The Ultimate Guide to Travelling the UAE: Luxury, Unforgettable Experiences and How to Save Money
Esimfly · 13 March 2025
I still remember my first time in Dubai - a city of astonishing skyscrapers, golden beaches, traditional souks and colossal shopping malls. That blend of luxury and cutting-edge technology creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on earth. But Dubai is only part of the story - the UAE offers far more than most people imagine, with breathtaking deserts, a rich culture and natural landscapes every bit as spectacular.
In this guide I will share everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip: how to get there for the lowest possible price, how to get around without emptying your wallet, which hotels are worth booking, which attractions you simply cannot miss, where to eat best, and of course - how to stay connected the whole time with an eSIM, the most affordable and convenient way to get online in the UAE without wrestling with expensive local SIM cards.
How do you find cheap flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
If you want to find good airfares, the trick is to search as early as possible and play with your dates.
Direct flights are operated by carriers such as Emirates, FlyDubai and El Al, with prices generally ranging from $350 to $700, depending on the season and demand.
If you want to cut costs significantly, it is worth looking at flights with a short connection via airlines such as Turkish Airlines, WizzAir or Pegasus - they sometimes beat the direct fares.
Another trick that can save you a fair amount is checking flights into Abu Dhabi airport, where fares are often lower, and then taking the free Etihad Airways shuttle to Dubai - an easy, comfortable way to bring your travel costs down.
To hunt down the very best prices, I recommend checking flight comparison sites such as Skyscanner and Google Flights.
How do you get around Dubai and Abu Dhabi without spending a fortune?
Transport is one of the things that surprises visitors to Dubai the most - it is cheap, advanced and extremely convenient.
The best way to move around the city is the Dubai Metro, one of the most advanced in the world, with driverless autonomous trains, exceptionally clean carriages and coverage of almost the entire city. A metro ride costs less than a dollar, which makes it the best-value option for anyone who does not want to drive.
But if you want real freedom to roam, consider renting a car: in the UAE there is free parking almost everywhere and fuel is dramatically cheaper than in most countries. You can rent through Hertz, Sixt or Kayak - and even find luxury cars at relatively low rates.
If you would rather not drive at all, use Uber or Careem - two excellent ride-hailing apps with fares far below European levels.
Where to stay: recommended hotels in the UAE
The UAE offers accommodation for every budget, but it is important to choose a location that suits your plans.
If you are after luxury, take a look at the Armani Hotel inside the Burj Khalifa, or Atlantis The Palm, one of Dubai's most spectacular resorts.
For better-value stays, check the options on Booking or Airbnb, where you can find private apartments at prices well below hotel rates.
Attractions you cannot miss in the UAE
If you make it to Dubai, there is no way you are skipping the observation deck at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world. Book tickets in advance on the official website to avoid the long queues.
A trip into the deserts outside Dubai is another experience worth having - take a jeep safari with Platinum Heritage and experience the desert the way the Bedouin do.
If you are looking for a different kind of shopping trip, the Dubai Mall is a must - one of the largest malls in the world, complete with a giant aquarium and an indoor ski park. Tickets for these attractions are available on the Dubai Mall website.
How do you stay connected in the UAE?
The biggest headache for visitors to the UAE is the price of local SIM cards - they are wildly expensive, with even a basic package running into tens of dollars.
The smartest solution? Use an eSIM.
✔️ Set up in minutes - buy online, scan a QR code, and you are connected instantly.
✔️ No physical SIM card to swap - the whole process happens on your phone.
✔️ Major savings on the expensive data bundles sold by local operators.
I personally used an eSIM on my last trip to Dubai, and it saved me a huge amount of time, money and hassle. From the moment I landed I had internet, without running around looking for a local phone shop.
Summary - why the UAE deserves a place on your list
The UAE offers the perfect combination of luxury, innovation, culture and breathtaking scenery. Whether you want a lavish holiday, a desert adventure, unique culinary experiences or simply a trip through a futuristic city like no other - Dubai and the rest of the Emirates deliver it all.
Plan ahead, save money with smart flights, choose good-value accommodation, use an eSIM and enjoy the ultimate experience!
Planning the trip? Order your United Arab Emirates eSIM before you fly — the QR code arrives by email within minutes.