United Arab Emirates
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
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Backpacking the UAE In 2026
The rule of thumb for travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is to enjoy a stopover or a holiday in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Therefore, backpacking the UAE is not really something most people would do. Likewise, it's not something that the UAE is geared for.
If you're backpacking, the UAE is more likely to be a stopover for you than a destination, much like Singapore.
But, fuck it, if you want a challenge and have money in your wallet that you just don't know what to do with, try backpacking across the UAE!
After all, the majority of us associate the UAE with the rich and famous. Somewhere where Bugattis are as common as finding change in your pocket after a night out, and even your snacks are Michelin-starred.
Weighing up my options, I decided my money was better spent elsewhere, so I've only ever explored Abu Dhabi, and even that was only for a few days. So, whilst I can't guide you across the country, I can give you some pointers and say that it will be an expensive, wild ride.
Why the United Arab Emirates?
Let me clear this up now: unless you've done most of the other countries or love endless sand, don't backpack the UAE.
Backpacking the UAE is not something most travellers should consider. It's too expensive, too empty and too new. It would go against everything in the traveller's bible.
But should you visit the UAE? Hell yes!
I'd say the UAE is not ideal for travelling, as there's not enough of it to flesh out a journey, and if you're on a shoestring, you'd soon have to sell your backpack and the shirt off your back. And Bentley drivers don't tend to pick up hitchhikers, especially topless ones.
As a destination to explore though? Yes. In particular, its twin gems of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are perfect for a short getaway.
But why, I hear you ask?
Because it's exciting. It's interesting, it's unique, and it left me wanting more.
Its cities are brand new and insanely wealthy. If you want to see a lot of spectacular, unnecessary shit in a very small space, come here, more so than Monaco or any of the other millionaire playgrounds.
Even if your bank balance doesn't run off the ATM screen, there is so much to see and do in this sandy kingdom. You will never, ever be bored. The architecture is spectacular, and it's endlessly stimulating, for better or worse. Where things seem impossible, well, that's where the UAE begins.
...And that is why.
Quick Stats
Currency
Dirham (AED)
Religion
Islam: 76%
Population
9.9 million
Language
Official: Emirati Arabic
Also: English
When to Go
High Season: Nov - April
Low Season: June - August
Price of Beer
£12 a Pint
(Where available, alcohol is not permitted in Islam)
Our Emirates Stories
Long Haul Flights vs Our Favourite Stopover Locations
With long-haul flights getting, well, longer, is this the end of the stopover?
Abu Dhabi, UAE – A Travel Guide
Abu Dhabi home of the magical Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari world and the desert 4×4 safari. Come with us as we hit the dunes and explore the world of the super rich.
Contents
Where To Visit
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is hotter than the guests at a Hollywood house party and home to the rich, super-rich and mega-rich.
The city is a powerful statement of wealth. Everything in the city is about being opulent, grand and in your face. As you explore Abu Dhabi, you'll notice the ongoing development of the land out into the Persian Gulf.
The land is literally rising from the sea at the hands of the rich and on an unprecedented scale. It's incredible and alarming in equal parts.
However, it is easy to see why Abu Dhabi is a firm favourite with the 'stop-over crew', as there is so much to see and do.
The highlight is undoubtedly the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. However, there are other gems, such as 4x4 dunes tours, Ferrari World, pristine manufactured beaches and, of course, theme parks.
Furthermore, the city has a fantastic road network, meaning that traffic jams are a thing of the past. Frankly, that's a lifesaver, as you'd melt if you stopped.
You'll notice everything I've mentioned is man-made. If you want untouched nature, the cities of the UAE are not for you. Yet, if you want to see something that shouldn't be possible, you'll appreciate Abu Dhabi.
You can read our complete guide to backpacking in Abu Dhabi here.
Dubai
Dubai is the other gem in the Emirates crown. And it's a bloody expensive crown.
Ultimately, the city is all about being the biggest and the best. It shows the world what having money and ambition can achieve. Therefore, it's no surprise the city is home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. With 163 floors, it stands at a massive 828 meters (830 to the tip).
