United Arab Emirates expat destinations
United Arab Emirates flag

United Arab Emirates

Tax-free income, ultramodern cities, and a huge international community make Dubai a global expat magnet.

Middle East

Traveler Snapshot: United Arab Emirates

A quick reference for planning your trip: visas, weather, health, and the essentials.

Visa & Entry

For US passport holders

Visa-free / visa-on-arrival (30–90 days) for US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia.

Weather & Climate

Desert: extremely hot summers 104-118°F (40-48°C), warm pleasant winters 68-86°F (20-30°C). Very little rain.

Best Time to Visit

November–March for comfortable temperatures.

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccines required. Keep routine vaccinations current.

Safety

Extremely safe with very low crime. Respect conservative laws and dress codes.

Fast Facts

  • Capital: Abu Dhabi
  • Currency: UAE dirham (AED)
  • Languages: Arabic (English widely spoken)
  • Time zone: GST (UTC+4)
  • Power: Type G plug, 230V
  • Emergency: 999 (police), 998 (ambulance)

Visa and entry notes here are written for US passport holders on typical short-stay tourism. Requirements vary by nationality, so if you hold a different passport your rules may differ. Guidance can change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or a licensed travel-health provider before you travel.