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United Arab Emirates

Seven Emirates, endless adventures

From souks to sky-high towers

The seven United Arab Emirates seem to hold every experience you can imagine – and a few you’d never expect.

Wander through Dubai’s glittering souks and mega malls, explore Al Ain’s historic forts and desert oases, or lose yourself in the maze-like streets of old Sharjah – a UNESCO Cultural Capital. Marvel at the grandeur of Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, or head out on a 4WD safari across the golden dunes of the Empty Quarter.

Hike the mystical Hajar Mountains, kayak through Ajman’s mangroves, or stretch out on the white sands of Ras Al Khaimah. Prefer the coast? The serenity of Fujairah is pure magic.

Food lovers, get ready – from luxurious Emirati feasts to iconic street eats like shawarma, falafel and sweet luqaimat dumplings, you’ll be eating well all day (and night).

Whether you’re scaling the Burj Khalifa or star-gazing in the desert, every day in the UAE is a collision of adventure, culture and incredible flavour.

Chat to our UAE specialists and start planning your next unforgettable escape.

Flight time

The flight from Auckland to United Arab Emirates takes roughly 17 hours nonstop.

Best time to go

The best time to visit the UAE is from November to March, when cooler temperatures, blue skies and vibrant events create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, beach days and exploring the stunning desert landscapes.

Time difference

The United Arab Emirates are 8–9 hours behind New Zealand depnding on daylight saving in NZ.

Our Dubai Blogs

How to enjoy your stopover

A decision that will have to be made if travelling to Europe, Africa, most of South America or most of North America.

Angelique Anderson

House of Travel Rotorua

As the saying goes, “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” I feel incredibly fortunate to turn that truth into a career, helping others explore the world and enrich their lives through unforgettable journeys.

I have been privileged to travel extensively, immersing myself in diverse cultures, iconic landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path adventures that continue to inspire and energize me.
Growing up in South Africa gave me the unique opportunity to experience my own “backyard” for nearly 40 years. The breathtaking nature of Africa will always hold a special place in my heart.
My travels across the UK, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and other European cities have deepened my appreciation for history and culture.
The perfect holiday for me is anywhere spent with my husband and our amazing daughters. As a family, we tend to gravitate towards island destinations because they offer something for everyone. I have been fortunate to visit many beautiful islands, with my top four being the Cayman Islands, Madagascar, Fiji, and the Seychelles.

With 20 years of professional experience in the travel industry in South Africa where I specialized in Corporate, Group, and Incentive Travel. One of the proudest moment of my career was being named the ASATA (Association of Southern African Travel Agents) Corporate Consultant of the Year for 2013.

Now, I’m thrilled to bring my skills and knowledge to the New Zealand travel industry—especially here at House of Travel Rotorua. My rapid response time, attention to detail, and systematic approach will save you stress and time. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a multi-generational family trip, business travel, or a school tour group, I am here to personalise any itinerary to fit your needs.

So don’t delay—get in touch today and let me make YOUR travel dreams a reality!
Yours in travel,
Ang

Wendy Harrison

House of Travel Rotorua

I am an adventure seeker with a passion for exploring the world and experiencing everything it has to offer. I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting experiences and have a particular love for small group tours and adventures. Whether it's cruising in the Galapagos Islands or exploring new cities, I love the intimacy and camaraderie that comes with traveling in small groups.

When I'm not adventuring, you can often find me at live sports and events, cheering on my favourite teams and soaking up the excitement of the crowd. Or I'm equally at home soaking up the sun during a beautiful island beach holiday.

I also have a love for cruising and have had the opportunity to explore new destinations such as the Mediterranean, the coastlines of Spain and Portugal, the Rhône and Saône Rivers in Southern France, canal boating in England, and cruising across the Tasman. All while enjoying the comforts and amenities of life on the water.

One of my favourite pastimes is people watching whether it's from a cafe in Paris or on the streets of New York. For me, there is nothing more fascinating than observing the unique and diverse cultures of the world and the interactions of the people within them. I'm always seeking out new experiences and adventures, driven by a deep curiosity and a thirst for knowledge and understanding.

Wendy

Jo Coolen

House of Travel Kapiti Coast

For a long time, I've told people I have the best job in the world and I still stand by that.

What could be better than turning peoples dreams into reality? I never know what the day will bring and isn't variety the spice of life?

My travel journey started a bit later in my life, so I haven't been everywhere YET, but I am having a damn good crack at it, gathering local knowledge along the way.