When most people think of the United Arab Emirates, they think of Dubai. Yet, this oil rich country in the Arabian Gulf has so much more to offer! 

From ancient Bedouin traditions, to traditional rural life, towering mountains, breathtaking beaches, and little-known city gems, the UAE truly offers a fabulous vacation destination. Check out our UAE tours below.

Group UAE Tours 

Currently, currently offer visits to the UAE including Al Ain and Abu Dhabi on our Gulf Trek Tour! 

The Gulf Trek: Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait & Saudi Arabia – January 27th to February 5th / 8th / 10th / 15th 2025 – $695 – $5895

The Gulf Trek: Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait & Saudi Arabia

Independent UAE Tours 

There is a huge demand for tours to the UAE, so if the Gulf Trek does not suit your travel dates, we can organize a private tour to suit your preferences.

Example of a UAE itinerary (6 days)

Day 1- Dubai, UAE 

• Arrive in Dubai, the largest city in the UAE, at your convenience. 
• Optional City tour, including a visit to the Museum of the Future or the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the World 

Day 2- Dubai UAE to Ras Al Khaimah 

• Day trip to Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s northernmost emirate. 
• Upon arrival, take a journey to the top of Jebel Jais, one of the most spectacular mountain viewpoints of the Arabian Peninsula 
• Enjoy a short hike and lunch at the top of the mountain 

Afternoon

• In the afternoon, visit Jazirat Al Hamra, the ghost city of Ras Al Khaimah. Built entirely out of coral brick, this now-abandoned city showcases the traditional way of life of the Emirates. Here, you will learn about the history of Ras Al Khaimah before modernization, and the ways in which modernization and the discovery of oil has completely changed the UAE 
• Explore the Ras Al Khaimah markets and enjoy a traditional dinner of Emirati food, which is often very difficult for foreigners to experience. Ras al Khaimah is one of the few places where this cuisine is still available for non-locals. 
• Overnight at a beach-front hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. 

Day 3- Ras Al Khaimah-Sharjah-Dubai 

• After breakfast, we’ll being the two hour drive back to Dubai. 
• On the way, we’ll stop in Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE. 
• Here, we’ll explore the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, which is one of the largest colelctions of Islamic art and history in the world. 
• Afterwards, we’ll wander through the ruins of the old city of Sharjah, where hundreds of mud-brick buildings still stand and showcase the way of life of the UAE before modernization. 
• Lunch at a local restaurant in Sharjah.

Afternoon 

• Continue the journey back to Dubai 
• In the late afternoon, we’ll explore the old city of Dubai known as Deira. Here, we’ll check out the traditional Dubai gold and spice souq (market). Rarely explored by tourists, this part of the city is still where many locals purchase essential ingredients and supplies. 
• Afterwards, we’ll cross the Dubai Creek, which intersects this area, on a traditional abra boat tour. Before bridges were introduced, the city of Dubai was intersected by the Dubai Creek. To connect the city, traditional abra boats ferried people and goods between both sides of the city. Today, this tradition continues, with the abras being an official part of the Dubai public transportation system. 
• For dinner, we’ll meet with some locals for a tour of the Dubai Street food scene. Here, you’ll taste the diversity of the UAE food scene as you learn about the  food and history of this region. 
• Overnight in Dubai

Day 4- Dubai- Al Ain – Empty Quarter

• We’ll start a day early with a journey to the UAE’s oldest city, Al Ain. it is the original home of the UAE’s ruling family, the Al Nahyans. It is also the city that best preserves the UAE’s culture and heritage. 
• We’ll head to the Al Ain Camel Market. This is one of the few places where you can still see the importance of camels in Emirati culture, even today. Thousands of camels are bought, sold, and traded here each year. You’ll have the chance to mingle with locals and camel herders and to witness the purchase of famed Emirati camels (some of which sell for millions of dollars!)
• Next, we’ll explore the Al Ain Oasis. This impressive date palm Oasis is one of the largest in the middle east. It is also one of the first places where large-scale civilization became possible in the Gulf, as the oasis developed the Falah system of irrigation to make the otherwise inhospitable desert green. 
• Afterwards, we’ll head to the Al Ain Palace. Built in the 1930s, this palace was the birthplace of the UAE’s founder, Sheikh Zayed al Nahyan. It is an impressive Arabian-style fort, and it is also home to one of the most comprehensive museums capturing life in the UAE before the discovery of oil. One of our favourite sites in the UAE is the hundreds of photographs from famed British explorer Wilfred Thesiger that showcase the UAE in the 1940s and were the inspiration for his book Arabian Sands. 
• Lunch in the nearby Souq of Al Ain 

