Why the Emirates
The federation was created in 1971: before that there were no paved roads, no general electricity and no school system. What you visit is therefore less than fifty years old, and that speed is the real subject of the trip — not the towers, but the rate at which they came out of the sand.
Two emirates hold everything. Dubai lives off trade, transit and real estate; Abu Dhabi holds the oil and plays the cultural card, with a Louvre and a Guggenheim. The other five are quieter, cheaper, and almost nobody goes.
Getting around
The Dubai metro is automated, air-conditioned and covers the main axis; it is enough for most of the city. Abu Dhabi has none and is covered by car or taxi.
Taxis are plentiful, metered and cheap compared with Europe. The distances are large and the sidewalks often nonexistent: walking is not planned for, and even less so between May and October. An express bus links the two cities in two hours.
Money
Everything is paid by card, including taxis and small businesses. The dirham is pegged to the dollar, which makes prices stable and predictable.
Tipping is appreciated without being compulsory: ten per cent in restaurants if service is not already added, a few dirhams for a porter. The tourist tax per hotel night is added to the bill and is not in the price displayed online.
Before you go
The law differs from European law on points that touch daily life: alcohol is consumed in licensed premises and not in the street, affection in public is frowned upon, and decent dress is expected in public places and shopping centres. The rules are enforced, and ignorance is no excuse.
Ramadan changes the country's rhythm: eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day is prohibited for everyone, non-Muslims included, and working hours are reduced. Many restaurants serve behind screens.
Friday and Saturday have formed the weekend in the Emirates since 2022, except in Sharjah. On Friday mornings, many government offices and businesses are closed.