Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the two cities that come to mind when one thinks of the United Arab Emirates or UAE. While these are the most popular tourist destinations of the country, the UAE is not just about them. In fact, this Arab country is made of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain. If you are visiting the UAE for the first time, you must not restrict your holiday to one or two emirates. Rather, each of the emirates has something to offer the tourists. Here you will find the best tourist places in UAE you must visit during your holiday.
1. Abu Dhabi
The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, is known for its cultural heritage. Moreover, in the last decade or so, Abu Dhabi has added numerous modern attractions to it, adding to its allure. Here are few suggested places you can visit during Abu Dhabi city tour.
- Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque is the largest in the world, with the capacity to hold around 40,000 worshippers at a time. Made in white marble, the Grand Mosque is the epitome of Arabic architecture. While exploring the mosque, you will get to see Swarovski crystal chandeliers, largest handmade carpet in the world, and so much more. It is necessary to wear the traditional UAE attire while visiting the mosque, especially for women.
- Ferrari World
If you are a fan of speed and thrill, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a must-visit place for you. The only F1-themed amusement park in the Middle East, Ferrari World is home to some of the most adventurous rides and rollercoasters. The star attraction here is Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster in the world. Mission Ferrari, Turbo Track, Esports Arena, Flying Aces, Flying Wings, etc., are some of the amazing rides here you can enjoy with Ferrari World tickets.
- Warner Bros. World
Another theme park attraction, popular with kids and adults, is Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Spread around 1.65 million square feet, Warner Bros. World is full of zones, rides, and attractions belonging to the world of Warner Bros’ stories, comics, and cartoons. Kids and adults would have a fun time exploring Warner Bros. Plaza, Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Dynamite Gulch, and Bedrock with Warner Bros. World tickets.
2. Dubai
The most popular emirate of the UAE is Dubai, one of the most glamorous and opulent cities in the world. A city full of world records, the Dubai city tour is full of interesting places to see and things to do.
- Dubai Frame
Although not as tall as the tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa), Dubai Frame has its own fan base. Standing at the height of 150 meters, Dubai Frame is shaped like a photo frame and shows the old Dubai on one side and the new and modern one on the other. With the Dubai Frame tickets, you can also visit the museums on the mezzanine floor, which showcase the past and the future of the city.
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Located inside Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is home to more than 33,000 marine animals. The large aquarium tank that is shaped like a tunnel is where you will get to see aquatic animals like manta rays, sting rays, sand tiger sharks, etc. You can experience this and more with Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo tickets. Apart from this, you will also get to enjoy many interesting experiences like cage diving, shark feeding, glass-bottom boat riding, and more.
- Museum of the Future
As the name suggests, the Museum of the Future gives you the chance to peak into the future. The museum is home to both traditional and immersive exhibitions that show you how the future will look 50 years from now. Museum of the Future has five zones: OSS Hope, Al Waha, Future Heroes, Tomorrow Today, and The Heal Institute. You will get to see exhibits of different topics like climate change, space travel, ecology, spirituality, health and wellness, and more.
3. Ras Al Khaimah
If adventure is what you are looking for, a visit to Ras Al Khaimah is a must. Located in the northernmost point of the UAE, this emirate is most popular for its raw, natural beauty.
- Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Ras Al Khaimah. Standing at the height of 1934 meters, Jebel Jais is the tallest mountain peak in the UAE. While driving up to the top of the mountain is fascinating, you can also indulge in biking, hiking, rock climbing, and ziplining here. The place is also popular for camping, barbecuing, and picnics as well.
- National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is said to have existed since 5000 BC, and you will get to know all about its fascinating history at the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah. Here you will find numerous archaeological and ethnological artefacts that give you a glimpse into the region’s past. The different zones of the museum include the Natural History Room, Ethnographic Section, and Qawasim Room.
- Dayah Fort
A hill-top fort, Dayah Fort dates back to 1600-1300 BC. It is a mud-brick fortress and is not just famous as an ancient monument but also a place of historical importance, as it was where the local tribes fought the Britishers in the 19th century. As it stands at the height of 70 meters, you will have to climb more than 200 steps to reach there. But the view from the top is definitely worth the effort.