Dubai is one of the world's fastest-growing economies, thanks to oil, trade and tourism. Similarly, it's the party hub for the rich and famous, as well as providing some of the most lavish shopping malls.
Unlike the other stopover extraordinaire; Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Abu Dhabi, Dubai is thriving with holidaymakers, weekend partygoers and city-break lovers.
Consequently, it's a unique environment that seems to have enough to please everyone.
The Desert
In effect, the UAE is around 80% desert. Hence, I couldn't write a guide without offering a quick mention.
Don't for one second think that it's 'just' all camels and sand - because there is far more to experience here in the desert than first meets the eye.
Whether camel trekking, cultural Tantra dancing, sandboarding, or rallying the dunes in the 4x4s, you will find something to keep you occupied in the sandy world outside the two main cities.
What's It Like Backpacking the UAE?
Expensive.
If you have the money, you'll find it easy to do. If you haven't been featured in Forbes, it can be a bit harder.
Often it's too hot to walk, meaning you will be ordering taxis everywhere, which is an expense that soon adds up. Food will cost you an arm and a leg too. I paid around 100AED (£20) for a small wrap and a cup of tea. And the wrap was shit.
Notably, the country's image is essential to what the UAE is trying to achieve. The race for perfection is about as hot as the outside temperature, and harsh laws are in place to punish those who ruin its carefully-maintained image.
Along with Singapore, the UAE has to be one of the cleanest and most efficient countries I've been to. Everything is immaculate, and littering, in any form, will mean you end up in a spot of bother with the law. That is not something you want out here. There are even laws against washing your car on a public street.
If you stay within these laws, you'll find backpacking the UAE a fun, pleasurable and fascinating country to explore.
The Accommodation
In brief, if you're planning on backpacking the UAE, the two main sites for accommodation are Booking.com and Airbnb.
Hostelworld offers a few cheaper hostels in Dubai but lacks coverage nationwide.
Before backpacking the UAE, a friend told me about a brilliant hotel called the Aloft Abu Dhabi. So, obviously, I decided to stay there. Although, after several months in Malaysia and Indonesia, it was a shock to the system to spend more than a few pounds a night on accommodation. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful treat.
Granted, the Aloft was more expensive. However, every aspect of the hotel catered for my every need. The homestays and B&Bs I'd been staying in could only dream of this comfort!
Everything was superb, from the staff at the front desk to the rooftop pool and onto the room itself.
I was in paradise.
Firstly, the bed was beyond anything I had slept in. It was like being cuddled by a cloud. Secondly, the shower was fit for royalty. And I mean all of them, including the corgies. The views from my floor were over beautiful sandy rooftops out to the bay.
Generally speaking, I cannot praise the hotel enough.
All in all, the Aloft Abu Dhabi costs around 210AED (£45) a night. Which, in comparison to most of Asia, is outrageous. Yet, compared to even the more basic hotels in the UAE's twin cities, it is super cheap.
Overall, the UAE prides itself on luxury and all the frills, so be prepared to pay beyond what you may expect. Be sensible with where you stay. Although, indulgence is worth every penny.
Check our detailed accommodation guides for:
The Food
In effect, if you're on a budget, you'll find it too expensive to eat outside of the hotel, as food prices are astronomical.
Which, I guess, makes backpacking the UAE ideal if you want to lose a bit of weight.
Ultimately, the hotel was the only place I could afford, having spent my budget on one rubbish wrap and a cup of tea near the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Sorry, but there's not even a picture to show you.
I looked for cheap, local hangouts where I could taste this amazing Arabic food I had heard much about, but couldn't find it in Abu Dhabi anywhere.
Overall, very disappointing.
The Culture
There are two layers to culture in the UAE. There's the new, flashy one you can't miss, but underneath that runs a more subtle, much older undercurrent. It's so unassuming, it could easily go unnoticed. Yet, if you go into the desert, it's much easier to find.
Religion
The thread that links these two is entwined with the UAE's religion and law, which affects everything in the country.
