Best Places to Visit in the UAE: Where to Go by What You Love

01Quick picks: where to go for what you love

Many people think the UAE is only Dubai and its tall buildings. It is much more. You can climb a mountain in the morning, swim in the sea at noon and eat dinner by the water in a different emirate. Tap a card to jump to that place.

These are our picks, based on what visitors and residents often ask for. The UAE is small, so you can combine two or three places in one trip. Opening times and prices change, so always check the official website of each place before you go.

02Skyline and luxury: Downtown Dubai

If you want the famous Dubai view, go to Downtown Dubai. Here you find the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and the Dubai Mall next to it. In the evening, the Dubai Fountain show happens on the lake. It is free to watch from the walkway.

• Best for: first-time visitors, photos, shopping and dinner with a view.
• Tip: go at sunset, then stay for the lights. Book the tower tickets early, because the best times sell out.
• Getting there: the Metro and a short walk, or a taxi. Parking at the mall is easy, but busy at weekends.

03Beaches: Saadiyat Island and more

Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi has long, clean, white beaches, and many beach clubs and hotels. In Dubai, the public beaches near JBR and Kite Beach are popular and easy to reach. Many public beaches have showers, toilets and lifeguards.

• Best for: swimming, relaxing and family days.
• Tip: go before 10 in the morning or after 4 in the afternoon in the hot months. Drink water and use sunscreen.
• Good to know: follow the beach rules, such as swimming only where the flags allow it. Wear a normal swimsuit on the beach, and cover up when you leave. See our culture guide.

04Art and culture: Saadiyat Cultural District

Saadiyat Island is also home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, a museum with a big silver dome that makes a pattern of light like rain. Inside, you can see art and objects from many cultures. Nearby you can plan time for other museums and galleries in the cultural district. If you love museums, Sharjah also has many, and they are often cheaper.

• Best for: rainy or very hot days, couples, school holidays.
• Tip: buy tickets online and arrive early to avoid lines. Plan at least three hours.

05Old Dubai and history

To see the old side of Dubai, walk through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, with narrow lanes, old wind-tower houses, small cafes and galleries. Then take a cheap traditional boat, called an abra, across Dubai Creek to Deira. There you can visit the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. Bargaining is normal in the souks.

• Best for: walking, photography, small shops and local food.
• Tip: go in the cooler months and in the morning. Many places are quiet or closed on Friday mornings.

06Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Many visitors say this is the most beautiful place in the UAE. The huge white mosque has golden details, long reflecting pools and some of the biggest carpets and chandeliers in the world. Visitors of all faiths are welcome, but they must follow the rules.

• Dress code: cover your arms and legs and wear loose clothes. Women cover their hair. Check the official website for the current rules and times.
• Tip: go late afternoon for soft light and a calm feeling. Be quiet and respectful, and do not take photos of people who are praying.

07Desert: Al Marmoom and the dunes

The desert is a must for many visitors. Near Dubai, the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve has dunes, camel farms and wild areas. Close by, the Al Qudra lakes are known for birds, including flamingos at some times of the year. You can also do a desert safari with dune driving, sunset views, a camp dinner and star watching.

• Best for: sunsets, photos, a special evening with friends or family.
• Tip: pick a licensed tour company, read the reviews and ask what is included. Do not drive in the dunes by yourself without experience.

08Hiking and mountains: Jebel Jais and Wadi Shawka

Ras Al Khaimah has the highest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais. The road up has great views, and at the top there is a long zipline that is known as one of the longest in the world. The area is also good for walking, and it is cooler than the coast in winter. Wadi Shawka is a good place for hikes and a rocky valley.

• Best for: active people, groups of friends, a day away from the city.
• Tip: go from November to March, take water, wear good shoes and tell a friend where you are going. Never hike alone in the heat, and check the weather before you leave.
• Also try: Hatta, in Dubai emirate, for mountain views, a dam and kayaking.

09Hidden gems: Al Jazirah Al Hamra

This is an old fishing and pearl village in Ras Al Khaimah. Many of the houses are empty now, which is why people call it a "ghost town". It is quiet and different from the modern UAE. Walk slowly and respect the place. Do not climb on old walls or take items away.

• Best for: photography, history lovers and people who want a quiet visit.
• Tip: go in the morning. Bring a hat and water, and combine it with a seafood lunch nearby.

10Quiet east coast: Al Aqah and Khor Fakkan

The east coast faces the Gulf of Oman, not the Arabian Gulf. Fujairah has places such as Al Aqah Beach, which is known for calm water and snorkelling, and mountains right behind the sea. Khor Fakkan, which belongs to Sharjah, also has a pleasant beach and a small old town.

• Best for: snorkelling, quiet weekends and sea views.
• Tip: the drive from Dubai is around one and a half to two hours each way, so stay one night if you can.

11Wildlife and wellness: Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas Island, in the west of Abu Dhabi emirate, is a nature island with a wildlife park. You can see animals such as giraffes and gazelles on a safari, and also kayak or walk. Hotels on the island focus on relaxing and spa time. It is a good choice for a slow weekend away. You reach it by boat or by a short flight, so plan the travel in advance.

12Family and F1: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Yas Island is the family fun place. It has theme parks, a water park and the Yas Marina Circuit, where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place, usually near the end of the year. Even outside race time, you can visit the area for rides, dining and a stay at a nearby hotel. If you want to see the race, book tickets and a hotel months before.

• Best for: children, teenagers and big groups.
• Tip: go on weekdays when queues are shorter, and check for combined tickets.

13Budget trips: Sharjah

Sharjah is only a short drive from Dubai. It has many museums, an old heritage area, quiet beaches and a long waterfront with cafes. Hotels and food are often cheaper than in Dubai. Remember that Sharjah has stricter rules than some emirates: alcohol is not sold, and dress is more conservative. Plan your trip with that in mind. Our housing guide also explains why many people live in Sharjah and work in Dubai.

14Food: Al Seef and Al Qana

For a nice dinner by the water, try Al Seef on Dubai Creek, where the buildings look like an old town, or Al Qana, a waterfront food place in Abu Dhabi. Both have many restaurants, so you can choose by budget and cuisine. Book a table on weekends, and ask if there is outdoor seating in winter. Many restaurants show halal information on their menu.

15How to plan a weekend trip

If you plan to drive, read our driving and transport guide to avoid fines for tolls and parking. For a trip to the other emirates, the driving licence guide shows what you need to rent a car.

16Best time to go

The best months are usually November to March. The weather is mild, and outdoor places such as beaches, mountains and the desert are at their best. From June to September it is very hot and humid, so choose indoor places, early mornings or late evenings. Public holidays and school holidays are busy and prices go up. See our public holidays guide for the dates, and book early for long weekends.

17Tips for residents

• Use the long weekends. A public holiday gives you a chance to see another emirate without taking leave.
• Go with a group. Hikes, beach days and desert trips are more fun and often cheaper with friends. Join the community and ask who is going somewhere. See our community guide.
• Check the rules. Drones, fishing, camping and photography have rules in many places. Ask first. Rules for the desert and the mountains can change by season.
• Be safe. Tell someone your plan, bring water, keep your phone charged and know the emergency numbers: 999 for police, 998 for ambulance and 997 for civil defence.
• Leave no trace. Take your rubbish home. The desert and the beaches are clean because people look after them.
• Budget. Add fuel, tolls, parking, food and entry tickets. Many nice places are free, such as public beaches and old neighbourhoods.

Planning a longer move or a new life here? Start with our visa guide and the first-month checklist.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions