Destinations: UAE

UAE Holidays from the UK — Where the Desert Meets the Future

Just under seven hours from London, the United Arab Emirates is one of those rare places that delivers everything in one trip — futuristic skylines, golden desert dunes, world-class beaches, ancient souks, and the kind of five-star hospitality you’ll be telling friends about for years.

Made up of seven emirates, each with its own personality, the UAE is the ultimate winter-sun escape for UK travellers. Whether you’re after Dubai’s record-breaking glamour, Abu Dhabi’s cultural depth, or the rugged hiking trails of Ras Al Khaimah, GenZ Travel builds the trip around you — flights, hotels, transfers and experiences sorted from start to finish.

Quick Facts for UK Travellers

• Capital: Abu Dhabi
• Language: Arabic (English spoken almost everywhere)
• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED) — roughly 4.6 AED to £1
• Flight time from UK: Around 7 hours direct
• Visa: Free 30-day visa on arrival for UK passport holders
• Time difference: GMT +4 (3 hours ahead in winter, 4 in BST)
• Best time to visit: November to March
• Local cuisine: Shawarma, mandi, harees, falafel, machboos
• Getting around: Metro, Careem, taxis, hire car

The Seven Emirates — Where to Go and Why

Dubai — The headline act. Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Marina yachts, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Mall and the gold and spice souks of Old Dubai. Best for first-timers, families and anyone who wants the full UAE experience in one city.

Abu Dhabi — The capital, and far more cultural than Dubai. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island beaches and the thrill rides of Yas Island. A natural pairing for travellers who want a slower, more refined trip.

Ras Al Khaimah — The UAE’s quiet success story. Mountain hiking in the Hajar range, the world’s longest zipline, hot springs and ancient forts. Ideal for adventure lovers and second-time visitors.

Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman & Umm Al-Quwain — Smaller, traditional, far less touristy. Worth a day trip for travellers who want to see the UAE beyond the postcards.

Top Things to Do in the UAE

• Burj Khalifa — Ride the lift to the world’s tallest observation deck for sunset views over Dubai. Book a “Sky” ticket if your budget stretches; the regular deck is plenty.
• Dubai Desert Safari — A 4×4 dune-bashing run, sandboarding, camel rides and a Bedouin-style barbecue under the stars. Easily the most-photographed half-day of any UAE trip.
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — White marble, gold inlay, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. Free to enter and genuinely jaw-dropping. Modest dress required.
• Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis — Walk the boardwalk, ride the monorail, or splash out on Aquaventure Waterpark.
• Old Dubai & Dubai Creek — Hop on an Abra (traditional water taxi) for 1 AED, then wander the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira. The UAE’s best-value cultural afternoon.
• Yas Island, Abu Dhabi — Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld and the F1 circuit, all on one island. A family-holiday goldmine.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi — The Middle East’s first universal museum. The architecture alone is worth the trip.
• Dubai Frame — One of the city’s underrated attractions; views of old Dubai from one side, new Dubai from the other.

UAE Tour Packages from GenZ Travel

We curate UAE holidays for every kind of UK traveller — from short city breaks in Dubai to multi-centre escapes that pair the UAE with the Maldives, Sri Lanka or Mauritius.

• Luxury Dubai Holiday 2026 — 7 Nights JBR Package — Our most popular Dubai-only break, from £849pp.
• Abu Dhabi & Maldives Twin Centre Holiday — 10 Nights All-Inclusive — City sights and overwater paradise in one trip.
• Adaaran Select Meedhupparu Maldives & Aloft Palm Jumeirah Dubai — A relaxed twin-centre with Palm Jumeirah as your Dubai base.
• Siyam World Maldives & Rixos Saadiyat Island — 9-Night Luxury Twin Escape — All-inclusive luxury across two iconic resorts.
• Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka & Maldives — 14 Nights — A three-stop Indian Ocean and Arabia adventure.

Browse every option on our full tours page or send us an enquiry and we’ll build something custom.

Best Time to Visit the UAE

November to March is peak season — daytime temperatures sit between 20–28°C, perfect for desert safaris, beach days and sightseeing. Expect higher prices around Christmas, New Year and February half-term, so book early.

April and October are the sweet spot for value. Still warm at 30–35°C, fewer crowds, and noticeably cheaper hotel rates.

May to September brings 40°C+ heat and high humidity. Outdoor activities become tough, but hotel prices fall dramatically and indoor attractions, malls and pools run as normal — a good shout for budget-conscious travellers who don’t mind hibernating during midday.

Practical Travel Tips for the UAE

• Dress code — Modest in public areas (shoulders and knees covered), relaxed at hotels and beach resorts. A scarf is required for women entering mosques.
• Alcohol — Available in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants only. Drinking in public spaces is illegal.
• Tipping — Not expected, but 10–15% in restaurants and a few dirhams for taxis and porters is appreciated.
• Safety — The UAE is consistently rated one of the safest countries in the world. Standard travel sense applies.
• Public displays of affection — Kept low-key in public; holding hands is fine, anything more isn’t.

UAE Holidays — Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a typical UAE holiday from the UK?

A 7-night Dubai package from the UK starts at around £849pp including flights, hotel and transfers. Twin-centre and luxury options sit between £1,800–£3,000pp depending on season and resort.

Do UK citizens need a visa for the UAE?

No. UK passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your travel date.

Is Dubai or Abu Dhabi better for a first visit?

Most first-time UK visitors base themselves in Dubai for the variety, then add 2–3 nights in Abu Dhabi for the cultural side. We arrange both as a twin-centre regularly.

Are UAE holidays family-friendly?

Yes — water parks, theme parks (Ferrari World, IMG Worlds), kid-friendly beaches and family suites at most resorts make the UAE one of the easiest long-haul destinations with children.

Are GenZ Travel UAE holidays ATOL protected?

Yes. Every package we sell is fully ATOL & ABTA protected, with flexible payment plans and no hidden fees.

Ready to Plan Your UAE Holiday?

Whether it’s a quick winter-sun break in Dubai, a cultural weekend in Abu Dhabi, or a full multi-centre escape across the Indian Ocean, the team at GenZ Travel will put it together for you — flights, hotels, transfers and experiences, all in one place.

Browse our UAE tours or enquire now and one of our advisors will be in touch within 24 hours.