May holidays in UAE from Almaty: tours

May holidays in the UAE in 2025 fall during a period of mild weather in the first half of the month: air 33–36 degrees, water 27–28. The time difference with Almaty is 1 hour all year round: the UAE is on UTC+4, Kazakhstan on UTC+5. Book hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi 2–3 months in advance, while Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Ajman will cost less with similar beaches.

When to go to the Emirates for the May holidays and how to choose dates?

This period in the Emirates opens a short window between spring mildness and summer heat. Tourists from Kazakhstan fly here for warmth, sea and shopping while it is still cool at home.

The first half of the month versus the second

The first ten days of May in the Emirates are the best time for the beach. The air here stays at around 33–36 degrees, the water in Dubai warms up to 27–28. By the second half of the month the heat intensifies, and walking during the day in Abu Dhabi becomes difficult. Plan swimming and sightseeing tours for the morning, and after lunch go to shopping malls or the hotel. Such a routine saves energy and makes the holiday steady.

Dates around Kazakh holidays

In 2025, holidays in Kazakhstan fall on May 1, 7 and 9. Around these dates it is convenient to arrange a short trip — from four to seven nights. A direct flight from Almaty takes about 4.5 hours, so even a trip over a long weekend does not turn into a road marathon. Book in advance: demand from tourists from the CIS for these dates is high. If you want to catch mild weather, set your departure for late April or early May.

Ramadan and the restrictions of the month

Holidays in the Emirates sometimes coincide with Ramadan, but not in 2025. This time the holy month fell in March, so holidays here pass without daytime restrictions. Cafes and restaurants in Dubai operate as usual, entertainment venues too. If the trip shifts to years when Ramadan falls in May, some establishments in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah will open later. Check the calendar in advance so as not to be surprised.

What should a tourist from Almaty consider when preparing?

Preparing for a trip to the Emirates from Almaty takes less time than it seems. The main things are money, documents and understanding the time difference.

Money: tenge, dollars and dirhams on the trip

The dirham in the Emirates is pegged to the dollar at a fixed rate. In Almaty exchange tenge for dollars, and then in Dubai or Abu Dhabi for the local currency. Cards from Kazakh banks are not accepted everywhere: in small shops, at markets and in taxis keep cash. The rate at the airport is less favorable than in the city. A small amount in dirhams is enough for everyday expenses, cover the rest with a card.

Time difference and adaptation after returning

The time difference with Almaty is 1 hour all year round: the UAE is on UTC+4, Kazakhstan on UTC+5. The flight to the Emirates is easy to handle, while reverse adaptation passes almost unnoticed. In the evening after returning, go to bed according to the local schedule, and the routine will recover in a couple of days. Children and people with sensitive sleep should be given an extra day to rest. Plan your arrival home so as not to go to work the next morning.

Which emirate to choose for a holiday

The seven emirates differ in price, pace and rules. The choice depends on what is more important — the noise of a metropolis or the silence of the coast.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi: demand, prices and booking

Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the May dates are booked 2–3 months in advance. This is the peak of demand from tourists from the CIS, and good hotels go first. In Dubai there is a wider choice of beaches and entertainment, in Abu Dhabi it is calmer and more spacious. Prices for accommodation in both emirates are comparable. If you are traveling as a family, look at hotels with their own beach — that way you depend less on the city bustle.

Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Ajman: quieter and cheaper

Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Ajman offer noticeably lower prices with comparable beaches and infrastructure. There are fewer high-rise hotels here and more resort complexes by the water. Fujairah is known for its view of the Gulf of Oman and the mountains, Ras Al Khaimah for its long sandy stretches. Ajman is compact and convenient for a short trip. You can get here from Dubai by car or bus.

Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain: rules and seclusion

Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain are suitable for those looking for peace and seclusion. Sharjah has stricter rules of behavior and dress code in public places than Dubai. Umm Al Quwain is the smallest emirate, there are few hotels here and almost no tourist bustle. For families with children this is a calm option, for nightlife lovers it is not the best. Consider these features before booking.

How to travel between the emirates

Public transport between the emirates is poorly developed. The main options are a rented car, intercity buses and taxis. Distances are short, but without your own transport the route will have to be planned in advance.

Car rental: age, documents, conditions

Car rental in the Emirates is available from the age of 21 at most rental companies. Some companies require an age of 25 and an international driver's license. The deposit is usually blocked on the card, so the limit must allow a large sum. Gas stations along the way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi are common, and toll sections are recorded by transponder. Take a car if you want to freely change cities and visit distant beaches.

Buses and taxis instead of public transport

Intercity buses connect Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah on schedule. Tickets are inexpensive, but the trip takes more time than by car. Taxis in the Emirates are convenient and run on the meter, and between cities the trip will cost more than a bus. The metro exists only in Dubai, in other emirates there is none. For short trips within the city, take a taxi or carsharing.

Visa and entry rules change: check the primary source — the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, https://icp.gov.ae/en/. The information on this page was verified on 14.09.2026.

What to do during the May holidays

The May holidays in the Emirates coincide with the start of seasonal sales and comfortable weather by the water. Leisure time can easily be split between shopping malls and the coast.

Sales and shopping in shopping malls

In May, the Emirates launches the sales season timed to the end of the spring-summer season. Discounts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi reach notable levels, especially on clothing and footwear. Large malls stay open until late in the evening, which is convenient in the heat. Shop in the first half of your trip while sizes and models are in stock. Keep your receipts — they will come in handy for returns.

Beach holidays and activity in the first half of the month

The first half of May in the Emirates is a time for a full-fledged beach holidays. The water in Dubai and Fujairah is warm, the wind is moderate, and the sun does not yet burn. In the morning, do water sports, and during the day, retreat into the shade. By the end of the month, it is better to move activity to the evening. Take a hat and high-SPF sunscreen.

In brief

• It is better to plan the May holidays in the Emirates for the first half of the month, before the heat intensifies.
• The time difference with Almaty is 1 hour all year round: the UAE is on UTC+4, Kazakhstan on UTC+5.
• Book hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi 2–3 months before departure.
• Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Ajman are cheaper with similar beaches and infrastructure.
• Sharjah has a stricter dress code, and Umm Al Quwain is chosen for its quiet.