Afternoon

• Continue with a drive-up Jebel Hafeet, the tallest mountain in the UAE. We’ll grab some traditional Emirati Karak tea while observing the views of the immense Emirati desert.
• Afterwards, we’ll head to the Al Ain Palace. Built in the 1930s, this palace was the birthplace of the UAE’s founder, Sheikh Zayed al Nahyan. It is an impressive Arabian-style fort, and it is also home to one of the most comprehensive museums capturing life in the UAE before the discovery of oil. One of our favourite sites in the UAE is the hundreds of photographs from famed British explorer Wilfred Thesiger that showcase the UAE in the 1940s and were the inspiration for his book Arabian Sands. 
• Then we’ll begin our journey back to Abu Dhabi
• On the way, we’ll stop at one of the many desert camps in the UAE’s Empty Quarter. Here, we’ll join in the very popular Emirati sport of dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles before enjoying a dinner under the stars. Sandboarding and traditional henna tattoos are included for anyone who wants to try!
• We’ll continue our journey to Abu Dhabi.
• If you travel in December or January, we can arrange a stop at the massive Sheikh Zayed Festival. Taking place every winter, this festival celebrates traditional Emirati culture in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed. It transforms an area in the desert into a massive Emirati-style carnival.  Few foreigners or expats attend the festival, so you’ll have the chance to mingle with thousands of locals. The festival is filled to the brim with men with falcons, traditional Emirati dances, and locals enjoying late-night picnics. Around 11:00pm, you’ll witness the fusion of modern and traditional Emirati culture, as we watch one of the biggest drones shows in the world. Using thousands of drones, the festival lights up the sky with an audio-visual journey of Emirati national history. 
• Afterwards, head to a hotel in Abu Dhabi city for some much-deserved sleep. 

Day 5- Abu Dhabi 

• After breakfast, we’ll begin the journey to the UAE’s capital city, Abu Dhabi. While Dubai is known for its glitz and glamor, Abu Dhabi is known for its more laid back and down-to-earth Nature. 
• First, we’ll head to Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, which is known as it’s “cultural district”. 
• Once there, we’ll go on a guided tour of the newly-opened Abrahamic Family House. This beautifully designed complex situated an Islamic Mosque, Christian Church, and Jewish Synagogue within the same complex. It is the first Jewish synagogue built in the Arab World in hundreds of years, and it was built to celebrate the UAE’s 2019 “Year of Tolerance” and its recent establishment of diplomatic ties with the state of Israel. Beneath the religious sites, there is an audio-visual museum dedicated to exploring the common themes between the three Abrahamic religions. 
• Afterwards, you’ll have the option to check out the Lourve Abu Dhabi, which represents a multi-billion-dollar agreement with the Louvre Paris to open a sister museum in Abu Dhabi. Time permitting, we can also check out the cosmopolitan beach front of Mamsha Al-Saadiyat, filled with luxury coffee shops overlooking crystal clear blue waves. 

Afternoon 

• Head for a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, arguably the grandest Mosque in the world. 
• In the evening, we’ll head to Qasr al Watan, the grand presidential palace. This building is undoubtedly spectacular, and a true show of the UAE’s opulence. 
• Afterwards, we’ll have dinner in downtown Abu Dhabi. Here, you will witness a grittier side of the city, where millions of foreign workers live and make Abu Dhabi their home, and we’ll taste varieties of international cuisine from the people who call this city home. 
• Depending what day, you come or your desired wishes, we can arrange evening biking at the Formula One Circuit, an exploration of Abu Dhabi nightlife, or more. 
• Overnight in Abu Dhabi 

Day 6- Abu Dhabi 

• Tour concludes, additional excursions or tour extensions can be arranged. This tour also combines well with a tour to other Gulf destinations, such as Yemen, Saudi Arabia, or Kuwait. 

Bespoke UAE Tours

YPT are the experts in UAE travel and can customize a tour to suit your dates, budget, time frame and interests! Whether you would like a city break, to visit the countries tallest mountain, camping in the empty quarter or to visit one of the many great cultural festivals, we’re here for you.

Ras al Khaimah Emirate tour

One of Abu Dhabi’s lesser-known Emirates, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is one of our absolute favorite destinations in the UAE. Located in the northern part of the country, this emirate is home to beautiful sea-scapes, a distinct culture that is differs from the rest of the country, and ancient charm. 

