Our Team 
Our Tour Experts 
Heroes and Heroines Places to stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
-
![Amy snow biking]()
Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
-
![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
-
![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
United Arab Emirates
A quick getaway for those looking for winter sun.
Steal some time with our travel expert and carefully piece together a masterpiece of a trip that lets you try all of the indulgent and grand experiences. Established in 1971, the country of the United Arab Emirates or UAE is a federation of seven emirates comprising Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. The United Arab Emirates is a great family holiday destination, particularly for those in search of winter sun.
Why we like UAE
The UAE is the closest point to the UK for almost guaranteed winter sunshine and offers hotels to match every requirement. The standard of service is superb and with international chefs to oversee the menus, the restaurants offer a tantalising array of differing foods. It is a perfect destination for children who love nothing better than huge swimming pools and plenty of other children to play with.
What to expect on your UAE holiday
Following the financial crash of 2008, it was the oil-rich capital of Abu Dhabi that came through relatively unscathed and effectively bailed out its not-so-rich neighbours. It now appears that Abu Dhabi has become the region’s cultural heart, with the Sheikh Zayed National Museum as well as extensions of the Louvre and the Guggenheim now fully open.
Aside from these cultural masterpieces, you will find all kinds of fun synonymous with playgrounds of the rich, including Ferrari World (the world’s largest indoor amusement park), an indoor ski centre, hot air ballooning, desert excursions by quad bike and manmade surfing, and a kayaking and rafting centre.
Experiences
What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.
Explore United Arab Emirates
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Katie Benden
The excitement of travelling the world has always hugely appealed. Largely cemented from my first solo trip to Egypt and the Middle East. The crazy hustle and bustle of Cairo was a huge assault on the senses, scrambling through the claustrophobic tunnels of the Great pyramid took me out of my comfort zone and I was left humbled by the warm hospitality of the Nubian people in Aswan as we shared dinner together. Talk with our experts
- 01285 601 784
Tom Frost
Having travelled to different parts of the world over the years it never ceases to amaze me how you constantly learn and evolve from the adventures you experience. I adore working in an environment where I can share my passion for the world and discuss fascinating stories both from my experiences and that of our clients. In the past year I’ve delved into the wintery beauty of St Petersburg, trekked through the colourful desert in Jordan and sailed down the iconic Nile in Egypt. Talk with our experts
- 01285 601 784
Is the UAE safe?
The UAE is generally a safe place to visit, with relatively low levels of crime.
However, sensible precautions are advised. Avoid unlicensed taxis and, if female, take care when travelling alone, particularly at night.
Most visitors who have problems when visiting the UAE fall foul of its strict laws and customs. Be careful when bringing prescription drugs into the country and do not attempt to import alcohol. Also be aware that kissing in public is illegal and has led to several arrests in the past.
Can I use my mobile phone in the UAE?
Mobile phone coverage is excellent in urban areas and along major roads. However, the country’s desert interior has far poorer coverage. As always, be aware that roaming rates will apply when using your phone in the UAE, and these can be very expensive. However, obtaining a local SIM card is cheap and easy.
What is the international dialling code for the UAE?
971
What is the time zone in the UAE?
The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT. It does not observe daylight
saving time.
How long are the flights to the UAE from the UK?
Direct flights from London to Dubai or Abu Dhabi take around seven hours.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Let’s chat
Speak to our experts
Our team is waiting to help you tailor a trip that will leave you with stories for a lifetime. Call us on
01285 601 784Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary?
Featured in the press