Around 76% of the population is Muslim. As a result, religion and prayers are an important part of life in the UAE. Hence, one of the most noticeable cultural activities is the call to prayer, which happens five times a day. The first is at 5 am, and will likely interrupt your lie-in plans.
Law
Outside of the obvious, there are other clues that culture, religion and law are all connected, and create the way of life in the UAE you see today.
As I have mentioned, the cities are spotless, and whilst this initially looks like a pride issue, which it is, it's also cultural. It's against the law to ruin the image of the UAE, so much so, that it is even illegal to have a dirty car. However, exactly what the benchmark is for 'ruining the image' remains a mystery.
This rigid approach to law in the UAE doesn't just govern the aesthetic, it governs the way of life. Law is embedded in the culture, as the culture is to law.
For example, everyone appears well presented, the best they can be, and respectful. It is almost like life has been well rehearsed, ready for now, the main event.
Of course, there are many other links between culture and law, mainly involving relationships. Public displays of affection can easily cross between 'frowned upon' to 'illegal', as does showing too much skin in particular locations. Sex outside of marriage is illegal, and whilst a blind eye is often turned to westerners, it's not guaranteed.
In addition, as a conservative Muslim country, LGBT acts and relationships are really not considered okay in the UAE.
Clothing
Being a majority Muslim country, clothing is very important. Traditional dress for men includes the Kandura, a light, flowing and long-sleeved garment that ends at the ankles. Additionally, men also wear a headdress called a ghutra.
Traditional clothing for women comes in the form of an abaya, a long, light, flowing dress with a veil over the head called a hijab.
The Transport
Public transport in the UAE is comfortable, clean and more efficient than an accountant's filing system. Which is good, because that's how most of us will be getting around - unless you brought your private jet.
Also, don't quote me, but I believe Dubai now has the first Uber helicopter.
However, Back in the realms of affordability, whilst public transport is quick and efficient, it's mostly limited to a few cities. In truth, there are very few ways of travelling around the country.
Roads
On the whole, roads are a petrolhead's dream. They're long, straight, and run clear of traffic. In part, that's thanks to the many lanes running in each direction - future building at its best.
Not once, did I witness anything that remotely looked like a traffic jam or a queue. Hence, it was a pleasure to be travelling around, which is something I cannot say back home in the UK, or for the majority of Asia.
Coaches
In reality, if you want to move between cities, you're limited to long-distance coaches. Luckily, due to the size of the country, and the proximity of the major cities, it will not take you very long at all.
A coach can do the journey between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in an hour and a half, and at a reasonable cost of 25AED (£5).
Taxis
Nonetheless, a taxi will do that same journey faster. However, it will cost around eight times the price, at roughly 200AED (£41). For this reason, I'd advise you to take the coach.
Whilst there are limited modes of transportation from city to city, there are many forms of inner-city transport.
Taxis, water taxis, buses and Uber are just some of the different services open to you within the main cities. Dubai even offers a first-class metro system, which Abu Dhabi is lacking.
Law
Back to our favourite topic when backpacking the UAE - the law.
There are, as with most walks of life in the UAE, laws that govern public transport use.
It is illegal to eat or drink on public transport. This, predictably, leads to the fact it is also illegal to be drunk in public, and that includes - you've guessed it - public transport.
Furthermore, it's also considered unruly, but not illegal, to have too much luggage. If your luggage interrupts or gets in the way of others who are using public transport, expect some shit.
Rule upon rule keeps coming, other highlights, if you can call them that, are:
Everyone should be appropriately dressed when using public transport. For example, covered and respectful.
PDAs (public displays of affection) are not socially acceptable whilst using public transport, so keep your hands to yourself!
Camel
In addition to engines, there is one method of transport I'm yet to mention - the magical camel.
I would like to say they are the only way to travel through the desert, but they aren't. The 4x4 excursions are bloody amazing too.
That said, the camel is the traditional mode of transport and, in my opinion, is still the best, until they spit in your face.
The Budget
I'm afraid this is going to be a fairly short section.
