UAE Tour Packages

1. About UAE
2. Tidbits
3. Things to Remember Before/When Booking Tour Packages
4. Our Best UAE Tour Packages
5. UAE At A Glance
6. Top Reasons To Visit UAE
7. The Best Time to Visit UAE
8. Things To Do in UAE
9. Food and Cuisine
10. Art and Culture
11. Shopping
12. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers

Located on the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, sharing borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation formed by the seven sheikhdoms of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Um Al Quwain. The federation was formed on 2nd December 1971. The President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi is His Highness (HH) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Defence Minister. The citizens of this country are called Emirates. Before the discovery of oil in 1958, the people of these sheikdoms lived a nomadic lifestyle and were called Bedouins. Back then, the primary occupations included pearl diving and fishing. Since the discovery of oil, the country has made rapid progress and is one of the Gulf’s most prosperous and third-largest economies. Visit us for more information about UAE tour packages and explore the country’s multiple attractions.

• The time difference between India and the UAE is an hour and a half.
• Almost 80% of the UAE’s population comprises expatriates from around 200 countries.
• The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is located in Dubai, UAE.
• Dubai and Abu Dhabi police have a fleet of supercars, including Buggati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin, which are often seen patrolling tourist areas.
• Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 87 million passengers in a year.
• In 2023, the Dubai Mall became one of the most visited places in the world, with over 105 million visitors.
• According to the Guinness World Record, the fastest roller coaster in the world Formula Rossa is located in Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
• The UAE has the world’s deepest swimming pool (Deep Dive), tallest hotel (The Gevora), tallest indoor climbing wall (CLYMB), first football theme park (Real Madrid World), and the longest zipline (Jebel Jais).
• Al Ain is a 4,000 year old oasis city in the UAE and a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Empty Quarter.
• UAE is the first Arab country to conduct a successful space expedition to Mars.

• Apply for an e-visa before travelling to the UAE.
• Exchanging your INR to AED (Dirhams) in India can provide better exchange rates than in the UAE.
• You can use USD in most prominent malls in the UAE. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar at the exchange rate of 1 USD = 3.6725 AED.
• It’s highly recommended that comprehensive travel insurance be purchased as medical costs in the UAE are high.
• Keep the contact information of the Indian embassy, consulate, or local tour operator readily available for use in case of emergencies.

UAE has it all! It’s a heady cocktail of a high standard of living, futuristic infrastructure, luxury, and culture with an extra splash of nature. This comparatively small country packs in a lot of punch, catering to the varied interests of all tourists.

Here are the top five reasons you should pick our UAE tour packages for your next holiday destination.

Throughout this beautiful country, you will see spectacular man-made marvels. The architecture is a blend of cutting-edge modernity, history, and tradition. Dubai in the UAE has one of the world’s most beautiful skylines.

Here are a few iconic buildings that you must visit:

• The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters.
• Burj Al Arab is the first 7 star design in the world and is known for its sail shaped structure.
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural masterpiece with 82 domes and exquisite marblework.
• Emirates Palace is a luxurious hotel with an opulent design and beautiful gardens.
• Dubai Frame is a modern architectural landmark that offers panoramic views of both old and new Dubai.
• The Museum of the Future is the latest addition to many iconic buildings in the UAE. The eye shaped structure has an outer facade covered with 1024 stainless steel panels.
• Sharjah Art Foundation is designed like a flying saucer.
• The Louvre Museum is an intricate dome shaped structure designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.
• Dubai Opera House is a stunning structure designed like a dhow (a fishing boat).

The UAE has some of the finest hotels and resorts in the world, with exquisite accommodations, unparalleled ambience, amenities, and customer service. Visitors are spoiled for choice and rarely experience the same hospitality anywhere else. You can charter a yacht to sail the Arabian Gulf, fly in a helicopter to tour the city, go glamping in the desert under a star-filled sky, enjoy dinner and belly dancing on a traditional dhow, rent a limousine to drive around the city, go on a desert safari in a top of the line SUV, shop in some of the most aesthetically designed malls, treat yourself to unique treatments in luxurious spas and enjoy gourmet dining experiences in some of the best restaurants in the world. Call us to access the country’s luxurious destinations. With GT Holidays’ UAE tour packages, you can enjoy eexperiences beyond your dreams.

