The United Arab Emirates is great for beach life and snorkeling due to its stunning coastline along the Persian Gulf. The country boasts a number of pristine beaches with soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for …
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Backpacking United Arab Emirates in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in United Arab Emirates with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit United Arab Emirates
Step into the glamour and innovation of the United Arab Emirates, a backpacker's journey into a realm where modernity meets tradition in a desert oasis. Pros? Experience iconic architecture, luxury on a budget, and a blend of cultures in bustling cities. The efficient public transport system makes exploration convenient. However, the UAE can be more expensive compared to typical backpacker destinations. While it may lack the traditional backpacker scene, the UAE offers a glimpse into opulence, futuristic landscapes, and a dynamic cultural mosaic, making it a distinctive choice for backpackers seeking a fusion of luxury and adventure in the heart of the Middle East.
Why to go?Why backpacking in United Arab Emirates
Beach life
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in United Arab Emirates
- Visit the Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa offers breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline. It is a must-visit attraction for its iconic architecture and observation deck.
- Explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: This magnificent mosque in Abu Dhabi is one of the largest in the world and showcases stunning Islamic architecture. Visitors can admire the intricate details, beautiful chandeliers, and serene atmosphere.
- Experience the desert safari: Embark on a thrilling desert adventure where you can ride a camel, go dune bashing, try sandboarding, and witness a mesmerizing sunset. This unique experience allows you to immerse yourself in the UAE’s natural beauty.
- Discover the historic district of Al Fahidi: Located in Dubai, Al Fahidi is a neighborhood that preserves the traditional Emirati heritage. Explore its narrow alleyways, visit the Dubai Museum, and learn about the country’s history and culture.
- Indulge in retail therapy at the Dubai Mall: With over 1,200 shops, the Dubai Mall is a paradise for shopaholics. Besides shopping, visitors can enjoy various entertainment options, such as an aquarium, an ice rink, and the famous Dubai Fountain.
But United Arab Emirates offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking United Arab Emirates
The best time to visit the United Arab Emirates for backpacking is during the winter months, from November to March. During this time, the weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F). This makes it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the various cities and attractions in the country.
Additionally, visiting during the winter months allows you to avoid the scorching heat of the summer, where temperatures can soar above 40 °C (104 °F). This extreme heat can make outdoor activities challenging and uncomfortable.
It's worth noting that the UAE is a Muslim country, and Ramadan is an important religious observance. If you plan to visit during Ramadan, which occurs at different times each year, it's important to be respectful and aware of the cultural customs and practices associated with this holy month.
Additionally, visiting during the winter months allows you to avoid the scorching heat of the summer, where temperatures can soar above 40 °C (104 °F). This extreme heat can make outdoor activities challenging and uncomfortable.
It's worth noting that the UAE is a Muslim country, and Ramadan is an important religious observance. If you plan to visit during Ramadan, which occurs at different times each year, it's important to be respectful and aware of the cultural customs and practices associated with this holy month.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for United Arab Emirates
- The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. There is an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests across the region. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
- The ongoing conflict may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, flight diversions and other travel disruptions across the region.
- Monitor local and international media. If there's a security incident, follow the advice of local officials.
- There's an increased threat of terrorism in the UAE, including threats against military bases. Maintain a high level of security awareness.
- Protests or demonstrations may be considered illegal. Avoid demonstrations or protests. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Missiles and uncrewed aerial systems (drones) were last launched at the UAE from Yemen in early 2022. Most were intercepted, but there were casualties. Further attacks are possible.
- The crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs but is rare. Drink spiking sometimes happens. Physical and verbal harassment and sexual assaults occur. Avoid walking alone after dark in isolated places, including pedestrian underpasses.
- Be prepared for extreme weather. Between June and September, temperatures can exceed 50°C. Sand and dust storms are also common. In extreme heat, stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water. Intense storms can occur between December and May, which may trigger flash flooding. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Many areas of the Gulf are sensitive to security issues and territorial disputes. There's also a risk of piracy. If you're planning sea travel, refer to the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy reports.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
United Arab EmiratesMy tips to get you on the way!Does United Arab Emirates sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for United Arab Emirates. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. United Arab Emirates may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for United Arab Emirates. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. United Arab Emirates may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into United Arab Emirates, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into United Arab Emirates, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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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.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
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.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024