Get ready to GO
Currency
UAE dirham (AED/DHS) and fils
Language
The official language is Arabic, and English is widely spoken.
Weather
Year-round sunshine.
Temperatures
Range from a nighttime low of around 10°C in winter (Dec-Mar), to a daytime high of 49°C at the height of summer (Jun-Aug).
The best time to visit is from October to April, with perfect temperatures for long, comfortable days at the beach and balmy evenings outside.
Vaccinations
The UAE has no special vaccination requirements, unless you have recently transited from a cholera-infected area. It’s always best to check with the health authority at the time you book.
Dress code
The UAE has a generally relaxed dress code, but out of respect for the local Islamic culture, modest clothing is recommended, and essential if you’re visiting a mosque or place of worship. This generally means clothing that covers shoulders to knees. Beachwear is fine on the beach, at beach clubs and at the pool, and formal wear or national dress is expected at business meetings.
Public behaviour
Drunkenness and overt displays of affection are offensive to Islamic culture and are also illegal.
Alcohol and tobacco
You can drink alcohol in licensed bars and clubs. However, it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public and smoking is not allowed at the airport, in malls and in most restaurants.
Currency Guide
All you need to know about the dirham, from exchange rates to helpful tips.
The dirham (AED) is the official currency of Dubai, as well as the UAE’s six other emirates. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, the currency is pegged at AED3.67 to the US dollar. Here’s our comprehensive guide to getting the most out of your money in Dubai, from everyday price point comparisons to common visitor queries. You can also familiarise yourself with the coins and banknotes, and the artworks displayed upon them that celebrate the UAE’s rich history and culture. And finally, use the currency converter to check the latest exchange rates with other global currencies, such as the Indian rupee, the Pakistani rupee and the British pound.
Also, keep an eye out for the new dirham symbol. Introduced by the Central Bank of the UAE in March 2025, the symbol is a ‘D’ with two horizontal lines through its centre and was inspired by the UAE flag.
Did you know?
- The dirham was introduced in 1973
- The dirham is pegged to the United States dollar
- One dirham can be subdivided into 100 fils
The dirham was introduced in 1973
Often shortened to AED, it is the official currency of the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai.
The dirham is pegged to the United States dollar
One dirham can be subdivided into 100 fils
What do dirhams look like?
The AED1 coin is silver and has a traditional Arabic coffee pot (dallah) on one side.
Otherwise, dirhams come in colourful banknotes ranging from AED5 to AED1,000 (USD1.36 to USD272.29).
Be sure to check out the intricate artworks on each note, depicting important symbols of UAE culture from Jumeirah Mosque and Ajman Fort to a falcon and an Arabian oryx.