Travel guides
Plan your UAE trip
Practical, honest guides to the cities, the desert, the mountains and the coast, when to go, what to book, and how to put a trip together.
A Day Trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
How to plan a Dubai to Abu Dhabi day trip: the 140 km drive, coaches and tours, the Grand Mosque, Louvre and Yas Island parks, two sample itineraries and practical tips.
Visiting the Burj Khalifa: Tickets, Floors and Tips
How to buy Burj Khalifa tickets and choose between At the Top on levels 124 and 125, At the Top SKY on level 148, prime versus non-prime slots, the best time to go and how to get there.
Dubai Desert Safari: The Complete Guide
A practical desert safari Dubai guide: morning, evening and overnight trips, dune bashing and camp activities, rough prices, what to wear, the best season and how to choose an operator that treats animals and the desert well.
The Dubai Frame: Tickets, Views and What to Expect
A practical Dubai Frame guide: what the Dubai Frame is, how tickets and prices work, the Sky Deck glass floor, the best time for photos, how long to allow and how to get to Zabeel Park.
Old Dubai and the Creek: Souks, Abras and Al Fahidi
A complete guide to old Dubai: crossing Dubai Creek by abra for AED 1, the Gold and Spice souks, the wind-tower houses of Al Fahidi, Al Seef, and a half-day walking route.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Visitor's Guide
A practical guide to visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi: free entry, opening times, the modest dress code for men and women, how to get there from Dubai, the best time for photos, free guided tours and visitor etiquette.
Dubai Dhow Cruise: Dinner, Creek vs Marina and Booking
A practical dhow cruise Dubai guide: what the traditional wooden boats are, Dubai Creek versus Dubai Marina, what dinner and entertainment are included, rough price bands, where boats depart and how to book the right cruise.
Dubai Transport and Transfers: Airport Pickups, Metro and Big Bus
How visitors get around Dubai: airport transfers, the Metro and nol card, taxis and ride-hailing, the Palm Monorail and the Big Bus hop-on hop-off.