Visa-Free Travel to the UAE in 2025 | A Guide to a Rich Country Where Deserts and Seas Dance
I. Essential Pre-Travel Information
1. Visa-Free Policy: Chinese passports valid for 6 months or longer enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay!
2. Best Season: November to March (temperatures around 25°C). Be cautious with outdoor activities in the summer when temperatures exceed 50°C.
3. Essential Items:
- British standard adapter, sunscreen, and sunglasses (desert UV rays are extremely strong).
- Small jacket (shopping malls have ample air conditioning), scarf (for wind and sand protection and a great photo-taking tool).
- International Driving License (essential for renting a car or driving), common medications (local medical expenses are expensive!).
4. Currency:
- Dirham (AED) is approximately 1.89 RMB. Bring a small amount of cash (taxis only accept cash).
- UnionPay and credit cards are accepted, and major shopping malls accept US dollars and euros. 2. Must-visit spots that will dominate social media
📍Dubai
- Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest tower): Climb to the top at sunset for panoramic views of the city and its musical fountains
- Palm Jumeirah: Stay at Atlantis (over 2,000 per night) and visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium 🐠
- Al Seef: Stay at the Hilton Heritage Hotel (190 vintage rooms) and capture stunning Arabian-style photos
- Desert Safari: Choose a proper campsite! The Red Sands sunset and starry sky are unparalleled.
📍Sharjah (City of Culture)
- Rain Room: High-tech, rain-proof, and instantly popular.
- Museum of Islamic Civilization: 24K gold dome and zodiac domes, perfect for OCD.
- Mleiha Desert: Salted egg yolk sunset and Milky Way nightscape, a perfect photo grid in one day.
📍Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque: Pure white marble and the world's largest carpet. Wrist and ankle coverage is essential. 👳
- Ferrari World: The world's fastest roller coaster, a must-try for speed enthusiasts.
III. Transportation and Accommodation Tips
✈️ Flights: Emirates often has special offers!
🚗 Transportation:
- Taxis are metered, so take note of the license plate to avoid lost items.
- Rent a car from a reputable company (such as Hertz) and check the insurance! Speed limits are high in the area, and fines can run into the thousands of dirhams. 🏨 Accommodation:
- Luxury: Burj Al Arab, Atlantis
- Culture: The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah ("One Thousand and One Nights"-inspired castle)
- Value: Heritage hotel in Old Dubai, offering river views and convenient access to the souk.
IV. Don'ts and Things to Note 🚫
❗Photography Restrictions:
- Photographing government buildings, royal palaces, military bases, police cars, or traffic accidents is prohibited. Violators face hefty fines and expulsion!
- Drone flights are prohibited (permission required). Unauthorized photography of locals (especially women and children) is prohibited.
❗ Code of Conduct:
- Alcohol is prohibited in public places. Conservative dress is required in religious places (covering shoulders and knees).
- Verbal abuse and fighting are illegal and may result in imprisonment!
V. Foodie and Shopping Guide
🍴 Food:
- Saffron French toast, Shakshouka eggs
- Dubai's Old Spice Souk: Must-buy saffron and dates!
🛍️ Shopping:
- Dubai Mall: Luxury goods and the gold souk (stay at legitimate stores to avoid counterfeits)
- Al Noor Island, Sharjah: Handmade cashmere shawls and carved Arabic lamps.