United Arab Emirates Vacations

UAE practices a peculiar way of greeting that isn't found in any other culture. The men greet each other with an Emirati kiss — Khusmak, where men touch each other's nose. Alternatively, people hug and shake hands, but it is prohibited when greeting the opposite gender because of their religious adherence. While both are the traditional ways of greeting, you can use the safe path by nodding your head, placing your right hand on the heart, and then smiling.

If you are an Islamic practitioner, Islam is at the heart of the UAE. The majority of locals practice Islam and you can see the influence on every aspect of their daily life including cultural practices, prayers, and custom dietary. UAE is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest and the most beautiful mosque with a total of 82 domes and over 1000 columns, the sight of the mosque  just takes your breath away. So, when you visit the UAE, make sure to pay a visit to this grandiose mosque.

When speaking of culture, how can we miss traditional dressing? UAE's dressing is inspired by their Islamic texts, where modesty and conservativeness are prioritized. Men and women wear clothes that cover most parts of the body. Women wear an "Abaya," a long black cloak that covers most of the body except feet, hands, and face. An "Abaya" is paired with a "Niqab" and "Gafaaz," which cover the face and hands. The man wears a "Kandura," a long loose-fitting robe, which is usually white. Along with "Kandura," a headscarf is tied in various styles. While in the UAE, don't miss the opportunity to immerse in their traditional attire because to get a feel of the place you need to soak into their culture.

UAE is a melting pot of different activities, so for every activity, there is a right time to visit and experience them. The tourist season in the UAE is categorized into three seasons — summer, winter, and spring. The winter (November to March) is the peak tourist season, with temperatures around 68 F to 86 F. This is excellent for outdoor activities like sightseeing, relaxing on the beaches, and other activities. If outdoor activities are what you crave, well, plan your trip during the winter.

Are you seeking indoor as well as outdoor activities at the same time? If yes, spring is your season. During spring (April and May), the UAE experiences a gradual increase in temperatures. This is the best time to experience both sides of the world before it gets too hotter, which happens by late May.

If you are into indoor activities like shopping or enjoying indoor attractions, visit the UAE in the summer. Summer (June to September) in the UAE is extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 122 F. This period is less favourable for outdoor activities and more favorable for indoor activities. When you visit the UAE in summer, make sure to pay a visit to family-friendly attractions like Dubai Mall Ice Rink, SKI Dubai, iFLY Dubai, and Green Planet to name a few.

Ultimately, the best time to visit the UAE depends on the kind of activities you and your family want. For outdoor adventures, the best time to visit the UAE is in winter. If you are more into indoor activities and want to avoid travellers during peak season, plan a trip during the summer.  

Every country has its dos and don'ts, and the UAE is no exception. Please be aware of certain things while on UAE tours like:

Respect Islamic traditions. Dress modestly according to the traditions and be aware of how to greet someone.

Abide local rules and regulations. UAE has zero tolerance for drug-related activities and if found guilty, you would face severe punishment. In addition to this, be mindful of alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption is allowed only at designated places and drinking alcohol in public may attract legal consequences.

Brush on the local language. Arabic is predominantly spoken in the UAE, but English is also spoken in urban and tourist areas. Although English is widely spoken, there's no harm in learning a few common Arabic words and phrases, which would surely impress the locals.

Pack loose clothing. UAE has a desert climate with scorching heat. Keeping this in mind, pack loose clothes, preferably cotton clothes.

You can tip waiters in restaurants. Tipping is not compulsory. You can tip for good service. Generally, travellers tip 10-15% of the bill for good service.

You can learn a lot about a culture from exploring and enjoying their food. This is also true for Arabian culture. Emirati cuisine is diverse and mouth-watering. It is a blend of different flavours influenced by Middle Eastern, Persian, and South Asian dishes. Some of the common dietary include rice, meat, and fish. While in the UAE, dig into their local specialties like Knafeh and Samboosa.

Kanefh is a dish from Palestine but loved by the locals of the UAE. It is a pastry dish made from sour cheese, sugar syrup, and dough and has to be eaten immediately after being made. The best place to have Kanefh is the Qwaider Al Nabulsi in Dubai. For some light snacks, try Samboosa, which is an Indian version of Samosa. These are host pastries filled with either meat or vegetables and topped with a variety of spices. Once you have it, you'll ask for more —  it's that delicious.  

Apart from local dishes, they have a diverse variety of beverages. Some of the common beverages enjoyed by the locals include Arabic coffee and Jellab. If you are a coffee lover, Arabic coffee doesn't disappoint you. The coffee is made with lightly roasted beans spiced with cardamom, cumin, cloves, and saffron. Having this coffee with organic local dates is a must. On the other hand, if you want to cool your body during summer, Jellab is what you need. This classic Arabian cold drink is made from a blend of grape molasses and rose water, perfect for hot summer nights. The availability and preference of certain drinks depend on specific areas. So, before planning a trip to the UAE, do thorough research on local dishes so that you get the best dishes and drinks in the best place.