COUNTRY GUIDE
United Arab Emirates
Coast, desert and mountains, and very different emirates, better with company.
Working in Dubai, studying in Sharjah or spending a winter in Abu Dhabi: Unmapped helps you find your city, meet travelers, expats and locals, and join or start things together.
BASICS
Before you go.
- Language
- Arabic
- English is widely used in daily life, business and services, and you'll hear many other languages too.
- Currency
- UAE dirham (AED)
- Cards and tap payments are accepted almost everywhere. Some cash helps for small shops and souks.
- Time zone
- Gulf Standard Time, UTC+4
- One time zone, no daylight saving time.
- Power
- Type G plugs, 230 V
- The British-style three-pin plug is the standard.
- Getting online
- eSIM, SIM or Wi-Fi
- Coverage is strong across cities and main roads, and Wi-Fi is common in malls and cafés.
- Emergency
- 999 police · 998 ambulance · 997 fire
- Numbers from the UAE Ministry of Interior.
GETTING AROUND
Easy to move, once you know how.
Dubai Metro and tram
Driverless metro lines and a tram cover much of Dubai, with buses filling the gaps.
Intercity buses
Buses connect Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to find in every city.
Driving
Roads are wide and well signed, and a car makes it easy to reach the mountains and the east coast.
CITIES TO EXPLORE
Where to start.
A few very different places to begin. You can explore any city in the United Arab Emirates through Unmapped. Search for it in the app.
Abu Dhabi
The capital, built on an island, with a long corniche, big cultural institutions and calm beaches.
Good for · Culture · Work · Beaches
Find Abu Dhabi in the app (opens in a new tab)Al Ain City
A green oasis city near the mountains, with date palm groves and a slower, inland rhythm.
Good for · A slower pace · Nature · History
Find Al Ain City in the app (opens in a new tab)Dubai
A fast, global city of new districts, old creekside neighbourhoods, beaches and a big events scene.
Good for · Work · City life · Events
Find Dubai in the app (opens in a new tab)Sharjah
A city of museums, heritage areas and a strong arts scene, right next to Dubai.
Good for · Art · Culture · Families
Find Sharjah in the app (opens in a new tab)Ras Al Khaimah
A northern emirate between the sea and the Hajar Mountains, with hikes and quieter beaches.
Good for · Hiking · Beaches · Weekends away
Find Ras Al Khaimah in the app (opens in a new tab)Fujairah
The east coast on the Gulf of Oman, with mountains behind it and diving and snorkelling offshore.
Good for · Diving · Mountains · Coast
Find Fujairah in the app (opens in a new tab)
GOOD TO KNOW
Small things that help.
Dress
Covering shoulders and knees is appreciated in malls, souks and traditional areas. Beachwear stays at the beach or pool.
Visiting mosques
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors, with a modest dress code.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, daily rhythms shift. Be considerate about eating and drinking in public during the day, and evenings come alive after sunset.
Summer heat
Summers are very hot and humid. Outdoor life moves to the cooler months and to evenings.
Tipping
Some restaurants add a service charge. Small tips for good service are appreciated.
UNMAPPED IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Arrive knowing someone.
Open your next city before you land, then use it every day you're there.
Meet people before you move
Open Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah before you arrive and see who is here now, who is arriving and who lives there.
Ask the City Chat
Every city can have its own City Chat. Ask about neighbourhoods, metro routes or where to find a running group.
Join or host something
Find meetups and day trips, or host your own, like a mountain hike in Ras Al Khaimah, a beach morning in Abu Dhabi or a dinner in Dubai.
Travel together
Share a weekend trip to the east coast or the desert, or post a Buddy Plan for a class or a night out.
FAQ
Questions about Unmapped in the United Arab Emirates.
Can I use Unmapped outside Dubai?
Yes. You can explore any city in the United Arab Emirates through Unmapped, and every city can become a City Hub. The cities on this page are just a few places to start.
What if my town isn't featured here?
Search for it in the app, or for the nearest larger city. The cities on this page are only a few of many.
Can locals use Unmapped too?
Yes. Unmapped is for travelers, expats and locals, and many good plans start with someone who already lives there.
Can I explore a city before I arrive?
Yes. Open your next city, see who is arriving, join the City Chat and share your travel plan before you land.
Can I host something myself?
Yes. Any member can host an event or start a project, and anyone can share a trip or a Buddy Plan.
Looking for another country? Search any city in the world.
Sources & information
Information last reviewed: October 2026Location data: GeoNames (opens in a new tab) (CC BY 4.0 (opens in a new tab))Map: Natural Earth (opens in a new tab)Photo: Ahmed Aldaie (opens in a new tab) / Unsplash (opens in a new tab)
Travel information can change. Please verify important information with official sources. Country guides are provided for general information and do not constitute legal, medical, immigration or other professional advice. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Unmapped is not liable for losses resulting from reliance on the information provided. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES WITH UNMAPPED
Explore the United Arab Emirates with Unmapped.
Find your city, meet people there and join or start something. Available on iPhone and Android.