4. Sharjah
Known as UAE’s Cultural Capital, Sharjah is where you will get to experience the cultural heritage of the country deeply. This is one of the best nearby holiday destinations from Dubai.
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
If you are keen on knowing about Islam, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is the one you must visit. Spread across two floors, the exhibits of this museum will give you a deep insight into this religion along with the knowledge of Islamic arts and crafts. You will also get to see Islamic manuscripts, astrolabes, ceramics, mosaics, etc., here.
- Sharjah Desert Park
Sharjah offers you the chance to enjoy wildlife at the Sharjah Desert Park. Spread across an area of 4.7 square kilometers, the Sharjah Desert Park is a place where you can see wild animals like Arabian leopard, wildcats, vipers, hyenas, wolves, Arabian oryx, etc. Apart from the zoo, the place also has a botanical museum, a natural-history museum, as well as children’s farm where they can indulge in feeding animals.
5. Fujairah
With the mighty Hajar Mountains in the backdrop, Fujairah is another emirate of the UAE that has not been touched too much with the glitz and glamor of Dubai. Still rooted in its culture and heritage, Fujairah is one of the interesting places to visit in the UAE.
- Al Bidya Mosque
The oldest mosque in the UAE, Al Bidya Mosque dates to the 15th century AD, approximately. Unlike the modern, opulent mosques of today’s UAE, Al Bidya Mosque is the simplest mosque you will see in the country. Made of mud, brick, and stone, this mosque has a rough structure with four domes and watch towers. There are also decorative carvings on windows that bring in air and light.
- Fujairah Heritage Village
Fujairah Heritage Village is where you will get to know about the cultural heritage of this emirate. It is an open-air museum with displays of traditional Bedouin-style homes, a souq, mosque, watchtowers, and more. Apart from the traditional architecture of the country, you will get to enjoy its cultural experiences in the form of handicraft demonstrations like weaving, pottery, dance, music, etc.
6. Umm Al Quwain
If you want to take a break from the most popular tourist attractions of the UAE, Umm Al Quwain is the place to be. This emirate is known for its beautiful beaches and recreational activities.
- Dreamland Aqua Park
If you are visiting Umm Al Quwain along with kids, a visit to Dreamland Aqua Par is a must. Spanning an area of 250,000 square meters, this water park has more than 30 slides and attractions. Some of the thrilling rides here are Twisting Dragons, Kamikaze, Slide Five, Twister, Dead Sea, Slide Five, etc. There are also two kids zones here, namely Aqua Play and Hippo’s Island.
- UAQ National Museum
Located inside the Umm Al Quwain Fort built in 1768, the Umm Al Quwain National Museum is where you will get to know about the history of the country. The exhibit of the museum features different aspects of Emirati life, including its archeology, heritage, culture, and daily life. As the fort was the home of the royals of UAQ, you will get to see rooms of the royal families as well here.
7. Ajman
The smallest emirate of the UAE, Ajman, is known for its laid-back vibe and the most gorgeous beaches. Here are the places you can visit in Ajman.
- Beaches of Ajman
One of the best things to do in the UAE’s Ajman is visiting its beautiful beaches. The most popular is the Ajman Public Beach, which is known for its white sandy shore and emerald, green waters. Apart from this, there are Al Zorah Beach and Zora Camping Beach as well. The beaches of Ajman are known for swimming, sunbathing, strolling water sports, and beautiful sunsets.
- Ajman National Museum
Know everything about this tiny emirate with a visit to Ajman National Museum. The Ajman Museum is located inside an 18th century fort, which was also the palace of the former ruler of the UAE. The museum’s exhibits give you a glimpse into the history of the place. You will get to see traditional life displays, manuscripts, archeological finds, weapons, etc., here.
As a first-time visitor to the UAE, you may be confused about the places to visit in the UAE. It is best to plan a holiday as per your interests, budget, and requirements.
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