100 Reasons to Visit United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates is an Arabian Peninsula nation settled mainly along the Persian Gulf. Dubai is the site of ultramodern Burj Khalifa tower, enormous shopping centers and extravagant attractions, such as the indoor Ski Dubai. Abu Dhabi, the island capital, is home to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with crystal chandeliers and room for 41,000 worshipers. Here are 100 reasons to visit United Arab Emirates (UAE).
-
1
Burj Khalifa
Source: foundtheworld.comBurj Khalifa, known as Burj Dubai before its inauguration, is a megatall skyscraper in Dubai. It is the tallest artificial structure in the world, standing at 829.8 m.
-
2
Jebel Hafeet
Source: whatson.aeThe summit of Jebel Hafeet is a favourite day trip from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with sumptuous desert panoramas all the way up to the top on the winding road. After the twisting mountain road drive, it's all about the views and you are rewarded with being able to see across the area's vast sweep of desert.
-
3
Dubai Creek
Source: scotttraveler.wordpress.comDubai Creek is a saltwater creek located in Dubai. It ends at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Some sources say that the creek extended as far inland as Al Ain, and that the Ancient Greeks called it River Zara.
-
4
Hajar Mountains
Source: pbase.comThe Hajar Mountains scythe through the desert, creating the jagged and wild heart of the United Arab Emirates.
-
5
Wild Wadi Water Park
Source: www.expedia.comThe Wild Wadi Water Park is an outdoor water park in Dubai. Situated in the area of Jumeirah, next to the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the water park is operated by Jumeirah International, a Dubai-based hotelier.
-
6
Sharjah Arts Museum
Source: universes-in-universe.orgThe most important museum dedicated to the arts in the country, this modern Sharjah museum is home to the most diverse art collection in the United Arab Emirates. The museum is recognised for its collection of works by Arabic artists and also for its important pieces by European artists who specialised in painting the Arab world.
-
7
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Source: visitabudhabi.aeSheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and is considered to be the key for worship in the country.
-
8
Bastakia
Source: www.danmurphyphoto.comThe Bastakia quarter of Dubai is the last remaining fragment of Old Dubai and shouldn't be missed. This small heritage area really evokes the simpler, gentler past of the city before skyscrapers took over the skyline.
-
9
Dubai Creek Dhow Ride
Source: www.deserttoursdubai.comThe Burj Khalifa may give you that famous skyline view from up high, but the most iconic Dubai views are still taken from the water. Dubai Creek slices through the city and the best way to experience Dubai is from one of the beautiful dhows (traditional Arabic boats) that ply the creek.
-
10
Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum is the main museum in Dubai. It is located in the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 and is the oldest existing building in Dubai.
-
11
Ra’s al Khaimah
Source: www.themiddleeastmagazine.comRa’s al Khaimah, on the boarder with Oman, is a top destination for adventures travellers keen to discover unspoilt beaches and the rugged Hajar mountains, while wildlife lovers will be attracted to Sinaiyah Island in Umm al-Qaiwain, which is home to cormorants, Arabian gazelles and abundant marine life.
-
12
The World
Source: www.privateislandsonline.comThe World or World Islands is an artificial archipelago of various small islands constructed in the rough shape of a world map, located in the waters of the Persian Gulf, 4.0 kilometres off the coast of Dubai.
-
13
Souks
Source: www.mydubaiexpo2020.netDubai's history is built on trade and the present day souks (markets) give a glimpse as to what might once have been. Selling food, spices, jewellery, gold, textiles, carpets and much more much more, you can wander unguided but be prepared to be bombarded with locals eager to peddle their wares.
-
14
Luxury and glamour
Source: www.designhome.aeLive like the other half for a day or two and abandon yourself to the luxury Dubai offers. You can stay in the world's only (albeit self-rated) seven-star hotel (the iconic Burj al Arab).
-
15
The Liwa Desert
Source: qasralsarab.anantara.comNo trip to Abu Dhabi is legitimate without a visit to the Arabian Desert. But to relate your escape with the big racing epic ‘F&F7’, head to the Anantara Qasral Sarab in Liwa Desert – just a short one hour ride from the downtown Abu Dhabi.
-
16
Emirates Palace
Source: www.travel-individuell.deThe Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi. Built as a landmark showcasing Arabian culture, Emirates Palace offers luxury hospitality.
-
17
The Corniche
Source: www.blog.tui.inUnlike any other city in Gulf region- especially Dubai- where life hardly ever gets off the air-conditioned metros and expensive cars- Abu Dhabi admires walkers. And roaming across the seaside broad pathway the Corniche, you’ll immediately learn it.
