High Class Blog
Guides to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the way locals live them
Planning, culture, itineraries and experiences from our team on the ground, backed by official sources and the details you only learn after years of hosting travellers.
All guides
9 guides shown
Planning10 min read
Best time to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi: weather, events and what to expect month by month
From October to April the weather suits beaches, the desert and walking; in summer the trip revolves around water and air-conditioned spaces. Here is every month and the events that shape the calendar.
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Culture and etiquette13 min read
What to wear in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: malls, beaches, desert and the Grand Mosque
Light layers that cover shoulders and knees in town, swimwear on the sand only, and a strict dress code at the Grand Mosque. Here is how to pack for every plan and every season.
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Itineraries12 min read
Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai: getting there and what to see in one day
The Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, the Louvre and the Corniche in a single day from your Dubai hotel. Here is how to get there, how long the drive takes and the order that works.
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Experiences11 min read
Dubai desert safari: how to choose the right one, and do it safely
Morning, evening with dinner, overnight or a conservation reserve: what each desert safari really involves, what is usually included and how to spot a licensed operator.
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Culture and etiquette13 min read
Ramadan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: what changes, how to behave and why it is a great time to visit
Ramadan changes the rhythm of the UAE rather than closing it down. Here is how iftar and suhoor work, where discretion matters and how to plan your days around sunset.
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Planning14 min read
How much does a trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi cost? Building a budget without surprises
From a AED 3 metro ride to the top of the Burj Khalifa, here is how the costs of a Dubai and Abu Dhabi trip break down, and where you can save without trading down.
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Itineraries14 min read
7-day Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary: a day-by-day plan, with 4 and 5-day versions
A well-paced week across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in the order that beats the heat, the traffic and the queues. Plus how to cut it to four or five days without losing the essentials.
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Family10 min read
Dubai and Abu Dhabi with kids: theme parks, beaches and a pace the whole family can enjoy
Yas Island, aquariums, beaches and theme parks: how to plan a family trip to the Emirates around the heat, the time difference and your children's energy levels.
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Culture and etiquette13 min read
UAE laws and etiquette for tourists: what you actually need to know in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Drink only in licensed venues, keep affection low-key, ask before photographing people, check your medicines before you fly and leave the drone at home. A calm, practical guide.
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