Even though the UAE is a relatively young country, the history of this land stretches back over 6000 years. This can be seen in well-preserved artefacts in various museums, such as the Museum of Islamic Civilization in Sharjah. You can experience the Bedouin lifestyle and architecture in multiple venues, such as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the Al Bastikiya Quarter in Dubai and the Hatta Heritage Village. A guided tour at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi will give you an insight into the UAE’s governance, culture, and heritage. You can also visit various forts, ride an abra (small boat), and visit traditional souqs.

A drive up to the peak of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah or Jabeel Hafeet in Al Ain showcases rugged mountain landscapes with breathtaking vistas and epic sunsets and sunrises. Driving between the Emirates, you’ll be enthralled by the changing shapes and colours of sand dunes dotted with Camels. UAE’s coastline is 1,318 km long. The country has beautiful beaches with world-class amenities for entertainment and adventure sports such as diving and snorkelling. The UAE is a hub for millions of migratory birds. Tourists can spend time bird-watching in places such as the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, where migratory birds, especially Flamingoes, make a stop. The Al Zorah Nature Reserve, which features mangroves, waterbodies, and wildlife, is another place to spend time in nature. For a curated tour of the country’s wildlife, call us for personalised UAE tour packages.

UAE provides endless excitement and fun for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies with exhilarating rides in about a dozen different theme parks and a host of outdoor activities. Here’s a list of some of the top experiences with our UAE tour packages:

• Dubai Parks and Resorts is a massive complex that hosts three theme parks, Bollywood Parks, Motiongate, and Legoland.
• The IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor theme park in Dubai with thrilling rides based on famous Marvel and Cartoon Network characters.
• SKi-Dubai in the Mall of Emirates is a miniature ski resort popular with children for skiing, snowboarding, and encounters with penguins.
• Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster.
• Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi has numerous slides, wave pools, and rides.
• Warner Bros in Abu Dhabi is an indoor theme park with immersive rides based on Warner Bros. characters.
• Wild Wadi, next to the Jumeirah Hotel and Aquaventure in Atlantis Hotel, are two other popular water parks.
• You can enjoy outdoor activities such as ziplining, dune dashing, flyboarding, quad biking, scuba diving, sky diving, and snorkelling.

While most tourist experiences listed above require a ticket or pass, many free experiences can be equally exciting, for example, visiting the many parks and beaches in the country, driving through cities like Dubai and Abudhabi to enjoy the skyline, watching the water fountain shows at Dubai Mall and Festival City mall, strolling through the souqs and malls, driving up to popular peaks on the Hajjar mountain range such as Jabeel Haffeet in Al Ain, visiting the Dubai National Library etc.

The weather in the UAE can be broadly classified into very hot and cooler. In the summer months, June to September, the temperatures can rise to 45 degrees and more. The humidity can also peak at around 90%. In autumn, winter, and spring, from October to almost the beginning of May, the weather is cooler and more suitable for outdoor activities. This is the best time to visit the UAE, as you can enjoy the best indoor and outdoor activities without being restricted due to the weather. During these months, the country is abuzz with a host of festivals and celebrations such as the UAE National Day, New Year’s Eve, Dubai Shopping Festival, Emirates Literature Festival, Dubai International Jazz Festival, Dubai Marathon, Dubai World Cup for horse racing, Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Desert Classic for Golf, etc.

You dont have to despair for choosing summer UAE tour packages. You still have the option to choose from a whole gamut of indoor activities and experiences—malls, museums, theatres, libraries, art galleries, restaurants, hotels and resorts, indoor theme parks, zoos, aquariums, etc.

