Burj Khalifa At The Top
Ride to the observation decks of the world's tallest building for sunset over the city and desert.
Year-roundThe region's most popular destination and the world's favourite stopover — the Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque and superb beaches and family attractions.
The region's most popular destination and the world's favourite stopover — a country of superlatives built from the desert in a single generation.
Dubai is the headline act: the Burj Khalifa, the Palm, the gold and spice souks, dune safaris and dinner on the world's highest terraces. But the seven emirates hold far more — Abu Dhabi's serene Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island's theme parks; Sharjah's museums; and the mountains and beaches of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Few places pack so much into so little travel time.
Family-run since 1974, Cooee turns a UAE stopover into a highlight — pairing the icons with a desert night and, if you have longer, a hop to Oman or Jordan.
City, desert and coast — the emirates deliver contrast at every turn.
Burj Khalifa · souks · beaches
The world's tallest building, the Dubai Mall and fountains, the old-town souks and Jumeirah's beaches — non-stop and unforgettable.
Grand Mosque · Louvre · Corniche
Dune safaris & camps
Yas Island · waterparks · aquariums
Abu Dhabi · white marble
Mountains · beaches · Jebel Jais
The moments that make a Dubai stopover a highlight.
Ride to the observation decks of the world's tallest building for sunset over the city and desert.
Year-roundDune-bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and a barbecue under the stars in the dunes.
Oct – AprAbu Dhabi's serene white-marble masterpiece — free to visit, dress modestly.
Year-roundCross Dubai Creek by abra to the old-town markets — gold, saffron, oud and frankincense.
Year-roundNo advance visa — Australians receive a free visa on arrival, typically valid 30 days and extendable. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. See our getting there & visas guide.
3–4 nights in Dubai covers the Burj Khalifa, a desert safari, the souks and the beaches; add 1–2 nights in Abu Dhabi for the Grand Mosque, the Louvre and Yas Island. A perfect stopover or a week-long holiday in its own right. See our itineraries guide.
Outstanding — theme parks, waterparks, aquariums, indoor skiing, safe beaches and family-friendly hotels make the UAE one of the world's great family stopovers. See our family holidays guide.
November to March is ideal — warm, sunny days perfect for the beach and desert. Summer (June–September) is very hot (40°C+), but hotel rates drop and most attractions are air-conditioned. See our best time to visit guide.