UAE Emirates

7 emirates constitute the UAE,

with each emirate offering its own charm and elegance along with many unique experiences. Many people recognize only Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the popular places to visit in the UAE. We bring you the highlights of the seven emirates in this article, throwing deeper insights into each of them.

Abu Dhabi

View of Abu Dhabi

While Dubai gets all attention and popularity for its extraordinary attractions, Abu Dhabi – the UAE’s capital city – oozes a rich and luxurious lifestyle in all corners. It is equally at par with Dubai when it comes to its offerings and indulgences. Abu Dhabi covers 84% of the UAE land area.

The Al Nahyan Royal family rules this emirate.

Economy & Tourism

Abu Dhabi has a versatile landscape and friendly environment that boasts the richest GDP and the lowest crime rates globally.

The Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, and the prestigious Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge cross-country rally are the premier sporting events hosted here. Furthermore, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Liwa oasis, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat public beach, Emirates Park Zoo, Warner Bros World, Al Ain Garden City, and the Sheikh Zayed National Museum are the major attractions here.



Dubai

Dubai marina aerial skyline cityscape view

Dubai is a global tourist destination that has cast its charm on the tourist population like none. It is known for its extravaganza, opulence, and colorful lifestyle. The second largest emirate covers 5% of the UAE’s land area without the islands. The historic districts of Dubai cover about 1,500 sq. km of area and are popularly referred to as the Jewel of the World or Pearl of the Gulf – all thanks to its rich cultural heritage.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum currently rules this emirate.

Economy & Tourism

The oil boom in 1966 completely changed the way of life in Dubai and laid foundational elements of modern Dubai. Towards the late 1990s, Dubai took a major strategic decision to emerge from the oil boom and move towards an international tourism hub. Today, the economy is so diverse that it heavily relies on trade, finance, and services sectors with a thriving business community.

Dubai features several modern architectural marvels, state-of-the-art hotels, fun & entertainment hubs, culinary destinations, traditional markets, sporting events, and shopping centers that match the taste of almost every global traveler landing in the emirate. The top attractions here are the Dubai Burj Khalifa, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, the Hatta wadis, the Dubai Frame, the Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Fountains, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Sky Dubai, Dubai Underwater Zoo, and the historic Al Seef and Dubai Creek areas.



Sharjah

sharjah city flags island from sky

The third largest emirate occupies 3.3% of the total UAE’s land area. Sharjah is known for its picturesque seascapes and landscapes and houses many educational institutions that help incorporate the latest knowledge in science, technology, and engineering supporting its economic growth. It has been the UAE’s cultural hub since 1998, with several heritage centers, stunning art galleries, and mosques. Some notable attractions are the Sharjah Art Museum, Al Noor Mosque, and Khalid Lagoon. In addition, five major cities constitute its landscape – Khorfakkan, Kalba, Dibba, Al Dhaid, and Al Bayer.

The Al Qasimi family rules this emirate.

Economy & Tourism

UNESCO named Sharjah as the Cultural capital of the Arabian Gulf in 1998 due to the prominent art & culture scene here. In addition, a quarter of the UAE’s museums are housed here, hosting several popular events like the Sharjah International Book Fair and Biennial.



Ras Al Khaimah

Ras al Khaimah creek and corniche illuminated at night. United Arab Emirates, Middle East

It is a getaway destination for the locals and tourists alike, thanks to its rugged mountainous terrain decorating its landscape, making it an ideal environment for outdoor and adventure activities. It also houses three seaports that play a vital and strategic role in the region’s economic development. This emirate has a history dating 7,000 years back and was known for its exquisite pearls. In 2019, the discovery of rare Chinese pottery fueled the extent of trade in the region. In addition, the fourth largest emirate houses nearly 1,000 archaeological sites, of which 4 are featured in the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Al Qasimi family rules this emirate.

Economy & Tourism

Scenic destinations and diverse landscapes featuring mangroves, mountains, coastal strips, and rolling sand dunes form the core. The major attractions are the Al Jazirah Al Hamrah, Jebel Jais, the Department of Antiquities and Museums, and the Dhayah hilltop fort.



Fujairah

Statue of a golden falcon in the city of Fujairah

Placed on the eastern coast of the UAE, Fujairah is among the peaceful emirates where people come over for a relaxing time to unwind and rejuvenate themselves. Beautiful coastlines decorate the landscape of this emirate and offer plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. Fujairah covers 1,450 sq. km, where the land is frequently irrigated by rainwater and the Hajjar Mountains. The Fujairah Port is the only access to the Indian Ocean, making it a strategic center for trade in the region. It also houses the largest global livestock shipping companies.

The Al Sharqi family rules this emirate.

Economy & Tourism

Rugged mountains, gorgeous valleys, rushing waterfalls, white sandy beaches, hot and cold, mineral springs, and scenic oases decorate its landscape. Many people from Abu Dhabi and Dubai flock to this emirate to relax in the peaceful atmosphere of Fujairah. The ancient Al Bidya Mosque, the Heritage Village, Ain Al Madhab Gardens, and the Wadi Al Wurayah waterfalls are the major attractions of this emirate.



Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain City of UAE

The second smallest emirate features many prestigious archaeological sites like Ed-Dur, plus luxurious hotels and parks. However, this emirate is the least populated and covers roughly 1% of the UAE’s land area.

The Al Quwain family rules this emirate.

Economy & Tourism

You will find many coastal mangroves on the neighboring islands connecting to the mainland. Al Seniah, the biggest island of the lot, is home to Arabian gazelles, turtles, and falcons. You will find a wide array of water sports like sailing, jet skiing, and much more, along with adventurous activities like sky diving, camel racing, and falconry, and fun activities like dhow building are quite popular in the region. The Dreamland Aqua Park continues to be the star attraction in the emirate. Other popular attractions include the Umm Al Quwain Corniche, Sheikh Zayed Park, and Happy Land.

Reviews

Book Now

Reviews

Book Now

Reviews

Book Now

Ajman

Ajman City

The smallest among all emirates covers 0.3% of the land area without the islands, providing a wonderful blend of ancient and contemporary elements. The landscape of Ajman is decorated by the majestic Hajar Mountains on one side and the diverse landscape and gorgeous beaches covering the other half. Every element in the facilities offers modern elegance with a traditional charm. Three major cities constitute the landscape: Ajman, Al Manamah, and Masfout.

The Al Nuaimi family rules this emirate.

Economy & Tourism

The Ajman Fort is one of the historical landmarks that has a history dating back to the 18th century. Masfout Gate, Ajman Museum, Masfout Castle, and Red Fort are other major landmarks.



Rezmin is passionate about traveling and curating content about history, traditions and other intriguing aspects that make a place attractive. In her spare time, she enjoys reading fictional books sprinkled with inspiration, humor and enthusiasm.

  • Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    *
    *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Contact Us