United Arab Emirates Travel Information

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When to Go to United Arab Emirates

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate

The UAE has a desert climate with hot weather prevalent for much of the year. The hottest months are June, July and August with daytime temperatures reaching a scorching 50°c and high humidity. October heralds cooler weather with temperatures gradually falling to the high 20s°c and low 30s°c by February. Rainfall varies but in general remains sparse and irregular; that rain that does fall can often do so in sharp, heavy downpours, usually between November and March. Sandstorms and fog are other occasional climate factors.

Seasonality

Given the summer is too hot for a comfortable exploration of the country the best times to visit the UAE are mid-October through to March, with April and September possible in addition.

National Holidays

Date	Description
01 Jan 08	New Years Day
10 Jan 08	Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).
10 Jan 08	10 Jan Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year). Changes annually.
20 Mar 08	Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
30 Jul 08	Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).
02 Oct 08	Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Changes annually.
02 Dec 08	National Day.
09 Dec 08	Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Changes annually.
29 Dec 08	29 Dec Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year). Changes annually.

National Events

Event	Occurs	Description
Dubai Shopping Festival	Annually in February	The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), or as it is known locally 'Layali Dubai', was started by the Dubai government in February 1996 to promote trade with Dubai. Today it is an annual shopping, entertainment, and cultural extravaganza that continues to promote tourism in Dubai and draws people from around the world each year. Visit in February to take part.
F1 Grand Prix	Date to be announced	Takes place in Abu Dhabi in 2009 - date to be announced
Dubai Desert Classic	28th January – 3rd February 2008	Famous annual golf tournament attracting a wealth of international talent.
Dubai Tennis Championship	February 2008
Dubai World Cup	29 March 2008	The world’s richest horse race.