Your first week in United Arab Emirates: a city-by-city primer

Your first week in United Arab Emirates is equal parts logistics and discovery. Dubai, Abu Dhabi all reward the same approach: sort housing and transport first, then let the city teach you its rhythm.

Dubai — Glass, gold, AC-hopping in light layers.

Abu Dhabi — Calmer pace, sharper tailoring, sea breeze.

Dubai is an indoor city with an outdoor weather report. Summers push past 40°C, so life moves between air-conditioned malls, offices and cars — which means the real wardrobe work is a sharp layer for inside and a light breathable one for the walk between the two.

Wherever you base yourself, arrive with a documents wallet at hand and a power bank charged — the first 48 hours are a lot of queues, keys and maps.