Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations are usually recommended for traveling to the United Arab Emirates. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Consider getting hepatitis A and B vaccines, especially if you plan to eat street food or stay for an extended period. Typhoid is also recommended if you’re an adventurous eater in rural areas.
No specific vaccines are required for entry, but staying up-to-date with these can keep you safe. Always check the latest travel health advice before you go.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in UAE, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for UAECulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially in public areas—this applies to both men and women. Women should cover shoulders and knees, and a headscarf may be required in religious sites. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, so keep it minimal.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, public openness about sexual orientation is risky due to strict laws. Exercise discretion with partners and avoid public displays of affection.
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Show respect by standing up when the national anthem is played.
When meeting locals, a friendly handshake is common but only if initiated by the other person. Men should wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Always use your right hand for eating and giving gifts, as the left is considered unclean. Remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for UAE.
- Al Harees: A slow-cooked dish made of wheat and meat, often served during Ramadan and special occasions. It symbolizes patience and tradition in Emirati culture.
- Shawarma: Although not originally Emirati, this street food staple has been fully embraced. It’s marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) wrapped in flatbread, perfect for a quick and flavorful bite.
- Machboos: A spiced rice dish similar to biryani, typically made with chicken, lamb, or fish. It’s a staple in Emirati homes and reflects the blend of spices that are central to the cuisine.
- Luqaimat: Sweet, deep-fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup. These are often enjoyed during festive seasons and are a testament to the Emirati love for sweet treats.
- Balaleet: A breakfast dish of sweetened vermicelli topped with an omelet, mixing sweet and savory flavors, showcasing the unique Emirati palate.
Tap water in the UAE is technically safe to drink as it’s desalinated and treated, but locals often prefer bottled water due to taste and pipe concerns. For travelers, it’s advised to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any possible tummy troubles. If you’re staying long-term, consider a good water filter system.
The main language in United Arab Emirates is
Arabic. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Arabic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for UAE includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In the United Arab Emirates (UAE),
English is widely spoken and serves as a common language among the diverse expatriate population. It is the primary language used in business, education, and tourism, making communication relatively easy for English-speaking travelers. Most locals, especially in urban areas like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have a good command of English, and signs in public places, such as airports and malls, are often bilingual.
In hotels, restaurants, and shops, staff typically speak English fluently, catering to the needs of international visitors. While Arabic is the official language, the multicultural environment means that English is prevalent in everyday interactions. However, in more rural or less touristy areas, English proficiency may vary, and knowing a few basic Arabic phrases can enhance the experience.
Overall, travelers can expect minimal language barriers in the UAE, making it a convenient destination for English-speaking tourists.
Money & Payments
The local currency of UAE is AED (د.إ).
ATMs: You’ll find ATMs pretty much everywhere in the UAE, especially in cities. They’re reliable for withdrawing dirhams, which is the local currency. Just double-check if your bank charges any withdrawal fees.
Cash: It’s handy to carry some cash for small purchases, like street food or local transport. But don’t overdo it; cards are widely accepted in most places.
Dollars/Euros: You can bring dollars or euros, but it’s usually better to exchange them for dirhams once you arrive. Airport exchange rates are okay if you need some quick cash, but hit up a city exchange for better rates.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. However, keep an eye out for foreign transaction fees from your bank.
Where to Exchange: Skip the airport kiosks if you can help it. Check out currency exchange shops in malls or in the city center for better rates. Al Ansari Exchange and UAE Exchange are pretty reliable.
In the United Arab Emirates, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. At restaurants, leaving 10-15% of the bill as a tip is common, although some places already include a service charge. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, rounding up the fare or offering a small tip is a nice gesture.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.