8 Must-See Places to Visit in the United Arab Emirates

8 Must-See Places to Visit in the United Arab Emirates

Places to visit in the United Arab Emirates. Have you ever wondered what makes the United Arab Emirates one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world? If so, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Located on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula, nestled between the Persian Gulf, there’s more to this desert oasis than just Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Burj Al Arab

Known (erroneously) as Dubai’s only seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab is not only a great accommodation option but also a must-see attraction, even if you’re not staying there. This hotel is shaped like a sailboat, and you can appreciate its ingenious silhouette from the beach. Visit around sunset and watch as the refracted light appears to set this 56-story yacht on fire off the Gulf Coast.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

If you want to learn about Islamic culture and history as a whole (not just local history), you should plan to visit the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Here you’ll find a wide range of fascinating and well-designed exhibits tracing the history of Islam from the early days of the Prophet (peace be upon him), through the expansion of the first caliphate, the conversion of North Africa and Asia, and up to the present day.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to see and encounter rare religious manuscripts and documents, and you’ll also discover that understanding their meaning is easy, thanks to the information panels found throughout the museum.

Al Jazirat Al Hamra

If you like unique day trips, then visiting the small, abandoned village of Al Jazirat Al Hamra might be right up your alley. The village is rumored to be haunted by jinn. Jinn, or ghost-like creatures found in Islamic folklore, often appear to humans in the form of animals, according to local legends. They can be demonic or angelic, the word jinn means ghost.

The town, also known as Ghost Town, dates back to the 14th century. This makes it an interesting destination for history buffs or anyone looking for a little adventure in the desert.

Souks

Many people visit the United Arab Emirates to shop. In fact, the good life is one of the main attractions of this little secret of the Emirates. If shopping is your thing, but you want an authentic local experience, then there’s nothing better than spending time in the souks. (Souks in Arabic mean ‘bazaar’ or ‘marketplace’.)

If you’re in Dubai, head to the Deira district, which offers the world-famous Gold Souk and the more down-to-earth Fish Souk. However, you’ll find that every city in the Emirates has unique souk districts to explore.

As you read on, you’ll quickly discover that you can get incredible deals on local produce and other items that would cost you much more at one of the nearby malls.

Bastakia

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Dubai but wanted to see what it was like before modern technology and innovation rebuilt it? The Bastakia neighborhood is the last remaining fragment of that past, and it’s a must-see.

Here, you can get a glimpse into a gentler, simpler era in the history of a city now overtaken by skyscrapers. You can stroll through narrow alleyways lined with amazingly preserved buildings in earlier Moorish architectural styles, many with wind-tower characteristics.

Along the way, you’ll find several museums where you can see traditional Arabic interior design and even a small surviving segment of Dubai’s original City Wall.

Emirates Palace

This is considered one of the most luxurious attractions in all of the United Arab Emirates. It’s one of the most expensive hotels ever built, costing $3 billion to build. If you want to visit this monument to wealth, be sure to make a reservation for lunch at Le Café; you won’t be able to enter the Emirates Palace unless you have reservations.

During your visit, be sure to try the famous golden cappuccino. To answer your question: yes, the cafe actually serves drinks with real gold.

Skiing in Dubai

Surprisingly, you can ski in the desert. Ski Dubai is one of the most popular attractions for tourists. Here you can enjoy the full snowboarding and skiing experience, and even get up close and personal with penguins. All equipment and clothing are provided by the resort, so you don’t have to worry about packing your winter gear when you head to the UAE on vacation.