| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 24 | 25 | 27 | 31 | 37 | 38 | 40 | 39 | 38 | 37 | 32 | 26 |
| London | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 15 | 10 | 8 |
Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking the website of the Foreign Office (www.gov.uk) before your departure.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprises seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Um al-Qawain, Ras al- Khaimah and Fujairah. The UAE is located in the southeast of the Arabian Gulf and borders on Oman.
UAE: federal, constitutional monarchy consisting of seven autonomous emirates; the highest federal body is the Supreme Council, which is comprised of the rulers of the seven emirates; these select among themselves the head of state, who remains in offi ce for five years.
Oman: absolute monarchy whilst also possessing a constitution.
UAE: Abu Dhabi
Oman: Muscat
Islam is the state religion in both countries
The official language is Arabic. English is also spoken and understood in business transactions and in hotels
Subtropical to tropical desert climate with very low annual rates of precipitation (mostly in winter); extreme heat and humidity from May to October (max. daytime temperature of over 45°C); average temperature in January 18°C, in August 34°C.
220-240 volt AC, 50 Hertz. Three-pin plugs (type G) are normally required for connection, and in some cases type C or D plugs are also required. Adapters can be obtained from any electrical store and all larger supermarkets.
The time zone in the UAE and Oman is GMT +4 hours with no daylight saving time. The time difference with the UK is + 3 hours in summer and + 4 hours in winter.
The dialling code for long-distance calls from the UK to the UAE/Oman is 00971 (+971) / 00968 (+968). For calls to the UK, dial 0044 (+44) first. The 0 before the area code is always omitted.
Due to Islam, alcohol consumption is restricted in the UAE and Oman. Women should not wear tops, hot pants or mini skirts, but should always cover their shoulders and knees. During the fasting month of Ramadan, there are restrictions in everyday life (e.g. daytime closure of restaurants outside hotels, reduced working hours at authorities) and increased sensitivity in religious matters and in respecting Islamic traditions. Public eating, drinking, smoking and even chewing gum, even in vehicles, is forbidden from sunrise to sunset, even for non-Muslims. During this time, women should wear discreet, long-sleeved clothing as much as possible and men should refrain from wearing short leisure wear.
The carpet, jewellery and leather goods crafts are firm, sometimes centuries-old components of oriental culture. Therefore, during our trip, we will also visit a jewellery manufacturer, a leather trade and a modern carpet gallery. Here you will learn interesting facts about the art of carpet making and experience how a hand-knotted carpet has been created for generations. As part of interesting demonstrations, you will learn more about the preparation of silk threads, the natural dyeing of wool and the delicate and very time-consuming knotting. In the respective manufacturers, you will then have 1-2 hours each time to look at artworks and products.
Bargaining is part of the local customs. If you are not interested in a purchase, the traders also accept a clear no. Bargaining is not done in department stores and supermarkets.
UAE: To enter the UAE your ‘British Citizen’ passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive. You can get a visitor or tourist visa issued free of charge when you arrive in the UAE. You do not need to apply in advance of travel. Your passport will be stamped with the visa as you go through immigration. It will be valid for up to 30 days. Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
Oman: To enter the Oman your ‘British Citizen’ passport must also have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive. In line with national efforts to promote and ease services for tourists visiting Oman, visitors from UK are exempt from entry visas for stays up to 14 days. To qualify for this visa, you must have a return ticket, a confirmed hotel reservation and health insurance and a sum of money that will enable to bear the burden of living during the stay.
Note: Entry requirements for British citizens can change at short notice without the Foreign Office being made aware of this beforehand. Legally binding information and/or information on entry regulations going beyond this information can be obtained from the competent representation of the destination country.
Nationals of other countries are advised to enquire at the Embassies of the UAE and of Oman about the entry requirements applicable to them.
Whilst we endeavour to provide guidance where necessary, we can not be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied.
Your expert tour guides will be able to provide you with detailed information about the country, people, history, culture, etc., and offer advice and assistance for organising your trip. They can also help with room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with initial information. Here you will find out all you need to know and useful information about the trip. We have put together a varied programme including numerous highlights, enabling you to experience the culture and diversity of landscape that the United Arab Emirates and Oman have to offer, and learn all about the country and its people.