-
18
Jumeirah Mosque
Source: www.holidaycheck.comJumeirah Mosque is a mosque in Dubai City. It is said that it is the most photographed mosque in all of Dubai. Organized tours are available for non-Muslims. Construction began in 1976; the mosque is built in traditional Fatimid style.
-
19
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Source: www.fgould.comThe hotel, which opened in 1997, is operated by the Dubai-based hotelier Jumeirah. The hotel contains 598 rooms and suites, 19 beachfront villas, and 20 restaurants and bars.
-
20
Yas Island Marina Circuit
Source: f1destinations.comThe Yas Marina Circuit is the venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, and is situated on Yas Island, about 30 minutes from the capital of the UAE.
-
21
The Nightlife
Source: www.lasplash.comIn a town with a population of more than 70 percent foreigners, you can easily expect overseas culture to overtake, and the after-hours scene in Abu Dhabi completely reflects this. Empty apart from being an Islamic town with strict rules and regulations, travellers will find a western façade of the town, producing astonishing nights similar to Las Vegas and Paris.
-
22
Jumeirah at the Etihad Towers
Source: jumeirah.comTucked high in one of the mammoth steel & glass buildings of the Etihad Towers, Jumirah Hotel is where many of scenes of “F&F 7” were shot. Overlooking the city skyline and the picturesque Persian Gulf, the hotel is beautifully spread over 63 vast floors and provides a royal accommodation with its 382 modern décor rooms, several bars and restaurants.
-
23
Palm Jumeirah
Source: thousandwonders.netThe Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago, created using land reclamation by Nakheel, a company owned by the Dubai government, and designed and developed by Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock/Architects, Inc.
-
24
Technology is integrated with traditional values
Source: www.greenandturquoise.comThe United Arab Emirates is a modern and dynamic country immersed in culture and history, a fascinating place where traditionalism meets modernism and technology is integrated with traditional values.
-
25
Jebel Hafeet
Source: thecommunityuae.comJabal Ḥafeeṫ is a mountain located primarily in the environs of Al Ain, which itself is in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the UAE. Part of the mountain straddles the border with Oman, while the summit is located wholly within United Arab Emirates.
-
26
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Source: www.ferrariworldabudhabi.comFerrari World Abu Dhabi is an amusement park located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. It is the first and only Ferrari-branded theme park and largest indoor theme park in the world.
-
27
Discover unique sightseeings in Dubai
Source: www.greenandturquoise.comOpulence and extravagance are the second name of this Oil rich emirate. Dubai has hundreds of unique sightseeing locations and is the only place in world where you can enjoy Jet-skiing, snow skiing, desert safari, scuba diving and hot air balloon ride in one day.
-
28
Yas Island
Source: visitabudhabi.aeHome to some of the UAE's most exciting attractions, racing events, concerts, luxury hotels and much much more; Yas Island is the place to be.
-
29
World’s Highest Tennis Court: Green Roof Built Atop The Burj al Arab In Dubai
Source: inhabitat.com -
30
Saadiyat Island
Source: www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.aeSaadiyat Island, Arabic for "Happiness Island," is a large, low lying island 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi island.
-
31
The Dubai Mall
Source: tripadvisor.comIt is the world's largest shopping mall based on total area and fourth largest by gross leasable area. Located in Dubai, it is part of the 20-billion-dollar Downtown complex, and includes 1,200 shops.
-
32
Dubai has one of the most amazing skylines in the world
Source: sourceable.net -
33
Jumeirah Beach
Source: demaratiya.comJumeira Beach is a white sand beach that is located and named after the Jumeirah district of Dubai. It stretches along the coast south of the city's historic district to the junction with The Palm Jumeirah and terminates between the southern end of the Jumeirah Beach Residence and the port facilities at Jebel Ali.
-
34
Dubai is a multi-cultural melting pot
With almost 200 different nationalities calling it home, and a massive 90% of the population coming from outside the country, Dubai is arguably one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
-
35
They know how to put on a decent firework display
Source: www.huhmagazine.co.ukEver since the opening of the Atlantis hotel in 2009, Dubai has tried to constantly outdo itself when it comes to elaborate firework displays.
-
36
Al Ain National Museum
Source: visitabudhabi.aeAl Ain National Museum is a museum in the city of Al Ain, within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The museum, the oldest in the UAE, is located next to the Eastern Fort.