I cannot recommend anyone on a strict backpackers budget comes to the UAE. You will simply run out of money, sleep under the stars, and go hungry. Which, ironically, will land you in prison.
At least that sorts out the accommodation issue.
So without further ado, our three Far Out budgets are;
The 'Backpacker' Budget
Your only objective is to keep travelling. The secret? Keeping costs at an all-time low. This is the budget for you.
Accommodation - Sadly nothing is super cheap in this, the land of the supercar and billionaires. The cheapest accommodation I can find across the country comes in at 54AED (£11) a night. Even these places are few and far between, and often in areas that mean you'll need to spend extra money on taxis.
These are generally, dorm-style rooms and in Dubai, and can be found on Hostelworld.
Foods - You have to accept that backpacking the UAE is not cheap, and at times, you will go hungry. The UAE's restaurants and supermarkets are a far cry from the street foods of Thailand and Indonesia.
Ultimately, for you, it's the ugly reality of buying cheap ingredients at a supermarket and cooking for yourself. Even then, it is a case of bulk-cooking the cheapest ingredients you can find.
If we allow for 60AED (£13) a day, that should see you through a couple of meals, as long as you like beans on toast.
Transportation - The issue is this: throughout most of the year it's just too hot to walk, meaning taxis and buses are a must. Taxis are too expensive for you, so you'll be using the buses.
In general, short journeys will come in around 6.50AED (£1.40), and you could end up taking 2-3 of these a day. A budget of 14AED (£3) is achievable in places.
Drinks - As a rough guide a local beer will set you back about 45AED (£9.60), so maybe treat yourself to a beer once a week. Realistically, I'm going to say just don't drink. Budget 0AED (£0).
Overall - Your backpacker daily budget for the UAE, including two meals, will come to a grand total of 128AED (£26).
The 'Travellers' Budget
You've saved for this trip, and you want the ultimate bang for your buck. Money is tight, but you want the best experience. We've got you covered.
Accommodation - Much like the backpacker budget, the UAE is not somewhere that is going to coincide with your spending plan. You may get away with a short two-night stopover. But long term, backpacking the UAE is not something you can sustain.
When it comes to accommodation you will probably want to chill with the backpackers, however, a few extra pounds can get you a hotel room in a better location.
Around 117AED (£25) a night means you can book a room in a chain hotel, such as the Ibis. Overall, you have to ask, are the extra amenities worth it? Yes, they probably are, because decent aircon is a necessity, and a pool is magical for cooling off. If you ask me, here in the UAE, they should be a human right.
Restaurants - Your budget will allow for one meal out per day, rather than slaving away over the stove.
For comparison, a McDonalds in the UAE will set you back about 30AED (£6.50), which is slightly cheaper than a low-end restaurant. If you are hanging around the main cities, the low-end restaurants will come with higher costs.
Overall, a reasonable daily budget would be 95AED (£20). Albeit, I'm assuming you don't want to eat McDonald's three times a day.
Transportation - Likewise, taxis are pushing your budget, considering the minimum trip fare is 10AED (£2.15) and you're adding 3AED a kilometre, a short trip will soon add up.
Although, the good news is buses are comfortable, clean and have aircon, so it's not all bad.
I'll throw in an extra bus journey on top of the backpacker's budget. Therefore, the average daily budget for transport in the UAE is a healthy 19.50AED (£4.20).
Drinks - Again, the traveller's budget will not cover a good session every night.
The difference between the traveller's budget, and the backpacker's budget, is simply one beer a night. You will be drinking the bog basic beer, which comes in at around 45AED (£9.60). If you stray from that, you could blow the budget out of the water.
Overall - Your traveller's daily budget for the UAE, including three meals, will come to a grand total of 276.50AED (£60).
The 'Daddies Credit Card' Budget
Your trust fund is finally available, and your Instagram followers need to see where you are in the world this week. You farted the other day, and a private jet came out. We haven't forgotten you.
Hotels - Welcome home rich people.