Here’s a list of popular tourist attractions you can enjoy with your UAE tour packages:

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: An architectural marvel built with stunning white marble and embellished with intricate Islamic patterns and designs. Women must wear an abaya and cover their heads to enter the mosque. An abaya and head scarf will be provided on the premises.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: This cultural landmark showcases art and artefacts worldwide. Its displays cover 9200 square meters.
• Qasr Al Watan: This presidential palace offers insights into the UAE’s governance and culture with guided tours.
• Yas Island: A hub for entertainment featuring Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros.
• Saadiyat Island: Home to pristine beaches.
• Emirates Palace: A luxurious hotel that exemplifies Arabian hospitality, known for its opulent architecture and beautiful gardens.
• Corniche Beach: A beautiful public beach with pristine sands, walking paths, and family-friendly facilities, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
• Yas Marina Circuit: A state of the art motorsport facility hosting Formula 1 races and driving experiences for motorsport enthusiasts.
• Qasr Al-Hosn: The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, this fort and museum present the Emirate’s history and culture.
• Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: A unique facility dedicated to falcon care. It offers guided tours that educate visitors about this cultural symbol of the UAE.
• Heritage Village: A reconstructed traditional Emirati village showcasing the country’s heritage through crafts, exhibits, and cultural displays.
• Al Ain Oasis: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring date palms and traditional irrigation systems, perfect for leisurely walks and exploring nature.
• Liwa Oasis: A picturesque desert oasis known for its lush date palms and stunning landscapes, offering a glimpse into traditional Emirati life.
• Emirates National Auto Museum: This museum has a fascinating collection of vintage cars and unique vehicles showcasing the history of automobiles in the UAE.

• Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world, offering breathtaking views from observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors.
• Dubai Mall: One of the largest shopping malls in the world. It has over 1000 stores, an aquarium, an ice rink, and countless dining and shopping options.
• Palm Jumeirah: An iconic man-made island known for its luxury resorts, beaches, and the famous Atlantis hotel.
• Dubai Marina: A vibrant waterfront with stunning skyscrapers, restaurants, and leisure activities, perfect for a scenic stroll or boat ride.
• Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: A glimpse into Dubai’s past with preserved traditional buildings, art galleries, and cultural experiences.
• Zabeel Park: A sprawling park in the middle of a bustling city. An ideal spot to wind down and spend time in nature. This park has many activities for wholesome family fun.
• Meena Bazaar: A bustling area known for its traditional souks, offering textiles, jewellery, and spices.
• Dubai Creek: A historic waterway that connects Deira Dubai and Bur Dubai. You can ride an abra (small boat) from either side of this creek.
• Museum of the Future: The latest addition to the list of UAE attractions, this museum has immersive, futuristic displays.
• Miracle Garden: A stunning floral paradise in Dubai, home to over 150 million flowers arranged in breathtaking designs and sculptures, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
• Dubai Frame: A striking architectural landmark offering panoramic views of the old and new Dubai, symbolising the city’s transformation.
• The Dubai Fountain: A mesmerising water and light show set on the Burj Khalifa Lake, featuring choreographed performances to music.
• City Walk: A trendy outdoor shopping and dining destination with a blend of retail, art, and entertainment options.
• Global Village: A multicultural festival park featuring pavilions from over 40 countries, offering food, shopping, and entertainment from around the world.
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium: An underwater wonderland at Atlantis The Palm, featuring a variety of marine life and interactive experiences.
• Dubai Marina Walk: A scenic promenade with restaurants and shops alongside the marina, perfect for leisurely strolls.
• Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR): A vibrant beachfront area with shops, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and entertainment.

• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Showcasing Islamic art and history through a vast collection of artefacts and exhibitions.
• Al Noor Mosque: A beautiful mosque with stunning architecture is open to non-Muslim visitors.
• Sharjah Arts Museum: Hosting a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art, this museum highlights local and international artists.
• Al Qasba: A waterfront destination with dining, shopping, and entertainment options, including a giant Ferris wheel offering scenic views.
• Khalid Lagoon: A picturesque area perfect for walking, jogging, or picnicking, with beautiful views and public art installations.
• Arabian Wildlife Centre: A unique facility showcasing the region’s native wildlife, offering educational exhibits and opportunities to see endangered species in a natural habitat.
• Al Majas Waterfront: A picturesque promenade with scenic views, recreational activities, and dining options.
• Sharjah Natural History Museum and Desert Park: This engaging museum showcases the natural history of the UAE. It has exhibits on local wildlife and geology and a desert park for hands-on exploration.

• Dhayah Fort: This ancient fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and reflects the emirate’s rich history.
• Jebel Jais: The highest mountain in the UAE, known for its stunning views, hiking trails, and the world’s longest zipline.

• Fujairah Fort: One of the oldest forts in the UAE, offering insights into the region’s history and stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Al Badiyah Mosque: The oldest mosque in the UAE, known for its simple architecture and historical significance.
• Fujairah Museum: This museum showcases artefacts from ancient civilisations and provides a glimpse into the emirate’s rich culture and history.
• Khor Fakkan Beach: A beautiful beach destination that offers water sports, relaxation, and picturesque views of the Gulf of Oman.

• Ajman Museum: Located in an 18th century fort, this museum showcases the history and culture of Ajman through various exhibits.
• Ajman Beach: A picturesque beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
• Al Zorah Nature Reserve: A serene natural area featuring mangroves and diverse wildlife, ideal for birdwatching and kayaking.

The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is truly a global hub. This is most evident in the country’s food and cuisine, which reflect its people’s diversity, culture, and heritage.

UAE has a vast array of international fast food and restaurant chains to suit every pocket. Upscale restaurants and cafes in stunning locations offer world-class dining experiences with menus designed by world-famous chefs. Ethnic restaurants serve Indian, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Ethiopian, and Lebanese cuisines.

Indian cuisine is well-represented in the UAE. Multiple restaurants serve authentic dishes from various parts of India. So whether you want a dosa, panipuri, or butter chicken, you will definitely find a restaurant to satisfy your cravings. Using a food delivery app such as Talabat or Zomato to review restaurants and their food options will help you make better choices.

Emirati and Middle Eastern cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian. Still, vegetarians can binge on salads such as Tabbouleh and Fattoush, dips such as Hummus and Moutabal, and freshly baked bread called Khubz.

Shawarma
Arabic bread stuffed with meat (chicken or beef) marinated and grilled in a vertical rotisserie. It’s served with sauces and pickled vegetables.

Falafel
A chickpea patty, similar to dal vada, can be eaten on its own or wrapped in a sandwich with vegetables, pickles and sauces.

Regag
Super thin and crispy, this flatbread is served with cheese and eggs.

Chebab
Emirati pancake served with date syrup.

Manakish
Similar to a pizza, this flatbread is topped with cheese, spices such as zaatar, labneh (hung curd), vegetables, or meat.

Harees
This wholesome porridge is made from wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb), cooked together until the grains.

Machboos
Like biryani, this rice dish is prepared with meat and vegetables and flavoured with a rich blend of Arabic spices.

Luqaimat
Sweet, deep-fried dough balls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These golden-brown treats are drizzled with date syrup or honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Umm Ali
A bread pudding made with milk and nuts.

Kahwa
Arabic coffee is lightly spiced, usually flavoured with cardamom and served with dates.

Karak
A version of the Indian milk tea that is popular in the UAE.

The UAE art scene is buzzing with collaborations with artists and designers from around the world. Through its festivals, museums, and numerous cultural events, the UAE is committed to promoting cultural exchange and understanding. This commitment is evident in the world-class art venues that the country can proudly boast of, such as the Manarat Al Saadiyat Art and Culture Centre in Abu Dhabi and Al Serkal Avenue in Dubai. The Dubai Opera hosts various performances, from classical concerts to operas and ballets.

