Do you need a visa for the UAE in 2026? +
No, not for French passport holders. The visa is free, issued on arrival (visa on arrival), valid 90 days within a 180-day window. No prior application. Passport required valid 6 months minimum after return date. Same for Belgian, Swiss and Canadian citizens.
How many days do you need to visit Dubai and the UAE? +
2-3 days are enough for a Dubai stopover (Burj Khalifa + old Dubai + beach + desert). 4-5 days for full Dubai with Palm Jumeirah, Marina and Atlantis. 7 days to add Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre, Yas Island). 10 days for a UAE + Oman combo or to include Ras al-Khaimah and Liwa (giant dunes).
When to go to the United Arab Emirates? +
November-March: the unique tourist window (22-28 °C, blue skies). Peak December-January (book 2-3 months ahead). April and October: still acceptable temperatures (30-35 °C), lower prices. May-September: 40-50 °C, bearable only if you stay in air-conditioned hotel/pool/malls (but many -50% hotel deals).
Are the UAE safe? +
Yes, one of the world's lowest crime rates, omnipresent CCTV, very tough penalties for offenses. No particular vigilance required for tourists. Be aware of local laws: no excessive public displays of affection, no alcohol on the street, no public swearing, respect for Ramadan (no eating/drinking in public during daylight if there in March-April depending on years).
How much for Dubai for 4 days in 2026? +
Backpacker: €700-900 ex flights (Deira hostel, metro, food court). Comfort: €1,500-2,500 ex flights (4-star Marina, restaurants, Burj Khalifa, desert). Luxury: €5,000-15,000 ex flights (Burj Al Arab, starred restaurants, helicopter, VIP safari). Direct Paris-Dubai flight on Emirates or Air France: €450-700 economy, €2,500-4,000 business.
Can you combine the UAE and Oman? +
Yes, very natural combo. Dubai-Muscat bus 7h or flight 1h. 10-12 days ideal: Dubai 3d + Abu Dhabi 1d + Muscat 2d + Wahiba Sands 2d + Jebel Akhdar 2d. Oman e-visa 10 days at 5 OMR (~€13) or 30 days at 20 OMR (~€50). Hatta-Hatta land border very simple.
Should you rent a car in the UAE? +
Recommended to explore outside Dubai (Ras al-Khaimah, Liwa, Hatta). In Dubai itself, metro + taxis are largely enough (taxis €8-15 for a typical ride). €30-45/day for a compact. Right-hand traffic, excellent highways, but fast and aggressive local driving.
What to wear in the UAE? +
Very free in hotels, beaches, pools, air-conditioned malls (bikini OK on beach). At religious sites (Sheikh Zayed Mosque), women must cover shoulders + arms + legs + hair (abayas lent free). In old souks (Deira, Sharjah), covered clothing recommended out of respect. Ramadan: no eating/drinking/smoking in public during the day.