This land was built with you in mind, especially when it comes to accommodation. You have many many choices. The level of comfort you require will depend on how deep your trust fund goes.
On the tame end, you can rent a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom apartment on Dubai Marina for a cool 145,000AED (£31,000) a year. But if your dad is Jeff Bezos, I have found you a luxury 5-star hotel, in Rimah, for 24,000AED (£5,124) a night.
I guess that will do it?
Restaurants - You will be pleased to know that not only can you live in luxury, but you can dine in luxury too, at the underwater extravagance of Ossiano in Dubai.
In reality, the epic and intricately detailed dishes, should you wish to dine here, start at 675AED (£144) a head and easily rack up to over 3,000AED.
So, please enjoy! Also, can you let us know how it tastes, as I will never be able to afford this? With this in mind, I will throw an average daily budget of 2000AED (£427) a night. Don't choke.
Transportation - It's helicopters, surely?
You book executive transport around the country through HeliDubai, although I am not too sure what they will charge you. Having looked into their flights you can do aerial tours for around 600AED (£130). Using HeliDubai as a personal chauffeur could be pricey, but fuck it, it's pennies to you. Let's make a conservative estimate of around 600AED (£130) a day? But if you have to ask the price...
Drinks - Ladies and Gents, it's not all about alcohol! Some of the finer things in life are non-alcoholic.
I know, I was laughing writing that too.
The delightful, non-alcoholic Ruwa can be purchased in the UAE for a measly sum of 20,000,000AED (£4,271,171) a bottle. I should imagine, even for you lot, that's expensive. Please tell me it is? If not, do you have a daughter, sister, mother? On a serious note, I'll take grandmother.
In reality, I can see you drinking in the luxury of Zeta, with views overlooking the Burj Khalifa. A decent bottle of Jonny Walker will set you back 35,000AED (£7,475). That's your round, I'll get the water after to help re-hydrate. Tap!
Shall we call that an average night in the UAE? As a result, your daily budget for drinks is 35,000AED (£7,475) a night. That's my yearly budget for living in the UK.
Overall - Your daddies credit card daily budget for the UAE, including three meals, will come to a grand total of 61,600AED (£13,155) a day. Big-up respect. Booyakasha!
The Best Things To Do When Backpacking The UAE
Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only my highlight of Abu Dhabi, it is the most remarkable religious building I've ever been to.
The attention to detail is immense, and far surpassed any expectations I had. It's a masterpiece of design and architecture that you can lose yourself in.
The exterior of the building is made of marble, gold and precious gemstones, and consists of 82 domes and four minarets. A word of warning, the gleaming white marble reflects the heat of the sun, and honestly, it's like being roasted over an open fire.
Nevertheless, slowly cooking yourself to within an inch of hospitalisation is a price worth paying to explore such a colossal building.
There is an air of elegance and grace as you breeze through the building's intricate walkways. I'm not at all religious, but I still felt an enchanting, calming aura and I walked its halls.
It also just so happens to be free, making it a must-do when backpacking the UAE, and I'd go as far as saying it's worth the trek from Dubai.
4x4 rides through the desert
One hell of an experience.
That is how I'd describe the 4x4 desert rallying.
Skidding around the wispy desert is a kick. It's an adventure away from the tarmac havens of the cities, and their traditional standards of driving.
Racing off the roof of the dunes, and crashing back to earth with moments after is a thrill you cannot get, legally, on the roads. The first time you feel the front of the car running off the dune, you'll feel your ass cheeks clench tighter than the force of a thousand squats. But it's okay, and soon you settle in for the ride.
After you've survived the drive, you'll come to an oasis. Here, you're treated to an evening of great food and entertainment.
This is a fantastic afternoon out that you just can't have in most places around the world.
Preparing to Backpack The UAE
Suggested Itineraries
Sadly, if there are any real, in-depth itineraries for backpacking the UAE, I don't know about them. It's utterly a case of a stopover in one of two locations, or a short holiday. So head to Abu Dhabi or Dubai, both of which provide exciting excursions into the desert.
And there's not really much point in providing maps or snazzy suggestions for that.
