Top 15 Places to Visit in the UAE

Known for its iconic skyline of high-rise buildings, red dunes, and amazing spots for all ages and interests, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has gained the attention of the world with its various developments. The top places in the UAE are some of the world’s most popular luxury and adventure destinations for your family.

From skyscrapers, shopping, and sandy shores – there are a lot of activities in the UAE. The country has a rich history and a wide coastline even before the skyscrapers were there. The diverse range of activities is perfect for luxury brand lovers, nature enthusiasts, and every adventure buff, for you and your kids.

For those looking for the best places to visit in the UAE, here are some of them:

Table of Contents

1. The Desert
2. Burj Khalifa
3. The Hajar Mountains
4. Sharjah Arts Museum
5. Sheikh Zayed Mosque Abu Dhabi
6. Beaches
7. Bastakiya
8. Jebel Hafeet
9. Dubai Creek – Dhow Ride
10. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Education
11. Al Bidyah Mosque
12. Souks
13. Dubai Miracle Garden
14. Louvre Abu Dhabi
15. IMG Worlds of Adventure
16. Dubai Parks & Resorts
17. The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis – The Palm
18. Ski Dubai
19. IFly Dubai
20. At the Top – Burj Khalifa
21. Wild Wadi Waterpark
22. Dubai Autodrome
23. Moreeb Dune
24. National Auto Museum
25. Saadiyat Island Cultural District

1. The Desert

desert

A visit to the UAE is not complete without visiting the desert. You can try four-wheel-drive trips and dune-buggy journeys, to sandboarding, hiking, and camel treks. A desert trip from best places Abu Dhabi and Fujairah are great choices. Experience the beauty of the desert night with a Bedouin-style camp.

2. Burj Khalifa

burj-khalifa

The world’s tallest building is not one to miss in the UAE. You can take a trip up the observation deck and see an awesome panoramic view of Dubai.

Address: Entry from Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

3. The Hajar Mountains

hajar-mountains

The Hajar Mountains offer nature lovers will find plenty of hiking, trekking, and bird-watching opportunities, while the vast amount of picturesque wadis or dry river beds in the area are also a great spot.

4. Sharjah Arts Museum

art-museum

It is the most important museum dedicated to the arts in the Emirates. The Sharjah Arts Museum is home to the most diverse art collection in the United Arab Emirates. It is located on Corniche Street in Sharjah.

5. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi

grand-mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a perfect example of the Islamic architecture. The interiors are adorned with lavish amounts of gold, mosaic tiles, and glass work and immense amounts of marble, and its exterior of blindingly white stone. It is located in Al Khaleej al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi.

6. Beaches

beach

There are plenty of beaches in the United Arab Emirates. From Dubai, to Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, tourists can choose from different water sports such as diving, jet skiing, stand up paddle boarding, and snorkelling are available at resorts.

7. Bastakia

bastakiya

The Bastakia quarter Old Dubai is also one of the must-see tourist spots. Buildings are preserved in typical Arabian architectural styles. It is also home to museums. Various museums allow you to enter the houses and see typical Arabian interiors within the quarter, along with mosques and a small surviving segment of the original Dubai city wall. It is located in Bur Dubai.

8. Jebel Hafeet

jebel-hafeet

A must-do for anyone who wants to snap a great vista, the summit of Jebel Hafeet is a favorite day trip from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. This is the second highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, and far-reaching, sumptuous desert panoramas greet you all the way up to the top of the winding road. After the twisting mountain road drive, you are rewarded with being able to see across the area’s vast sweep of desert located in Al Ain.

9. Dubai Creek Dhow Ride

dhow-ride

The Burj Khalifa may give you that famous skyline view from up high, but the most iconic Dubai views are still taken from the water. Dubai Creek slices through the city, and the best way to experience Dubai is from one of the beautiful dhows (traditional Arabic boats) that ply the creek.

Sunset cruises (which often come with entertainment and dinner) are particularly beautiful as you watch the lights of the high-rises begin to twinkle in the dusk. Or, for a budget cruise, just hop on one of the abras (local ferries), which ply the water between Bur Dubai and Deira.

10. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

sharjah-museum-islamic

One of the best museums in the country to focus on the full breadth of Islamic history and culture – not just local history – the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization holds a wealth of fascinating and well-laid out exhibits, which trace Islam’s course from the very early years of the Islamic empires through its spread into Asia and Africa and up to today. Many displays feature rare manuscripts and religious documents, and tourists will find them easy to understand thanks to excellent information boards throughout. It is located on Corniche Street, Sharjah.

11. Al-Bidyah Mosque

al-bidayah-mosque

The oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, Al-Bidyah is one of UAE and the Emirate of Fujairah’s most important historical sites. The entire surrounding area is an archaeological site, where many pottery and metal artifacts have been excavated. It is located 35 km from Fujairah.

12. Souks

souk

For many visitors to the United Arab Emirates, shopping is one of the main attractions. In Dubai, the Deira district is the main destination, with its world-famous gold souk and fish souk, but all of the Emirati cities have their own souk districts to explore.

The souks are where you come to get a good deal on local handicrafts and much better prices on products than you’d get at one of the malls.

13. Dubai Miracle Garden

dubai-miracle-garden

Dubai Miracle Garden has transformed the desert landscape of Dubai into the world’s biggest natural flower garden. Though it’s closed during summer, the garden contains around 70 flower varieties and holds the Guinness World Record for largest flower arrangement/structure forming the shape of Airbus 380.

14. Louvre Abu Dhabi

louvre-abu-dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi admission ticket will give you access to museum galleries, exhibitions, Children’s Museum and public spaces underneath the dome.

15. IMG Worlds of Adventure

img-world

The IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park. It’s situated in an area with a size of 28 football fields. It has more than 20 rides and attractions with four themed zones – Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard. Inside the facility, there are also 28 dining outlets.

16. Dubai Parks & Resorts

Dubai Parks & Resorts

The mega park consists of three parks which includes the following: MotionGate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park. It occupies about 30.6 million square feet. This park offers a great experience for families, especially kids.

17. The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis – The Palm

The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis – The Palm

This underwater city lives true to its name. It gives visitors a glimpse of an underwater city – a great way for your kids who just love sea creatures!

18.Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai

You can also find ski slopes in the desert! It features a penguin enclosure with a theatre complex located inside the Mall of the Emirates. It’s first and the best ski lodge in Dubai!

19. iFly Dubai

iFly Dubai

If you want to go skydiving, you can go to iFlyDubai. Enjoy skydiving while indoors and without danger. Try it for a once in a lifetime experience!

20. At The Top Burj Khalifa

At The Top Burj Khalifa

It’s a literal on top of the world adventure as Burj Khalifa is the highest building in the world! Enjoy the view from the top at 820.8m. It’s one of the most famous attractions in Dubai and offers a 360-degree observation deck on the 124th floor.

21. Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi Water Park

Who can’t resist a splash especially during the summer season? Wild Wadi Water Park is the perfect getaway for families who want to cool down with 17 water slides and three indoor and outdoor pools!

22. Dubai Autodrome

Dubai Autodrome

If you’re a karting and racing enthusiast, Dubai autodrome lets you experience it. Speed up in this motorsports circuit and go full gear.

23. Moreeb Dune

Moreeb Dune

Want to hike? The Moreeb Dunes in Abu Dhabi is the perfect trek for climbers. It’s the highest dunes in the world so you’ll feel you’re on top of the world!

24. National Auto Museum

National Auto Museum

Love cars? This museum is a must see for you. The National Auto Museum features many of the vehicles owned and driven by UAEs leaders dating back in the day. It’s a historic trip!

25. Saadiyat Island Cultural District

Saadiyat Island Cultural District

About 500 meters off the coast of Abu Dhabi is the Saadiyat Island Cultural District. Art pieces from the Guggenheim and Louvre Museums can be found here.

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Comments (2)

Very informative about UAE sites. Really good
By Teresa Antony (Oct, 2018) | Reply

Beautiful and interesting sites to see. Rich in history and traditions.
By Susan Marx (Aug, 2018) | Reply