Cheap Holidays to United Arab Emirates

How Hot?

In the United Arab Emirates the sun shines all year round, a popular and the best time to visit is during the winter season when temperatures are moderate with daytime temperatures averaging at 78ºF (26ºC) and 60ºF (16ºC) at night. The summer months are uncomfortable with high humidity levels and temperatures peaking at 122ºF (50ºC).

What to wear in the United Arab Emirates?
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, with jackets or sweaters possibly needed in the evenings of winter months. It's important to dress appropriately when in public and women should avoid wearing anything considered to be revealing, such as low-cut tops/dresses, tight shirts and very short shorts, dresses or skirts. Men should always wear a shirt or top in public. By the pool or on the beach, swim-trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are acceptable.

Out and About

The seven emirates of the UAE (United Arab Emirates) offers a contrasting environment of gleaming shopping malls and hotels, a culture rich in tradition and all the entertainment facilities you could possibly need for a fun-filled or simply relaxed holiday, and some that you wouldn't even have thought you needed.

Whether its just a one-night stopover or a two-week holiday, every minute of your stay is well catered for, whether it's a camel race in Abu Dhabi, shopping in Dubai's gold souk or simply lounging by your hotel pool, the UAE goes that extra mile.

Out for Lunch!

Emirati cuisine relies heavily on the use of fish, meat and rice and dishes are largely made up of a combination of these. Some of the most popular Emirati dishes and ingredients include:

Shawarma - consisting of marinated chicken or lamb that has been slowly cooked on a spit and wrapped in Arabic bread, with salad, tomatoes and tahina sauce, often found on a fast food stall.

Raqaq (flat) bread - made from soft unleavened dough that is flattened and baked on a hot iron plate.

Al Jabab bread - made with soft dough poured into a 'tabi' oven, and is cooked like a pancake on both sides.

Kabsa or Machbous in UAE - a rice and meat dish originating in Saudi Arabia

Al-Saloona (curry) - the dish is prepared by boiling meat with onions, then adding a variety of vegetable (courgette, aubergine, onions, pepper, tomato and okra) and spices.

Al-Madrooba - consists of salt-cured fish and flour, cooked in a pot with spices. Once cooked is topped with ghee before serving.

Fish - freshly caught fish from the Gulf is commonly used, grilled, fried or cooked with rice paella style. Fish choices include fresh crab, lobster, tuna, grouper, red snapper, shrimp and more

Al-Khabeesah - a dessert made from heated flour with rose water, sugar, ghee and cardamom.

Al-Khanfaroosh - is prepared from a mixture of flour, egg, sugar, yeast, cardamom, saffron and rose water. The mixture is left to rest then divided into pieces and fried in ghee.

Muslims are prohibited from eating pork and you'll find hotels frequently have pork substitutes such as beef sausages and veal rashers on their breakfast menus. If pork is offered it will be clearly labelled.

Arabian food is great and definitely worth a try, though if you're not feeling adventurous particularly in the main cities there are many of the large American chains, such as TGI Fridays (Dubai), Hard Rock Cafe (Dubai), Pizza Hut, KFC and McDonalds, as well as first class restaurants offering cuisine from around the globe.

Licensing laws require venues serving alcohol to be attached to hotels or private clubs. It is illegal to drink in a public space or on the street.

If your visit to the UAE occurs during the month of Ramadan, when Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk, that respect should be shown and non-Muslims should refrain from eating and drinking in public places during the day. Hotel restaurants are open but may be hidden by black screens, while most food outlets in shopping malls are closed during this time.

Quick Facts

Flight Time - From Glasgow 6 hrs 45 mins, From Manchester 6 hrs 50 mins, From London 6 hrs 25 mins

Currency - Arab Emirates Dirhams

Nightlife - Restaurants and Cafes - mixed

Best Time to Visit: November to April with the rest of the year being hot

United Arab Emirates Deals

Deira City
from London Gatwick

7 Nts, Bed & Breakfast
Shalimar Park Hotel
Deira City

from £670.90

(per person including flights)

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Abu Dhabi
from London Heathrow

7 Nts, Room Only
Millennium Hotel
Abu Dhabi

from £730.48

(per person including flights)

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Bur Dubai
from London Gatwick

12 Nts, Room Only
Jormand Suites Dubai Hotel
Bur Dubai

from £660.50

(per person including flights)

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Abu Dhabi
from London Heathrow

7 Nts, All Inclusive
Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers
Abu Dhabi

from £1361.06

(per person including flights)

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Abu Dhabi
from London Heathrow

7 Nts, Bed & Breakfast
Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel
Abu Dhabi

from £1031.83

(per person including flights)

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Jebel Ali
from Manchester

10 Nts, All Inclusive
Jebel Ali Golf & Palm Tree Court Spa Hotel
Jebel Ali

from £2053.69

(per person including flights)

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