-
37
Friday ‘Brunches’
Source: lovintrends.comNot a brunch in the traditional sense – brunches in Dubai are more of an over-indulgent all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink mega feast. Dubai brunches can get very messy, very quickly.
-
38
Saeed Al Maktoum House
Source: tripadvisor.comSheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House is a historic building and former residential quarters of Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, former ruler of Dubai. The building is located along the Dubai Creek in the locality of Al Shindagha.
-
39
Take in the biggest fountain display in the world
The Dubai Fountain is a pretty spectacular sight. Made by the same guys that created the iconic Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas, it is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 25 coloured projectors. It’s almost 1,000ft long and shoots water up to 500ft into the air accompanied by a range of classical, contemporary, Arabic and world music.
-
40
Qasr al-Hosn
Source: www.designmena.comThe Qasr al-Hosn is the oldest stone building in the city of Abu Dhabi.
-
41
Some of the best beach bars in Dubai
Source: old.timeoutdubai.comWith miles of stunning beach fronts and no shortage of willing partygoers, it’s no surprise that Dubai has its fair share of slick beach bars where you can soak up the rays during the day and be entertained by some of the best DJs on the international circuit come night time.
-
42
The Dubai Fountain
Source: emilywebster.comThe Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed fountain system set on the 30-acre manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai development in Dubai.
-
43
Dubai is one of the biggest travel hubs in the world
Source: www.mareeg.comDubai International Airport (DXB) recently took over from London Heathrow as the busiest airport in the world for international passenger traffic with over 70 million passengers passing through it's gates.
-
44
Al Ain Zoo
Source: jazarah.netAl Ain Zoo is a 400-hectare zoo located in the foothills of the Jebel Hafeet Mountains in Al Ain.
-
45
Safe in Dubai
Unlike other commercial capitals around the world, people in Dubai don’t fear stepping out alone even late at night, confident in the knowledge that the emirate’s world-class police has ensured that it remains one of the safest places on the planet.
-
46
Grand Mosque
Source: orangecarrots.wordpress.comThe Grand Mosque is a mosque in Dubai. It is located between the textile souk and the Dubai Museum close to a small stream in the Bur Dubai area, just south of the Hindu Temple.
-
47
Mega festivals in Dubai
Dubai is an all-year-round tale. Whether it’s shopping or sports, arts or entertainment, food or culture, business or leisure – Dubai has a festival or event for everything.
-
48
Hili Archaeological Park
Source: www.historvius.comHili Archaeological Park is the location of a Bronze Age site in Al Ain, Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Hili is the largest Bronze Age site in the UAE and dates from the 3rd millennium BCE.
-
49
Cheap eats
People visit Dubai for the luxury of it all, but some of the best food is from one of the poorest neighborhoods. On Al Dhiyafah Road enjoy street food from places like Lebanon, Iran and India.
-
50
Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum
Source: teachuae.comSheikh Zayed Palace Museum is a museum in the city of Al Ain, within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The museum is based in the palace of the former UAE President, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his family.
-
51
Major golf tournaments
Dubai is somewhat obsessed with golf. Major tournaments with huge cash prizes are hosted there every year. If you want to get a couple of swings in yourself head over to Tiger Wood’s course that he designed himself.
-
52
Al Badiyah Mosque
Source: wikimedia.orgThe Al Badiyah Mosque is the oldest extant mosque in the United Arab Emirates. It is located in a small village in emirate Fujairah about 50 km north from region center. This mosque is also known as Ottoman Mosque.
-
53
Al Qasr, The Palace Hotel
Source: kiwicollection.comDiamond shops, jaw-dropping floral arrangements, cloud-soft bedding and anything your heart desires 24/7. Feel like royalty in this vast and grandiose playground, which has a water park, an outdoor theatre and shopping bazaar, countless pools and a luxury tent-lined beach.
-
54
Ski Dubai
Source: telegraph.co.ukSki Dubai is an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of indoor ski area. It is a part of the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, located in Dubai.
-
55
Hatta Pools
Source: www.dubaicity.comBest seen between October and April, these naturally occurring pools in the Hajar Mountains are a 90-minute drive from town via the Hatta-Oman highway.
-
56
Burj Al Arab
Source: www.travelstart.com.ngYou will easily know you are in Dubai once you see its most recognizable buildings, the Burj Al Arab Hotel that is in the shape of a sailboat. Guests and staff fondly call it a “7-Star hotel”.
