United Arab Emirates travel guide: what to pack, what to eat & entry rules

What to pack for United Arab Emirates

The UAE has a hot desert climate. Summers are extremely hot and humid, while winter months are warm and sunny with cooler evenings. Rain is rare. Indoors, air-conditioning is strong everywhere.

That is the long-term pattern, not a forecast. Weather in any given week can be warmer, colder or wetter than usual, so check the forecast a few days before you leave — Wayfold does this automatically and adjusts the packing list for your actual dates.

Pack with United Arab Emirates in mind

• Light, breathable clothes and strong sun protection
• A light layer for air-conditioned malls, taxis and evenings in the desert
• Modest outfits for mosques, souks and older districts
• Swimwear for pools and beaches only

Start from a full checklist

Combine the points above with a complete list for the kind of trip you are taking:

• Beach vacation packing list · 51 items
• Business trip packing list · 49 items
• Carry-on only packing list · 45 items

What to eat in United Arab Emirates

These are dishes most visitors to the United Arab Emirates will meet, with the usual recipe’s diet flags. Use them as a starting point for menus and for asking questions — not as a guarantee of what is in a particular plate.

• Shawarma

  Spit-roasted chicken or lamb wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce.

  GlutenSesame

• Al machboos

  Spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish.

• Harees

  Slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge.

  Gluten

• Hummus

  Chickpea and tahini dip.

  Vegetarian-friendlySesame

• Manakish

  Flatbread topped with za'atar or cheese.

  Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenSesameDairy

• Luqaimat

  Fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup.

  Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenSesame

• Knafeh

  Shredded pastry with cheese, syrup and pistachios.

  Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairyNuts & peanuts

Meal times, tipping and water

Opening hours change during Ramadan.

• Tap water is desalinated and treated, but most people drink bottled water.

Local chains you will see

Well-known local names — handy for a quick, predictable meal or coffee:

• Operation Falafel — Falafel and Arabic street food.
• Zaatar w Zeit — Lebanese manakish and wraps.
• Al Mallah — Shawarma and juices.
• SALT — Burger chain that started as a food truck.

General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens. Checked 30 September 2026. In the app, the food guide marks which dishes fit each traveller’s diet and can show a diet and allergy card in the local language.

Entry rules for US and UK passport holders

A summary of the passport and travel-authorisation rules Wayfold reminds travellers about for the United Arab Emirates. Rules change, and your exact situation (other nationalities, long stays, work or study) may differ.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the official source before you travel. Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026. For the bigger picture, read what ESTA, the UK ETA and ETIAS are.

Quick answers

Is tap water safe to drink in United Arab Emirates?

Varies — many people drink bottled. It depends on the area and the building, so many visitors stick to bottled or filtered water. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.

Do you tip in United Arab Emirates?

Many restaurants add a service charge; if not, around 10% is customary.

Is it easy to eat halal or vegetarian in United Arab Emirates?

Halal food: easy to find. Vegetarian food: easy to find. Vegetarian-friendly classics include Hummus, Manakish, Luqaimat and Knafeh. Recipes vary between kitchens, so always ask.