Festivals like the Biennal in Sharjah allow you to see innovative, contemporary art. The Dubai Shopping Festival, National Day Celebrations, The Abu Dhabi Festival and The Emirates Airline Literature Festival give you a chance to experience Emirati performances such as Al Ayalah and taste traditional dishes like Luqaimat and Kahwa, get a glimpse of Falconry, and get henna/mehndi with conventional Arabic designs. The Sheikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding, located in the Al Fahidi neighbourhood in Dubai, runs programs and guided tours to help tourists better understand the Emirati way of life. Calligraphy is one of the most revered art forms in the UAE. You can visit the Dubai Calligraphy Museum to see the skills of local calligraphers and sign up for workshops to get introduced to this art.

A shopper’s paradise! This phrase has been used to describe many destinations, but it is 100% true when used to describe the UAE, especially Dubai. Electronics, clothes, bags, shoes, jewellery, traditional crafts, toys, stationery, home decor, food items—anything and everything that your heart desires can be found here. You can shop at high-end malls or traditional souqs or order online. There is something to match everyone’s shopping style.

Here’s a list of notable malls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, each offering a unique shopping experience along with dining and entertainment options:

• The Dubai Mall: The largest shopping mall in the world, featuring over 1,200 retail outlets, an aquarium, an ice rink, and numerous dining options.
• Mall of the Emirates: A premier shopping destination known for its indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai, luxury brands and diverse dining experiences.
• Ibn Battuta Mall: A themed shopping mall inspired by the travels of the famous explorer, featuring six courts representing different cultures.
• City Centre Deira: A popular mall with many shops, a multi-screen cinema, and a family entertainment centre, ideal for shopping and leisure.
• Dubai Marina Mall: A waterfront mall offering a selection of shops, dining options, and beautiful views of the marina.
• Wafi Mall: Known for its distinctive Egyptian-themed architecture, this mall features luxury boutiques, a spa, and a variety of restaurants.
• Dragon Mart: A massive retail and trading hub, primarily for Chinese goods, offering a vast selection of products at competitive prices.
• The Outlet Village: A shopping destination designed like a Tuscan village, featuring discounted luxury brands and a charming atmosphere.

• Marina Mall: A popular mall located by the waterfront, offering a range of shops, dining options, and entertainment facilities, including a cinema.
• Yas Mall: The largest mall on Yas Island, featuring over 400 stores, various dining options, and proximity to attractions like Ferrari World.
• Abu Dhabi Mall: A well-established shopping destination with a mix of international and local brands and dining and entertainment options.
• Al Wahda Mall: A spacious mall with diverse shops, restaurants, and a cinema catering to various shopping needs.
• The Galleria Al Maryah Island: A luxury shopping destination featuring high-end brands, fine dining, and beautiful waterfront views.
• Mushrif Mall: A community mall with a range of shops, cafes, and a family entertainment centre, providing a relaxed shopping experience.

• UAE is a conservative Islamic country, so it’s essential to be mindful of local customs. Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is expected, especially in public places and religious sites.
• During the holy month of Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours.
• Public displays of affection, such as kissing, hugging or hand-holding between unmarried couples, are generally unacceptable and considered a criminal offence which may result in fines or even imprisonment.
• Alcohol consumption is restricted in the UAE and is only available in licensed hotels and restaurants.
• UAE has stringent laws regarding LGBTQ+ activities and rights.
• Tipping 10-15% of the bill is standard practice at restaurants. It is better to carry cash for tips.
• Whatsapp calling doesn’t work in the UAE.
• Bargaining is common in many UAE souks, so be prepared to negotiate prices politely and respectfully.
• UAE offers tax-free shopping, so keep your receipts for potential tax refunds at the airport.
• UAE has a hot, arid climate, so lightweight, breathable fabrics are recommended to stay cool and comfortable, especially during summer.
• Remember to drink enough water throughout your stay.
• Use sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Visit local supermarkets to stock up on essentials such as water, juice, fruits, snacks etc.