What to see in the United Arab Emirates: tips and destination recommendations

With its iconic high-rises, luxurious beach resorts and enormous shopping malls, the United Arab Emirates has become a favorite destination for indulgent escapes.

For a start, let’s cover some entry requirements. No visa is needed for American citizens, but you will need to have a negative COVID-19 test, issued no more than 96 hours prior to arrival. We advise you to install the PH Screening app on your phone — there you will see the result of the local COVID-19 test. Be sure to check if you have medical insurance: without it, you won’t be allowed on board the plane.

Note that there are different entry requirements for Abu Dhabi — you’ll need a negative COVID-19 test, issued no more than 48 hours prior to arrival, even if you have visited other emirates before. Then you will have to get two more tests — on the 4th and 8th day of your stay.

When you get to the UAE, remember it is safe here, but you must comply with some local rules. The police take fines very seriously, and if you want to save money on paying them, follow a few simple rules and respect the Muslim culture.

Firstly, do not drink alcohol in public places. Secondly, avoid any public displays of affection, we don’t recommend to even hold hands. And the country is not LGBTQ+ friendly, to say the least. Also do not photograph or touch the locals. The UAE has a modest dress code, and women are encouraged to wear clothing, covering their shoulders and knees, and obviously swimsuits are acceptable only on beaches. Of course, you are free to ignore those recommendations, but they may save you a lot of trouble during the holiday.

But is it worth it? And where are the most interesting holidays spots in the Emirates? To answer these questions, you need to understand how the UAE works. An emirate is a small state within a state, with its own Sheikh and sometimes with its own laws. There are only seven of them, the main one is Abu Dhabi. The most popular emirates for a beach holiday are Dubai and Fujairah.

So let’s see what activities and beautiful places await you in different emirates:

1) Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is a futurist’s dream come true with its many skyscrapers. The star of Abu Dhabi is Ferrari Park. Ever dreamed of seeing these perfect red cars? Welcome to the artificial Yas Island, where you will see one of the largest themed entertainment pavilions. Inside, you can go on rides, look at all the legendary cars built since 1947, try racing simulators and experience the luxury of the Emirates.

The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the UAE's largest and most ornate mosque that is sometimes compared in its opulent beauty to the Taj Mahal. The area of the mosque exceeds 5 football fields, and the interior looks as if it was created by genies — the walls are covered with gems and gold, the floor is carpeted and the chandeliers reach 10 meters in diameter.

Abu Dhabi also is home to Sir Bani Yas — an island in the Persian Gulf, on which the Arab Wildlife Park was founded a couple of years ago. Previously, it was covered by salt domes, but now Asian cheetahs, gazelles and Arabian antelopes roam the island, so feel free to go on a safari.

Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai you will find the city of Al Ain with huge shopping malls, the largest zoo in the Middle East and an ancient fort.

2) Dubai

This is the most tolerant to tourists emirate when it comes to local rules. Shopaholics head here for the best prices — it is a duty-free zone. The most popular attraction is the Burj Khalifa — a 828 meters high skyscraper-needle. But other skyscrapers do not disappoint either: a sail hotel with kilometers of glass and concrete and ziplines between skyscrapers. All of this is exciting and thrilling, especially for those who are terribly afraid of heights. 

Another feature of Dubai is a bulk island in the shape of a palm tree — Jumeirah. You should, of course, admire it fr om a height, so do not pass up an opportunity to go on a helicopter tour over the city. Spend the evening by a large musical fountain that throws amazing shapes in the air that are illuminated by more than 5 thousand lights.

Behind its glass facade and big money hides the Dubai of the past — the Al-Bastakiya quarter with labyrinths of old 19th century houses without air conditioning, but with wind towers, a coffee museum and even the XVA Gallery of Contemporary Art. This is the area for those who want to see the different side of the Emirates.

Фото: byvali.ru

3) Sharjah

Unlike neighboring and a bit pompous Dubai, Sharjah is smaller and stricter. The best things to see here are the Koran Monument next to the amazingly beautiful Pink Mosque and the Museum of Islamic Culture, which is worth a visit if you want to learn the complex history of Islam and the beauty of Islamic art


Фото: enjourney.ru

4) Fujairah

Fujairah is a modern city with some of the nicest beaches in the UAE, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and scuba diving. People come here on fitness tours, to enjoy snorkeling in the Indian Ocean and do yoga. If you want to see the oldest mosque in the UAE, visit the small Al-Bidiya mosque in a village near Fujairah.


Фото: twofishdivers.com

5) Ras al-Khaimah

On the border with Fujairah there is a small village called Masafi, which has gained immense popularity for its thermal springs — and this is perhaps the only well-known place in this emirate. In general, the entire region is more focused on industry than on tourism development. Camel races are held here, and in the abandoned fishing village of Al Jazeera Al Gamra, in the absence of pearl merchants, sand is rustling through the streets. If you are a trekking fan, head to the Hajar Mountains, which are considered the youngest on Earth.


Фото: pac.ru

6) Umm al-Quwain

Come here for the fantastic Dreamland water park, where you can find slides for everyone — young kids, extreme sport lovers and fans of water entertainment. In general, this emirate, like Ras al-Khaimah, is more suitable for a relaxing beach holiday. Whether you want to be a beach bum in one of the richest countries in the world is another question.
 

Photo: eurasia.press

7) Ajman

Last but not least is this smallest emirate with an equally small museum in a historic 18th century fort. This is an archaeological and ethnographic museum that houses the traditional wells, irrigation systems and wooden dhow boats that were once ubiquitous in this emirate.

Photo: tutu.ru

The Rub al-Khali Desert, a small part of which is located in the south of the UAE, is another must visit in the Emirates. It is best to explore it on a jeep safari, riding through the dunes. In addition to that, you can experience Bedouin hospitality and spend a night under the stars listening to the murmuring sands.

Фото: alfarabinur.kz

We recommend going on guided tours to the UAE earlier in the year when the temperatures are comfortable (approximately +20 °С) and in the company of a travel expert.