There is an excellent selection of hotel accommodation, with regular new openings competing to outdo each other. Rates tend to be cheaper in summer. Most of the major international hotel chains are represented, eg Hilton, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Marriott, Ramada and Sheraton. There are also top-class beach resort hotels at Jebel Ali and Jumeirah Beach in Dubai and a mountain resort hotel at Hatta Fort. The stunning all-suite Burj Al Arab is arguably the most deluxe.

Youth Hostels

The United Arab Emirates Youth Hostel Association runs hostels in Dubai (two hostels), Sharjah, Kourfakkan and Fujairah.

Local fruit and vegetables are increasingly available and there is excellent local fish. Hotels serve both Arab and European food and there is also a number of Chinese, Indian and other restaurants.
Things to know: All the Emirates, with the exception of Sharjah, permit the consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims. It is illegal to drink alcohol in the street or to buy it for a UAE citizen.
National specialities:
• Hummus (chickpea and sesame paste).
• Tabbouleh (bulghur wheat with mint and parsley).
• Ghuzi (roast lamb with rice and nuts).
• Warak enab (stuffed vine leaves).
• Koussa mashi (stuffed courgettes).
• Makbous (spicy lamb with rice).
• Seafood with spicy rice are also popular.
   National drinks:
• Ayran (a refreshing yoghurt drink).
• Strong black coffee.

Tipping: Most hotels, restaurants and clubs add fairly high service charges to the bill, therefore tipping is not necessary. Taxi drivers are not tipped.
Nightlife
There are several nightclubs located in major centres and entertainment ranges from Arabic singers and dancers to international pop stars. Bars are found in all top hotels and range from sophisticated cocktail lounges to English-style pubs. Some hotels also have discos. Traditional dances are performed on public holidays. Most large towns have cinemas showing English-language films.
Shopping
Customs duties are low and therefore luxury goods are cheaper than in most countries. The Dubai duty-free shop is one of the cheapest in the world. Souks sell traditional Emirate leather goods, gold, brass and silverware. Shopping hours: Daily 0900-1300 and 1600-2100, but many shops are open all day. Shops close for prayers Fri 1130-1330.