United Arab Emirates has over the years been transformed to become one of the most favorite family holiday destinations in the Middle East. With iconic skylines of apartment buildings, full-throttle development and world famous beach resorts, there is every reason for people seeking for amazing city breaks to find their way to this great region. There are many landmark tourist attractions including Sheikh Zayeed Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the towering Burj Khalifa in Dubai which make UAE a modern luxury destination
There is more to United Arab Emirates than shopping, skyscrapers and sandy shores. If you are a fan of culture, you will appreciate exploration of the country’s Bedouin past to be exciting as you delve into many forts that makes the desert coastlines a real attraction. Nature lovers will also fall in love with rough peaks of Hajar Mountains and the desert that stretches right from where the cities’ borders. Below are some of the top-rated attractions that you should visit: –
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This is a mammoth mosque that features modern architectural designs and elements thus making it an incredible beauty. Using ancient craftsmanship skills and contemporary design, the mosque brings out a harmonious mixture of old and modern. None who set foot inside the mosque fails to be dazzled by the lavish use of gigantic proportions of marble and glass work used, gold, mosaic work, and blindingly white stone that contrasts spectacularly under the dazzling Emirati blue skies.
- Burj Khalifa
This is one of the most famous buildings in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai’s towering sky-high landmark. The building not only lays claim to the title of the world’s tallest skyscraper but also is the world’s tallest freestanding structure, elevator that has the longest travel expanse and the highest observation floor in the world. Many tourists always enjoy the sightseeing highlight when making a trip all the way up to Burj Khalifa’s observation floor with its wide-coverage views of Dubai.
- Jebel Hafeet
The peak of Jebel Hafeet provides a favorite trip from Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, with extravagant desert vistas all the way to the top of winding road. Once you go up the twisting mountain road, you will be rewarded with the ability to see across the vast sweep of the desert with a wide range of views to enjoy.
- Hajar Mountains
The mountains cut through the expansive desert, creating the wild and rough heart of the UAE. Hajar Mountains have curling roller-coaster roads offering magnificent landscape along the way, linking the tiny villages in the region. There are many wadis or valleys for hiking and exploration across these mountains.
- Al-Bidyah Mosque
This is UAE’s oldest mosque which stands as an important historical site. Located in Fujairah Emirate, the small structure was beautifully designed showing off some original ventilation tunnel patterns which are still visible on the walls. The surrounding area stands as an archeological site, with numerous metal and pottery artifacts being excavated from there.
- Sharjah Museum of Islamic civilization
This museum focuses on the Islamic history and stands out as one of the most spectacular museums in United Arab Emirates. It has some interesting exhibits dating back to the Islamic empire years. Many displays have religious documents and manuscripts and due to the excellent information boards at hand, tourists will be able to understand them with ease.
- Sharjah Arts Museum
This is an important, modern museum devoted to arts. It features a variety of art collections in the UAE and has been recognized the Arabic artists for its assortment of works. It also has various pieces of art by European artists especially those specializing in Arab world paintings. The museum has temporary exhibition programs scheduled throughout the year.
- Dubai Creek Dhow Ride
If you love taking some amazing views of Dubai from the water, then Dubai Creek Dhow Ride will give you the best deal. The traditional Arabic boats are designed to play the creek thus allowing you to enjoy iconic views of Dubai. Sunset cruises are characterized with beauty and you enjoy watching the twinkling lights of the city’s high-rises at dusk.
- Desert Excursions
If you are the kind that has adventurous traits, then you should venture away from the cities and explore the empty sweep of desert enfolding the coastline. There are many things to look forward to in the desert including sand boarding, dune-buggy trips, 4-wheel-drive excursions, camel treks and hiking. You can play your dessert trip from Fujairah and Abu Dhabi but Dubai is the most famous base for excellent desert sightseeing. If you are not the adventurous type, you might find Bedouin-style dinners to be a great alternative as it also allows you to enjoy the beauty of the empty desert.
- Bastakia
Dubai’s Bastakia quarter is the last fragment that remains of old Dubai and is a must visit. This small heritage region really appeals to the gentler, simpler past of the city prior to the dominance of the skyline by high-rise architecture. Narrow streets are lined up with well preserved structures in distinctive Arabian architecture designs, most of them with wind-tower aspects. There are numerous museums, where one can access houses and see unique Arabian interiors within Bastakia quarter, together with small surviving parts of the old Dubai city wall and mosques.
- Dubai Museum
If you want a feel of Dubai’s traditional life, then Dubai museum is the place to visit. It is covered with amazing displays of the local Bedouin life in addition to exhibits of the mid-20th century pearly diving and fishing economic mainstays. The museum is located within the well-refurbished Al-Fahidi, which is built of ancient coral-block structural design.
- Beaches
The United Arab Emirates has a beach for every beach lover. These range from the secretive of luxury lines of sand in Ajman to city beaches surrounding Abu Dhabi and Dubai to natural beaches in Fujairah Emirate. There are also privately owned beaches for hotels but these too can be used by non-guests though at a fee. Many resorts offer water-sports including jet skiing, diving and snorkeling.