Top Attractions in United Arab Emirates
Glitzy malls abound, but for more local shopping, you can’t beat the emirate’s traditional souks (bazaars). In Dubai, the renowned Central Souk is a favorite with shoppers. For more action, the glitzy UAE is also home to two major branded theme parks. In Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World attracts thrill-seekers, while Warner Bros World offers immersive experiences themed around DC Comics storylines and characters.
1. Al Fahidi Historical Quarter
Nestled along Dubai Creek, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (also known as Al Bastakiya) gives a traditional glimpse into life in Old Dubai during the mid-19th century. This key heritage site is defined by its traditional wind towers, twisted alleys and range of cultural activities, museums and galleries.
Visitors can explore the district on a guided tour or make their own way through its 50-plus buildings. The top attractions include the Dubai Museum, which showcases everything from pearl diving to 1000-year-old dhows and ancient weapons. The Coins Museum shines a spotlight on the monetary systems of countries that once ruled over Dubai, while the Municipality House and Events House stage a variety of heritage-related activities.
The district’s quaint design celebrates the city’s rich values and traditions. For example, the buildings with Barjeels – wind towers made from coral stone, gypsum, teak and palm wood that served as natural air-conditioning in the past – are automatically lined up and separated by alleys and public squares to create a sense of aesthetic diversity. Similarly, the scarcity of front windows and their narrowness hint at the community’s care for privacy.
The Coffee Museum is an ode to the nation’s deep love for the beverage, stretching back to the legend of Kaldi, a goat herder who serendipitously discovered the bean and spread its popularity throughout the region. The XVA Art Hotel is also located in the Al Fahidi Historic Quarter, offering a boutique stay brimming with artworks by regional artists. Its otherworldly rooms and exquisite dining options provide a welcome respite from the city’s glitzy heights. Guests can dine with local artists, participate in a craft workshop or attend a series of cultural talks to gain an in-depth understanding of Emirati culture and customs.
2. The Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a cultural icon in the UAE. It opened in 2017 on the Saadiyat Island and features art pieces from a wide range of civilisations. The museum is also famous for its unique exhibition design, which explores the connections between different cultures that might seem far apart in time and space.
The first thing you notice when you arrive at the museum is its incredible design. It is a ‘museum city’, composed of 55 differently-shaped white buildings (of which 23 are galleries) that are connected by a huge dome. The result is a beautiful composition that looks like an alien ship hovering above a small town (our first impression anyway).
Inside the museum, you will find treasures from all around the world. There are ancient Egyptian sculptures, Renaissance paintings, 15th-century world maps, and even modern artworks by local artists. But what really sets this museum apart are the works that showcase the connection between the East and the West.
One of the most interesting galleries is called Universal Religions, which showcases both the differences and similarities between the major ancient monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. The gallery is particularly eye-catching because of the way it uses awe-inducing paintings to tell stories of how these religions brought together early human communities.
If you want to have a truly immersive experience, consider adding one of the many hands-on activities to your Louvre Abu Dhabi ticket. There are yoga sessions on the weekends, art adventures, and more. These experiences are designed to rejuvenate both the mind and soul.
3. Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is a fascinating microcosm of the city as a whole, with awe-inspiring contrasts from the wooden dhow boats and classical courtyards of historic Dubai Creek to the modern skyline of Downtown Dubai and the Palm Jumeirah’s gleaming beaches. Whether you want to shop, dine, or just soak up the sunshine, this enclave offers plenty of entertainment options, as well as access to a plethora of hotels and restaurants in nearby JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residences).
For thrill-seekers, a ride on the world’s longest urban zipline with XLine Dubai Marina is a must, sending you hurtling over the water and the surrounding buildings at speeds of up to 80 km/h. You can opt to take the experience solo or tandem, with the latter option allowing you to soar alongside a friend while enjoying spectacular vistas of Dubai Marina and the surrounding waters. You’ll also receive photos and a professionally-edited video of your experience to remember forever.
If you’re looking for something a bit less adrenaline-pumping, stroll the streets of Dubai Marina and JBR to scope out its shops, restaurants, and bars, with many offering outdoor seating. There are tons of options, including local flavors and shisha terraces as well as top international brands.
A must-visit is Dubai Marina Mall, a community favourite that’s home to children’s play centres, exceptional dining, and an edit of essential high street stores. For more upscale shopping, check out Pier 7, which has carved out a name for itself as one of the area’s finest dining hubs thanks to seven different eateries occupying its all-glass cylindrical tower. Some of the highlights include Lebanese eatery Abd el Wahab and The Scene by Simon Rimmer, which serves fine European cuisine.
4. Burj Khalifa
As the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa redefines the skyline of Dubai. A pandora’s box of cutting edge technology and engineering marvels, the tower is home to offices, residential units, ultra-luxurious restaurants, and dazzling observation decks. Located at 828 meters, the dizzying structure boasts six world records including tallest freestanding structure, highest number of floors, highest occupied floor, highest outdoor observation deck, and the fastest elevator in the world. It also has the world’s highest observatory and is named after the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Capture your once-in-a-lifetime Burj Khalifa moments on camera using innovative green screen technology. At the 148th floor, you’ll also enjoy an opulent lounge featuring a bar and restaurant. Then, make your way to Level 125, where an innovative exhibit empowers you to relive the historic build of this human marvel.
Whether you prefer to view the cityscape from the public outdoor observation terrace or the soaring Level 124, you’ll be in awe of the stunning, record-breaking views. Peer down on the world below through high-powered telescopes or step out onto the jutting terrace to admire the endless expanse.
The soaring Burj Khalifa is more than just an architectural triumph; it’s a testament to the UAE’s commitment to innovation and ambition. The building’s designers incorporated design elements from various cultures to create a distinctively modern masterpiece.
To achieve the soaring height, they used an immense amount of concrete and steel. The cladding was made of marble, granite, and stainless steel that was specially designed to reflect light and change color with the sun. They also employed an innovative design to help resist the effects of wind, with individual stalks rising out around the spire to confuse the wind and keep the tower standing.
5. Ajman
Ajman is a booming modern city with a deep-rooted heritage. The emirate’s leadership has worked to develop the economy and encourage investors, while maintaining a culture of hospitality and preserving natural landmarks that make it unique.
The emirate is home to many historic attractions, including the Ajman Museum. Housed in an 18th-century fort, the museum offers a rich narrative of Ajman’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a thriving industrial hub. It also showcases traditional Emirati weaponry and other relics from the past.
While the emirate’s glitzy neighbors like Dubai and Abu Dhabi steal most of the spotlight, Ajman is quietly making its mark as a pristine oasis with a fascinating history. Stretching along the tranquil shores of the Arabian Gulf, this hidden gem is a haven for relaxation and adventure. From ancient forts to breathtaking beaches, Ajman offers a rich experience that will captivate travellers of all ages.
Ajman is the smallest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, but it packs a punch with its many diverse attractions. From ancient forts to breathtaking beaches, the emirate offers a rich experience that will captivate visitors of all ages. Ajman is also known for its diverse cuisine, with dishes influenced by the Levant and Egypt. Local favorites include harees, machboos, and tharid, which are served with different types of bread, including khameer, raqaq, and chebab. The emirate is also home to many luxurious hotels, making it a great destination for travellers looking for luxury and comfort. The emirate is continuing its development stalled by the 2008 financial crisis, with investments from foreign companies helping it to progress. It is also working to build new infrastructure and modernize its facilities.