How to Find Hotels in the United Arab Emirates

Never thought about vacationing in the United Arab Emirates? Now may be the time. The United Arab Emirates offers some of the world's best shopping, high-end accommodations and finest beaches for some fun under the desert sun.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plane tickets
• Passport
• Camera
• Luggage
• Rental car
• Hotel reservation
• Computer
• Map
• Credit card

Know Your Destination

1. Marvel at the grass, trees and plants you see flowering here. The natural geography is one of flat desert and salty seas. Practically all grassy and tree-lined areas are man-made and many are regulated with state-of-the-art computer systems.

2. Stay during October to April if you can. The weather is best during this time and you'll avoid the scorching heat and high humidity of the summer.

3. Brush up on your Arabic before you arrive; it is the official language of the country.

4. Prepare to shop till you drop. Duty-free shopping and the prevalence of high-end boutiques and designer stores have made United Arab Emirates, especially Abu Dhabi and Dubai, hot spots for shopaholics the world over.

Organize Transportation

5. Choose to fly into United Arab Emirates, not only because it is convenient, but because the airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are filled with amazing duty-free shops where visitors can stock up on souvenirs, clothes and practically anything else imaginable.

6. Arrive by car or by boat, but make sure you have your visa in hand before you do so or you will not be allowed entry into the country.

7. Hire a taxi. This is the best way to get around town as well as between Emirates. Agree on the fare before you get in if the taxi is not metered.

8. Ask the concierge for a ride. Many of the upper-end accommodations provide their own hotel taxis for guests to use.

Choose Your Lodging

9. Book accommodations early for the busy season from October to April. The pleasant weather during this time draws lots of tourists and good hotels fill up fast.

10. Expect high prices at most hotels. Don't worry, though, as you'll save enough on duty-free shopping to make up for the higher cost of accommodations.

11. Save money on hotel costs by visiting during the summer if you can tolerate the blistering heat. There will be few tourists during this time and hotels are willing to offer cheaper packages.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that while United Arab Emirates is a sparkling modern jewel in the Middle East, it is still an Islamic country and visitors must adhere to Islamic codes.