Top things to do in UAE

Many visitors’ preconceptions of the UAE are centred around a single destination: Dubai. And not the whole of Dubai, just the famous futuristic skyline and architecture. But the land of the Emirates has far more to offer than its dazzling skyscrapers. A holiday here quickly delves beyond first impressions, revealing an eclectic mix of destinations and experiences. Indulgent Desert solitude is found less than an hour from the city; coastal allure mingles with intriguing heritage; novel attractions continue to spring up across the UAE. Expect choice and charm wherever you are in the UAE. Here are some of the premier destinations.

Abu Dhabi

From haggling in markets to atmospheric sheesha cafes, the UAE’s capital offers an authentic opportunity to explore the region’s desert heritage. Stroll past the dhows in the harbour, explore a collection of museums, and discover the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an elegant and serene building that’s visible when driving or flying towards the Island. This history and heritage is combined the Abu Dhabi’s love for breaking world records. Come here for the fastest roller-coaster, greatest leaning tower, largest hand-loomed carpet, and greatest cluster of cultural buildings. Then marvel at the Emirates Palace, an audacious building that stretches out with 114 domes and countless flying ramps. This is a city that’s always on the move yet ever willing to invite visitors into a cultural heart.

Dubai’s Heritage Area

Dubai’s history stretches back much further than the foundations of the world’s tallest building. Dotted around the Dubai Creek are the stories of yesteryear. A seaplane airport stood here from 1937 and glimmers of the past invite visitors to connect with the UAE’s lesser-known past. Stroll past vibrantly pained dhows loaded with wares, then explore the historic district of Shindagha, the luxurious centre of Dubai back in the 1940’s. A soft hum of evocative sounds float through the labyrinthine lanes of Al Fahidi Historic District, while the nose is entertained at Dubai’s bustling Deira Fish Market. Amongst this heritage is an artisanal mix of canvases, clothes, and carvings, with local people celebrating the artistic history of the region. The area is usually explored with a guide as there’s intimate stories to accompany the sights, like the pearl merchant who resided in the 1890 Heritage House. Then round it all of with the colourful chaos of the Deria Souqs.

Burj Khalifa and Other Iconic Landmarks

The Dubai skyscrapers stand proudly above the desert, towering over the landscape with the shimmering face of the future. This concoction of buildings is fast becoming the world’s most iconic skyline and it’s dominated by the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Take the elevator to the 124th floor or soar onwards to 555meters and the Burj Khalifa Sky. Other architectural marvels grace the desert, iconic sights like the Burj Al Arab, The World and Palm Jumeirah. On a Dubai holiday these monuments act as compass points, visible above the horizon when exploring the city. Their exquisite frames can be best experienced from the air, an angle that provides a wonderful impression of both their scale and intimate beauty. There’s also some less-famous contemporary architecture that maintains Dubai’s innovative design. Resplendently white Jumeirah Mosque is open to non-Muslims while the Madinat Jumeirah and its palm-fringed waterways make for quiet evenings in the city.

The Desert

Take one look at the desert and it’s easy to only see sand. But look beyond the dunes and the desert always hides treasures. Every angle is different and the shifting sands mean that no two moments in the desert will ever be the same. Hidden amongst the surreal red dunes are blissful oases, places of luxurious wilderness amongst the solitude, places like the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, or the Al Maha Resort and Spa. Sometimes it’s hard to believe this sublime natural wealth is found so close to the city. The desert can be experienced in many ways. Take a drive through the dunes and revel in the adventure. Drive or fly out to intimate hideaways that reflect the charm of traditional Bedouin villages. Ride a camel, walk across the spine of red sand, take a four-wheel drive down precipitous slopes, or ride a unique sail powered vehicle.

Islands and Beaches

Much like the desert, the UAE’s beaches and islands are all about exclusivity and serenity. Strips of pristine white sand cascade across the nation, glistening beneath luxury hotel resorts and clusters of palm trees. Long empty stretches of sand are market by quietly lapping waves while places like Kite Beach and Jumeirah Beach Park offer activities on the water. Or take a stroll around Sunset Beach with exquisite views of the Burj Al Arab dominating the vista. A vibrant marine world flickers around the Persian Gulf and this can be explored a the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Combining nature with sandy solitude is Sir Bani Yas, an exotic island offering exclusive retreats. Over 13,000 indigenous animals inhabit the island’s nature reserve while luxury resort options provide true escapism. Other smaller islands dot the ocean here and the aerial journey to Sir Bani Yas is one of the UAE’s great experiences. Swoop over the lush waters by seaplane and touch down for a few days of island bliss.

New Destinations in the UAE

The UAE’s repertoire of destinations and experiences continue to grow. By next year there will be something new and somewhere else to explore. It’s a nation that always throws up a surprise and always encourages the next adventurous journey.

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