Book cheap flights to United Arab Emirates

The most popular time to visit the UAE is between November and March when the cooler ‘winter’ weather makes outdoor activities much more favourable. Rainfall occurs in the form of short outbursts that clear away quickly, so feel free to browse the museums and shopping malls before heading back to the beach. Activities like snorkelling and kayaking are popular at this time, but be prepared for tourist crowds and overpriced accommodation. Summers are brutal with temperatures rising to a sweltering 40°C between June and August. Outdoor activities are very uncomfortable, but shopping malls, hotels and all major buildings and transport modes are air-conditioned. Make sure you stay well-hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen when outside. On the upside, hotel prices and airfares are significantly cheaper and you’ll have the pearly-white beaches and golf courses all to yourself! You may be able to catch shoulder-season discounts in April and September, just before and after the tourist rush. The dates for Ramadan change annually, so check ahead of time should you wish to avoid travel over this period. Most restaurants close during the day but food is still served in hotels. The Eid celebrations, marking the end of the Ramadan fast, see the streets abuzz with festive hype and activity. Other exciting events held throughout the UAE include the Dubai Shopping Festival in January, the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in October and Dubai Food Festival in February.

South African passport holders are required to have a visa to visit the UAE. Visas need to be obtained prior to arrival and take a minimum of 10 working days to process. Visas can be applied for and purchased online and are valid for up to two months.

The UAE Embassy in South Africa is located at the following address:

992 Arcadia Street, Arcadia, Pretoria

Tel.: 012 3427736/9

Email: pretoria@mofa.gov.ae

The South African Embassy is located in Abu Dhabi:

Corner Airport Road and 25th Street, Villa No. A029, Al Mushref Area, Abu Dhabi

The South African Consulate General is located in Dubai:

Khaleed bin al Waleed Street, New Sharaf Building, 3rd Floor, Bur Dubai, Dubai

The cities throughout the UAE are generally very safe with no violent crime known to occur towards tourists. The locals are very charming and outgoing, just be aware of well-dressed ‘businessmen’ trying to lure you into a scam. Watch out for petty theft around crowded areas.

The UAE is governed by Islamic law and tourists are expected to behave accordingly. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have a fairly liberal dress code and tourists are permitted to wear swimsuits and bikinis on the beach and at hotel pools. However, moderate dress, especially for women, should be considered at all times in respect of local customs. Alcohol consumption in public spaces is illegal and you should always carry some form of ID if you plan on visiting bars and nightclubs. Avoid discussing politics and showing public displays of affections – this could lead to imprisonment or deportation.

Feel free to photograph tourist attractions, but it is considered polite to ask before photographing someone, particularly women.

The major cities have excellent medical facilities, but medical care can work out costly. If carrying prescription medications, label it clearly and have a prescription letter.

A comprehensive travel-insurance policy to cover theft and medical expenses is strongly recommended.