could experience all the beauties of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It was a great trip well organized until the last detail! Thank you Ashif and Stephen!

Cristian IonescuTraveled in February 2025
Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi FortCityscape of Dubai, UAEQasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi+78k

78,000+ travelers have had a more authentic, tailor-made vacation

Places & highlights

Learn more about the United Arab Emirates

Take your family to the Middle East

Explore the Middle East with kids in tow: venture across deserts, sleep under the stars in a Bedouin tent, and swim in sparkling wadis...

Good to know

Frequently asked questions about the United Arab Emirates

Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai, UAE
  • The best time to visit is November to March when daytime temperatures are a comfortable mid-70s to low-80s°F. This is ideal for beaches, desert safaris, and outdoor dining. Summer (June to September) is extremely hot, often topping 105°F, but hotel rates drop significantly and indoor attractions stay busy.

  • Many nationalities, including US, UK, Canadian, and most EU citizens, get a free visa on arrival, valid for 30 to 90 days depending on nationality. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Entry rules can change, so check the latest entry requirements before you travel.

  • The US government is currently urging travelers to consider the ramifications of the ongoing Middle East conflict. Overall, the UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates, and solo female travelers generally feel comfortable. Local laws are strict: respect local customs, avoid public displays of affection, and check whether any prescription medications you carry need approval since drug penalties are severe.

  • There’s no strict dress code for visitors, but modest clothing is appreciated. Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools, but cover up elsewhere. Cover your shoulders and knees in malls, souks, and traditional areas. At mosques like Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, women should also cover their hair, arms, and legs.

  • Yes, you can drink alcohol in most emirates. Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sharjah is the exception, as alcohol is banned there entirely. Drinking or being drunk in public is illegal, and the UAE has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Expect higher alcohol prices than back home.

  • Plan at least five to seven days to explore Dubai and Abu Dhabi properly, and make sure to add some time for a night in the desert. With 10 days or more, you can add the Hajar Mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, the quieter east coast of Fujairah, or the huge dunes of the Liwa Oasis. A local expert can tailor the route to your pace.

Next steps

Ready to start planning your United Arab Emirates trip?

Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll match you with a local expert who knows the destination inside and out. It’s free to get a quote.

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