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UAE

Skyscrapers, desert and beaches — seven emirates, one easy trip.

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the Gulf. Dubai is glamour and shopping, Abu Dhabi is culture and calm beaches, and Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah add heritage and mountains. It is safe and easy to get around — and for Armenian passport holders there is no visa and no time difference.

Key facts

Capital
Abu Dhabi
Currency
UAE dirham (AED)
Language
Arabic; English is spoken everywhere
Time zone
GMT+4 — same as Yerevan
Now: --:--
Flight
About 3.5 hours direct from Yerevan
Visa (Armenian passport)
Visa-free, up to 90 days

Where to stay

Dubai

Burj Khalifa, beaches, malls and the old Creek — the easiest first stop.

See hotels (2) →

Abu Dhabi

The capital: the Grand Mosque, the Louvre, Yas Island and quiet beaches.

See hotels (2) →

Sharjah

The cultural emirate — museums, a heritage quarter and hotels that cost less than Dubai's.

See hotels (1) →

Ras Al Khaimah

Mountains and beaches: Jebel Jais, the country's highest peak, and relaxed resorts about an hour from Dubai.

See hotels (1) →

What to do

  1. 1

    Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain

    The viewing decks of the world's tallest building, then the evening fountain show at its feet.

  2. 2

    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

    White marble and gold in Abu Dhabi — free to visit with an online booking.

  3. 3

    Desert safari

    Dune driving, camels and dinner at a camp under the stars.

  4. 4

    Louvre Abu Dhabi

    World art in a museum on the water, under a dome that scatters a 'rain of light'.

  5. 5

    Yas Island theme parks

    Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld, all on one island.

  6. 6

    Jebel Jais

    Cool mountain air, a scenic road and one of the world's longest ziplines in Ras Al Khaimah.

Good to know

Getting around

Dubai has a metro; between emirates, taxis and the Careem and Uber apps are easiest. You can also rent a car and drive on your Armenian licence.

What to wear

Cover shoulders and knees in malls and old quarters; in mosques women also cover their hair. Swimwear is fine at the beach and pool.

Money

Cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep some dirhams for souqs and abra boats. Tipping isn't required, but 10% is usual.

Weather

November to March brings 23–30°C and a warm sea. June to September often tops 40°C, but hotels are at their cheapest.

Dubai, UAE

Palm Crescent Resort

★★★★★

Beachfront resort with a lagoon pool, spa and family club on a palm-shaped island.

From $240 / night

Dubai, UAE

Marina Horizon Hotel

★★★★

Modern city hotel a short walk from the marina promenade, restaurants and tram.

From $130 / night

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Corniche Pearl Hotel

★★★★★

Elegant seafront hotel on the Corniche with sea-view rooms and a private beach club.

From $210 / night

Guides & news

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