Get a taste of the exotic Middle East. The sought-after Arabian Gulf is home to two of the most popular UAE travel destinations: the exciting cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while the up-and-coming Ras Al-Khaimah is proving a unique and fascinating destination in its own right. While Dubai is modern and impressive with its skyscrapers and malls, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, seems more sedate and traditional. But don’t be fooled… it may be home to the country’s most imposing religious landmark, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, but it is also where you’ll find the legendary Yas Marina Formula One circuit and some impressive museums including branches of The Louvre and the Guggenheim Museum.
In both cities, indoor and outdoor thrills abound, from shopping at the world’s largest mall, Dubai Mall, to visiting some exciting parks and resorts, thrilling for kids and adults alike, including LEGOLAND®, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Dubai Parks and Resorts. Both cities are close to each other, so no matter where you’re staying, you can enjoy the best of all worlds – the city and the beach, plus the never-ending desert.
Why travel to UAE
- Enjoy a host of unmatched entertainment, indoor and outdoor activities year-round.
- Stay in world-class accommodation and shop until you drop.
- Marvel at awe-inspiring architecture.
- Visit one of the most picturesque and important mosques in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
- Enjoy extraordinary desert adventures.
Your magic carpet ride in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is about to begin. With regular UAE flights available, we can arrange an action-packed UAE holiday package for families, couples, solo travellers and friends.
There are so many exciting activities to enjoy when you travel to the UAE. In Dubai, you can marvel at its skyscrapers before exploring the charming old part of the city, home to traditional gold, textile and spice souks where you can bargain for wares as the Arabs have done for centuries. More modern pursuits include visiting the amazing Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and a chance to ride to the top of Burj Khalifa, the highest building in the world. You can also enjoy a lazy day at the beach and explore some of the city’s incredibly luxurious hotels such as Atlantis the Palm on Palm Island.
In Abu Dhabi, there are also numerous possibilities. Play a round of golf on one of 3 championship all-grass golf courses. Explore world-class museums on Saadiyat Island, take a trip to the Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Formula One Grand Prix, or visit Ferrari World, the largest indoor theme park on earth. This fascinating city is also home to the incredible Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE’s most imposing religious landmark.
Things to do in UAE
- Enjoy a roller coaster desert dune safari; enjoy a camel ride and go sand skiing.
- Visit IMG World of Adventure, the Arabian Gulf’s largest theme park.
- Visit legendary LEGOLAND.
- Sail over Dubai Creek in a dhow.
- Explore the legendary Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- Discover incredible artworks in the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Visit Dubai’s landmark, the iconic Burj al Arab.
- Go shopping in the world’s largest mall in Dubai.
- Watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.
- Discover Dubai’s historic Bastakiya Quarter.
The UAE offers plenty of fun for families with kids, couples and honeymooners, groups of friends or those travelling solo. We’ll put together the perfect UAE holiday package to suit you.
When is the best time to visit?Â
- The best time to visit the UAE is October to April, in the cooler months.
- Summer (May to October) is extremely hot and humid.
- July and August are the hottest months.
Getting there
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Dubai or Abu Dhabi: 8 hours, 5 minutes.
- There are daily flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Johannesburg.
Do I need a visa?
- South African passport holders do require a visa to enter the UAE.
- Passports must be valid for 6 months after departure from the UAE.
What time is it?
- The UAE is 2 hours ahead of South Africa.
Money matters
- The official currency is the Dirham (AED).
- Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are prevalent.
- US Dollars are widely accepted in UAE.
- Tipping is customary in UAE.
Language & phrases
- The official language is Arabic.
- English is widely spoken in UAE.
Religion
- Islam is the official religion in UAE.
- When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).
Health information
- It is safe to drink tap water in UAE. Bottled water is readily available.
- Smoking is not permitted in public areas such as restaurants, bars and indoor work places as well as on public transport. Airports offer designated smoking rooms.
- Vaccinations are not currently required but check with your travel clinic before you go.
What must I pack?
- Lightweight clothing in summer, warm layers for winter or beach wear depending on where you are going.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
Getting around
- Transport within the UAE is excellent. The cities have taxis, buses and subways.
- Towns in outlying areas may have less sophisticated transport infrastructure – it depends where you are going.
What can I do to be a responsible traveller?
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Instead of using plastic bags, take fabric shopping bags with you.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.
Safety tips
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.
What do I do in an emergency?
- If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
