I'm taking my first trip over to the UAE and besides the obvious of Dubai and Abu Dhabi if any s adorned world travelers have some good tip and recommendations of must -do. Any easy flights around the region I'd love to look into but slightly reluctant for potential safety issues as well  
Hope everyone had a great year, let's see what 2017 brings.

Alyssa

Hey!
   Just got back from UAE again in late November.

You didn't mention trip dates, best time to go is now - early April. The summer is dreadfully hot through October.
If you are looking for nearby countries to visit, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman are a short flight away. Saudi Arabia is a great place as well but very, very conservative especially for women.  

Things to do in Abu Dhabi - Emirates Palace (do the tour if it is available), Etihad Towers Observatory, Yas Island (Marina Circuit and etc.), Ferrari World, Sheikh Zayed Mosque (I recommend going early in the morning, or late evening just before sunset). Saadiyat Island has beautiful beaches to relax on. Abu Dhabi is more for sightseeing and learning about UAE history and seeing the development of UAE. As Abu Dhabi is the capital, the city strikes a careful balance between traditional and "Western" entertainment. I would save shopping and partying for Dubai. My favorite hotels would be the St. Regis at World Trade Center, St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Yas Viceroy, Jumeriah at Etihad Towers. I have been to UAE about 12 times and those are the only places I entertain anymore.

Things to do in Dubai - Dubai is the far more lively and tourist-friendly than Abu Dhabi and you can tell just be looking at how people dress, the restaurants that are there, and the plentiful malls/entertainment venues. Of course, the observatory and aquarium at the Burj Khalifa (buy tickets ahead of time). Also, visit the beach at the Burj Al Arab. The Dubai Water Canal is now open, so that is definitely an experience to do. Try and visit the Palm Island, and you can also arrange to play with Dolphins at the Atlantis there. Absolutely visit the gold souk and spice market, and also there are plenty of desert tours you could do. I fully recommend eating at one of the restaurants at Dubai Creek Yacht Club - you can take a floating donut onto the creek during your meal! Watch the fountains, go to the Marina; the Marriott at the Marina has an observatory with incredible views. For shopping, visit The Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates. There are tons of clubs if you want to go out at night. Hotel Recs: Jumeriah Dar al Masyaf, Park Hyatt Dubai at Dubai Creek, JW Marriott Marquis.

UAE is one of my favorite places and I love the people. You will have so much fun!

Thank you so much for the detailed info, especially on Abu Dhabi maybe we should plan to spend a few solid days there.
Alyssa

I used to live in UAE a few years ago. It is a nice place for men... As a woman, I recommend you be very careful. Dubai, Manama and Doha are very safe, in fact safer than walking in the middle of IA. Abu Dhabi is not as woman friendly as you expect. It is nice to visit but there are many restrictions as to what a woman can safely do with out rising suspicions from the locals. Obviously you are aware that you must be prudent and prudish regarding dress.  

I would spend most of my time in Dubai, there is more to do that anywhere else in the area. I really loved the dune racing and the very fine dining. During the time I was there I never ever worried about anything at all. Never felt unsafe never felt nervous or similar. As a sigle woman I would certainly not walk down the creek area after 10, unless there are many people on the street.  

Dubai has a great cab system, they are cheap and everyone speaks English. I recommend you try Iranian food and really enjoy this.  

Things to look out for in Dubai.  

As an American you are restricted from conducting or doing business with certain countries and companies. Dubai is a world financial center and as such there are many international banks with ATM's everywhere. Make sure, and I mean make sure, you do not use an ATM from an Iranian bank, you will be violating the OFAC (office of foreign assets control) guidelines. I have a friend who upon returning to the US had a lot of trouble, for a while until he could prove he did not intentionally do so.  

Be mindful of your smiles, certain cultures that populate this area (with European / westerners) you dont have to worry about but other races and cultures will take this as an invitation to engage you and potentially ruin your evening. A small smile is always ok but a large American style smile is not your best option.  

In the bars (always at hotels) you will encounter people who offer you a bag of "herbs" not MJ but some other Persian or North African "tea" as they call it. These are not laced or anything, they will just really make you sick and depending on your body may ruin a few vacation days for you.

DO NOT walk around drunk.... there is Zero tolerance for women who seem intoxicated on the streets. Use a Cab, to move from place to place after consuming alcohol. You can get wasted just like any where else but be aware that this cannot be done outside specially designated areas.  

Last but not least... Alcohol is very pricy in Dubai, so be sure upon arrival to stock up on any and all the alcohol you want to enjoy in your room from the arrival duty free shop just before you exit the airport security area. It is cheap and well, you will appreciate being able to have a drink in your room after hours or before you go to one of the many awesome bars or clubs.... Remember to not arrive drunk, just have a few before, in the event you are wanting to party like a rock star at a club.

Have fun... it is one of those trips you will never forget. I love that city!