First of all, congratulations on your marriage! May your journey together be filled with joy, laughter, and…UAE-style fun. If you’re admiring a wooden world map for wall, wondering where to spend your heart-shaped vacation, the dazzling United Arab Emirates welcomes you. It offers the 3-in-1 package: adventure, romance, and sun. Before you get on the road, check out our top tips for the newlyweds to make your honeymoon truly magical.

Think of the When

The weather in the desert can (and it 100% will!) vary significantly during different seasons. If you know all the weather patterns, you’re sure to pick the perfect time for your newlywed escape.

• Summer (June-August). In short, it is very hot. The temperatures go beyond 40°C (104°F). At the same time, a lot of exceptional luxury hotel offers are pretty affordable, while you can enjoy indoor experiences and loads of water-based adventures.
• Winter (November-February). Officially, the best time to visit the UAE! At the same time, it’s the peak tourist season. The temperatures are cooler and stay within 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). If you’re into city exploring, pick winter for your romantic getaway.
• Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-October). If you want your just-married journey to be crowd-free, Spring-Autumn timeframes rock. The temperatures are mild, ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), and hotels offer some generous discounts.

Pick the Perfect City to Match Your Couple’s Vibe

Don’t know where to? We’ve done some homework for you and listed the top destinations in the area.

• Dubai. Are you into glamour, glitz, and top-class luxury? It’s better to think about Burj Khalifa views, desert safaris, and beachfront resorts.
• Abu Dhabi. Now, this is what we call slightly more relaxed. With stunning cultural sites like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and romantic Corniche walks, this enigmatic destination should definitely be on your bucket list.
• Al Ain or Ras Al Khaimah. Nature lovers here? Pack your outfits for Al Ain or Ras Al Khaimah. Both grab the headlines for their quiet escape with mountains and greenery.

Book a Romantic Stay Early

Now that you know when you’re going to set off on your wedding trip, start the booking part. Go for honeymoon packages. Typically, they include all the sweet things hearts in love enjoy:

• Couples’ SPA treatments
• Private dining experiences
• Luxurious suites with breathtaking views, etc.

Our top picks include, but are by no means limited to:

• Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah (Ras Al Khaimah). Perfect for a romantic escape, this sophisticated resort offers a secluded sanctuary with the most gorgeous background – the majestic Hajar Mountains.
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai. They call it the most opulent hotel on the planet! The place boasts panoramic views, extravagant suites, and unparalleled service that takes luxury to a higher level.
• Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara (Liwa). If the desert has a heart, it’s Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort. The serene beauty of this lavish oasis makes you feel like time stood still in an endless kingdom of dunes.
• One&Only The Palm in Dubai. It seems like this place was made for the first trip as newlyweds. With direct access to the sand and ocean, the luxe retreat is nestled on a private peninsula, which guarantees a discreet and intimate stay.

Set the Budget

A realistic one. If you do, you’ll be able to make better decisions about hotels, eating out, activities, transportation, souvenirs, etc. For a 5* hotel, expect to spend around $370 – $500+ (based on the peak season) per night. As for the activities, the price depends on your choices and preferences. For a desert safari, be ready to pay from $50 to $200, while the premium experience at Burj Khalifa costs from ~$190. Make sure you also have some extra costs for unforeseen expenses.

Quick Tips Before You Go…

• Begin curating your honeymoon 8-12 months in advance. Thus, you’ll secure the most exquisite accommodations, destinations, and some chic travel deals.
• Travel docs are a must. Take care of valid passports and tourist visas, if needed.
• Respect local culture. Stick to the clothing rules in public places and respect local customs.
• Feeling overwhelmed? Let the travel agent do the job and help with the process.
• Learn basic phrases, such as “Marhaba”, which means “Hello,” “Shukran”, for “Thank you,” and “Insha’Allah” for “If God wills.” The latter is used when discussing future plans.