Seven emirates, a very international population, a mosque with 82 domes and a museum under a dome of 7,850 stars: what a first-time visitor to the UAE notices.
The United Arab Emirates is a young federation that looks unlike anything most Europeans expect: record-setting towers, desert, old forts, a very mixed population and a daily life that works in English as well as Arabic. These are twelve facts we checked against encyclopedic and official-type sources that tend to impress people on a first visit.
1. Seven emirates, one country
The UAE consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The capital is Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. The 2024 population estimate is a little over 11 million, and Arabic is the official language.
2. The population is international
In Dubai, about 92% of the roughly 4 million residents (2025 estimate) are expatriates. That is why you hear many languages, find food from every continent and see few visitors being treated as unusual.
3. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar
The UAE dirham (AED) is pegged to the US dollar, so exchange rates are stable against USD (about 3.67 dirhams per dollar). Cards are accepted almost everywhere in cities.
4. The weekend is Saturday and Sunday
Since 1 January 2022 the federal government works a four-and-a-half-day week with a Saturday-Sunday weekend and a half-day on Friday. Private businesses are usually aligned, but opening hours vary, and Friday prayer time still shapes the day.
5. Summer is serious, winter is gentle
In Dubai the August average high is about 40°C (record 49.0°C), while in January the average high is about 24°C with nights near 14°C. Annual rainfall is only about 79 mm. Most visitors find November to March the most comfortable period. In summer, life moves into air-conditioned malls, metro and hotels, and outdoor sightseeing is best done early or late.
6. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Inaugurated in December 2007, the mosque has 82 domes of seven sizes and can hold over 40,100 worshippers. Its prayer hall carpet, about 5,627 m², is described by many as the world's largest. Entry is free and visitors of all faiths are welcome, but the dress code is strict: arms and legs covered with loose, non-transparent clothing, women's hair covered, shoes removed. Check the official Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre pages for current hours.
7. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Opened on 8 November 2017 on Saadiyat Island and designed by Jean Nouvel, the museum sits under a "floating" dome made of 7,850 aluminium stars in eight layers. Sunlight passing through it produces a moving pattern of light, often compared by the architect to light through palm fronds.
8. Burj Khalifa and the skyline
Burj Khalifa is 829.8 m tall, opened on 4 January 2010 and has been the world's tallest building since. Its "At the Top" deck is on the 124th floor at 452 m. Book tickets for sunset in advance.
9. A driverless metro
Dubai Metro opened on 9 September 2009. Today it has two lines and 55 stations, the trains are fully driverless and it carried 275.4 million passengers in 2024. Dubai International Airport handled over 92 million passengers in 2024.
10. Desert, mountains and two coasts
Beyond the cities the country has dunes, oases, the Hajar mountains and a coast on the Gulf of Oman at Fujairah, in addition to the Gulf shore of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Desert safaris are an everyday tourist product; choose a licensed operator and avoid midday heat.
11. Etiquette and tolerance in practice
The country is known for being safe and welcoming to foreign residents and visitors, but local laws are strict and differ by emirate. Dress modestly in malls and public places (shoulders and knees covered is the safe default away from beaches and hotel pools), avoid public displays of affection, and ask before photographing people. Tipping is a custom rather than a rule: many restaurants add a service charge, otherwise 10-15% is commonly left.
12. Alcohol: allowed in licensed places
Since the 2020 reforms alcohol consumption by non-Muslim adults aged 21 or over is legal in licensed venues such as hotel bars and licensed restaurants. Drinking in public places such as streets, parks and beaches is prohibited. Rules differ by emirate (Sharjah, for example, is known for stricter rules), so check locally.
Practical tips for your first visit
- Airports and transfers: Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports are well connected by taxi, ride-hailing and, in Dubai, metro.
- Local transport: in Dubai use the metro and a Nol card; taxis are plentiful. Distances between emirates are driven in hours, not minutes, so plan.
- Payments: cards and phones work almost everywhere; keep a little cash for small shops.
- Book ahead: Burj Khalifa deck, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and weekend brunches.
- Dress and customs: carry a light layer, as interiors are strongly air-conditioned, and a modest cover-up for mosques.
- Entry rules depend on your passport; check with the official UAE government portal before booking.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit the UAE? Most visitors prefer November to March, when daytime highs in Dubai are around 24-30°C. Summer is very hot.
Is the UAE safe for tourists? It is widely regarded as a safe destination, but legal rules are strict, for example on public drinking, drugs and behaviour in public. Read the rules before you travel.
Do I need Arabic? No. English is widely used in business, hotels and services, and Arabic is the official language.
Can I visit mosques? The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths with free entry, provided you follow the dress code.
Is Dubai the capital? No, the capital is Abu Dhabi. Dubai is the largest city.
How we help
If your visit is also a viewing trip, you can browse listings in the UAE, read our country page and plan with how to organise a property viewing trip. We are a trilingual platform that finds properties and coordinates independent local lawyers and tax advisers. This text is informational and is not legal, tax or investment advice; rules change, so verify current requirements with official sources.