Exploring the Best of the UAE – A Guide to the Most Popular Destinations  

The UAE is a beautiful country with a fascinating culture and exciting attractions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventurous desert safari, or a luxurious shopping trip, the UAE has something for everyone.

In this blog post, we explore the best of the UAE with a comprehensive guide to the most popular destinations in the country. These fourteen outlines will help you make the most of your UAE vacation, from bustling cities to remote oases.

Exploring the Best of the UAE

Let’s explore the UAE!

Abu Dhabi

 The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is a cosmopolitan city that offers a range of attractions and activities to explore. Home to a stunning skyline and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, Abu Dhabi is renowned for its iconic architecture, landmarks, and fascinating culture.

Whether you’re looking for luxury shopping experiences, cultural attractions, or thrilling outdoor activities, Abu Dhabi has something to suit every taste and budget. From the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Yas Island’s Ferrari World to the vibrant markets of the souqs, there are plenty of exciting things to see and do in this exciting city.

Dubai 

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a truly unique destination with a skyline of spectacular skyscrapers, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and world-class attractions. This cosmopolitan city offers something for everyone, from its iconic Palm Islands to the soaring Burj Khalifa.

Tourists flock here to experience the luxurious shopping, dining, and entertainment available in this vibrant metropolis. Whether you want to go shopping in the glittering malls or explore historical sites, Dubai is a must-see destination.

Sharjah 

The emirate of Sharjah is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Known as the “Cultural Capital of the UAE,” it offers a unique blend of old and new and plenty of cultural attractions and activities to keep visitors entertained. From its iconic heritage sites to its beautiful beaches, vibrant malls, and bustling souks, Sharjah is sure to have something for everyone.

For those looking to explore the city’s historical landmarks, numerous impressive monuments include the Blue Souk, Qanat Al Qasba, King Faisal Mosque, and Al Hisn Fort.

Visitors can also take in stunning coastline views from Al Majaz Waterfront or participate in exciting water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding at Al Khan Beach or Al Mamzar Beach Park. Those looking for more culture can visit one of the many museums in Sharjah, such as the Sharjah Art Museum or the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.

Ajman

 Ajman is the smallest emirate that makes up the United Arab Emirates. It is a small but vibrant city that offers tourists a range of attractions, from outdoor activities to shopping and dining experiences. Located in the Arabian Gulf, Ajman is known for its beaches, coral reefs, and mangroves, making it a popular destination for those looking to explore the beauty of the UAE.

In addition to its picturesque beaches and coastline, Ajman boasts several historical sites, including the old fort and dhow yard, as well as modern buildings and infrastructure. With a range of cultural attractions and an array of activities, there is plenty to discover in Ajman.

Umm Al Quwain

 Umm Al Quwain is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. The name Umm Al Quwain translates to ‘mother of two powers.” The emirate has an interesting mix of cultural attractions, coastal resorts, parks, and nature reserves.

Umm Al Quwain is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, lush mangroves, spectacular mountain views, and various activities such as fishing, sailing, and diving. Whether you are looking for adventure or want to relax in peaceful surroundings, Umm Al Quwain will provide a memorable experience.

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates and has some of the most stunning natural attractions in the UAE. Popular for its beaches, Ras Al Khaimah is a great destination for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway. Ras Al Khaimah is sure to impress the most discerning traveller with its picturesque mountains, lush palm groves, white-sand beaches, and azure waters.

Fujairah

Fujairah is located on the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates and is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and fascinating history. From modern city attractions to old-world souks and mosques, Fujairah has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventurous hike in the Hajar Mountains, Fujairah is sure to have an activity that suits your interests.

Al Ain

Located in the eastern region of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Al Ain is one of the UAE’s oldest and most culturally significant cities. With a history dating back to the Bronze Age, Al Ain boasts many historical sites, including Hili Archaeological Park, which includes Bronze Age tombs and artefacts.

 Al Ain is also home to the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum and numerous other attractions, making it a popular tourist destination. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Al Ain has plenty of stunning natural areas, such as the Green Mubazzarah hot springs and nature reserve, Jebel Hafeet mountain, and Wadi Bih, a desert oasis with a picturesque lake.

Hatta

Hatta is an oasis town located in the Hajar Mountains of Dubai. It is known for its picturesque landscape and offers a variety of activities to visitors, such as camping, mountain biking, trekking, and rock climbing. Hatta also boasts cultural attractions such as heritage villages, old forts, and mosques. Its beautiful desert terrain makes it the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Liwa Oasis

The Liwa Oasis is located in Abu Dhabi and is home to some of the world’s largest dunes. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the desert and participate in exciting activities such as sandboarding, camel trekking, and four-wheel driving. This region also has a rich history and culture that can be seen in its ancient structures, mosques, and archaeological sites. With its breathtaking views and many adventures, visiting Liwa Oasis will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Jebel Hafeet

Jebel Hafeet, also known as ‘Green Mountain,’ is an imposing mountain located in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the highest peak in the UAE. At its summit stands the impressive 12th-century fort of Hafeet. The hill offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding desert and is great for hiking and exploring.

You’ll experience breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and wild animals. A cable car at the foot of the mountain also takes visitors up to the peak, giving them an unforgettable experience.

 Al Hajar Mountains

The Al Hajar Mountains are a spectacular sight to behold in the United Arab Emirates, stretching across a long expanse from the Musandam Peninsula in the north down to Oman. This mountain range comprises over 350 kilometres of granite peaks and canyons, making it a unique and beautiful destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.

The highest point in the range is at Jebel Shams, at over 3,000m, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy here, such as hiking, rock climbing, camping, bird watching, and more. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a relaxing day spent in nature, the Al Hajar Mountains have something for everyone.

 Wadi Bih

Located in the mountainous region of Ras Al Khaimah, Wadi Bih is a popular oasis and natural landmark in the United Arab Emirates. This stunning canyon offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its lush vegetation, rugged terrain, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. With its deep valleys and towering cliffs, Wadi Bih offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

 Adventure seekers can participate in activities such as rappelling, canyoning, and hiking, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy quiet picnics or marvel at the area’s serenity. Wadi Bih is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including foxes, mountain goats, sand cats, and many species of birds. 

Fujairah Beach

 Fujairah Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the United Arab Emirates. Located on the east coast of the UAE, it offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the Hajar Mountains. The area features a wide variety of activities, from swimming and snorkelling to fishing and kayaking, making it a perfect destination for a beach holiday. Whether you’re looking to relax on the shore or explore the underwater world, Fujairah Beach is ideal for your next vacation.