Speaking Emirates Arabic
I have to apologise for this one, I've done my best.
The thing with Arabic is that there are dozens of variations of it, and they can all be very different. In the UAE they speak Emirati Arabic.
I've been learning Modern Standard Arabic on Duolingo, and I've made it to the Pearl League, so I'm kind of a big deal here. Not!
So this guide is pretty much based on that. I'm pleased if any of the below help you with backpacking the UAE and speaking to locals. Seriously, please let me know if this helps, or if my pronunciation is slightly off.
| English | Emirates Arabic | Greg's Pronunciation Breakdown™ |
|---|---|---|
| hello | مرحبا | mar-haban |
| bye | وداعا | waadaan |
| my name is... | إسمي | is-me... |
| yes | نعم | nah-m |
| no | لا | la |
| ok | حسنا | hassanan |
| please | رجاء | raja-o |
| thank you | شكرا | shook-ran |
| sorry | آسف | ahsif-on |
| how much? | كم الثمن؟ | ka-mor-thamany |
| excuse me | عفوا | arf-wen |
| what? | ماذا؟ | maadur |
Visas and Borders
When it comes to entering the UAE, things are, on the whole, relatively simple.
Visa
Four countries have freedom of movement and can come and go as they please. They are Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and, unsurprisingly, Oman.
Outside of the fortunate four, Mexican citizens have the best deal with a whopping 180-day visa-free travel within the country.
Citizens of the following countries are allowed 90-day visa-free; All EU citizens (except Ireland), Iceland, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, Russia, Montenegro, Serbia, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Uraguay, Barbados, Honduras, St Vincent, El Salvador, a couple of island nations in the Central Pacific Ocean and Seychelles.
Citizens of China, Japan, Ukraine and Macau can obtain a 30-day visa-free experience for backpacking the UAE.
Don't worry if your country hasn't appeared on the list, you could still have free access to the sounds, sights and smells, of the UAE.
Citizens of the following countries can get a free-visa-on-arrival; The UK, Ireland, Andorra, Monaco, The Vatican, San Marino, Canada, USA, Bahamas, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapour, Hong Kong, South Korea, and a couple of other island nations.
If your country doesn't appear on our list, please consult your government website for travel advice.
Borders
The UAE borders two countries, Saudi Arabia and Oman, both of which have land borders.
If you plan to drive to the UAE from either country, you will require valid insurance and a driving permit.
You can also enter the UAE via one of the four seaports located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
Whilst there are a surprising number of airports in the country, the chances are you'll be arriving at one of two, Abu Dhabi International, or Dubai International.
What to Pack
When it comes to 'what to pack' when backpacking the UAE, we have to first ask ourselves, are we here for a stopover or a holiday?
If the answer is a stopover, then pack for your end destination with some long, light clothing for your time in the UAE.
Should you be spending more than a couple of days in the UAE, you'll need to put a little more thought into your packing, but it's a simple one to pack for.
It's going to be scorchiooooooo.
Our Top Pick for Backpacking the UAE is...
Sun Screen
Sunscreen is a must. The UAE is a desert.
The average day-time temperatures are somewhere in the region of 25 degrees. The nights are cooler but still average around 15 degrees. When you step out into the desert away from the sea, those temperatures soar during the day, yet almost hit freezing during the night.
The sun is extremely powerful in and around the Persian Gulf, and there is little protection from its rays. Honestly, I've never sweated so much in my life.
Burning is easily done here so, make sure you carry sunscreen with you in your day bag and apply regularly. I always suggest a minimum of SPF 30, although ideally, it should be SPF 50, and of course, it should be waterproof.
I tend to go for a named brand I trust, such as Nivea. Not only will it protect, but it won't leave you feeling sticky or leave those annoying, white marks on your clothes.
Whether you're backpacking the UAE or enjoying a short sharp stopover, pack light, pack airy and pack respectful clothing.
Clothing in the UAE, in general, covers as much of the body as possible. See the culture section above for further details regarding traditional clothing.