-
57
Fly High Above
The best way of seeing all of Dubai and identifying the various parts of the city, its towers and buildings all at once are to take a helicopter tour. Only from the sky is it possible to all of Dubai in its entirety from its skyscraper hotels, business district, outlying deserts and the oasis of green areas formed by the golf course, race track and Creekside Park.
-
58
Abu Dhabi Mall
Source: www.timeoutabudhabi.comAbu Dhabi Mall is a shopping mall in central Abu Dhabi. It opened in 2001 and has over 200 shops. The Mall is located next to the Beach Rotana hotel, with a direct internal entrance from the hotel.
-
59
Creekside Park
Source: tourmet.comCreekside Park is a 221-acre green space that families prefer. Take the cable car on premises for an uplifting adventure that gives you an unobstructed view of the park, botanical garden and the high-rises building.
-
60
Dubai Waterfront
Source: www.rudi.netThe Dubai Waterfront was expected to become the largest waterfront and largest man-made development in the world.
-
61
Indulge in Art
The focal point of art in Dubai is Gallery 76. It is the oldest public art gallery and contains not only touring and local exhibits, but classes that Nigerians can participate in as well.
-
62
Madinat Jumeirah
Source: jumeirah.comMadinat Jumeirah the Arabian Resort - Dubai, is a luxurious 5 star resort in Dubai and is also the largest resort in the emirate, spreading across over 40 hectares of landscapes and gardens. It is designed to resemble a traditional Arabian town.
-
63
Dubai International Convention Centre
Source: en.newmaker.comThe complex comprises the original 39-story office tower, the World Trade Centre Residence, eight exhibition halls, the Dubai International Convention Centre, which can accommodate more than 4500 delegates in its multi-purpose hall when set in auditorium style, a business club, and residential apartments with a leisure club.
-
64
To live out your Arabian night dreams on a desert safari
Source: holidayme.com -
65
Fish Roundabout
-
66
Adventureland
Source: www.ghobash.comAdventureland is an indoor family entertainment center in the Sahara Centre shopping mall in Sharjah. The center has an area of 70,000 square feet, making it the largest family entertainment center in the Middle East.
-
67
The Sunsets
Source: inspiremore.comThe sun is so big in Dubai and so orange, you can’t really understand it until you’ve seen it.
-
68
Hot air ballooning over the Dubai desert
Source: www.skidubai.comThis was not a special event but something that you can do anytime you visit Dubai with a company called Balloon Adventures Emirates.
-
69
Dubai World Trade Centre
Source: www.goldensandsdubai.comThe Dubai World Trade Centre is a business complex in Dubai, built by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. It is located along Sheikh Zayed Road at the Trade Centre Roundabout.
-
70
You can dress up
If you visit Deira Old Souk they will have you in traditional dress or belly dancing headgear before you can say ‘dish dash.’
-
71
Dubai Autodrome
Source: apexcircuitdesign.co.ukThe Dubai Autodrome is an FIA sanctioned 5.39 km motorsports circuit located in Dubailand, Dubai.
-
72
You will have guaranteed tan in just minutes. For free. And sauna, too.
-
73
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Source: tripadvisor.comJumeirah Zabeel Saray is a resort located on the west crescent of The Palm in Dubai. The resort is modelled after the palaces of the Ottoman period.
-
74
You'll know the real definition of 'irony' when you hold on to your jackets inside the wintery cold malls and offices and it's nearly 50C outside
-
75
Laid-back Environment
What many people don’t realize about Abu Dhabi is that it’s incredibly laid back. The easygoing lifestyle comes from the sun-drenched environment that has a low-key attitude.
-
76
Al Ain Oasis
Source: guidetrip.comAl Ain Oasis is the largest oasis in the city of Al Ain, within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is located north of the Al Mutawa'a district and east of the Al Jhali district.
-
77
Saadiyat Cultural District
Saadiyat Island is being lauded as the top destination for art and culture in the Middle East. There are all kinds of museums and galleries to be found here, including what is considered to be the world’s second Louvre, and the third Guggenheim designed by Frank Gehry.
-
78
Hindu Temple, Dubai
Source: www.thenational.aeHindu Temple, Dubai is a temple complex in Dubai. The temple caters to the large Hindu community in the United Arab Emirates and is the only Hindu temple in that country. The temple complex comprises a Shiva and Krishna temple.
-
79
The Hyatt Capital Gate
Source: designlike.comIt’s not because it is the worlds most lean-ingest manmade structure or because inside looks like it could have come out a futuristic but somehow retro spaceship, it’s because in a region where everything can cost a lot of money, this is one supercool hotel that won’t break your wallet.