Ras Al Khaimah developed differently than the rest of the UAE because it was home to the Al-Shehhi tribe. This tribe traditionally lived in the mountains, and even their language is different from Emirati Arabic, as it was influenced by centuries of trade with the Portuguese. 

The best things to see in Ras Al Khaimah is undoubtedly Jebel Jais. This breathtaking mountain presents completely different scenery to the rest of the desert-covered countries. Jebel Jais is also home to the world’s largest zipline, and it is the perfect place to enjoy a mountain-top picnic. 

Jebel Hafeet and Al-Ain tour

While the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are undoubtedly cosmopolitan, the UAE’s first city, Al Ain, still retains a distinct historic charm. 

Al Ain was home to the ruling family of the nation, and it is set on the backdrop of Jebel Hafeet, the UAE’s tallest mountain. Within Al Ain, you can find historic forts, traditional markets, and one of the biggest date palm oases in the world. 

Musandam tour 

Musandam is not technically part of the UAE, but Oman. However, this peninsula is only reachable from the UAE, as it is one of the multiple Omani Enclaves that is part of the country. 

Musandam is often referred to as the “Norway of Arabia” as it is home to a beautiful fjord-covered coastline. The best thing to do in Musandam is to take a boat trip in a traditional dhow boat. Here, you can enjoy the traditional Emirati life at sea, enjoy breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear water, and even swim with dolphins if you are lucky. 

Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque 

Abu Dhabi’s grand mosque is one of the largest and most elegant mosques in the world. No visit to the UAE would be complete without witnessing this architectural feat of human design. 

Camping in the Empty Quarter 

This UAE is famous for its desert empty quarter, known for its rolling sand dunes and inhospitable desert. While in the UAE, a visit to a desert camp in this massive stretch of desert is an essential part of a truly authentic Arabian experience. 

Cultural Festivals 

The UAE is known for its intangible heritage and traditions, with many Bedouin practices, such as poetry and falcon racing, being recognized by UNESCO. These experiences are often very difficult for foreigners to experience. However, the UAE is home to numerous large-scale cultural festivals, such as the Qasr Al Hosn Festival or the Sheikh Zayed Culture Festival, most of which take place in the fall and winter months. We can help arrange a visit to one of these cultural festivals for travellers who may be interested.

 

UAE tours gallery

UAE Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a visa for the UAE? 

Most Western countries can enter the UAE visa free. 

Other nationalities can obtain an e-visa in advance. Many UAE airlines also can arrange a tourist visa free of charge. For more information about UAE visa procedure, check here.

Are their ATMS in the UAE? 

Yes, ATMS are widely available in the UAE and work with foreign cards. 

What currency do they use in the UAE? 

The UAE uses the Emirati Dirham. One US dollar is equal to 3.67 Emirati Dirhams. 

Is the UAE a religious country? 

Most Emiratis are practicing Muslims. However, the country is almost 90% expats, so there is a vast array of different religions. However, it is still important to be respectful of the local culture. 

Is the UAE safe for tourists?

Yes, the UAE is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries on Earth. 

What should I wear in the UAE? 

It is best to dress respectfully in UAE. Many tourists and foreigners wear skimpy clothing, but it is always better to dress respectfully, especially when traveling to more conservative and off-the-beaten track destinations. However, the UAE is more flexible when it comes to dress than many other Arab countries. 

Is the UAE safe for LGBTQ tourists? 

While homosexuality is illegal in the UAE, there are many LGBTQ people in the UAE, as there are in all other places in the world. LGBTQ travellers can travel safely to the UAE, and many LGBTQ foreigners and locals alike live their safely. There is little risk of detention or harassment. 

In general, as a Muslim country, public displays of affection, whether between heterosexual or homosexual couples, are criminalized and deeply frowned upon. Avoid public displays of affection, and be sure to ask your guide for any advice if you have questions. 

Can I drink alcohol in the UAE?

Yes, alcohol is legal in the UAE. However, different Emirates have different policies. For instance, Sharjah is a dry Emirate, and alcohol is not sold. Alcohol tends to be the easiest to get in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where there are both bars and liquor stores. 

Can I interact with locals in the UAE? 

Because the UAE is nearly 90% foreigners, it is often difficult to find local Emiratis, and they are often more reserved. However, in areas such as Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah, there are much higher percentages of local Emiratis, and they are often much more open to meeting foreigners.