Although your trip already includes a comprehensive package, you also have the option of choosing added extras. We recommend booking the following packages:
Explorer Package: The package includes the excursions (incl. admissions) ‘Oman National Museum (incl. guided tour)‘, ‘Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi‘, ‘Abu Dhabi Dhow boat ride with dinner‘ as well as ‘Hotel Atlantis with Aquarium‘: only £159* p.p.
* Package prices may vary when booking on site.
UAE: The currency is the UAE dirham (AED). 1 dirham = 100 fi ls. Exchange rate (December 2025): 1 GBP = 4.92 AED; 1 AED = 0.20 GBP.
Oman: The currency is Oman Rial (OMR). 1 rial = 1,000 baizas, Exchange rate (December 2025): 1 GBP = 0.51 OMR; 1 OMR = 1.94 GBP.
The following applies to both countries: International credit cards are accepted by hotels, car rental companies, and numerous shops. Cash withdrawals using a PIN code are possible at ATMs. For further information on using your bank cards abroad and the fees incurred, please contact your bank.
On site, an additional bed tax is to be paid in UAE. In the 4-star hotel, this is 15 AED (approx. £3) and in the 5-star hotel 20 AED (approx. £4) per room/night (as of December 2025).
The importation of weapons, drugs, counterfeit money, and pornographic items is severely punished. Even revealing magazine covers could be interpreted as pornography. Recorded video cassettes may be inspected or confiscated. The importation of e-cigarettes is also prohibited. They will be confiscated upon importation.
Should you require more detailed information about customs regulations governing the goods which may be brought into the UAE or the Oman, please contact the Embassies directly (UAE: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/.. Only there will you be able to obtain legally binding information.
Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.
In view of the general situation in the Near and Middle East, vigilance is also advised in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. You should act in a safety-conscious manner that is appropriate to the situation, especially in large crowds.
Crime: The UAE is one of the safest countries in the Middle East with an extremely low crime rate. Nevertheless, individual incidents of pick pocketing, e.g. in larger shopping centres, can not be ruled out.
Strict Islamic moral values prevail in the UAE and Oman. Homosexuality and extra-marital sexual relations are prohibited and punishable by a prison sentence if reported to the authorities. Tourists sharing rooms in hotels do not generally experience any difficulties in this regard. Likewise, expressions of mutual affection (e.g. kissing, physical contact) in public can lead to fines or prison terms in accordance with Islamic law. Consideration of customs and traditions in the UAE is therefore recommended. Travellers should exercise restraint in public, and their behaviour should take consideration of the religious, political, cultural and social traditions of the country, as well as staying clear of any demonstrations or protest events.
The possession and consumption of even the smallest quantities of drugs will also result in prison sentences. Even consumption of soft drugs some days beforehand can be established through blood tests and subject to correspondingly tough punishment.
It is a criminal offence to photograph / film the following facilities: Military facilities, ports, airports, imperial palaces, public buildings, industrial plants, crude oil/natural gas plants. In the event of a violation, at least the camera / film/chip will be confiscated.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries). Each country-specifi c page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.
If you are planning to travel with any prescribed or over the counter medicines for personal use, you will need to meet the UAE’s specific requirements for your medicine to be allowed into the country. A list of medicines where this rule applies, allowed quantities and documents to present can be found on the Ministry of Health website (UAE: https://www.mohap.gov.ae/en); Oman: https://www.moh.gov.om/en/). To gain approval prior to travelling, you can apply online using the electronic application form and accompanying user guide on the Ministry of Health website. Healthcare facilities in the UAE are generally comparable with those in the UK, but visitors may be prevented from using them without travel insurance or without the means to settle any medical fees. You are urgently recommended to take out travel health insurance for the duration of your holiday which covers risks not assumed by the statutory health insurance companies (e.g. repatriation to the UK in the event of illness, treatment by private doctors or in private hospitals).
Customers must ensure that they are in good physical and mental health in line with the trip in question. Customers must enquire about the physical mobility and psychological autonomy required for this trip.
All information is subject to change/Last updated: December 2025
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