-
80
Emirates National Auto Museum
Source: tripadvisor.comThe Emirates National Auto Museum is located about one hour drive south of Abu Dhabi, on the E65 road to Liwa Oasis 24°05′N 54°25′E. It houses the private collection of Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan with approximately 200 exhibition items.
-
81
To go dune bashing
Source: flyingthenest.tvYou need to spend at least a day out of the city and go dune bashing in a buggy.
-
82
To skydive over The Palm
Source: flyingthenest.tv -
83
Emirates Towers
Source: www.booking.comThe Emirates Towers is a building complex in Dubai that contains the Emirates Office Tower and Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel. The two towers, which rise to 355 m and 309 m, respectively, stand as the 23rd and 47th tallest buildings in the world.
-
84
Dubai is well known for being a venue for major sports tournaments like the Dubai Tennis Open
-
85
Transportation is Cheap
Source: www.atkinsglobal.comThe cheapest option would be taking the fully-automated Dubai Metro. Running for 30 miles along the main highway in Dubai, the metro is incredibly clean, the stations as fancy as international airport terminals, and allows you to walk straight into major tourist attractions.
-
86
Safa Park
Source: panoramio.comSafa Park is a 64 hectare urban park located in Dubai. It is 10.53 km southwest of the traditional center of Dubai along Sheikh Zayed Road.
-
87
There's Not a Bad Hotel in Either City
The benefits of essentially building a world-class tourism and business destination in 15 years means that there aren't many bad hotels in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. In fact, most of them are 4 or 5-star.
-
88
Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation
Source: panoramio.comThe Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation was founded in 1981 as a center of art and learning. It is located in the middle of downtown Abu Dhabi, off Khalifa Street and next to the White Fort, also known as Qasr al-Hosn Palace.
-
89
English is widely spoken
Arabic is the official language, but most people speak English so there’s no trouble communicating.
-
90
Talise Spa
Source: mediastream.jumeirah.comThe Ritz Carlton spa is popular, as is the new, super-luxe, Turkish-themed Zabeel Saray spa, which specialises in Hamam bath experiences.
-
91
Desert Excursions
Source: thedunebashing.comThere is a myriad of things to do in the desert, from four-wheel-drive trips and dune-buggy journeys, to sand boarding, hiking and camel treks. Most people plan a desert trip from Dubai, but Abu Dhabi and Fujairah are also excellent bases for desert sightseeing.
-
92
Beaches
Source: www.planetware.comThere's a beach for everyone in the United Arab Emirates, from the city beaches surrounding Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the enclave of luxury sweeps of sand around Ajman and the wilder beaches of the Emirate of Fujairah.
-
93
The Food
Source: blog.bayut.comHummus, hummus, and more hummus!
-
94
Spectacular modern architecture
Leading architects from around the world consider Dubai's sprouting modern buildings to be remarkable.
-
95
Dubai is upbeat and exciting
Source: www.atlantisthepalm.comIt has an energetic cosmopolitan lifestyle and an entrepreneurial spirit. Dubai has 100 vibrant nightspots with no prohibition on drinking alcohol. It stages frequent concerts and firework spectaculars. Dubai has a wide choice of restaurants serving food from dozens of countries.
-
96
Superb Shopping
Source: www.travelpackup.comDubai is known worldwide for its shopping variety and bargains. The highlight is the gold market where artistic jewelry is sold. You will also find traditional souqs (markets) in covered alleys and streets. And, there are well-appointed stores in air conditioned modern malls featuring the latest in international fashions.
-
97
Dubai International Financial Centre
Source: creabuild.comThe Dubai International Financial Centre is a federal financial free zone situated in the Emirate of Dubai.
-
98
Dubai is friendly
Source: www.thenational.aeThe inhabitants are well-known for their traditional Arabic hospitality. Visitors are treated as welcomed guests.
-
99
It has sun galore
In the summer, practically every day is sunny. In the winter, rainfall is usually modest and most days are sunny.
-
100
Dalma Mall
Source: www.abudhabi2.comDalma Mall is a large shopping mall located in Abu Dhabi. The mall is prominently situated on the Abu Dhabi–Tarif–Al Ain highway, opposite Mohammed Bin Zayed City and at the heart of Abu Dhabi's growth corridor.
Don't like this list? Edit it and make your own list!
Don't like this list? Edit it and make your own list! We will pubish it on our site! You can share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc