United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates brings together visionary architecture, sweeping desert landscapes and beautifully designed coastal retreats. From Dubai’s celebrated dining, entertainment and skyline to Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain scenery and the vast silence of the Liwa Desert, each emirate offers its own distinctive perspective.
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Currency
- UAE dirham (AED)
- Best time to visit
- November to March, when warm, comfortable temperatures are ideal for beaches, sightseeing, desert experiences and outdoor dining.
- High season
- December to February, with particularly strong demand over Christmas, New Year, February half-term and major international events.
- Recommended places
- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, the Hajar Mountains and the Liwa Desert.
- Entertainment highlights
- The Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future, spectacular waterparks, desert safaris, yacht cruises, beach clubs, rooftop dining and international concerts in Dubai; Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Formula 1 and the theme parks of Yas Island — including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld — in Abu Dhabi.
- Perfect for
- Winter sunshine, family holidays, romantic escapes, world-class entertainment, exceptional dining, cultural discoveries, desert adventures, shopping, wellness and elegant beach stays.
- Hermes hint
- Choose Dubai for vibrant nightlife, spectacular attractions, restaurants and family entertainment; Abu Dhabi for museums, cultural landmarks, Yas Island and peaceful coastal resorts; or Ras Al Khaimah for a quieter combination of beaches, mountains and outdoor adventures. October and April offer excellent beach weather with fewer visitors, while summer brings attractive hotel rates but very high temperatures, making indoor attractions and resort facilities especially important.
Inspiration
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat
An adults-only retreat of just 22 sea-facing rooms, Aegean in spirit, on the quiet Ghantoot coast.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai
The lifestyle brand’s Dubai resort on Pearl Jumeira — private beach, sea-view villas and a 16-plus beach club.
The Lana, Dorchester Collection
Dorchester Collection’s first Middle East address — a sculptural tower on Marasi Bay Marina, facing the Burj Khalifa.
Family Collection
Atlantis, The Palm
Palm Jumeirah’s landmark family resort — Aquaventure World, an aquarium of 65,000 animals and Underwater Suites.
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Premium all-inclusive on Saadiyat’s protected sands — six restaurants, Rixy Kids and an aquapark.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
The wave-shaped landmark opposite Burj Al Arab — private beach, Wild Wadi access and an OliOli kids’ club.
Essential
Jumeirah Al Naseem
Low-rise beachfront calm facing Burj Al Arab — gardens, a turtle rehabilitation lagoon and the run of Madinat Jumeirah.
Address Beach Resort
Twin 77-storey towers over JBR Beach — the world’s highest outdoor infinity pool and Dubai’s highest spa.
The Abu Dhabi EDITION
A design-led marina retreat with dhow-sail architecture, the EDITION Spa and Oak Room.
Iconic
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
A gilded palace on its own private beach, finished with real gold and mother-of-pearl.
Atlantis The Royal
A 43-storey landmark of stacked terraces and sky pools — seventeen restaurants and Cloud 22 above the Gulf.
Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah
An Arabian palace resort with private waterways and abras, and Burj Al Arab across the lagoon.
Tell us where your imagination wanders. One of our travel designers will be in touch within 24 hours to begin.