The heat and humidity can be overwhelming so whilst you're required to cover-up, you want light, long-flowing, comfortable clothes, that allows your skin to breathe. Sweat-wicking is a winner. Cotton is not.
Outside of that, there isn't anything specific for the UAE you'll need to consider. You can buy it all here, just at a cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is, as always, vital when travelling, and backpacking the UAE is no different.
As I mention in the safety section below, the country is safe for tourists. Thefts and muggings are very rare throughout the UAE.
Yet, laws are easily breached, and punishment can be harsh. Good travel insurance doesn't just cover illness and injury, it can help fund any legal case you may accidentally stumble into when backpacking the UAE.
It also helps with peace of mind, should you lose or damage any of your valuables.
It is worth getting insurance.
Backpacking the UAE Ethically
Ethically, backpacking the UAE is very hit-and-miss.
Firstly, you're in a country that primarily makes its money from oil, which massively contributes to the climate crisis. While this may affect your decision of whether you should come here, there's absolutely nothing you can do about it whilst backpacking the UAE.
Ultimately, you're more likely to be affected by the laws surrounding sex and, in particular, LGBT relationships. By western standards, the laws are archaic. Furthermore, the UAE has a very sketchy history in particular around its treatment of victims of rape, and sexual assault, and its treatment of non-heterosexual relationships.
However, outside of these rather old-school thoughts, there are areas in which the UAE excels.
There are conservational areas for endangered animals, such as the hawksbill turtle. People are taught about the needs of the wildlife, and protection is provided to any wildlife considered 'at risk'.
The UAE is striving to make reserves accessible for all who are looking to learn about the country's wildlife. For us, any push to educate people on wildlife protection is a good thing.
Whilst we're discussing wildlife, I want to go out of the way to say this: don't ride any animals who are being mistreated or pay to watch animals who are forced to perform for profit. In particular, make sure the camels are healthy and well-cared for before you ride one.
Camels are the best and most ecological way to get through the sandy desert terrains. On the whole, they are very well looked after. They are also expensive, thus they are not misused, mistreated, or abused. They are looked at as an important commodity, and, in some cases, a family members.
Safety
The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world. The likelihood of robbery, theft, or being a victim of crime is low.
However, it can happen.
Punishment in the UAE can be brutal, which keeps crime relatively low.
However, this can put us, the unsuspecting tourist, in a spot of difficulty. We highly advise you to read up on the laws of the UAE. You can easily and accidentally break them, which could land you a prison sentence.
Equally concerning are that numerous laws in the UAE don't protect victims. For example, sexual relations outside of marriage are a criminal offence in the UAE, as is homosexuality. If you are a victim of a sexual attack, it is down to you to prove the guilt of the offender. Furthermore, if you cannot do this, or if you were drunk at the time, you will be found as guilty of being involved in a sexual offence as the offender.
Next, with 80% of the country being desert, no safety talk would be complete without mentioning the sandy sea. The desert can be a hazardous environment. Above all, it's easy to get lost and overheat in the desert, which potentially can cause you to lose your life. However, if you enter the desert, make sure you're either, firstly, on a well-organised tour or, secondly, have sufficient skills and safety equipment, including lots of water.
Ideally, you'd have a tracker with GPS to assist anyone in a rescue should it be required.
Finally, whilst the country itself is safe, the tensions in the Middle East are something you should consider, particularly if you're also visiting the Persian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman.
Brief History
Whilst evidence of inhabitants in the UAE can be traced back over 125,000 years, the UAE is a very new country.
Ultimately, it was only after the discovery of oil in the 1930s that the country started to grow and develop. Additionally, oil is the single most significant factor leading to the vast amounts of wealth in the country today.
After the British left the area in 1968, six separate federations combined in 1971 to create the United Arab Emirates. The seventh, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the federation in 1972, completing the country as we know it today.
In 1972, the ruler of the Abu Dhabi federation, Sheikh Zayed, was declared president of the newly founded United Arab Emirates. Nowadays, his influences can still be seen and felt across the country, especially in Abu Dhabi.
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